UNDERSTANDING LOW POROSITY HAIR AND HIGH POROSITY HAIR

Hair porosity has been a hot topic in curly and natural hair circles. If consumers always complain about their hair feeling dry or damaged, it might be because they’re not treating it based on its porosity.

People with natural hair often deal with dryness, but understanding hair porosity can help them make better care choices with the right products, ingredients, and techniques. That way, they can help clients keep their hair healthy and hydrated while avoiding options that don’t work for their hair type.This article will focus on low and high porosity hair and a few tips on how to care for the hair.

LOW POROSITY HAIR
Low porosity doesn’t absorb water easily. It’s an issue because of the tight and flat hair cuticles, which block moisture from soaking in. While that sounds bad, it’s a situation that has its upsides. While water can’t easily get in, it also won’t get out quickly, meaning with the right hair care routine, consumers can lock in moisture better than high or medium porosity types.

The key characteristics of low porosity hair

Little or no elasticity: Normally, washing hair would make it bouncy and elastic. Sadly, if consumers stretch it after washing, low-porosity hair may do the opposite (break easily).
Products don’t go deep: Since low-porosity hair has a hard time absorbing moisture, hair products won’t be able to penetrate either. Whatever consumers use may just sit on the top of the hair instead of soaking in.
Wash and dry times: Because of its tighter structure, washing low-porosity hair takes almost forever. Consumers may wash for minutes before the hair gets fully wet. On the flip side, drying the hair after washing will also take a long time (maybe even hours) without a blow dryer’s help.
Dry ends and tangles: The secret to healthy hair is moisture. So, what happens when hair can’t absorb that much-needed moisture? Usually, it leads to dry and tangle-prone hair.
Flattened curl patterns: Curly, dry hair is notorious for losing its definition. If consumers are worried about losing their natural texture and pattern, it could be that they’re not properly caring for their low-porosity hair.

What you need if you have low porosity hair

While many hair care items exist for low-porosity hair, these three categories are the true MVPs for anyone struggling with low-porosity.

1. Sulfate-free shampoo

Traditional shampoos often contain sulfates, which strip natural oils and leave hair feeling even drier. On the other hand, a sulphate free formulae cleanses gently, allowing hair to retain moisture where it matters most. It is key to focus gently on the scalp when shampooing and massaging. That way, the suds will trickle down the rest of the hair without aggressive scrubbing.

2. Deep conditioner (with heat)

Low-porosity hair benefits from penetrating, hydrating formulas. So, you can’t go wrong with a deep conditioner of choice. These products are thicker and formulated to give hair a hefty moisture boost in a single session, perfect for low-porosity hair.

3. Lightweight oil

Heavy oils will sit on top of low-porosity strands instead of soaking in, creating an annoying, greasy feel and look without giving consumers true hydration. However, lightweight oils like jojoba, grapeseed, or argan act like sealants, helping consumers with low-porosity hair lock in moisture without overcoating.

After using a leave-in conditioner, you should apply a small amount of oil to the ends of their hair and work it upward. Remember to start small but you can always add more if needed.

HIGH POROSITY HAIR

Key Characteristics of High Porosity Hair

1. Absorbs Moisture Very Quickly

The hair shaft has gaps or raised cuticles, so water and products are absorbed fast.
You’ll notice your hair drinks in conditioner or oils almost instantly.
But this absorption is misleading,it doesn’t mean the hair is hydrated long-term.

2. Loses Moisture Just as Fast

Because the cuticles are open or damaged, moisture escapes easily, leaving hair dry shortly after applying products.
You may feel like you're constantly moisturizing, yet your hair still feels dry hours later.

3. Always Feels Dry or Rough

Even after applying hydrating products, hair may feel crispy, stiff, or brittle, especially at the ends.
It often lacks smoothness or softness, and frizz is common.

4. Tangles Easily & Breaks More Often

Raised cuticles cause strands to snag on each other, making detangling a struggle.
This friction leads to breakage, split ends, and excessive shedding if not handled gently.

5. Dries Quickly After Washing

Unlike low porosity hair (which takes forever to dry), high porosity hair air-dries very fast.
This is a sign that water isn't staying in the shaft—it evaporates quickly due to open cuticles.

Essential Products for High Porosity Hair
To manage and repair high porosity hair, choose moisture-locking, strengthening products:

1. Leave-In Conditioner with Protein

Helps seal cuticles and strengthen weak hair.
Look for ingredients like keratin, hydrolyzed wheat protein, or silk amino acids.

2. Heavy Oils & Butters (Sealants)

Examples: Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil.
These lock in moisture and coat the porous strands.

3. Deep Conditioning Masks

Should include moisturizing + strengthening ingredients.
Use weekly to restore elasticity and shine.

Understanding your hair's porosity is a game-changer when it comes to building an effective hair care routine. Whether you have high or low porosity hair, the key is not just knowing your type rather responding to its unique needs.

High porosity hair thrives on moisture retention and strengthening, while low porosity hair benefits from gentle hydration and lightweight products that won’t cause buildup. By identifying where your hair falls on the porosity spectrum, you can make smarter product choices, improve moisture balance, and ultimately enjoy healthier, more manageable hair.

Remember, there’s no “good” or “bad” porosity, just different. Listen to your hair, give it what it needs, and it will reward you with strength, shine, and growth.

Zaneta

6 minutes 4 months ago

UNDERSTANDING LOW POROSITY HAIR AND HIGH POROSITY HAIR

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