What type of hair porosity do you have?

We’ve heard about different hair types, but do you know your hair porosity? A deeper understanding of hair porosity will totally change how you care for your locks. Whether your hair absorbs moisture like a sponge or struggles to stay hydrated, this guide will help you figure out your porosity type and adjust your routine to leave your hair looking (and feeling) its absolute best.  

What Is Hair Porosity? 

Hair porosity refers to how easily your hair absorbs and retains moisture and products. It’s influenced by the structure of your hair’s cuticle - the outermost layer of your hair shaft. This determines how well your hair stays hydrated and nourished.

Here’s a quick breakdown on the three types of hair porosity:  

• High porosity hair cuticle layer has gaps and is lifted, allowing moisture, water and products to enter quickly but causing it to escape just as fast 
• Medium porosity hair strikes a balance - it allows moisture to enter and be retained fairly easily 
• Low porosity hair cuticles are tightly packed so repel water and products, meaning they sit on the hair surface rather than being absorbed 

Porosity is partly determined by genetics, but it can also change over time due to damage from heat styling, colouring, or other chemical treatments that harm the hair’s cuticle. 

How to Test Your Hair Porosity 

The first thing to check is whether your hair is porous or not. There are a few tests you can try to work this out: 

1. Take a section of strands for different places on your hair, stretch out and slide your thumb and finger from the tip to the scalp. If your fingers move easily, and your hair feels dense and hair then your hair’s low porosity. If it feels smooth, then your porosity is pretty balanced. If your hair feels rough (or it breaks), then you have high porosity hair. 
2. Try taking a hair that you’ve shed into a glass of water. If it sinks straight away your hair is high porosity. If it floats, your hair’s low porosity. Sinks slowly? Your hair’s balanced when it comes to your porosity.  
3. Another way to check is to lightly spray a small section of your hair with water and see what happens. Does it soak up the water quickly? High porosity. Does it sit on top of your hair? Low porosity. 

Low Porosity Hair 

Characteristics: 

• Products and water don’t easily absorb and tend to sit on the surface 
• Prone to product build-up 
• Takes longer to wet and moisturise 
• Once moisture is in, it’s retained well 

How to Care for Low Porosity Hair: 

• Use lighter, water-based products: Try Thirsty Curls Shampoo and Conditioner and Detangler which hydrate without weighing your hair down, giving you frizz-free curls for up to 72 hours* 
• Regular clarifying shampoo: We love the Hair Detox Charcoal Purifying Shampoo to remove build-up 
• Apply products on wet hair in sections: Warm water helps open the cuticle for better absorption 
• Avoid protein-heavy products: Low porosity hair is often protein-sensitive. Excess protein can make your hair stiff and prone to breakage. Learn more about this in Does your hair need protein or moisture, or both?

Medium Porosity Hair 

Characteristics: 

• Hair cuticles are not too tight or too open, allowing moisture in and retaining it
• Hair responds well to treatments and holds styles easily 
• Doesn’t take too long to dry 

How to Care for Medium Porosity Hair: 

• Maintain moisture balance: You don’t need heavy treatments but can enjoy a mix of moisture and protein treatments – try the Hair Repair Kit 
• Regular deep conditioning: Use a hydrating mask to maintain healthy, happy hair 

High Porosity Hair 

Characteristics: 

• Hair feels frizzy, dry, and tangles easily 
• Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast 
• Hair dyes and treatments penetrate well, but results fade fast 
• Hair air dries quickly but looks and feels dehydrated 

How to Care for High Porosity Hair: 

• Seal in moisture: Products like No More Frizz Serum, Weather Proof Curls Finishing Cream and The Frizz Oil are your best friends. 
• Protein treatments: Regular use of Urgent Repair Protein Mask can help strengthen your hair by filling the gaps in your cuticle layer. 
• Cold water rinse: After conditioning, a cold rinse helps close the cuticle and locks in moisture. 
• Avoid harsh treatments and excessive heat: Chemical treatments and high-heat styling can worsen porosity. If heat styling is a must, use a heat protectant and avoid temperatures above 180°C 

Is Frizzy Hair Low or High Porosity? 

We often get asked this and yes, frizzy hair is usually a sign of high porosity. When the cuticle is open or damaged, it allows moisture to escape, leaving the hair dry, brittle, and prone to frizz. 

Understanding your hair porosity can revolutionize the way you care for your hair, helping you select the right products and routines to keep your locks healthy, hydrated, and beautiful. Whether your hair is low, medium, or high porosity, the key is finding balance, using the right treatments, and embracing your hair’s unique needs. 

* Independent consumer testing