Hair Porosity Explained: The Key to Moisturizing & Caring for Your Natural Curls

When it comes to caring for natural hair, understanding your hair’s porosity is just as important as knowing your curl type. Porosity determines how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture, which directly affects hydration, product absorption, and overall hair health. As a curly hair specialist, I’m here to break down the differences between low, normal, and high porosity hair, so you can give your curls exactly what they need.

What Is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity refers to the hair cuticle’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It is influenced by genetics, heat styling, chemical treatments, and overall hair care practices. Hair porosity is generally classified into three categories: low porosity, normal (medium) porosity, and high porosity.

Low Porosity Hair

Characteristics:

• Hair cuticles are tightly closed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate.

• Products tend to sit on the hair rather than absorb easily.

• Hair takes a long time to dry after washing.

• Prone to product buildup.

Best Care Tips:

✔ Use Lightweight, Water-Based Products – Heavy butters and oils can sit on the hair and cause buildup. Opt for leave-ins and conditioners with humectants like aloe vera or glycerin. ✔ Incorporate Heat – Use a steamer or warm towel when deep conditioning to help lift the cuticle for better absorption. ✔ Clarify Regularly – Since buildup can be a common issue, use a gentle clarifying shampoo once a month. Use silicone-free moisturizer like our Soft As Clouds Moisturizer. 

Normal (Medium) Porosity Hair

Characteristics:

• Hair cuticles are slightly open, allowing moisture to enter and be retained efficiently.

• Hair absorbs and responds well to styling products.

• Retains moisture without excessive dryness or buildup.

• Dries at a moderate rate after washing.

Best Care Tips:

✔ Balance Moisture & Protein – Since normal porosity hair is well-balanced, maintain its health with a mix of moisturizing and strengthening treatments. ✔ Use pH-Balanced Products – Products that help maintain the natural pH of the hair cuticle will keep the moisture-retaining balance in check. ✔ Stick to a Consistent Routine – Regular deep conditioning, hydration, and low manipulation styles will help maintain healthy curls.

High Porosity Hair

Characteristics:

• Hair cuticles are widely open, allowing moisture to enter but quickly escape.

• Hair often feels dry, frizzy, and prone to tangling.

• Easily absorbs water but dries very quickly.

• More prone to breakage due to cuticle damage.

Best Care Tips:

✔ Layer Moisturizing Products – Use the LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) method to seal in moisture effectively. ✔ Opt for Rich, Creamy Leave-In Conditioners like out Creme de la Curls Moisturizer – Thick, protein-enriched conditioners help reinforce and strengthen fragile strands. ✔ Reduce Heat & Chemical Damage – Since high porosity hair is more fragile, minimize heat styling and chemical treatments to prevent further damage. ✔ Rinse with Cool Water – Cold water helps seal the cuticle, keeping moisture locked in.

How to Test Your Hair Porosity

The Float Test: Take a clean strand of shed hair and drop it into a glass of water. If it floats, you have low porosity. If it sinks slowly, you have normal porosity. If it sinks quickly, you have high porosity.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your hair porosity is key to choosing the right products and techniques for your natural curls. Whether your hair struggles to retain moisture or absorbs too much too quickly, tailoring your routine to your porosity type will lead to healthier, more defined curls.

👇🏾 Now that you know your porosity type, what’s your go-to moisturizing routine? Share in the comments!