Hair Porosity Test: Find Your Type
What Is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to how easily your hair absorbs and holds moisture. It's determined by the condition of your hair's cuticle layer — the overlapping scales that cover each strand. Understanding your porosity is more useful than knowing your hair type for choosing the right products.
The Three Porosity Types
Low Porosity
Cuticles are tightly closed. Products sit on top of the hair rather than absorbing. Water beads up on the surface. Hair takes a very long time to get fully wet and to dry.
Medium (Normal) Porosity
Cuticles are slightly raised. Moisture enters and is retained well. This is the ideal porosity — hair is easy to manage and style.
High Porosity
Cuticles are overly raised or damaged. Hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast. Often caused by chemical processing, heat damage, or environmental damage.
The Float Test
- Take a clean strand of hair (no product on it)
- Fill a glass with room-temperature water
- Drop the strand in and wait 2-4 minutes
- Floats at top = low porosity
- Floats in middle = medium porosity
- Sinks to bottom = high porosity
Care Tips by Porosity
Low Porosity Care
- Use heat (warm towel, steamer) to help products penetrate
- Avoid protein-heavy products (they sit on the surface)
- Use lightweight, water-based leave-ins
- Clarify monthly to remove buildup
High Porosity Care
- Use protein treatments to fill gaps in the cuticle
- Seal with heavy oils or butters after moisturizing
- Avoid hot water when washing (opens cuticles further)
- Rinse with cool water to close cuticles after conditioning
