You may have heard the term "hair porosity" and wondered what it means. Hair porosity is basically about the ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture.
The porosity of the hair affects how well oils and moisture pass in and out of the outer layer of the hair known as the cuticle.
Hair porosity is usually divided into three categories: low porosity: cuticles that are close together. Medium porosity: cuticles that are less tightly bound. High porosity: Cuticles that are more widely spaced.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at what affects the porosity of your hair, how you can determine the type of porosity you have, and how best to care for your hair depending on the porosity of your hair.
To help you understand the concept of hair porosity, a few definitions about the structure of your hair, which is made up of three layers, will help. These layers include:
Kutikula: This is a tough protective outer layer of hair that consists of smaller cuticles that overlap each other like shingles on a roof.
Cortex: This is the thickest layer of the hair. It contains fibrous proteins and pigment that gives hair its colour.
Guts: This is the soft central part of the hair shaft.
To keep your hair healthy and hydrated, water, oils and other moisturizing products must be able to pass through the cuticle to reach the cortex.
If the cuticles are too close together, it is not easy for water and oils to penetrate the hair. This can make it harder for your hair to get the moisture it needs.
If the cuticles are too spread out, your hair will struggle to retain moisture and stay hydrated.
How your hair absorbs and retains moisture is largely determined by genetics. So if you have a family history of low-porosity hair, chances are you will also have low-porosity hair. Although genetics can affect porosity, it is not the only contributing factor.
Blow-drying, bleaching, straightening, over-washing and using unsuitable products can all damage your hair over time. This can cause your hair cuticles to lift and open up, which can make it difficult for your hair to retain moisture.
In addition to treating your hair, overexposure to ultraviolet rays can also increase the porosity of your hair. To protect your hair from the sun, wear a hat or some sort of head covering when outdoors.
Is there an easy way to test the porosity of hair? One of the easiest ways to test the porosity of your hair is to use a glass of water.
Procedure:
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If the hair floats on top before sinking, you probably have hair with low porosity.
If the hair floats somewhere in the middle of the jar, you probably have hair with medium or normal porosity.
If the hair quickly sinks to the bottom of the jar, you probably have hair with high porosity.
You can also test the level of porosity by running your finger over a strand of hair. Hair with low porosity will be smooth, while hair with high porosity will be rough and bumpy because the cuticles are open.
In hair with low porosity, the cuticles are tightly packed and very close together. This makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft.
You can have hair with low porosity if:
In hair with medium or normal porosity, the cuticles are not too close together, but neither are they too open. This allows moisture to penetrate easily and also makes it easier to retain moisture for longer periods of time.
You can have hair with medium porosity if:
Heat damage and other chemical processes can cause the normal porosity of the hair to change over time.
Whether due to genetics or hair damage, hair with high porosity allows moisture to be easily absorbed into the hair shaft, but is unable to retain moisture for long periods of time. This is because the cuticles tend to have gaps between them.
You can have hair with high porosity if:
Simple steps you can do at home without having to break your head. Two sets, four individual steps.
If you have high or low hair porosity caused genetically, you may not be able to change it. However, according to hair care experts, there are things you can do to make your hair healthier and easier to style.
Use protein-free conditioners. These tend to be more easily absorbed into the hair and are less likely to cause product build-up.
Apply conditioner to already damp hair. Diluting the conditioner may help it to be absorbed into the hair.
Look for ingredients like glycerin and honey in shampoos and conditioners. Avoid products with oils, as these tend to penetrate the cuticle less easily.
When styling hair, apply heat. Use a hair steamer, a heating cap or a blow-drying cap. If you don't have one, put a shower cap on your hair as soon as you add conditioner.
Look for ingredients like oils and butters in shampoos and conditioners. These ingredients will help moisturize your hair.
Use conditioner and mask. These products help hair retain moisture.
Use a heat protectant on the hair. Apply this product before blow-drying or using other heat styling treatments. This will help protect your hair from heat damage.
Avoid hot water when shampooing and conditioning. Use lukewarm water instead.
Hair porosity may not be a term you hear often. But knowing what type of hair porosity you have can help you better understand how to treat your hair and how to care for it. And that can lead to your hair being stronger and healthier.
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