Have you ever wondered why each person’s hair is different? Why does someone’s hair not want to sit easily when oil is applied, and the oil is absorbed by the entire hair as soon as someone puts oil on their hair? Why is everyone’s hair rough-dry, and everyone’s hair smooth? This is due to hair porosity. Porosity translated into pure Bengali means ‘pureness’. The amount of moisture that your hair is capable of absorbing and holding onto is known as its porosity. Your hair porosity depends on the structure of the hair cuticle.
There are three types of hair porosity. Let’s know about it in detail…
Low hair porosity
The cuticle layer of low-porosity hair is very tightly bound, so moisture cannot enter the hair easily, and once it enters, it cannot leave easily.
Medium hair porosity
Medium porosity hair allows moisture to penetrate fairly easily and does not escape very quickly.
High hair porosity
High porosity hair has many holes in the cuticle layer, allowing moisture to move in and out easily. This type of hair becomes frizzy quickly.
How to know hair porosity
1. Water test
Combining hair with a comb almost all of us get stuck in the comb. Take a clean hair from there and drop it in a glass full of water. After a few minutes, if the hair is below the glass, then your hair porosity can be assumed to be low, if it floats in the middle, then hair porosity is medium, and if it floats above, then hair porosity can be assumed to be high.
2. Spray bottle test
Take a small section of hair and spray it with a little water using a spray bottle. If the water floats, you have low porosity hair. If the water is absorbed by the hair, then you have high porosity hair. And if the hair gets wet after some time, then your hair porosity is medium.
3. Slide test
Run a finger through your hair. If the hair feels smooth, then you have low porosity hair, if it hits your fingers a little, then it is medium porosity, and if it looks very uneven, then your hair porosity is high.
What is meant by low porosity?
The Bengali meaning of the word porosity is hole. Just as the skin has numerous pores, so does the hair. In other words, each hair has a large number of pores via which moisture enters and is attempted to be retained by the hair. This is called hair porosity. There are 3 types of porosity, high, medium and low. The extent of this hair porosity varies from person to person.
Low porosity hair has fewer pores. Low porosity hair has a very closely bonded cuticle layer. As a result, this type of hair cannot absorb moisture easily, but once it receives moisture, this type of hair can retain it for a long time. Keeping low porosity hair well hydrated will last longer and look healthier. This kind of hair is resistant to drying out quickly. Even if the hair looks healthy, the bouncy feeling or volume is low in the hair, which makes the hair look very flat.
How to understand hair porosity?
Hair porosity can be tested at home very easily. One of the most common methods is the water test. Take one or a few clean hairs that fall out and put them in a glass of water and wait. If the hair goes all the way to the bottom of the glass after a few minutes or sinks quickly, then the hair type is high porosity. If the hair shows no signs of sinking and floats on top of the glass, the hair type is low porosity. Since low porosity hair has less pores, it does not soak in water very easily. And if the hair sinks slowly, then medium porosity.
What is the low porosity hair care regimen not routine?
There are different products in the market for different hair types. The product should be selected according to the porosity of the hair. It makes it easy to take proper care of hair. Let’s know how to take care of low porosity hair-
Hair Oil
Oil gives the hair moisture and hydration. So oil must be used in hair. A small amount of heavy weight oil cannot readily absorb low porosity hair and supply moisture since it has fewer pores. So always use lightweight and low density oil. The oils suitable for this type of hair are sesame oil, almond oil, walnut oil, argan oil, various plant and flower based oils, avocado oil etc.
Shampoo
When choosing a shampoo, avoid moisturizing, heavy consistency, smooth texture etc. shampoos. Because such shampoos are relatively heavy, which leaves a heavy layer on the hair. The hair seems more flat as a result. So for low porosity hair always use volumizing, deep cleaning shampoo, clarifying shampoo and clear shampoo with light texture.
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Conditioner
Conditioner cannot be skipped in hair care. In this case, you should choose a conditioner with a light texture that will provide hydration. Heavy conditioners can flatten hair. So skip the heavyweight conditioner.
