What is Hair Porosity? – When we are talking about hair porosity, it refers to the hair’s ability to absorb moisture. Depending on the condition of your hair, your cuticle layers could be very open allowing a lot of moisture to enter. On the opposite side of the spectrum, your hair’s cuticle layers could be very tight and preventing moisture to then penetrate it. High porosity means your hair is very porous and allows a lot of moisture in. Low porosity means that your hair is less porous and resistant to moisture.
Conducting a float test is quick and easy to help determine which category your hair fits.
Hair porosity float test: 🧜🏽♀️🦄
1• Fill a glass or bowl with room temperature water.
2• Take a couple strands of your clean hair (from your comb or brush) and put them in the water. *Clean hair is important. If you have oils or products on your hair, it will alter your results.
3• Watch it for 2-4 minutes.
If your hair strands stay afloat, this means that you have low porosity. Your hair is resistant to moisture. This doesn’t mean that your hair is unhealthy; it means that you need to help your hair retain moisture. Try using light hair products with humectants. Also wash and condition with warm water & deep condition with dryers.
If your hair strands sunk in the water, then your hair is highly porous. It easily absorbs moisture and is mostly likely prone to frizz. Try adding some protein rich products to your hair regimen, such as avocado as a deep condition. Porous hair needs protein to fill in the gaps. Try using hair products with proteins such as aloe and wheat protein.
