Low Porosity vs. High Porosity Hair

Truth be told, there are many key things to note about your hair to keep it healthy. One of such things is its porosity. Once you understand your hair porosity, you'll have a better idea on how to care for your hair and build the right routine. See why it is so important? So, what exactly is hair porosity? Let's dive in!

What is Hair Porosity?

In terms of porosity, hair can be low, medium or high —with all three having slightly distinct characteristics. And can change from one category to another if altered by friction, heat treatments and some other factors. Hair Porosity determines the level at which your hair can absorb and retain moisture. Now that you realize how critical knowing your hair porosity is, let's look at the categories of hair according to porosity.

Low Porosity Hair

Hair with low porosity have tightly bound cuticles. This means that moisture cannot penetrate into and cannot escape easily out of your hair. Other characteristics of low porosity hair is that they may take longer time to dry since water does not get in easily. 

High Porosity Hair

Unlike low porous hair, the cuticles of hair with high porosity are widely spaced. This allows moisture to move in and out easily. Unfortunately, this is not too good because if they do not receive lots of quality care and  attention, they can break out, get frizzy and look unhealthy. 

Middle Porosity Hair

This is the best of both worlds. Water penetrates normally and does not easily escape. It even requires less maintenance. This is the hair moisturizing dream and you can make it your reality regardless of your hair porosity. Now, how do you know your hair porosity? 

How to Determine Your Hair Porosity 

If you are sure of your hair porosity, you may want to check again with these simple tricks, because, as you have learnt, they can be altered if not properly managed. For those who do not already know theirs, try these simple tests at home.

The Float Test

For this, you need to follow a few steps:

Take one or two strands of hair. You could get this easily from your brush or comb. Ensure the strand(s) is from clean hair. Hair with product build-up could alter results. 

Drop them in a glass or bowl of clear water. 

Set the time to a few minutes, say 2-3 minutes. If your hair floats, you have low porous hair and if it sinks in, your hair is highly porous. Hair with medium/normal porosity will float but in the middle of the water. 

The Bump Test

You could confirm the first test with this method to be super sure. To do this, lift a strand of hair and slide your fingers up your hair from tip to scalp. If you notice small bumps as you go up, you have high porosity. If it is rather smooth to touch, you have low porosity. Basically, the bumpier the cuticle, the higher the porosity. 

Do you know your hair porosity? Why not try these tests at the comfort of your home, to determine your hair porosity. 

How to Care for Low, Medium and High Porosity Hair

Here are the best methods to tend to your hair porosity:

For Low Porosity Hair

Low porosity hair is simply healthy hair that is not well maintained. Don't let yourself believe your hair is bad because it has low porosity. Rather, embrace it and take to these steps:

Wash with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of product build-up. Go for GK Hair’s Moisturizing Shampoo that cleanses as well as hydrates. 

Avoid using several products on hair at a time to avoid weighing it down.

Heat opens up hair follicles. Therefore, apply heat to lock in moisture and products. 

Use cream-based lightweight formula conditioners and gel. GK Hair's Deep Conditioner is a recommended pick for this.

Pro-tip: Apply GK Hair Serum Argan Oil to clean, dry, or damp hair before shampooing. Work the serum into your ends up to mid-hair length. This serum delivers intense moisture and nutrients to each strand, opening up the cuticle for easy absorption of moisture. 

For Medium Porosity Hair

As many people may think, this hair type isn't more healthy than the rest. It can get really messy, frizzy and dry if not properly maintained. If you are lucky to have medium or normal hair, maintain it with the right products or else they can move from medium porosity to low or high porosity. Be sure to include a deep conditioner in your routine.

For High Porosity Hair

A frequent occurrence with those with curls and waves is less bounce and that hair snaps easily. What you need to look out for is more of retaining water that gets in. You could go all out to keep your hair hydrated, how about retaining the moisture with GK Hair Leave-In Conditioner Cream.

Do you want to know more on how to take care of your hair, find out here