Understanding Hair Porosity: What Works for Your Curls

Not all curls are created equal, and understanding your hair’s porosity can be a game-changer. Porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, and it’s categorised as low, normal, or high. Knowing your porosity can help you select the right products and techniques for your hair.

The water test is a simple way to determine your hair’s porosity. Take a strand of clean, product-free hair and place it in a glass of water. Wait for about five minutes to observe the results. If your hair floats, you have low porosity; if it sinks quickly, you have high porosity; and if it floats in the middle, you have normal porosity.

Once you’ve identified your porosity, you can tailor your routine accordingly. Low-porosity hair benefits from lightweight, water-based products and techniques that open the hair cuticle, like using warm water. Normal-porosity hair is the easiest to manage, as most products work well for this type—just focus on maintaining balance.

High-porosity hair requires extra care to lock in moisture, so thicker, sealing products like butters and heavier oils work best. Layering products can help prevent moisture from escaping.

What’s your porosity, and how has it affected your hair journey? Share your experience in the comments below! Need help figuring out the best routine for your porosity? Let’s work together—book a consultation today!