Hair Porosity

The porosity of your hair affects how well oils and moisture pass in and out of cuticles. The structure of our hair consists of three layers. These layers include:

The cuticle: is the tough, protective outer layer of your hair that’s made up of smaller cuticles that overlap each other, similar to shingles on a roof.

The cortex: This is the thickest layer of your hair. It contains fibrous proteins and the pigment that gives your hair its colour.

The medulla: This is the soft, central part of the hair shaft.

Low Porosity hair has tightly sealed cuticles which makes it difficult for water to enter the hair shaft. However, once the moisture is in, it can be retained.

Characteristics of low porosity hair:

takes a while to get saturated

water beads on top of hair

product may sit on top of hair

styles takes a long time to dry

High Porosity hair has cuticles that are wide open which means water can be absorbed quickly, however, it can lose that moisture just as fast.

Characteristics of high porosity hair:

your hair tends to look dry and also tangles easily

your hair gets saturated quickly

your styles tends to dry faster

may be difficult to retain moisture

Normal Porosity hair has cuticles that are raised just enough to readily absorb moisture and retain it. the porosity tends to hold moisture and shine better

Characteristics of low porosity hair:

your hair easily absorbs moisture and retain it

hair holds styles well with volume and shine

curls have great elasticity and bounce