What is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity is your hair's ability to absorb and hold moisture. Knowing your hair porosity can help you choose products that will benefit you by maintaining healthy, moisturized, strong hair.
HOW TO TEST
The Float Test: Take a couple of strands of hair from your comb or brush and drop them into a bowl of water. Let them sit for 2-4 minutes. If your hair floats, you have low porosity. If it sinks, you have high porosity.
If your hair is currently in a protective style here are some characteristics for high & low porosity hair...
Low Porosity Characteristics
Tightly bound hair cuticle layer, making it challenging for moisture to penetrate through hair strands (but holds moisture well once in). Prone to product build up. Takes longer for hair to dry.
High Porosity Characteristics
Gaps in hair cuticles, making it easy for moisture to penetrate but also easy for moisture to exit. Prone to frizz and tangling. Hair dries quickly. Feels dull and dry.