Hair porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. Understanding where you sit on the porosity scale can completely transform how you choose products and care for your hair.
The Three Levels
Low Porosity: The cuticle layer is tightly closed, making it hard for moisture to enter. Hair tends to repel water and products can build up on the surface. Solution: use lighter products and apply them to damp hair. Heat can help open the cuticle for better absorption.
Medium Porosity: The cuticle is slightly lifted and allows moisture to enter and be retained with ease. This is considered the "ideal" porosity and generally requires the least maintenance.
High Porosity: The cuticle has gaps or damage (often from chemical processing or heat) that allow moisture to enter — but also escape — quickly. Hair can feel dry even after conditioning. Solution: use richer, heavier products and leave-in conditioners. Protein treatments can help fill gaps in the cuticle.
How to Test Your Porosity
Drop a clean, dry strand of hair into a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, you likely have high porosity. If it floats, you have low porosity. If it sits in the middle, you're in the medium range.
Why It Matters
Knowing your porosity helps you: - Choose the right conditioners and treatments - Understand why your hair behaves the way it does - Get better results from your colour appointments
Ask one of our stylists at your next visit — we can assess your porosity and recommend a tailored product routine.
