How to Know Your Curl Porosity
How to Know Your Curl Porosity
(The secret to products that actually work)
Ever wondered why the same product makes one girl’s curls glow and leaves another’s dry or greasy?
The answer is hair porosity.
What is hair porosity?
Hair porosity is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture.
It depends on the condition of the cuticle layer (the outer surface of the hair strand).
Scientifically, the hair cuticle is made of overlapping scales:
When they are tight → moisture struggles to enter
When they are slightly raised → moisture enters and stays
When they are too open/damaged → moisture enters fast but escapes quickly
This gives us 3 porosity types.
The 3 Curl Porosity Types
1. Low Porosity
Cuticle: very tight
How it behaves:
- Water sits on top of your hair
- Products feel heavy or build up easily
- Takes long to dry
- Hair feels stiff or “coated”
Needs: lightweight products + warmth to help moisture penetrate.
Best products:
- Sulfate-Free Shampoo – removes buildup so moisture can enter.
- Hair Mist – lightweight hydration without weighing curls down.
- Styling Jelly (light layer) – defines without heaviness.
Why: Low porosity hair needs light products that won’t sit on the surface.
2. Medium (Normal) Porosity
Cuticle: slightly open (healthy balance)
How it behaves:
- Absorbs moisture easily
- Holds styles well
- Shiny, soft, defined curls
- Dries at a normal speed
Needs: balanced moisture + protein.
Best products:
Leave-In Conditioner – keeps curls hydrated and soft.
Curl Enhancing Cream – defines and controls frizz.
Styling Jelly – adds hold and shine.
Why: Medium porosity hair holds moisture well and works best with balanced hydration.
3. High Porosity
Cuticle: lifted or damaged
How it behaves:
- Absorbs water fast
- Dries very quickly
- Frizzes easily
- Feels rough or dry
Best products:
- Leave-In Conditioner – restores lost moisture.
- Curl Enhancing Cream – seals hydration into the hair.
- Anti-Frizz Serum – strengthens and reduces breakage.
Why: High porosity hair loses moisture fast and needs sealing and repair.
Needs: sealing moisture + strengthening ingredients.
How to Test Your Hair Porosity at Home
The Water Test (Simple & Effective)
- Take a clean strand of hair (no product).
- Drop it in a glass of room-temperature water.
- Wait 2–3 minutes.
Results:
Floats on top → Low porosity
Slowly sinks → Medium porosity
Sinks quickly → High porosity