Hair porosity refers to the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture and nutrients. The cuticles of low-porosity hair are packed tightly together leaving no gaps for moisture to enter. The level of porosity is determined by genetic factors, which will affect the shape and size of the hair cuticle, thereby affecting the degree of moisture absorption by the hair. Low porosity hair is more common in straight hair. This article will help you differentiate between high and low-porosity hair and how to care for different types of hair.
What Does Low Porosity Hair Mean?
Low-porosity hair is less able to absorb moisture and nutrients, so if your hair takes a long time to get wet or dry, your hair is likely low-porosity. It can also cause your hair to be less able to absorb nutrients, making care less effective.
What’s High Porosity Hair?
Unlike the cuticle of low-porosity hair, the cuticle of high-porosity hair has a relatively open structure, which allows moisture to easily reach the inside of the hair shaft. In the same way, the moisture in the hair can easily flow out, causing dry hair.
Is My Hair Low or High Porosity?
If you want to care for your hair more accurately, you must first determine what type your hair is. The simplest way is to use the different water absorption of hair in different porosity to identify your hair type:
Make sure the hair you choose is clean and product-free before wetting it, then spray some water on a section of hair and watch the reaction:
If water forms droplets on the surface of your hair and sits there, it means your hair has low porosity.
If water is absorbed into your hair quickly without water droplets remaining on the surface, then your hair has higher porosity.
Low Porosity VS High Porosity Hair, Is Low/High Porosity Hair Bad?
Although high-porosity hair is better able to absorb water and nutrients, it can also cause moisture to be lost quickly, leading to dry and frizzy hair, which is not a good thing if you want your hair to retain moisture.
Low-porosity hair makes it difficult for moisture to get in, but to the extent that it retains long-lasting moisture, it prevents hair from looking dry and helps reduce static and frizz.
Does High Porosity Hair Dry Fast?
Yes, high-porosity hair has raised cuticles that can cause hair to look frizzy and dull. Because the cuticle of high-porosity hair allows moisture to be absorbed quickly but also loses moisture at the same rate, this can cause your hair to dry out quickly. The following characteristics of high porosity can illustrate this problem:
How To Care for Both of Them?
If you have tested out your hair porosity type, it is crucial to choose the right hair care method. Here is a summary of the different care methods for low and high-porosity hair. No matter what kind of hair you have, it’s not a bad thing and with the right care, it can look stunning.
The key to caring for high-porosity hair is to make sure your hair has enough moisture and stays moisturized. Use protein to increase strength when necessary to ensure your hair is able to retain more moisture.
Although low-porosity hair is not as prone to dryness and tangles as high-porosity hair, it can also make your hair difficult to manage and style because it has a harder time absorbing moisture and nutrients. The following tips can help you make peace with low-porosity hair:
Conclusion:
Hair care, like skin care, cannot be blind. You must first understand your hair type and determine the appropriate method before starting care. Correct hair care practices will greatly meet the needs of your hair, resulting in smooth and shiny hair.
