Knowing hair porosity is vital for healthy hair: Find out how to take care of them

Hair porosity is a fascinating characteristic that describes how your hair interacts with moisture. Imagine your hair strands as having countless microscopic shingles (the cuticles) layered along their length. These cuticles play a crucial role in regulating how water, oils, and other substances move in and out of your hair shaft. 

When we discuss hair porosity, we are looking at three types and their characteristics.  

Low porosity hair: The cuticles lie exceptionally flat and tightly packed against each other, creating a nearly impenetrable barrier.  

Medium porosity hair: This represents the middle ground, where the cuticles maintain a healthy balance – not too tight, not too loose.  

High porosity hair: Here cuticles are more separated and raised, creating numerous pathways for moisture to enter and exit.  

Why do you have a particular hair type? 

The origins of your hair's porosity are primarily rooted in your genetic makeup. Just as you inherit your mother's eye colour or your father's height; your hair's porosity often follows familial patterns. However, genetics aren't the only factor at play in this complex characteristic. 

What changes porosity? 

Your daily hair care routine and environmental exposures can significantly impact your hair's porosity. Common practices like heat styling, chemical treatments, and even regular washing can gradually alter your hair's natural porosity level. Picture each heat styling session or chemical treatment as potentially lifting those tiny cuticles creating more space between them. 

How to take care of your hair 

While you can't completely change your genetically determined hair porosity, you can certainly optimise your hair care routine based on your porosity type.

For those with low porosity hair, consider these detailed recommendations

- Choose protein-free conditioners that won't overwhelm your already resistant hair structure 

- Always apply hair products to thoroughly wet hair to maximise absorption 

- Seek out products containing glycerin and honey, which can more easily penetrate the tight cuticle structure 

- Incorporate heat during conditioning treatments to help open those tightly bound cuticles

For those with high porosity hair, consider these specialised approaches

- Embrace products rich in natural butters and oils to help seal moisture within the hair shaft 

- Make leave-in conditioners and sealants your allies in maintaining moisture levels 

- Never skip heat-protectant products before styling 

- Switch to lukewarm water for washing, as hot water can further damage already vulnerable cuticles 

Also Read: ‘Ten steps backwards’: Return of super thin models concern fashion experts

Understanding your hair's porosity is like having a key to unlocking better hair care practices. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about products and treatments, ultimately leading to stronger, healthier hair that better responds to your care routine.