Hair Porosity

Low Porosity: Hair with low porosity has a tightly bound cuticle layer with overlapping scales that lay flat. Low porosity hair is usually considered as healthy and is often shiny. This hair type resists moisture when you try to wet it , its also hard to process because it resists the penetration of chemicals. Low porosity hair requires moisturisers rich in emollients (oils) such as Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil and Mineral Oils. You can also use humectant (moisturising liquids) products that attract and hold moisture to your hair. The best products for you are lighter liquid based products like hair milks or leave-ins that won't sit on your hair or make your hair oily.

Low porosity hair is easy to have product build up especially from protein rich deep conditioning products, this will leave your hair feeling super tough an dry. Use protein free daily conditioners with humectants such as glycerin or honey. Use moderate heat  with protein free deep conditioning treatments to help open up tightly bound cuticles.

 

Medium Porosity: This hair type requires the least amount of maintenance, the cuticle layer is looser allowing just the right amount of moisture to enter while preventing too much escaping. Hair with normal porosity tends to hold styles well. you can occasionally deep condition your hair with protein conditioners which can benefit medium porosity hair but proteins should not be included in your daily regimen. Medium porosity hair takes well to chemicals but can become damaged over time.

 

High Porosity: High porosity hair can be a result of damage from chemical processing, rough treatment or environmental damage. The cuticles has holes which lets to much moisture into your hair and causes frizz and tangling in humid weather. Any activity with water such as swimming, bathing or even shampooing can damage your hair due to the amount of moisture you can absorb. In humid weather limit your moisturising products this will help seal your cuticles and prevent you absorbing to much moisture in the air.

High Porosity hair can also lose moisture easily too, so its important to use leave in conditioners , moisturisers and sealants. Using these products will help you to hold unto the moisture you are giving it. You can also use hair butters to help fill the gap and protect and seal your moisture.

 

Source Naturally Curly blog, Google. Youtube

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