Deep Conditioning Mask
It is recommended to apply a lightweight mask while using a hydrating mask. Use once a week or once every ten days, no more use is required. One can skip the deep conditioning mask if the regular conditioner is enough for her hair.
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Serum, Leave in Conditioner, Styling Cream
If your hair becomes rough and dry after straightening then you should use hair serum regularly to fix it. It keeps the hair moisturized as well as retaining the shine of the hair. Enriched with a blend of oats, peas, rosemary, argan oil and organic leaves, the serum keeps hair healthy. So lightweight hair serum can be used for hair care. Applying a hair serum or non-sticky oil to slightly damp hair after a shower will lock in hydration, which helps keep such hair hydrated for longer. Leave-in conditioners are similar.
Lightweight leave-in conditioner will provide hydration and moisturization to the hair. Hair serum can be applied after using the leave-in conditioner to lock in hydration. As the styling cream is quite heavy. So use very little quantity.
Hair spa
Handy hair spa kits are available in the market. A spa kit rich in Argan Oil, Rosemary and Oats is great for hair. They provide nutrients to untangle the hair. The spa kit consists of shampoo, hair mask and hair serum. Anti-hair fall products contain fiber, moisture and nutrients. It is recommended to use a hair serum after straightening to avoid damaging the hair.
Heat Steam
Heat steam can be taken after using hair care oil or hair mask. As a result, the hair absorbs moisture easily.
Humectants
Humectants help to attract and retain moisture from the environment which will benefit low porosity hair from drying out so using humectants such as glycerin and honey aloe vera will be ideal for low porosity hair.
Not only if the hair is straight, you have to take extra care!
What to watch out for?
Any hair type can be kept healthy with a few simple daily activities.
- Hair is more damaged the wetter it is. So try to dry your hair quickly after showering.
- Many people prefer to dry their hair in the sun. But you should avoid drying your hair in the sun, because UV rays can dry and damage your hair. So it is better not to open your hair while going out in the sun. Sun heat can damage hair. In this case, you can use a hair scarf. Hair will be protected and your look will change.
- A heat protecting hair serum or cream must be used for heat styling.
- Avoid combing wet hair.
- Use a coarse-toothed wooden comb.
- Use a thin cotton cloth, towel or cotton t-shirt to wipe hair.
- Drink enough water and eat nutritious food. Just as external care is necessary for hair beauty, internal nutrition is also important. Hair is made of a protein called keratin. So do not forget to keep enough protein in the diet.
- Avoid oily food.
- Many people use blow dryers to dry their hair. But it is better not to use this device after straightening the hair. This device produces too much heat, which is not good for the hair.
Recommended Products for Low Porosity Hair
| Type of Product | Product Recommendation | Why It’s Good for Low Porosity Hair |
| Shampoo | Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo | Gentle on hair, avoids drying out strands |
| Conditioner | Lightweight Moisturizing Conditioner | Doesn’t weigh hair down, adds moisture |
| Deep Conditioner | Hydrating Deep Treatment | Provides deep moisture with heat application |
| Leave-In Conditioner | Lightweight Leave-In Mist | Easy to apply on damp hair, locks in moisture |
| Hair Oil | Argan or Jojoba Oil | Light and easily absorbed into hair strands |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Low Porosity Hair?
Low porosity hair has tightly bound cuticles that resist moisture absorption, often leading to product buildup and requiring specific care techniques.
How To Moisturize Low Porosity Hair?
Utilize lightweight, water-based moisturizers and apply heat to open up the hair cuticles for better absorption.
Best Oils For Low Porosity Hair?
Opt for light oils like argan, sweet almond, or grapeseed that won’t weigh down low porosity strands and can penetrate the hair shaft easily.
Can Low Porosity Hair Use Protein?
Low porosity hair can benefit from protein treatments sparingly, as excessive use can lead to brittleness and stiffness.
Conclusio
Now you know how to care for low porosity straight hair. Follow these steps for a shiny, soft mane. Remember, your hair is unique. You might not benefit from what’s effective for others. Find what makes your hair happy!