Low vs. high porosity hair: how to test it and find the best care

You’ve probably heard the term hair porosity floating around, but what does it actually mean? And more importantly, how do you figure out which routine works best for your hair type? In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you: what porosity is, how to test your own hair at home, and the best ways to care for it. Because once you understand your hair’s porosity, it can truly change the way your hair looks and feels.

What is hair porosity?

Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and hold onto moisture and products. It’s determined by the structure of your hair’s cuticles, the tiny, overlapping cells that form the protective outer layer of each strand. When the cuticles open, they allow moisture and nutrients in. When they close, they seal everything inside. Some people naturally have tightly closed cuticles, which makes it harder for hydration and products to penetrate. Others have more open cuticles, meaning their hair soaks up moisture quickly, but loses it just as fast.

Difference between low and high porosity hair

Low porosity hair
The cuticles are tightly packed, which makes the hair resistant to both water and products. It takes longer to get fully wet and it also takes ages to dry. Because products tend to sit on the surface, buildup is common.

High Porosity Hair
This type absorbs moisture easily, but it also loses it quickly because of gaps and holes in the cuticle layer. High porosity hair air-dries in no time, but often feels dry, frizzy, or dull. It’s also more prone to breakage and damage.

Medium Porosity Hair
If your hair looks healthy and shiny, dries at a normal pace, and holds color well, you’re in luck! Medium porosity hair is the easiest to manage. Just remember that porosity can shift over time due to aging, environment, or chemical treatments.

What causes low or high porosity?

For the most part, porosity is genetic. Low porosity hair is usually inherited and not caused by damage. High porosity, however, can be either natural or the result of heat styling, overprocessing with chemicals, or even environmental factors like sun exposure and humidity.

How to test your hair’s porosity

The good news is that you can test your hair porosity right at home. Here are three easy methods:

Water test

1. Take a clean, product-free strand of hair.

2. Drop it into a glass of water.

3. Watch what happens:

Strand floats = low porosity

Strand sinks quickly = high porosity

Strand stays in the middle or sinks slowly = medium porosity

Strand test

1. Take a single strand of hair

2. Run your fingers from the splits towards the roots.

3. If you hair feels rough and bumpy, you Likely have high porosity hair. Does it feel smooth? That’s a sign of low porosity.

Spray test

1. Mist water onto dry hair

2. Observe how the water reacts to your hair:

Droplets sit on the surface = low porosity

Hair absorbs it instantly = high porosity

How to care for low porosity hair

Stick to lightweight, hydrating products. Heavy oils and butters tend to sit on the surface and create greasiness rather than nourishing your strands. Because buildup is common, occasionally applying a scalp detox can make a huge difference. The True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub from Innersense is perfect for this. Follow-up with the Balancing Hair Wash from Sans ceuticals to moisturize the hair.

How to care for high porosity hair

High porosity hair thrives with rich, nourishing products that help lock in moisture. Leave-in conditioners and products containing protein, such as the Kitsch Protein Shampoo Bar, can strengthen the hair structure and prevent it from drying out too quickly. The Sans ceuticals Nourishing Hair Hydratrant Ultra+ is a true multitasker that can be used as a (leave-in) conditioner, styling cream, or hair treatment. Finally, a good heat protector is also a must, as this hair type is extra sensitive to damage, frizz, and breakage.

Once you know your hair's porosity type, you can finally match your routine to what your locks really need. With the right products and techniques, your hair will not only look healthier and shinier, but it will also feel stronger and softer. Shop our natural hair care collection now you'll be glowing with shiny, vibrant locks in no time!