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What is my hair porosity???

3/27/2013

42 Comments

 
  I decided to do another strand test on my fro to see what my porosity level was.  I had done this test back in January, but I wasn't sure if I had done the test right lol. Like before,  It turns out that I have low porosity hair :)  I'm happy that my regimen has benefited my fro even before I found out the porosity level of my hair.   I don't have to make any changes as of now with my regimen :)  Yay!   




Here's how I tested my hair:

Normal Porosity

    Normal porosity means that your hair has no problems accepting and retaining moisture :) In the strand test, hair that has a normal porosity will sink at a rate that is not too fast or too slow.  Even though normal porosity hair doesn't have too many issues, be careful with what you do to your hair as porosity can change over time if damaging things are done.  (relaxing, coloring, flat ironing, excessive manipulation etc.)  



Low Porosity :)

    Having low porosity hair simply means that your hair has a hard time allowing moisture in and allowing moisture to leave. In the strand test, the hair will not sink after a long period of time has passed.  
(My hair was still floating after almost an entire day had passed!  LOL I ended up dumping the water because I figured that was plenty enough time to determine my hair porosity lol. )

Common Characteristics: 

*Hair has a hard time absorbing products and water


*It takes ALOT of water to thoroughly wet the hair!

*Hair takes a long time to dry completely

*More susceptible to product build up since the hair takes forever to absorb the product

*Hair is resistant to chemical processes (relaxers, and hair color)
 ( It use to take forever to get my hair straight when I was relaxed lol.  And I also used to leave hair color in longer than the recommended time as well lol.)



Things that can help:

*Try using Indirect heat (steam, and hooded dryers)  
  These things can help by gently opening the cuticles to allow moisture to enter the hair :)  (My fro LOVES the steam for a shower!  It pops right out! lol )


*Wash hair with warm water to remove build up from the hair strands

*Apply products to damp hair rather than soaking wet hair.  
    If you have a hard time getting products, butters and oils to soak into your hair, try t-shirt drying your hair for 10 minutes or so before applying your products.
    (I have no problem applying olive oil and avocado butter to my hair when there is a good amount of water left, so I guess it depends on what you use :)   )


Things to avoid:

Strong proteins:
   Protein tends to seal the cuticle even tighter so moisture will have an even tougher time getting in! Low porosity hair tends to feel dry and brittle after protein treatment and sometimes breakage can occur :(


Silicones, waxes, petroleum: 
   Since these things block moisture from getting in, it will not do any good for low porosity hair.  These ingredients tend to make the hair "appear" moisturized and shiny, but in reality that is not the case lol

Heavy oils and butters??? :
     I am on the fence with this recommendation simply because I use heavy oils and butter on my fro without any problems.  I use olive oil and avocado butter when doing the LOC method. I also use castor oil on my scalp  for deep conditioning.
  I think the reason I haven't had any issues with olive oil and avocado butter is because those oils actually penetrate the hair shaft unlike other oils and butters.  So even though they are heavy, they eventually sink in :)  
   

High Porosity

 Having high porosity hair means that your hair has no problem allowing moisture in, however the moisture leaves almost as fast as it enters lol.  In the strand test, high porosity hair will sink very quickly.  



Common Characteristics:

*Usually signs of heat damage, chemical damage or damage caused by being to rough on your hair.

* Processes quickly when it comes to relaxers and hair color



Things that may help:

*  Heavier butters and oils
  These will prevent moisture from leave the hair strand soo quickly

*  Apple cider vinegar rinse

   This can help close the cuticle to prevent moisture loss.  It also adds shine and smooth the hair :)

*  Cold water rinses
  After washing your hair, try a final rinse with cool water to close the cuticle and add shine to the hair.

*  Protein treatments
  Since high porosity hair tends to be weak, protein can be use to strengthen the hair.  However, be careful to use the right protein treatment.  Do your research to find the best solution for you :) 



Things to Avoid:


*Harsh Sulfates
  These ingredients tend to strip the hair and cause dryness...which makes problems worse

* Silicones, waxes, petroleum etc.

  These ingredients may make the hair "appear in better health but in the long run won't solve any problems.

*  Direct heat
  Heat will only make things worse and over time may cause thinning and breakage.


*  Harsh chemicals such as relaxers and hair color
  These things will continue to damage the hair in the long run and eventually cause major damage. 

I hope this helps!  Have an awesome day!!!

Check out my YouTube video, Hair Porosity - High/Low - NaturalMe4C 
42 Comments
Monica
3/28/2013 11:02:50 am

I was attempted to find out why the ends of my fro are so darn dry and came across your page. A blessing in disguise..I have been natural for almost and year with "you tube" as my guide and this is the very first time where I came across someone whos "fro" looks just like mine :) Im so happy!!!

