Each of your strands tells a story. But what is it?
Girl, we’ve all been there—spending WAY too much money on hair products, only to end up with greasy, weighed-down strands or hair so dry it feels like straw. One day, it’s a thick butter that just sits on top, refusing to sink in. The next, it’s a lightweight mist that disappears faster than our weekend plans. And let’s not even talk about those deep conditioners that seem to do… absolutely nothing.
At some point, we’ve all asked ourselves: Is it me? Is it my hair? Nope, it’s porosity—the secret factor that determines whether our strands actually absorb moisture or just let it slide right off.
Think of it like this—some hair is a sponge, soaking up everything but struggling to hold onto it (hello, frizz and dryness). Other hair is a raincoat, repelling moisture so well that products just sit on top like an unwanted guest. Understanding where our hair falls on this spectrum—if it’s high or low porosity, is the ticket to finally making our products work with our hair, not against it.
So, what’s the deal with porosity? How do we test it? And most importantly, how do we give our strands the love they deserve? Let’s break it all down.
What is hair porosity?
Imagine your hair as a house. The outer layer—aka the cuticle—is like the roof. When it’s tightly sealed, rain (or in this case, moisture) has a hard time getting in. But if the roof has gaps or missing shingles, water floods in way too fast, and keeping things dry becomes a struggle. That’s exactly how hair porosity works!
In simple terms, hair porosity is how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. And it all comes down to how open or closed your cuticles are.
There are three types of porosity.
✔ Low porosity - Cuticles lie flat, making it tough for moisture to get in, but once it does, it sticks around.
✔ Medium (normal) porosity - A happy balance! Moisture gets in and stays put.
✔ High porosity - Cuticles are raised or damaged, letting moisture in easily, but it escapes just as fast, leaving hair dry and prone to frizz.
For now, we’re focusing on low vs. high porosity hair, because that’s where most of us struggle. Why does this matter? Because knowing your porosity means knowing what products and techniques work for your hair—so we can finally ditch the trial-and-error routine and get straight to good hair days, every DAMN day.
High vs. low porosity hair—the breakdown
Now that we understand what hair porosity is, let’s look at how low and high-porosity hair ACTUALLY behave in real life. Once you recognize the signs, choosing the right hair care routine becomes so much easier.
Low porosity hair—the “hard-to-get” type
Think of low porosity hair as the friend who takes forever to respond to texts. It’s not that they don’t care—it just takes a while for things to sink in.
– Tightly closed cuticles make it difficult for moisture to penetrate. Water and products tend to sit on the hair’s surface instead of being absorbed.
– Product buildup is a common issue. Because products don’t easily absorb, they can accumulate over time, leaving hair feeling coated or greasy.
– Takes a long time to dry. If your hair is still damp hours after washing, low porosity might be the reason.
– Water beads up on the surface instead of soaking in. You might notice this when misting your hair or applying leave-in conditioners.
The challenge: Hydrating low porosity hair can feel frustrating because moisture struggles to get in. The key is using the right techniques and products to open up the cuticle and allow hydration to penetrate.
High porosity hair—the “always available” type
If low porosity hair plays hard to get, high porosity hair is the opposite—it soaks up moisture instantly but just as quickly lets it escape.
– Raised or damaged cuticles allow moisture in easily but make it difficult to retain. This leads to dryness and dehydration, even with regular moisturizing.
– Prone to frizz, breakage, and tangles. Because the cuticle layers don’t lie flat, hair is more vulnerable to environmental damage and protein loss.
– Absorbs products quickly but needs frequent reapplication. While hydrating products soak in fast, they often don’t provide lasting moisture.
– Dries incredibly fast after washing. If your hair seems to go from soaking wet to bone dry in no time, it’s likely highly porous.
The challenge: High porosity hair needs moisture, but it also needs reinforcement to help seal it in. Strengthening treatments, hydration layering, and protective styling can make all the difference.
Both hair types come with their own unique struggles, but the good news is that once you understand your porosity, you can tailor your routine to work with your hair instead of against it.
