Hair porosity : What is it ?
Hair porosity is the ability of the hair fibre to absorb and retain moisture. Understanding your hair's porosity is essential to maintaining it properly, as it determines how well it absorbs and retains hair products, such as moisturisers and oils. It mainly depends on the state of the cuticle, which is the outer layer of the hair made up of small scales. These scales open and close to allow the hair to hydrate.
There are three levels of porosity:
1. Low porosity (or hair with low porosity) :
- Characteristics : The scales of the cuticle are very tight, making it difficult to absorb moisture. In general, hair with low porosity looks smooth and shiny, and water tends to bead up on its surface before being absorbed.
- Main problem : Difficulty penetrating moisture and hair care products, which can lead to dry-looking hair.
2. Medium porosity (or normal porosity) :
- Characteristics : The scales of the cuticle are less tight, allowing for balanced moisture absorption and retention. This hair type is considered the easiest to maintain.
- Main problem : Few particular concerns. The hair retains moisture well and responds well to hair care products.
3. High porosity (or very porous hair):
- Characteristics : The scales of the cuticle are very open, often due to damage caused by chemical treatments (colouring, straightening, etc.) or environmental factors. This type of hair absorbs moisture quickly but also has difficulty retaining it.
- Main problem : Fragility, rapid dehydration, tendency to become dry and brittle.
The different types of porosity :
How to determine the porosity of your hair ?
A simple way to test the porosity of your hair is the glass of water test. Here's how to do it :
1. Take a clean, dry hair.
2. Fill a glass with water at room temperature.
3. Place the hair on the surface of the water and observe :
- If it floats to the surface, your hair is not very porous.
- If it sinks slowly towards the middle, your hair is normally porous.
- If it sinks quickly to the bottom, your hair is very porous.
”So are there any solutions ?
If so, what skincare products should you use depending on your porosity ?
I'll tell you all about it !”
- Tatiana
1. Hair with low porosity :
- Main problem : The skin care products do not penetrate easily.
- Solutions : Go for light, water-based products and avoid products that are too heavy or oily, which can stick to the hair's surface. Use gentle heat-based treatments (such as hot towels or heated headsets) to slightly open the cuticles and allow products to penetrate better.
- Home recipe : Moisturising mask with aloe vera: Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil. Apply to slightly damp hair and leave for 30 minutes under a warm towel. Aloe vera moisturises without weighing hair down, and jojoba oil is lightweight, ideal for hair with low porosity.
- My advice : Use light oils such as grapeseed oil or jojoba oil. Apply warm care products to maximise absorption
2. Medium porosity hair :
- Main problem : Few specific concerns.
- Solutions : Continue to look after your hair with a good balance of moisture and nutrition. Avoid products that are too heavy and could weigh your hair down.
- Home recipe : Yoghurt and honey mask: Mix 2 tablespoons of plain yoghurt with 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply all over hair and leave on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing. The yoghurt moisturises and strengthens the hair, while the honey helps seal in the moisture.
- My advice : Alternate between moisturising and nourishing treatments to keep your hair healthy. Oils such as argan oil or coconut oil are good choices for this type of hair.
3. High-porosity hair :
- Main problem : Rapid loss of moisture, hair often damaged and brittle.
- Solutions : It's crucial to seal in moisture after each moisturiser. Use heavy oils such as castor oil or avocado oil to create a barrier that prevents water from evaporating. Protein treatments can also help rebuild the hair fibre.
- Home recipe : Banana and avocado mask: Mash a ripe banana with an avocado. Add a tablespoon of castor oil and mix. Apply to damp hair, leave on for 30-40 minutes, then rinse. This mask provides deep nourishment and moisture.
- My advice : Use protein-rich products and deep nourishing treatments on a regular basis. Avoid excessive heat, which can damage your hair even more.
General advice for all porosities :
- Give preference to natural products : Natural ingredients are less aggressive and provide long-lasting benefits.Choose products that contain no sulphates, silicones or parabens.
- Avoid excessive heat : Over-use of hairdryers, straighteners or curlers can damage hair cuticles, increasing porosity over time.
- Moisturise regularly : No matter how porous your hair is, moisturising is essential. Don't forget to seal in the moisture with an oil or butter suited to your type of porosity.
- Regular oil baths : Oil baths adapted to your type of porosity (light for less porous hair, heavy for very porous hair) before each shampoo help to protect and deeply nourish the hair.
”Tailor your treatments to your needs, and your hair will thank you with stronger, shinier, healthier hair !”
- Tatiana
In conclusion, understanding your hair's porosity is an important key to optimal hair care. Depending on your type of porosity, you can adapt your hair care products to maximise hydration, nutrition and protection. Natural recipes offer an excellent alternative to industrial products, while respecting the health of your hair and the environment.
