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Knowing Your Hair Porosity + Tips!

Knowing Your Hair Porosity + Tips!

by Jeanny Burce in Katharē Hair Tips

Hair porosity refers to the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. It is determined by the hair's outermost layer, known as the cuticle, which is made up of overlapping scales.

Hair porosity can be low, medium, or high, and understanding your hair's porosity can help you select the best hair care products and treatments for your specific hair type. Let us now put our hair to this simple test, shall we?

 

 

Fill the cup with room temp water, and place a strand of clean hair into it. Watch the strand for just under 5 minutes. 

 

If the hair immediately sinks, your hair is...

HIGH POROSITY - has a highly lifted cuticle, which allows moisture to penetrate easily but also escape quickly. More products are required to lock moisture in. This hair type will frizz in humid weather.

 

  • Use heavier products such as thick creams, butter, and oils to help lock in moisture.
  • Rinse your hair with cold water after washing to help close the cuticles and seal them in moisture.
  • Consider using protein treatments to help strengthen your hair and prevent breakage. 

 

If the strand gradually sinks, your hair is...

 

NORMAL POROSITY - The cuticle layer is loose but has no holes and gaps, so just enough moisture enters without it leaving again.

 

  • Use a balanced mix of moisturizing and protein-based products to maintain the health and strength of your hair.
  • Use lukewarm water when washing your hair to prevent damage to the cuticles.
  • Avoid using too much heat on your hair, and always use a heat protectant before using any heat styling tools.

 

If the strand is floating, your hair is...

 

LOW POROSITY - Your hair repels water so requires more time to get fully saturated. Products are not easily absorbed so tend to sit on the hair and build up.

 

  • Use lightweight products that won't weigh down your hair.
  • Use warm water when washing your hair to help open the cuticles and allow moisture to penetrate.
  • Consider using a clarifying shampoo or treatment to remove buildup from your hair and scalp.

 

It's important to remember that these are general guidelines and what works for one person's hair may not work for another. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for your hair.

 

Achieve the hairstonishing look your hair deserves!

 

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