What is my Hair Porosity?

Welcome Ethnic Gals Family, first and foremost, thank you for being there with us. It's very important to share our knowledge with our community and keep spearing the science behind our hair. We want to give you enough information to create YOUR hair routine that will work for you. 

Before diving deep into hair porosity, let's talk about the hair structure

Each strand of your hair is made up of three layers: 

• cuticle: the outermost layer
• cortex: the middle layer
• medulla: the innermost layer

Your hair shaft's outermost layer consists of tiny cuticles that are too small to see with the naked eye. These cuticles protect the inner layers of your hair by controlling how much moisture and products and chemicals, can be absorbed.

Your cuticles being too close; it can prevent moisture and water from being absorbed. This is known as low-porosity. If the cuticles are too far apart, moisture can quickly enter but does not stay long enough into your hair to moisturize it—this high porosity hair.

Normal porosity can abord and retain water/moisture easily.  

What's is your HAIR POROSITY? 

Hair porosity is the hair's ability to absorb moisture. We can come across a tons of products in the market and may wonder which one will actually works for our hair. Therefore even if you are buying one of the best hair products out there, it will be a waste if it's not tailored for your hair type

You can buy the best product in the market, product your hair product but if you do not know how your hair retain moisture, all of this will be in vain. Knowledge is power. Hair porosity is the key to growing long, healthy, shiny, and moisturized hair!

We will walk you through, Pre-poo, detangling, Shampoo, Conditioners, Leave-in and Treatment. 

How to take your test? 

We need to make sure that your hair are clean and product free before moving forward. 

• You will need a couple strands of your hair and drop it in a glass of filtered water. 
• Let your hair sit for at least 5 min.
• Observe how your hair behave! Either floating on top of the water, in the middle, or sank to the bottom. 

Congratulations! You now know your hair porosity. 

So what now? Let's dive in into your hair... 

Low porosity

Your hair cuticle is close & flat, making it difficult for moisture & water to enter or leave the hair. This type of hair can be challenging to moisturize. Unfortunately, your hair NEEDS water & moisturization to grow and shine. 

Alright, but how how can I take care of my low-porosity hair? 

• Already deep containing with heat. Heat helps lift the cuticle of your hair, then and only then, moisture can get into the strand. Do not do protein treatments, Low-porosity hair are already charged by protein. 
  
• Cleansing at least once every 2 weeks. Low-porosity hair are prone to product build-up that can kill your hair. Co-washing also promotes build-up, while shampooing let your hair product free. If you do not want to wash too often, only clean your scalp. 
• Avoid heavy products such as Castor Oil, Mango butter, Shea butter. Theses products will sit on your hair, and create buildup. 
  Go for honey, avocado oil, Honey, Glycerin...
  
  
  

What about High-porosity hair? 

High porosity hair can be the result of hair damage (heat damage, color and so forth...) or may be genetic. Your hair is prone to being dry and brittle and is likely to break. Your cuticles are open and will abord too much water.

You can even are difficult maintaining wearing style such as Braid-outs or twist. Too much water in your hair can make it too heavy and cause it to break. You need to remove the extra water from your hair if you live in a tropical environnement.  On the flip side, because your hair is highly porous, it may not be able to retain moisture as well as other types of hair.

• Use pH balanced products, aloe vera juice/gel or doing apple cider vinegar rinses to help your cuticles closed. 
• Use heavier styling products, such as butters, and heavy oil to weight the cuticle down and keep them closed. 
• Limit the use of shampoos or use milder formulations.
• Use anti-humectants (moisture blockers) in high heat and high humidity climates. This will prevent moisture moving in an out of the hair.

Unfortunately high and low porosity hair are often prone to breakage that can keep your hair from growing. Follow theses extra tips to prevent this experience: 

• Avoid sulfates, parabens, silicones, and sodium laureth sulfates. These ingredients can pull a lot of natural oil from your hair.
• Use only lukewarm water when you wash and condition your hair. Hot water may lift the cuticles and cause further damage.
• Dry your hair with a cotton T-shirt. Vigorous drying with a towel can create friction and cause breakage. A smooth fiber, cotton shirt can be more soothing and may help protect your hair from damage.
• Minimize heat styling. You can also use heat styling appliances on a lower heat setting and use a heat protecting product on your hair.

Thank you for bearing with us! Let's up know in the comment what is your hair porosity?