POROSITY
Did you know we often have a combination of hair strands? For example, you can have low porosity roots with high porosity ends or highlights. Being knowledgeable about your hair’s porosity, density, and width can greatly influence the products you purchase. Let’s take a look!
Low Porosity Hair
The cuticle layer on this healthy hair type is tight. Low porosity hair repels moisture when you try to wet it and is hard to process since it resists the penetration of chemicals. In addition, it is also prone to build up.
Low Porosity Product Recommendations:
- Use products heavy in oils or butters sparingly (i.e., not in the First Five ingredients)
- Avoid protein-rich deep conditioning products
- Do use moderate heat with protein-free deep conditioning treatments to facilitate penetration into the hair shaft
- Do use moisturizers rich in emollients such as jojoba oil and fractionated coconut oil
Low Porosity + Low Density Recommendations (thin hair)
Cleanse with a low-poo (sulfate-free shampoo) to prevent your hair from getting weighed down
- Do use volumizing conditioners with thickening agents
- Shorter hairstyles will give the appearance of more volume
- Avoid weighing your hair down with products
- Do use lighter products to keep your hair from going limp (i.e., no butters or oils in the First Five ingredients)
- Do use mousse at the roots for volume
- Use a pick to fluff the roots (coat the pick with hair spray first)
Normal Porosity Hair
The cuticle layer on this hair type is not too tight, which means it allows the right amount of moisture to enter and keeps too much from escaping.
Normal Porosity Product Recommendations:
- Hair is healthy and easy to work with
- Use products balanced with moisture
- Alternate co-wash and low-poo for balance
- Clarify as needed
- Do occasional deep conditioning treatments with protein conditioners
- Avoid proteins in your daily regimen
High Porosity Hair
This hair porosity can be an inherent property of hair. It can also be the result of damage due to chemical processing, rough treatment, or environmental damage. High porosity hair has gaps and holes in the cuticle, letting too much moisture into the hair but also allowing it to escape, leaving it prone to dreaded frizz and tangles in humid weather.
High Porosity Product Recommendations:
- Use a lot of nourishment and moisture
- Use rich creamy products for shine and to lock in moisture
- Handle your hair with care
- Use gentle co-washes
- Do use anti-humectants in climates with high heat and humidity to seal the damaged cuticles
- Do use leave-in conditioners, moisturizers and sealers
- Do follow up with a heavy hair butter to help fill the gaps in the damaged cuticles and further protect the hair from losing too much moisture, especially (or only) on the ends of the hair
High Porosity + Low Density (thin hair):
- Do use mousse at the roots for volume
- Do use volumizing conditioners with thickening agents
- Shorter hairstyles will give the appearance of more volume
- Avoid weighing your hair down with products
- Do balance lighter products to keep your hair from going limp
- Cleanse with a low-poo (sulfate-free shampoo) to prevent your hair from getting weighed down
DENSITY
Low Density
This hair type can look weighed down and small in volume. You may want to try using mousse and/or dry shampoo to help add volume.
Medium Density
If you have medium-density hair, you can use a variety of products, styles, and cuts to enhance your texture. Try mousse and dry shampoo to play up the volume, or use heavier creams and butters to give your hair more weight and hang. Wash’n gos will allow your existing texture to shine through, while twists and braids will work well to alter your curl pattern and give it more structure.
High Density
With high-density hair heavier products such as gels, creams, and butters can hold curls together and reduce volume. Layered hairstyles may work best for hair with high density.
HAIR WIDTH
Fine hair
These hair strands have a small circumference and are delicate and easy to damage. As a result, it is often difficult to maintain length with fine hair. Deep conditioning after you wash is a good way to nourish and strengthen fine hair. You will also want to keep manipulation of your hair to a minimum to avoid unnecessary breakage. Reduce the use of combs, brushes, and tight damaging hairstyles.
Medium width
These hair strands are strong and elastic. They are not too thin or too thick. Medium-width hair is also somewhat resistant to damage, making it easy to maintain length.
Coarse width
Coarse hair has a wide circumference, making it the strongest of all hair textures. As a result, it is easy to maintain length with coarse hair since it is more resistant to damage.
For guidance on hair products, go to the SHOP page to peruse the Ultimate Guides.
For Type 2 hair, read THIS.
For Type 3 hair, read THIS.
For Type 4 hair, read THIS.