Reply
naturalme4c
3/28/2013 11:57:37 am

Hi Monica!
Congrats on being almost a year natural! I'm really glad you found this blog :D I hope you enjoy it and I hope it's helpful!

Reply
Emily
5/16/2013 04:00:46 am

I've figured I have high porosity hair, since I have been straightening my hair since I was fourteen (I'm eighteen) and also, hair dye seems to wash out more quickly, which I find very irritating.

I'm hoping to get this oil conditioner product soon which I have to leave on my hair for five minutes. I hope it works...

Reply
naturalme4c
5/16/2013 05:15:39 am

Hey Emily!
It's great that you are going to try something to help your hair :D I hope it works for you!

Reply
latoya
6/7/2013 08:26:09 am

I'm a newly natural and I'm having trouble with dryness. I've tried different creams and I have to moisturize my hair at least twice daily. what would you reccomend? I keep my hair in protective styles all the time because I'm afraid of breakage if manipulated.

Reply
naturalme4c
6/7/2013 12:56:47 pm

Hey Latoya!
I know what you mean about having to moisturize your hair multiple times a day. ... I went through the same thing in the beginning of my journey after my bc. I started doing the loc method and the curly girl method and it has been awesome! Check those out :D
I have a video called updated cowashing and moisturizing routine that may be helpful and two blog posts under the category regimen talking about what I've been doing with those methods :D stay encouraged!

Reply
Diane
6/24/2013 09:15:53 am

Hi...great article! I have been "a nappy nat" since Feb 2011 and my hair is about 1 inch pass my collar bone. I did the BC then to the point of having it soooooo short "till u could c what I was thinking!!!" LOL I am a Lo-Po, as well and havr a VERY TOUGH TIME with detangling (I use NO combs on my hair...not even my beloved Denimn brush) so u know it takes me 4-EVER!!! My hair is very thick but the strands are VERY fine! I don't think there is a chart level for me, as I have been told BY MANY stylist "you have the curliest hair I have ever seen. I've just relaxed and taken you from under the dryer Nd "this stuff is reverting!!!" My hair is very soft and holds curl (when permed or pressed and curled with Marcella irons like you soild not believe!!! Seriously, for 2-weeks with no more curlers or curling irons! Now as "a nappy nat" I need help determining what are a list if the best ways to DC (I have a steamer and a heating cap...as HEAT is a "Lo-Po's friend" - Use very warm (not hot) water to wash and slighty cooler; yet, still warm water for rinses, too). However, I would like to know HOW to close my "cuttie" once I am done with the DC. I know that even when applying product, a "Lo-Po" should vigorously rub hands together to heat them up so the product will get inside of the cuttie. Tell me what u think about SM Deep Treatment Masque and if u like is for us, Lo-Po's, would u also recommend ADDING something to the mixture (like one of our BEST oils...Argan, Jojoba, or Grapeseed). Finally, I did an Avocado (w/ Coconut milk, EVCO, & Honey) last weekend and I don't think my hair liked it...I NOW HAVE PLENTY OF FRIZZ! :-( Sorry to take up yo' whole page!!! LOL

BLESSINGS!!

Lady Di

Reply
Diane
6/24/2013 09:27:42 am

BTW - Have u or any of your "subbies" ever done a wash with Liquid Bentonite? I THOUGHT I was purchasing the POWDER that eveyone talks about on YouTube (ex. Natural85) now can't seem to find any articles on the internet about a recipe using the liquid stuff. HELP!!! :-( Also, would u recommend even doing a treatment using it on a Lo-Po 4C/Z (HeeHee) like me! :-) THANKS SO MUCH!

Reply
NaturalMe4C
6/25/2013 02:54:22 am

Hey Diane!
I have never tried using Bentonite before :) I have seen people have nice results with it though. I have also never tried the deep treatment masque from shea moisture because I'm allergic to something in the yellow line lol. People like to use the treatment more as a styler than a conditioner though! They say it works awesome that way :) As far as deep conditioning, I use either a plastic cap and body heat or a plastic cap and a hooded dryer. My hair loves steam as well (I refresh with that in the mornings) Cool water rinses are known to close the cuticles :)

Reply
Keonia
6/25/2013 01:52:13 am

Do you condition wasn your hair first, rinse, then deep condition?

