What is Hair Porosity? Here are the Types and How to Determine It

Everyone has different hair types, so their care needs to be adjusted. This includes hair texture, scalp condition, to the level of hair porosity or hair porosity. So, what exactly is meant by hair porosity?

What is Hair Porosity?

What is hair porosity? Hair porosity, or porosity of the hair, is actually not a foreign term in the world of hair care. Simply put, porosity refers to how well hair strands can absorb and retain moisture.

To better understand this concept, it is important to first familiarize yourself with the basic structure of hair. Hair consists of three main layers. The outermost layer is called the cuticle, which functions as protection for the entire hair strand.

Below it is the cortex, which is the thickest layer containing proteins and pigment determining hair color. Meanwhile, the innermost layer is called the medulla, although it is not always present in all types of hair.

The level of hair porosity greatly determines how the cuticle works in both absorbing and retaining moisture. natural hair oil Just like skin, hair also requires sufficient hydration to remain healthy.

Therefore, water, oil, and hair care products such as conditioners and hair masks need to be able to penetrate the cuticle layer in order to reach the cortex and optimally nourish the hair.

Types of Hair Porosity

Hair porosity or hair porosity is divided into three types, which are low, medium, and high porosity. Each of them indicates how well the hair absorbs and retains moisture.

Low porosity hair refers to hair that has a tightly closed cuticle, making it difficult to absorb water and hair care products. Products tend to accumulate on the surface of the hair, causing it to become greasy quickly. This type of hair is suitable for using products based on water, as well as treatments with steam or warm water to help open the cuticle.

Medium porosity hair is currently considered ideal because its cuticle is sufficiently open to absorb and retain moisture well. This type of hair generally feels soft, is easy to manage, and responds well to various products. Its care is quite simple, such as using conditioner. hair mask .

Meanwhile, high porosity hair has a widely open or damaged cuticle. Hair absorbs moisture quickly, but it also loses it easily. As a result, The hair looks dry. , frizzy, and prone to tangles.

The recommended treatment is the use of products rich in emollients and proteins to help maintain moisture and strengthen hair structure. Understanding the porosity type of your hair will make it easier for you to choose the right products and care methods to keep your hair healthy and nourished.

How to Determine Your Hair Porosity

One of the simplest ways to determine the porosity level of your hair is by doing some tests at home. First, you can try the water spray test. To do this, spray a little water onto dry hair.

If the water appears to be crystalline and clear and does not langsung meresap , this indicates that your hair porosity is likely low. Conversely, if the water is quickly absorbed and makes your hair wet, you probably have medium or high hair porosity.

The next test that can be tried is the floating test. Take several strands of clean, dry hair and place them in a container with water. If the hair floats on the surface, it indicates low porosity. If it is positioned between the surface and the bottom of the water, then its porosity is medium.

Meanwhile, hair that immediately sinks usually indicates a high porosity level. You can also try the slip and slide test to feel the texture of your hair directly. Take one strand of hair, hold it between two fingers, and then gently slide from the tip of the hair towards the root.

If it feels rough or textured, your hair may have low porosity. However if helaian feels smooth When touched, your hair porosity may be classified as medium or high.