What is high porosity hair?

High porosity hair means the hair cuticle (the outermost layer) is lifted, allowing moisture to enter and leave the hair shaft easily. Think of it like a sieve – water (and other products) flows through quickly. This can lead to both advantages and disadvantages:

Characteristics of High Porosity Hair:

• Quickly absorbs moisture: Your hair gets wet very fast.
• Dries quickly: It also dries quickly, sometimes even too quickly.
• Feels dry despite moisturizing: Even after applying conditioners and moisturizers, it can still feel dry and brittle due to moisture escaping easily.
• Prone to damage: The lifted cuticle makes the hair more vulnerable to damage from heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental factors.
• Can appear dull: Despite being potentially well-hydrated, it might lack shine due to the uneven cuticle.
• Often feels rough or coarse: The raised cuticle creates friction, making the hair feel less smooth than low porosity hair.
• May have difficulty holding styles: Moisture escaping quickly can make it challenging to maintain certain hairstyles.

Causes of High Porosity:

• Chemical treatments: Relaxers, perms, and certain color treatments can lift the cuticle.
• Heat styling: Excessive heat from flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can damage the hair cuticle.
• Sun exposure: UV rays can weaken and damage the hair shaft.
• Over-processing: Repeated use of harsh shampoos, excessive washing, and rough handling can contribute.
• Genetics: Some people are naturally born with high porosity hair.

Managing High Porosity Hair:

• Use moisturizing products: Opt for humectants (e.g., glycerin, hyaluronic acid) to attract and retain moisture. But use these strategically. In humid environments, they may attract too much moisture, leading to frizz.
• Seal in moisture: Use occlusives (e.g., shea butter, coconut oil) to create a barrier and prevent moisture loss.
• Protein treatments: Periodically use protein treatments to strengthen the hair shaft and help "seal" the cuticle. However, overuse can make the hair brittle, so balance is key.
• Deep conditioning: Regular deep conditioning helps to hydrate and repair damaged hair.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and heat: Minimize the use of heat styling tools and harsh chemical treatments.
• Use a cool or lukewarm rinse: Hot water can strip the hair of its natural oils and further open the cuticle.
• Gentle handling: Avoid excessive brushing and tugging, which can damage the already fragile cuticle.
• Use a low-sulfate or sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates can be harsh and stripping, especially on already porous hair.

It's important to note that porosity is just one factor affecting hair health. Other factors like hair type (straight, wavy, curly, coily), density, and thickness also play a role in how you should care for your hair. Experimenting with different products and techniques is often necessary to find what works best for your specific hair.