'Porosity' refers to the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. There are 3 main categories, so which one are you? Take this quick and easy test to determine your answer!
Ready to try the porosity test? Keep reading!
Ideally, there just needs to be enough water to hold your strand of hair
Either directly from your head or your hairbrush if it's easier
Drop your strand into the water and leave it for 3 to 4 minutes
Has it sunk to the bottom, half sinking in the middle of the water or completely floating on the surface?
Ready for your answer?
This means:
It doesn't let moisture in or out easily
Products simply 'sit' on your hair and are not absorbed quickly or easily
Build up of products is common when they are absorbed
It doesn't absorb hair colour or treatments easily
It can take a long time to dry, since water is not absorbed straight away but over time (much like products)
Considered healthy hair, often has a shine
Lacks volume and elasticity
Let moisture in by using heat to open cuticles (e.g. heat deep conditioners, hot water, hot towel around your hair)
Reduce build up by using lighter products (e.g. argan oil and grapeseed oil)
This means:
Your hair allows absorbs and retains the perfect amount of moisture
Has a great balance
Considered healthy hair, often has a shine
Has plenty of volume
Keep doing what you're doing
Don't change anything as this can disrupt the perfect balance (this leads to a change in the porosity level, and you may become low or high porosity instead of normal)
This means:
It absorbs too much moisture and can't retain it
Looks and feels dull and dry
Prone to frizzyness and tangles
Hair dries relatively quickly, since water is absorbed straight away
Cuticles may be torn and over-processed
Try using coconut oil and aloe vera gel
Opt for heavy products and creams
Use a deep conditioner regularly
Try an egg wash every now and again, using the protein to strengthen cuticles