The Ultimate Guide to Hair Porosity: How to Know Yours and Care for It

Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Knowing your porosity type is one of the most important (and overlooked) steps in building a proper hair care routine — especially for curly and textured hair.

What Are the 3 Types of Hair Porosity?

  1. Low Porosity:
    Cuticle is tightly packed. Water and products sit on top of the hair.
    Needs: lightweight, water-based products; regular heat for absorption.
  2. Medium/Normal Porosity:
    Balanced moisture absorption and retention.
    Needs: consistent care — deep conditioning, minimal buildup.
  3. High Porosity:
    Cuticle has gaps or is raised — absorbs quickly but loses moisture fast.
    Needs: protein treatments + rich, sealing ingredients (shea butter, oils).

How to Test Your Hair Porosity at Home

  1. Take a clean, dry strand of hair.
  2. Drop it in a glass of room-temperature water.
  • Floats: Low porosity
  • Sinks slowly: Medium porosity
  • Sinks fast: High porosity

What Products Work Best?

  • Low Porosity: Avoid heavy oils; try heat-activated deep conditioning (like the VAO Hair Mask under a shower cap).
  • High Porosity: Use protein-based masks and sealants to lock in moisture. VAO is formulated with both!

 

Final Tip:
Your hair’s needs start with understanding porosity. Choose the right treatments, and your hair will thank you.

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