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But what works for otherhair typesmay not work for you, depending on one key factor:hair porosity.
This term refers to how easily your hair can soak up and retain moisture.
Stocksy
This allows hair treatments and water to penetrate strands easily.
However, it’s harder for high-porosity hair to retain moisture due to the cuticles' openness.
Meet the Experts
What Is Hair Porosity?
It contains keratin, which provides strength and elasticity to the hair.
The cortex also determines the color and texture of the hair."
The health and condition of the cuticle also affects the hair’s texture and appearance."
What Is High Porosity Hair?
“This bang out of hair may feel rough and is prone to frizz,” according to Park.
What Causes It?
Depending on how you care for and process your hair, you could have a porosity shift.
If the hair floats on the surface, it indicates low porosity," Park says.
“If it sinks quickly, your hair likely has high porosity.
Hair that floats in the middle has normal porosity.”
If it quickly soaks in, it suggests high porosity."
Schedule an appointment with a professional for a cut, or a major trim.
We know, we know.
Taking this step is the best way to start on the road to a well-conditioned, healthy hair.
One thing to keep in mind with protective styling is to watch out for too much tension.
That’s why Park recommends swapping out products that have alcohol-based formulas or sulfates in them.
“High porosity hair should be treated with care,” natural hair specialist Alicia Bailey adds.
Use Moisture-Rich Products
Next, take a look at the products you use.
“Jojoba oil most closely mimics the hair’s natural oils,” she explains.
“Citric acidis another great ingredient.
Protein treatments come in different forms.
If you’re experiencing severe breakage, you may need an emergency product like ApHogeeTwo-Step Protein Treatment.
Less severe damage can be managed with maintenance protein products like Ouidad’sCurl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner.
Get into the habit of weekly deep conditioning.
The goal here is to manage your damaged tresses while promoting healthy new growth that doesn’tbecomehigh porosity.
Bailey recommends using the Design EssentialsAlmond & Avocado Wash Day Deep Moisture Masque.
“To restore moisture,” she says.
“I would recommend using the Almond & Avocado Wash Day Deep Moisture Masque.
Try the L.O.C.
“Utilizing silk or satin scarves andpillowcaseskeep in moisture that cotton is known to absorb.”
Signs of high porosity hair include dryness, frizziness, and hair that absorbs water quickly.
If you have high porosity hair, avoid alcohols and sulfates as they can dry out the hair.
Gavazzoni Dias MF.Hair cosmetics: an overview.Int J Trichology.
2015;7(1):2-15. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.153450
