Porosity is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. We all know that the most important component in growing natural hair is MOISTURE!!! When I say moisture, I’m referring to water. We’ve read it everywhere to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize… But how do you effectively retain the moisture you apply to your hair??? Understanding the porosity of your hair along with other components, such as elasticity, texture and density, will help you properly identify what products to use to help retain moisture as well as save you money because you will be able to purchase products that actually work for your hair!

I performed the Float Test to determine the porosity of my hair by taking a freshly washed strand of hair without product and placing it in a glass of water.  How it works: If the strand floats on top of the water, the hair is considered to be low porosity. If the strand remains in the middle, it does not float on top of the water nor sink to the bottom of the glass, the hair is considered to be medium (normal) porosity. If the strand sinks to the bottom of the glass, the hair is considered high porosity. The test should take about 4 minutes at the most. My results (drum roll please): Low porosity!

Low porosity hair has flat/compact cuticle layers that repels moisture. Moisture, as well as products are not easily absorbed and instead sits on top of the hair resulting in product build-up.

Tips for moisturizing low porosity hair:
– Clarify your hair with a clarifying shampoo or Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse to remove product build-up
– Use a moisturizing deep conditioner with heat (hot towel from dryer, steamer or hooded dryer)
– Rinse hair with warm water to open cuticle layer to allow moisture/product absorption
– Apply products when hair is damp not wet
– Apply light oils to seal moisture
– Use the Greenhouse/Baggy method
– Avoid using heavy oils and styling products to prevent product build up
**I do follow most of these tips personally and I have noticed a tremendous difference in how well my hair retains moisture. But I can’t lie, I still struggle really bad with product build-up (product overload), so I will be adding the ACV rinse to my regimen and I will do a follow up post showing you the difference**

For my naturals who have high porosity hair, don’t worry, I did not forget about you… High porosity hair has large open/raised cuticles which allows the hair to absorb moisture very easily and also the ability to lose moisture just as easily. High porosity hair can be caused by high heat and chemical processes (relaxers and color).

Tips for moisturizing high porosity hair:
– Rinse with cold water after shampooing to help close the cuticles and reduce frizz
– Use a moisture-based deep conditioner without heat
– Apply Leave-in conditioners
– Minimize heat; avoid blow drying and flat ironing hair it opens the cuticle more
– Apply protein treatments to strengthen and fill in the cuticle openings
– Finger detangle to reduce further breakage
Understand that if your hair’s high porosity is caused by excessive heat/chemical damage, these tips may not completely correct it. You may need to go to a professional stylist and possibly have the damage portions cut off. I know what you may be thinking, you don’t want to cut your hair… BUT healthy hair grows!!! Holding on to damaged ends will only increase the amount of hair to cut, so its better to have 1-inch cut off than 6-inches.

What is the porosity of your hair and what hair care products do you use to moisturize your hair? Please comment below. Thank you for stopping by!!!

XOXO

Tamara