How to test your hair porosity at home
Curious to know if you’re living with a low or high porosity hair situation? Lucky for you, testing your hair porosity at home is super easy (and totally foolproof). No fancy tools required—just a little water, a strand of hair, and some patience. Ready to find out if you’re a moisture sponge or a leaky faucet?
The water test—the float or sink showdown
The classic “float vs. sink” test is like the hair porosity Olympics—your hair’s about to compete for the gold medal in moisture absorption.
– Low porosity hair: It’s a floater—just like that one person at a pool party who insists on lying on a floatie the entire time. The strand will float at the top of the water because the cuticles are tightly packed, making it hard for water to get in.
– High porosity hair: It’s a sinker—it’s like a person who jumps in headfirst, no hesitation. Your hair will sink right to the bottom because the cuticles are more open, letting water rush in fast.
The spray test—mist it, baby
This one’s all about testing how your hair reacts to a little misting action. Go ahead, spritz some water on your strands, and observe the magic (or lack thereof).
– Low porosity hair: You’ll notice that the water beads up and sits on the surface like tiny raindrops on a slick, shiny raincoat. It takes its sweet time soaking in.
– High porosity hair: The water will soak in immediately. It’s like your hair just opened its pores and said, “Come on in, the water’s fine!”
The slip test—smooth vs. bumpy
Ready to run your fingers through your hair? This test checks how your strands feel as you gently slide your fingers up a hair strand. It’s like giving your hair a little scalp massage (minus the relaxation).
– Low porosity hair: When you run your fingers up, it feels like the hair is smooth and sleek. You won’t feel any bumps or ridges, because the cuticles are lying flat and holding everything together like the world’s best hotel sheets.
– High porosity hair: When you slide your fingers up, you might feel some bumps or ridges. The cuticles are raised, letting you get a little more "texture" along the way, like a rough road trip through your hair.
A quick note about hair type myths
Big TEA right here. Your hair’s type (straight, wavy, curly) doesn’t necessarily determine its porosity. You could have fine, straight hair that’s high porosity, or curly hair that’s low porosity. So while testing for porosity, don’t assume your hair’s texture automatically gives you the answer! That’s why it’s best to check with these tests to get the real scoop on your hair’s needs.
And there you have it! If you float, sink, or slide, testing your hair porosity will reveal exactly what your strands need—and once it’s given its lotions and potions, it will be easy as pie.
The best routine for low porosity hair
Now that you’ve unlocked the mystery of your hair porosity, it’s time to get down to business and customize your routine. If you’ve discovered you’ve got low porosity hair, then congrats—you’re about to become the new hair care queen at hydration without the buildup! Here are the deets on how to give your strands the TLC they deserve without weighing them down.
Step 1: Wash with clarifying shampoos (but don’t overdo it!)
Low porosity hair is like that one friend who’s really picky about what they wear. Your cuticles like to stay super tight, so they don’t absorb product well. And that means things like oils and heavy creams can just sit on top and build up over time. To avoid looking like a walking greaseball, wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo every few weeks. This helps clear away any buildup from products that just aren’t soaking in. But be careful—overdoing it can leave your hair feeling dry, so stick to a once-or-twice-a-month schedule.
Step 2: Lightweight products are your best friend
This is not the time to go slathering on heavy creams and thick oils, girlie. Instead, think of your hair like a delicate, well-organized closet—you don’t need to stuff it with unnecessary bulk. Go for lightweight, water-based products that absorb easily. Humectants like glycerin and aloe vera are gold because they draw moisture into your hair without making it feel weighed down. They’re like the perfect moisturizer for your skin—hydrating but NEVER greasy.
Step 3: Add heat to your deep conditioning routine
If you want to give your low porosity hair a little extra love, use heat to help your deep conditioner do its magic. When you apply deep conditioning treatments, wrap your hair in a warm towel or pop on a steam cap. Heat opens up the cuticles (just a little) so the moisture can actually get in. Your strands will drink up all that goodness like they’ve been stranded in the desert.
Step 4: Avoid heavy oils
Heavy oils, like coconut oil or olive oil, may seem like the answer to dry hair, but they tend to sit on the surface of low porosity hair, leaving it feeling greasy. Instead, try using lighter oils (like argan or jojoba oil) if you need a little extra shine. These oils are lighter and can be absorbed more easily, without the mess.
