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Porosity determines how easily the hair absorbs and retains moisture. This is influenced by the position of the cuticle layers. The more open the cuticle, the higher the porosity. Porosity is partly genetic, but it can increase due to:
- Sulfate shampoos
- A dry scalp
- Bleaching
- Colouring
- Relaxing
- Perming
- Heat
- Sun exposure
- Chlorinated water
- Friction from brushing, hair ties, scarves, hats, or a bag strap rubbing against the hair
Low porosity
- The cuticle layers are closed
- The hair absorbs little moisture or product
- The hair becomes weighed down by a normal amount of conditioner or oil
(note: this can also be a characteristic of fine hair) - The hair is shiny, even without styling products
- The hair barely responds to chemical treatments such as colouring, relaxing, and perming
Medium porosity
- The cuticle layers are slightly open
- The hair absorbs moisture and product well
- The hair is not weighed down by a normal amount of conditioner or oil
- The hair becomes shiny after a cool rinse or cool blow-dry
- The hair responds to chemical treatments such as colouring, relaxing, and perming as expected
High porosity
- The cuticle layers are very open
- The hair absorbs moisture and product quickly, but also loses them quickly
- The hair becomes very weak and fragile after chemical treatments such as colouring, relaxing, and perming
(coloured hair also tends to lose its colour quickly) - The hair looks dull
- The hair tangles easily
- The hair is prone to breakage