Reply
naturalme4c
6/25/2013 02:44:25 am

Hey Keonia!
I don't deep condition my hair very much at all lol. 99 percent of the time I cowash with a clarifying conditioner 2 x, then once with a moisturizing conditioner, and then rinse :) I have a video called "Simple Deep Conditioning" on my channel that may be helpful :D

Reply
Lisa
7/23/2013 11:06:23 pm

Thanks for posting. I just did the strand test and its still at the top it's been about 30 minutes..I try not to watch a lot of videos because I feel overwhelmed but I will certainly follow you. I've been natural 14 months did a big chop because of excessive hair lost. I'm shedding again and I'm worried. I thought I needed more protein, I'm so glad to learn I need more moisture. I can't thank you enough. I'm going to find your other videos now. Thanks again.

Reply
naturalme4c
7/24/2013 07:41:25 am

Hey Lisa!
No problem! :D Thank you soo much for your support, I hope this channel continues to help! Happy growing!

Reply
Dr. Roslyn
9/26/2013 09:31:13 am

Hello,

I believe my hair is over conditioned by the some conditioning product that was used in my hair at Regis/Walmart. And, my hair is terribly soft--nearly cotton soft (when it use to be nappy). Now, that I have Sister locks it appears that my hair is extremely difficult to lock (could this be that I have too much porosity?). Suggestion, please?

Reply
naturalme4c
9/28/2013 09:59:09 am

Hey Dr. Roslyn!
It sounds like you have moisture overload and probably need to do some sort of protein treatment to get the balance back in your hair. Start off with a light protein treatment :) I'm not sure what steps need to be taken with locs but I have had moisture overload before with my loose transitioning hair.

Reply
Meca King
10/30/2013 04:15:10 am

Awesome information. I think I am going to try this right now!

Reply
naturalme4c
10/31/2013 07:43:08 am

Hey Meca King!
Awesome :D

Reply
hair regrowth products link
11/6/2013 02:04:32 pm

I'm happy that I found your blog while searching the internet for ideas and good content. It's very informative and the quality of your posts is excellent.

Reply
naturalme4c
12/22/2013 12:28:09 am

Thanks!

Reply
Mz Redd
12/21/2013 03:31:16 am

Thank you for this info. I have no idea what I am doing with my hair and trying all kinds of things/products but I kinda figured it was low porosity. Always D-R-Y lol.Keep passing your blessings along!!

Reply
naturalme4c
12/22/2013 12:27:07 am

You're welcome Mz Redd!! God bless!

Reply
Angela Williams
1/27/2014 11:21:12 am

I too, am on the fence about avoiding Heavy oils and butters, because like all naturals, my hair gets dryer in the Fall/Winter season than in the Spring/Summer months & needs the extra-moisture during the colder months. As soon as the weather gets cold, my hair goes into two-strand twists protective style lockdown. Using the LCO method, I use my water based leave-in "Qhemet Biologic's Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee" on damp hair, then apply "Qhemet Biologic's Amla & Olive Oil Heavy Cream" as my cream, & last "jojoba" as my oil & leaves my two-strand twists moisturized for days(my hair loves it).

Reply
naturalme4c
1/29/2014 11:25:28 pm

Awesome! :D Yeah I always say used "methods" and such as guides because everyone's hair is different. :D

Reply
Somerset Wedding Gal link
5/16/2014 02:11:15 am

Really interesting post! I've never seen anyone test their hair porosity before actually.

Reply
natural link
11/14/2014 02:57:18 pm

Like before, It turns out that I have low porosity hair :) I'm happy that my regimen has benefited my fro even before I found out the porosity level of my hair.

Reply
carolinechristopher link
6/17/2015 10:50:34 pm

thanks for the information

Reply
Rebeccajohn link
6/26/2015 08:42:24 pm

good information
<a href="http://www.drrobertjones.com/">Toranto FUE</a>

Reply
Netta J
8/4/2015 07:17:27 am

Hi, I have a question about daily moisture. What are you methods in the morning( or when you began your day moisturizing ) do you use to open your hair cuticle( Heat the oil, steam, baggy methods, etc) before apply your moisture and seal? I live in the middle east where the air is very dry and humid and i don't have the products most naturals use to condition their hair. Only thing i have access to are oils such as: coconut, jojoba, almond, olive, argan, Shea butter etc. There's no Shea moisture products or what's popular amongst the natural community here in the middle east. I started my locs journey Sunday and it's still new and fresh heat causes my hair to swell/frizz..any tips or advice? thank you

Reply
Anyi
8/20/2015 04:23:50 am

Hi!
I did the test and the hair stayed at the top of the water for hours so I guess I am low porosity.But then I realized that none of the other things apply to the way my hair react. Is like the floating hair that says it is low porosity does not apply to my hair drying so easily, absorbing products. so I do not know really in which category classify my hair. There is any other way that will help me to define really my hair type?