Step 5: Be patient with moisture
If your hair’s porosity is low, it might take a little longer to get the moisture right. Be patient—give products time to absorb, and don’t overload your hair with too many different formulas. Remember, less is more! Sometimes all your hair really needs is a little hydration and a lot of TLC.
And that’s how you turn low porosity hair from 0 to 100. With the right routine, your hair will finally drink up all the moisture it’s been missing. Ready for the high porosity game plan? Keep on scrolling girlie pop, because we’re about to make your hair shine brighter than before.
The best routine for high porosity hair
Alright, girlie, now it’s time to give some love to those of us rocking high porosity hair. If your strands are more like a sponge that soaks up moisture at lightning speed but then dries out just as quickly, don’t worry. We’ve got the perfect game plan to keep your hair hydrated, strong, and frizz-free without losing all that precious moisture. Ready to level up your hair routine?
Step 1: Choose sulfate-free shampoos
We’re going to start with the basics—*wash day*. If you’ve got high porosity hair, you want to stay far, far away from sulfate-packed shampoos. Those harsh detergents can strip your hair of moisture, which is the last thing you need when your hair is already thirsty. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse without the stripping effect. You want to remove product buildup and dirt without causing any further damage to your hair’s fragile moisture balance. Look for formulas with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to keep things gentle and smooth.
Step 2: Layer products using the LOC method
Here’s where things get fun—layering products! High porosity hair can be a bit of a drama queen, drinking up moisture quickly but losing it just as fast. To lock that hydration in, we swear by the LOC method: Liquid, Oil, and Cream. First, apply a liquid leave-in conditioner or water-based product to your damp hair. Then, lock in that moisture with a nourishing oil (castor oil, argan oil—take your pick!). Finally, seal everything with a thick cream or butter. The key here is to trap the moisture inside so it doesn’t escape before your hair has a chance to soak it up. Trust us, your hair will thank you.
Step 3: Protein is your BFF
High porosity hair tends to be more fragile and prone to breakage, which is why protein treatments are essential to keeping your strands strong and healthy. The good news? Protein will help fill in the gaps in your cuticle, making your hair stronger and more resilient. Think of it like giving your hair a protein shake after a tough workout. But don’t overdo it—too much protein can leave your hair feeling brittle, so aim for a protein treatment every 3-4 weeks. If you’re in a rush, look for deep conditioning masks that have both protein and moisture in one. Your hair will feel like silk after just one use.
Step 4: Use heavier oils and butters
Now, if your high porosity hair is begging for a little extra hydration, don’t be afraid to reach for thicker oils and butters. These heavier products work wonders at sealing moisture into your hair. Castor oil, shea butter, and mango butter are all great choices for keeping your hair soft and shiny without the frizz. If you’re feeling extra, try doing an overnight deep conditioning treatment with one of these thick oils to wake up with hair so nourished, you won’t believe it’s yours.
Step 5: Keep frizz at bay
We all know the struggle—high porosity hair is no stranger to frizz. It’s like your hair is constantly trying to escape from its own good intentions. The best way to control frizz is to keep moisture locked in and seal the cuticle. Using anti-frizz serums or oils that help smooth the hair shaft can give you that sleek, glossy look you crave. After you’ve finished styling, don’t touch your hair too much, as it can disrupt the moisture balance. Try a silk or satin pillowcase for overnight care—trust us, your hair will be less frizzy and much happier come morning.
Final thoughts? Gosh, our hair is dramatic...
We HAVE to admit it girlie, our hair is *dramatic*—but aren’t we all a little bit? It’s always playing games, giving us frizz, and sometimes acting like it doesn’t want to cooperate. But the secret is simple: if you put in the work, it will definitely put in the shine.
It’s like your last relationship (no, not the bad one!). Hair wants love, attention, and a bit of consistency. So, treat your strands with the right products and routines, and it’ll reward you with shiny and healthy hair.
No more guessing what your hair wants—now you know from the get-go!
