If you’ve ever felt like your hair care routine just isn’t clicking—your leave-in sits on top of your strands, or your deep conditioner soaks in but your hair still feels dry—the issue might not be your products. It could be your hair’s porosity.
Porosity is all about how your hair absorbs and holds onto moisture. Picture the cuticle, the outer layer of your hair strand, like roof shingles. If the shingles are tightly closed (low porosity), water and products have a hard time slipping in. But once moisture gets there, it tends to stay put. On the other hand, if the shingles are more open (high porosity), moisture and products can get in easily—but they can also escape just as fast.
So how do you know where your hair falls? There’s a simple trick: drop a clean strand of hair into a glass of water. If it floats for a while, your cuticle is probably snug and resistant—hello, low porosity. If it sinks quickly, you’re likely working with high porosity. Or just pay attention to the little clues. Does your hair take forever to air-dry and feel like products are sitting on top? That’s classic low porosity behavior. Or does it dry in record time but still feel parched? That’s high porosity at work.
Once you’ve figured it out, you can finally start giving your hair what it actually needs. Low porosity strands tend to love lightweight, water-based leave-ins and hydrating ingredients like aloe and glycerin. Since the cuticle is so tightly packed, adding a little heat—like a warm towel or steamer—while deep conditioning can help open things up and let all that goodness in.
For high porosity hair, the goal is to lock in as much moisture as possible. Protein-rich masks and treatments can strengthen the cuticle, while richer creams, butters, and oils (think shea butter or avocado oil) help seal everything in. Even a quick blast of cool water at the end of your wash can help smooth down the cuticle and fight frizz.
The bottom line: understanding your hair’s porosity is like unlocking a secret code for healthier, shinier, more manageable strands. Once you know what you’re working with, you can stop guessing and finally start seeing the results you want.
High-Porosity Hair: The Shopping Guide
To nurse high‑porosity hair back to health, consistency is key. Deep treat once a week, seal daily, and cleanse gently. Avoid heavy silicones that can mask damage without repairing it. With the right balance of moisture, protein, and sealing products—like our picks below—you’ll see strands that are stronger, shinier, and more resilient.
Low-Porosity Hair: The Shopping Guide
Give low-porosity hair an assist with products that hydrate without sitting on the surface. With a clarifying shampoo, silicone-free oil, and gentle protectant, you can transform resistant strands into soft, hydrated hair—all without heaviness or buildup.