Understanding your hair porosity can completely transform your routine. Why? Because porosity affects how your hair absorbs and retains moisture — and that changes everything from product choice to wash day success.
Let’s break down the key differences between low vs. high porosity, how to tell the difference, and what your hair actually needs.
🧪 What Is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to how easily your hair can absorb and hold onto moisture. It’s not about curl pattern or hair type — it’s about your cuticle layer, the outermost part of your strands.
There are three levels of porosity:
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Low porosity (tightly closed cuticle)
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Medium porosity (balanced cuticle)
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High porosity (raised or damaged cuticle)
🔍 How to Tell Your Hair Porosity
If you’re not sure which category your hair falls into, try this simple hair porosity test:
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Take a clean strand of dry, shed hair.
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Place it in a clear glass of water.
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Watch for a few minutes.
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Sinks quickly? → High porosity
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Floats or takes a long time to sink? → Low porosity
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Slowly drifts to the middle? → Medium porosity
Keyword Focus: hair porosity test, how to tell hair porosity
Other signs you can observe:
| Trait | Low Porosity | High Porosity |
|---|---|---|
| Water beads on hair | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Dries quickly after wash | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Prone to buildup | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Gets frizzy easily | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Needs heat to absorb deep conditioner | ✔️ | ❌ |
🧴 Low Porosity Hair: What It Needs
Low porosity hair has a tight cuticle layer, which makes it hard for moisture to enter — but once in, it stays locked.
What it needs:
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Lightweight, water-based products
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Clarifying shampoos to prevent buildup
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Moisture over protein (it’s often protein-sensitive)
Try These:
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Hair Dew Leave-In Conditioner: Lightweight, hydrating, and protein-free
🔗 Shop Hair Dew -
Growpoo Clarifying Shampoo: Clears product residue without stripping
🔗 Shop Growpoo
🔥 High Porosity Hair: What It Needs
High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast. It often feels dry, tangles easily, and is prone to frizz or breakage — especially from heat, color, or chemical damage.
What it needs:
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Protein to rebuild structure
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Sealing oils and creams to lock in moisture
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Layering to reduce moisture loss
Try These:
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ReDo Pre-Poo Treatment: Rebuilds and nourishes porous strands
🔗 Shop ReDo -
Hydration Buttercream: Rich hydration and lasting seal
🔗 Shop Buttercream
