- Erika Pensikkala
- Ekim 23, 2025
- beauty appointment appBeautyBusinessBeewa appbeewa.netwellness business software
The Science of Hair Porosity and Why It Matters
Hair porosity is the secret behind how your hair reacts to color, moisture, and products. In this post, we’ll break down what porosity is, how to find out your level, and why it’s the key to healthier, shinier hair.
Learn The Science of Hair Porosity
Ever wonder why some people’s hair stays hydrated for days while yours feels dry within hours — even with the same products? The answer lies in your hair porosity, a key factor that determines how your hair absorbs and retains moisture and color. In this post, you’ll learn the science behind hair porosity, how to identify your type, and why it’s essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant hair.
1. What Is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to how easily your hair can absorb and hold moisture, oils, and color. It’s determined by the condition of your hair cuticle — the outer layer that acts like tiny shingles protecting your strands.
There are three levels of porosity:
Low Porosity: Cuticles are tightly packed and resist moisture.
Medium (Normal) Porosity: Cuticles are slightly open, allowing balanced moisture and product absorption.
High Porosity: Cuticles are lifted or damaged, allowing moisture and color to enter — but also escape quickly.
2. How to Test Your Hair Porosity
You can test your hair’s porosity at home with a simple “float test.”
Here’s how:
Take a clean strand of dry hair.
Drop it into a glass of water.
Watch what happens:
If it floats, you have low porosity.
If it sinks slowly, you have medium porosity.
If it sinks quickly, you have high porosity.
This test helps you understand how your hair behaves with moisture and color treatments.
3. Why Hair Porosity Matters for Color
Porosity plays a huge role in how well your hair takes and holds color.
Low Porosity: The cuticle is resistant, making it harder for color to penetrate. Hair may need pre-treatment or longer processing time.
High Porosity: The cuticle is overly open, causing color to absorb quickly but fade fast.
Medium Porosity: Ideal for color treatments — holds pigment evenly and retains shine.
Pro Tip: Always consult your colorist about your porosity level before dyeing. It can help them customize the formula and processing time for better, longer-lasting results.
4. Why Hair Porosity Matters for Moisture
Your porosity level also determines how well your hair stays hydrated:
Low Porosity Hair: Needs lightweight, water-based products that won’t sit on top of the cuticle. Use gentle heat or steam to help products penetrate.
High Porosity Hair: Needs heavier, sealing products like butters and oils to lock in moisture.
Medium Porosity Hair: Responds well to balanced care — moderate moisture and protein treatments.
Tip: The key is not how much product you use, but how your hair absorbs it.
5. How to Care for Each Porosity Type
- Low Porosity:
Use warm water to open the cuticle before conditioning.
Avoid heavy oils and butters that can cause buildup.
Steam treatments can help improve absorption.
- Medium Porosity:
Maintain balance with weekly moisture and protein treatments.
Avoid overprocessing with heat or chemicals.
- High Porosity:
Use leave-ins, oils, and protein treatments to strengthen cuticles.
Rinse with cool water to help close the cuticle after conditioning.
Limit heat styling and harsh chemical treatments.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the science of hair porosity can completely change your hair care routine. Once you know your porosity type, you can choose products and treatments that truly work — whether your goal is longer-lasting color, better hydration, or stronger, healthier hair.
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