What Is Hair Porosity & Why Does It Matter?

As you research ways to improve your hair health, you will come across several new terms and phrases. One of them is what is known as “hair porosity.” According to Healthline, hair porosity is your hair’s unique ability to retain hydration and moisture. This factor is highly influenced by the quality of the cuticle of your hair. As the outermost layer of your hair, the cuticle can either be more open or closed. This determines how well your locks can absorb oil, water, and other sources of moisture.

Everyone is different: Some people have low-porosity locks, while others have a medium or high level of absorption ability. No matter what kind of hair anatomy you have, discovering and understanding your porosity can help you to get thicker, more beautiful hair. Learn more about how to find your absorption level, as well as what to do to keep your locks hydrated and supple. This information will not only help you to achieve shinier hair but can start you on the path to enhanced hair health and regrowth.

Understanding the Levels of Hair Porosity

Now you know that it is possible to have low-porosity, medium-porosity, or high-porosity hair. It is mostly influenced by genetics, but some people change their hair’s porosity with products, treatments, or styling. In general, you can look for the following clues to determine which level of porosity your locks have:

• Low-porosity hair: When you have low-porosity hair, your cuticles are more close together. Due to this type of hair anatomy, it will be more difficult for your locks to retain moisture. It may also take more time for your hair to feel wet in the shower.
• Medium-porosity hair: Men and women who have medium- or normal-porosity hair have cuticles that are slightly farther apart. It is usually easier to wash and style than low-porosity or high-porosity hair types. However, it is still important to find the right products and treatments to keep your locks healthy while retaining moisture.
• High-porosity hair: Widely spaced cuticles are the main characteristic of high-porosity hair. It will likely be easier for your hair to soak up products and moisture. However, the products and moisture probably will not stay around for long.

Finding Your Level of Hair Porosity

For those who are unsure of what hair porosity they have, there are a few signs of the level of moisture in your locks. People with high hair porosity usually find that their strands feel dry or tangle easily. They may also look frizzy or break often.

Other symptoms of high hair porosity to watch out for include hair that air dries quickly, absorbs hair products rapidly, and does not look shiny even after trying shine treatments or therapies. Strands of high-porosity hair tend to feel slightly rough or bumpy to the touch, while low-porosity cuticles are smoother.

You can also find your hair porosity by dipping a small part of your hair in a glass of water. After you shampoo, rinse, and dry, drop a strand of hair in your full water glass. Observe the strand to see if it sinks down toward the bottom of the glass or floats up to the top. Hair that floats up is typically of low porosity. Medium- or normal-porosity hair will stay floating around the middle of the glass. Hair that quickly sinks to the bottom is of high porosity in nature.

Caring for Your Hair’s Unique Porosity

If you are looking to prevent hair loss and promote hair regrowth, it is important to know how to care for your level of porosity. These tips break down what to do based on your unique style. Use the following techniques and products:

Low-porosity hair: It will repel hydration and moisture, so use products that will penetrate your cuticle. Glycerin-based shampoos are usually better than oil-based ones. Honey can also help to moisturize. When in doubt, shop for sulfate-free and silicone-free shampoo and conditioner. The special formula will not rob your hair of its natural moisture, while helping lock more hydration and nutrients inside. Other ideas include using a moisture-rich conditioner, doing a deep conditioning treatment on a regular basis, and trying cream-based styling products.

High-porosity hair: Focus on treatments and products that help reverse any cuticle damage while maintaining moisture. Rich ingredients like hair butters and oils can help to soften the cuticle and increase its hydration level. Look for products with proteins and natural ingredients like almond oil. You may also find a helpful treatment for “damaged hair.” Consider intensive hydration conditioners and moisture masks. Avoid using hot water when you wash or rinse since it can damage your cuticle’s quality.

Normal-porosity hair: Work on retaining your natural moisture level and protecting your locks from environmental factors like the sun. Use a light conditioner after you shampoo, and then schedule a hydrating hair mask into your routine once in a while. Take care as you comb or brush your hair to avoid breakage or hair loss. Air dry your hair as often as possible to avoid heat damage and only consider hair treatments that will not affect your normal hair regrowth.

Enjoying Healthier, More Beautiful Hair

Now you know how to enjoy healthier, more beautiful locks. Those who are looking for a moisturizing clinical hair therapy regimen should make sure it includes the right ingredients and products.

All four of our Cap+ Clinical Hair Therapy Products, including our shampoo, conditioner, revitalizer, and activator, use high-quality ingredients to gently cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your hair and scalp. When you use this suite with one of our laser therapy caps, you can ensure your locks get enough hydration while promoting oxygen, nutrients, and blood flow.

Each of our Capillus® laser therapy caps works to energize and stimulate cells within the hair follicle, with no known side effects. It is all thanks to the power of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), formerly often referred to as low-level laser therapy. This technology is one of the newest non-surgical approaches to hair loss treatment.

Laser treatment for hair loss improves the function of cells in the body. For this reason, it can also promote growth and healing on the scalp, all without the use of pharmaceuticals or invasive procedures. By using your device for only six minutes per day, you can help yourself to grow healthier, thicker hair, no matter the porosity.