What is Hair Porosity and What Low or High Porosity Means

When it comes to hair porosity, it can be broken down into two different categories. Hair porosity is the ability at which your hair absorbs moisture and porosity can be low or high.

The discussion of hair porosity has become more relevant in hair care conversations because knowing your porosity level aids in letting you know what products are best for your hair.

Low Hair Porosity

If you have low porosity curls, it means that your hair cuticles are tight and are resistant to opening up for water and/or moisture. Those with low porosity hair can feel as if hair products are sitting on top of their hair versus being absorbed into hair and scalp.

The result is that hair can feel stiff or straw-like. Moisturizers rich in emollients like shea butter or coconut oil, and also humectants that attract and hold moisture are the best options for this hair type.

You’ll want to select lighter, liquid based products and/or oils such as hair milks, grape seed, Argan or jojoba oil, that won’t leave hair too oily or greasy.

Also Low porosity hair tends to be protein-sensitive, so it is best to stay away from products containing protein or use it very sparingly.

High Hair Porosity

High porosity hair is very porous and can give the appearance of being uneven or frizzy because the cuticle is raised and lifted. The cuticle is opened willingly to receive moisture.

With high porosity hair you'll want to minimize heat because it exacerbates the hair, absorbing too much moisture and can lead to breakage.

Protein treatments and cold rinses are great ways to close up and strengthen the hair cuticles which will in turn prevent breakage.

With high porosity hair it's important to use a product that seals in moisture, such as jojoba oil or a hair butter. The final tip for high porosity hair is to use your fingers to detangle it, this will also aid in preventing further hair breakage.