3 Easy Ways To Find Out Your Hair Porosity

3 Easy Ways To Find Out Your Hair Porosity

 

Hair porosity is a crucial factor in maintaining healthy and well-moisturized hair. It refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture, which significantly affects how products interact with your hair. Knowing your hair porosity helps in selecting the right products and tailoring your hair care routine for optimal results. Here's how to determine your hair porosity:

The Float Test

One of the simplest ways to determine your hair porosity is the float test:

  • Step 1: Take a few strands of clean hair from your comb or brush. Make sure the hair is free of any products or oils.
  • Step 2: Fill a glass or bowl with room temperature water.
  • Step 3: Place the hair strands in the water and let them sit for 2-4 minutes.
  • Results:
    • Low Porosity: If the hair floats on top, it indicates low porosity. Your hair cuticles are tightly packed and resistant to moisture absorption.
    • Medium (Normal) Porosity: If the hair floats in the middle, it suggests medium porosity. Your hair cuticles are slightly raised, allowing for a balanced absorption and retention of moisture.
    • High Porosity: If the hair sinks to the bottom quickly, it indicates high porosity. Your hair cuticles have gaps and holes, causing your hair to absorb moisture quickly but struggle to retain it.

The Slip Test

Another method to determine porosity is the slip 'n' slide test:

  • Step 1: Take a single strand of hair and slide your fingers up the shaft (from the end towards the scalp).
  • Results:
    • Low Porosity: If the strand feels smooth, it indicates low porosity, meaning the cuticles are tightly closed.
    • High Porosity: If the strand feels rough or bumpy, it suggests high porosity, indicating the cuticles are raised and uneven.

The Spray Bottle Test

This test helps to understand how quickly your hair absorbs moisture:

  • Step 1: Fill a spray bottle with water.
  • Step 2: Spray a small section of your clean, dry hair.
  • Results:
    • Low Porosity: If the water beads up on the surface and takes a while to absorb, it indicates low porosity.
    • Medium (Normal) Porosity: If the water absorbs at a moderate rate, it suggests medium porosity.
    • High Porosity: If the water quickly absorbs into your hair, it indicates high porosity.

Your Hair Care Routine

Understanding your hair porosity allows you to choose the right products and methods to maintain healthy hair:

  • Low Porosity: Use lighter, water-based products and avoid heavy oils and butters. Incorporate heat during deep conditioning to open up the cuticles.
  • Medium (Normal) Porosity: This type generally requires minimal maintenance. Balance moisture and protein treatments as needed.
  • High Porosity: Use heavier creams and butters to lock in moisture. Protein treatments can help to fill in the gaps and strengthen the hair shaft.

 

By knowing your hair porosity, you can customize your hair care regimen to meet your hair's specific needs, leading to healthier, more manageable hair. At Curly Assembly, we offer a range of products designed to cater to all porosity types, ensuring your curls receive the best care possible.

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