Reply
natalie
5/26/2016 05:16:31 am

i have the exact same problem i dont know which i am cos my hair floated for hours but yet in real life situation it drys very quickly

Reply
Juliet from Canada
10/5/2015 01:14:43 pm

You have got to be THEEEEEE most adorable youtuber I've ever had the pleasure to watch!! I just love your energy and quirkiness! God bless you and your beautiful family!!!

Reply
Alana c
12/7/2015 10:12:59 am

My hair is so dry, I tried moisterizing it but nothing seems to work for it. I did a porosity test on my hair and it didn't sink at all it just floated to the top. So I'm guessing it's low porosity. I read on other sites that people with low porosity hair takes a long time to dry. The thing is my hair dries super quickly. Some say when your hair does that it's pourous hair. What is pourous hair?

Reply
best water treatment link
2/3/2016 02:01:13 am

What the RO process throws up is a substantial amount of clean water that is recycled for various purposes and a certain quantity of highly polluted water, which is dumped into the river. Since the water that flows into the river is more concentrated with chemicals, it is only doing more harm to the environment

Reply
Jenneh
4/7/2016 11:00:28 am

I think I have both low and high porosity hair. I did the hand stand test and some sank and some floated. I am not sure what that means. Please advise.

Reply
Kapricia
5/3/2016 07:05:28 am

I believe that I have both Lo-Po and Hi-Po hair too.
So when I wash my hair, I have noticed that my edges and at least one inch of my ends are Lo-Po and the roots and strands of my hair are Hi-Po. I have learned that, when applying products, I would use an oil (Olive Oil) on my edges and ends. Why, because the water would just drip off without holding or adsorbing so I wanted to help with locking in the water or moisture needed.
Then when applying products to my roots and strands, I would use grease (that repels water).
Why, because this area of my hair can retain water and moisture so quickly, that it frizzes and dries like a fro very quickly. Annoying for the most part, but the good thing is that I am learning my hair.
I hope I am on the right track, I hope this helps you too...

Reply
Lina
7/29/2016 03:18:31 am

Hello.. I'm so glad I read this.
I have been trying to set a regimen that works for me for the past two months, but I noticed that my hair's health is worse off than when I started-the edges were dry, my hairline wasn't growing back, I had lost volume, shine and texture and length. I hadn't done a porosity test, but even when I did my hair seemed to fit both characteristics. I'm glad that you have the same issue - high porosity scalp and low porosity ends. That makes perfect sense.. I just hope I can finally have a regimen that works.
Currently, this is what I have been doing:-

Prepoo - olive oil, honey&olive oil, coconut oil. My hair seems to respond better to coconut oil
Shampoo - herbal essence hello hydration
Conditioner - herbal essence and or botaneco tri-oil
Deep conditioner - wheatgerm based treatment, mixed with olive/coconut oil
Moisturize - LOC with leave-in conditioner, raw shea butter and coconut oil
Scalp - had been using coconut oil but no results. Just bought some castor oil.. want to see how it responds

Is there anything I'm not doing right?

us hair products link
4/28/2016 02:56:33 am

Remy Hair Extensions Are Made With Virgin Hair With Cuticle Intact. These Genuine Human Hair Extensions Cast A Voluminous Mane With A Natural

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grey water recycle system in chennai link
7/19/2016 02:55:21 am

Lifetime Associates Pvt Ltd, a company incorporated in the year 2000 with an aim to promote product, in caring for their health of the public and for their utility.They gives us the most effective way to treat sewage water by adopting the technology of sewage water treatment and effluent treatment, which gives us a total remedy at an affordable cost.

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amaraamazom
7/9/2017 05:45:39 am

Am a naturalista, anytime I deep condition my hair or add any liquid on my hair, it drips down to my face and neck. pls what s my hair porosity type?

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treatment for alopecia link
9/26/2017 01:19:47 am

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Faheem link
9/20/2020 12:19:31 am

I read your article. it has helped me a lot to understand the porosity of my hair.Your work is good keep it up as well !I have a question? if i use coconut oil on my hair. so Will it be into absorbed my hair.My hair type is low porosity hair.

Reply
Charles Cooks link
11/22/2020 08:16:43 pm

Great read thaankyou

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    About Me

    Crystal aka Kriss

    Hey!  I'm Crystal, an energetic married mother of two who is on a journey to become the woman God has meant for me to be.  I'm sharing my journey in hopes to inspire others to be comfortable with who they are. Here you will find lots of things ranging from natural hair care, beauty, marriage fun, spirituality, and more!


     Remember to be who you are and not the person others think you should be! 


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