graphic of low, medium, and high porosity hair strands

Porosity

Do you find that your hair takes forever to dry? Or maybe your hair can drink a glob of conditioner and still be thirsty for more?

Well, your hairs' ability to absorb and retain moisture is it's porosity level! Click the icons to learn more about each and which you might be.

Still unsure?

Try a Porosity Test!

graphic of porosity test using a cup of water

POROSITY TEST #1

Take a strand of hair from your comb or brush and drop it into a clear glass of water. If the hair strand floats to the top, your hair is low porosity. If the strand slowly sinks toward the bottom, your hair is normal porosity. If the strand immediately sinks to the bottom, your hair is high porosity.

graphic of porosity test using finger tips

POROSITY TEST #2

Run a few strands of hair between your thumb and index finger, starting at the ends and moving up the hair shaft toward the scalp. If the strands feel smooth, your hair is likely low to normal porosity. If the strands feel rough, your hair is likely high porosity because the cuticle layer is loose and open, causing the rough feeling of the exterior of the hair strand.