Hair Porosity: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
Hair porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain water, treatments, and various hair care products. It is largely influenced by the condition of the cuticle, meaning how open or closed the scales covering the hair fiber are.
Ideally, the cuticle scales should be smooth, well-aligned, and slightly open to allow the hair to absorb the care it needs without losing moisture too quickly.
Understanding hair porosity makes it easier to choose products and treatments that are suited to the actual condition of the hair fiber.
THE 3 LEVELS OF HAIR POROSITY
Hair porosity is generally divided into three levels: low, normal, and high.
A simple way to observe porosity is to place a few clean strands of hair in a glass of water and observe how they behave.
LOW POROSITY
The cuticle scales are very tightly closed and smooth. The hair has difficulty absorbing water and treatments, which may tend to remain on the surface.
If the hair remains floating on the surface of the water after several minutes, this may indicate low porosity.
NORMAL POROSITY
The cuticle scales are relatively closed and smooth while still allowing water and treatments to penetrate the hair fiber.
If the hair slowly sinks and stops around the middle of the glass, this may indicate normal porosity.
HIGH POROSITY
The cuticle scales are more open, allowing the hair to absorb water and treatments quickly, but also causing it to lose them just as quickly.
If the hair sinks rapidly to the bottom of the glass, this may indicate high porosity.
HOW TO CARE FOR POROUS HAIR
Highly porous hair generally has more difficulty retaining moisture. It may therefore tend to feel dry, dull, rough, and prone to frizz.
FOCUS ON HYDRATION
Hydration is especially important for porous hair. Regular hydrating treatments can help maintain softness, flexibility, and comfort within the hair fiber.
A BLUSH Hair Botox treatment can also help revitalize and hydrate sensitized hair.
CHOOSE ACIDIC, CUTICLE-SMOOTHING CARE
Acidic hair care products can help tighten and smooth the appearance of the cuticle. Serums, anti-frizz sprays, shampoos, and styling products formulated with an appropriate acidic pH can therefore be particularly beneficial for porous hair.
LIMIT HEAT
Excessive heat can increase dryness and further weaken an already porous hair fiber. It is best to avoid very hot showers and limit the use of high-temperature styling tools.
When blow-drying, use a low airflow setting, direct the air from the roots toward the ends, and finish with cool air to help leave the hair surface looking smoother.
UNDERSTANDING POROSITY FOR BETTER HAIR CARE
Porosity is an important factor to consider when choosing a hair care routine. A fiber that has difficulty absorbing treatments will not have the same needs as one that absorbs and loses moisture quickly.
At BLUSH, we believe that beautiful results always begin with a proper understanding of the hair.
Observe. Understand. Adapt.
Because the best treatments are the ones that truly respond to the needs of the hair fiber.