Figure Out Your Hair Porosity For Healthier Locks

Hair comes with a lot of nuances. We’ve finally figured out our hair type: coiled, curly, wavy, straight. But do you know your hair porosity? Typically divided into three broad categories: Low, Medium and High, it affects how you create a haircare routine, what type of shampoo and conditioner you use and which leave-in products you reach for. We’ll take a deeper look at what affects the porosity of your hair, how to figure out which one you have and what Exper+ise products work best for you.

But What Is Hair Porosity?

Put simply, hair porosity is your hair’s ability to soak up and retain products, nutrients and moisture. Every strand of hair has a protective casing of cuticles, layered with overlapping scale cells that open to allow moisture through and close to seal it in. Predominantly determined by genetics, hair porosity can also be affected by external factors such as heat styling and bleaching.

How To Test Your Hair’s Porosity

The first step in determining which products work best for you is identifying your level of hair porosity. The good news is that the test is very simple and completely free. 

1. Shampoo and rinse your hair to remove any product. Do not condition it.
2. Fill a glass with water.
3. Once your hair is clean and dry, drop a single strand into the water.
4. Watch the strand to see where it lands.

If it sinks to the bottom, you have high porosity hair, if it hovers in somewhere in the middle it’s medium and if it floats at the top you have low porosity. You can also test your porosity level by running a finger up and down a strand of hair. Low porosity feels smooth, whereas high feels rough and bumpy as the cuticles are open.

Which Exper+ise Range Is Right For You?

Low Porosity Hair needs lightweight ingredients that provide intense moisture for the hair and scalp. Our Exper+ise Detox + Exfoliate Range is packed with Niacinamide and Alpha Hydroxy Acids to cleanse your hair without weighing it down.

Medium Porosity Hair is well-balanced but you’ll still get those pesky split ends and flyaways. Opt for the Exper+ise Strength + Repair Bonding Bundle which revives your hair’s natural strength thanks to powerful ingredients like Ceramide and Peptides, whilst still cleansing your locks.

High Porosity Hair requires intense hydration to combat frizz and breakage. Our Exper+ise Hydration + Shine Bundle is formulated with nourishing, high-performing actives like Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture and Vitamin B5 to strengthen. This regime will leave your locks feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. 

Understanding your hair’s porosity is the key to unlocking better hair days! Whether it’s low, medium or high, tailoring your haircare routine to your unique needs makes all the difference in achieving healthier, happier locks. So embrace your porosity and shop the right products for you at essano.