How does hair porosity affect strengthening methods?
Written by
Tran Quang
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Hair porosity determines how well your hair absorbs ingredients, thereby influencing the effectiveness of your treatments. Low-porosity hair has tightly packed cuticles that block the entry of ingredients, so only lightweight products can penetrate. High-porosity hair has spaces between the cuticular layers, which may require protein-rich sealants to fill these gaps. Medium porosity strikes a balance between the two in terms of its ability to absorb ingredients as well. Having the correct identification will prevent the buildup of the products or treatment from being wasted.
Low Porosity Solutions
- Lightweight liquids: Use water-based serums instead of heavy creams
- Heat activation: Apply products during showers for cuticle opening
- Clarifying routine: Monthly apple cider vinegar rinses
- Avoid proteins: Prevent buildup with moisture-focused formulas
High Porosity Treatments
- Protein sealing: Weekly hydrolyzed keratin treatments
- Moisture locking: Apply leave-ins then oils to seal
- pH balancing: Use acidic rinses to tighten cuticles
- Avoid sulfates: Prevent further cuticle lifting
Testing & Identification
- Float test: Place strand in water to see sink/suspend/float
- Spray observation: Watch water bead or absorb instantly
- Porosity level: Determines absorption time under 4 minutes
- Professional analysis: Trichoscopy reveals cuticle structure
Diagnostic errors yield the opposite of the desired results. Bridges cause impenetrable buildup when applied to low-porosity hair. Humectants create wide gaps if used for high-porosity hair. I guide clients in performing float tests to ensure accurate prescriptions, minimizing wasted time.
Porosity changes with chemical services drastically. Bleaching creates a permanent condition of porosity and therefore requires continual protein support. Relaxers cause uneven porosity, resulting in areas that need treatment to correct. After every chemical service, the porosity should be reevaluated. My clients in the salon maintain their integrity with customized post-service routines.
Climate differences affect porosity levels. Humid environments help keep high-porosity hair moisturized, while they cause low-porosity hair to become dry and brittle. In dry climates, hair that has high porosity can become overly brittle. Adapt your routine seasonally, allowing the environment to naturally be an aid or deterrent in your hair care.
Client transformations validate results of porosity-centered regimen. Sarah's high porosity hair regained elasticity when she began using protein-rich sealants. Mike's low-porosity hair regained its happy feeling of not being greasy when he started using lightweight serums. Both received strong strands through proper identification and customized regimens.
Read the full article: 10 Proven Ways to Strengthen Hair
