What is hair porosity? I am sure you have heard this term used quite often, but in simple terms it is the ability of the hair to absorb moisture and retain that moisture. Knowing the porosity of your hair allows you to understand what type of products to use that will effectively work for your hair to obtain your hair goals - be it retain length, growth, thickness, and/or repair.
How do you determine the porosity of your hair? There are many ways that I have see online to do the porosity test. The simplest way is to spray a section of your hair with water and see what happens. If your hair easily absorbs the water very quickly, you have high porosity hair. If the water sits on top of your hair or rolls off then you have low porosity hair.
Hair Porosity Characteristics - I personally have low porosity hair. Water and products take a while to absorb and saturate the hair and tend to build up quickly. It is key to cleanse the scalp regularly (I do weekly) in order to allow products to penetrate and your hair and scalp benefit from the products. For low porosity hair, it is important to use heat (hooded dryers, steam, warm caps) as an aid to help products to be absorbed. Low porosity hair tends to be dry and therefore care should be taken on the types of products you use. For example, sulfate is drying, so try to use sulfate free shampoos that don't strip the moisture from your hair. It is important to deep condition weekly or at least twice a month. Low porosity hair can also benefit from a prepoo with a hot oil treatment, Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, Coconut water, or whatever moisturizing agent you choose helps to provide a moisture layer before shampoo. High porosity hair absorbs product quickly and tends to require more. Normal porosity hair tends to absorb and retain moisture. Deep conditioning is also beneficial for all hair types. The key is to understand your hair type and establish your wash and maintenance routine. High porosity hair starves for moisture and it is important to use products that maximize moisturization without product build up. High porosity hair benefits from less heat (since heat is drying), dry hair naturally, deep condition and use LCO (liquid cream oil) method to lock moisture.
Growing low porosity hair - Once you moisturize, protective style and leave your hair alone. Excessive manipulation may lead to breakage and tangling, thus, the less you manipulate your hair, the better. Protective styling also helps with not manipulating the hair too much. Try styles like braids, twists, wigs, and other styles that require minimal product to prevent breakage of your natural hair. Do your research on the various products that are in the market. Always read the ingredients used in the products to better understand what is good for your hair type and works best for your hair. Lastly, develop a regiment, a regiment for shampoo and conditioning, and hair maintenance regiment, dedication is key, patience, and be consistent. Check out the products we have listed on www.fassionistaskloset.com, they are natural hair care products that is comprised of oils, butters, creams, shampoos and conditioners.