Understanding Textured Hair Porosity: Key to Hair Health

Hair porosity is often overlooked but is crucial for the health and care of textured hair. Whether curly, coily, frizzy, or wavy, textured hair requires special attention, and porosity plays a fundamental role in how it absorbs and retains moisture.

What is hair porosity?

Hair porosity refers to how well the hair can absorb (take in) and hold water. It depends on the tiny “doors” (cuticles), which are like mini fish scales covering the hair. If these scales are tightly closed, hair retains water and absorbs it with difficulty. But if they are slightly open or damaged, the hair absorbs more water but loses it just as quickly.

Porosity is divided into three categories:

• Low porosity: Hair has very tightly closed “doors” (cuticles), so water struggles to get in.
• Normal porosity: Hair has “doors” that open just enough, allowing it to take in and hold water properly.
• High porosity: Hair has “doors” that are wide open or slightly damaged, so it absorbs water quickly but loses it just as fast.

Characteristics of textured hair

How to determine your hair’s porosity

Here’s a simple test to figure out your hair’s porosity:

• Take a clean hair strand and place it in a glass of water.
• Observe what happens after a few minutes:
  • If it floats on the surface: Low porosity hair.
  • If it stays in the middle: Normal porosity hair.
  • If it sinks to the bottom: High porosity hair.

Caring for your hair based on its porosity

• For low porosity hair, which doesn’t absorb moisture easily, use lightweight products, such as those based on water. You can also use gentle heat, like a warm cap, to help the “doors” open and let the moisture in.
• With normal porosity hair, it’s easier: just use a bit of water and light oils to keep your hair hydrated without much effort.
• High porosity hair absorbs water quickly but loses it just as fast. It’s best to use richer products, like butters (e.g., shea butter) and thick oils, to lock in moisture.

The importance of porosity in your hair care routine

Knowing how your hair “drinks” water allows you to choose the right products. What works for one hair type doesn’t always work for another. By taking care of your hair according to its porosity, you help keep it strong, soft, and shiny!

In conclusion

Porosity is a key factor in understanding the unique needs of your textured hair. By adjusting your hair care routine to match its porosity, you can better hydrate, nourish, and protect your curls, coils, or frizz, while optimizing their health and natural beauty.

Image source (only): Organic beauties - hair porosity AND Adobe.