What is my hair porosity?

What is porosity when it comes to hair? Porosity is a measurement of the hair's ability to absorb and hold moisture. It's also described as an indicator of how easily moisture can penetrate the hair.

Porosity is broken down into three categories: low, normal, and high. Low porosity hair has cuticles that are flat and bound tightly together, making it difficult to absorb water and products. Normal or medium porosity hair has cuticles that are slightly less bound and slightly raised, being the easiest type to manage. High porosity hair has cuticles that are extremely porous and raised, which makes it easy for moisture and products to get in and out. High Porosity hair is usually a sign of damage and needs a little more attention and care.

Knowing your hair porosity will save you a lot of time, money and headache, since not all products will work the same on different hair porosities. Take the porosity test below.

HOW TO TAKE THE POROSITY TEST

Step 1) Start with clean fresh hair (Shampoo only)

Step 2) DO NOT add any conditioner or after products

Step 3) Air dry hair. DO NOT towel dry

Step 4) Place a clean strand of hair with NO PRODUCT in a room temperature glass of water

Step 5) DO NOT touch the hair, allow to sit for 15 mins

If the hair strand floats it is low porosity. If it immediately sinks or sinks before 15 mins it is high porosity. If it floats in the middle it is medium or normal porosity.