Low porosity hair refers to hair with a tightly packed cuticle layer that lies flat and close together, making it difficult for moisture, water, and hair care products to penetrate the hair shaft. This results in hair that does not readily absorb water or treatments, causing products to often sit on the surface rather than being absorbed
Key Characteristics of Low Porosity Hair:
- Takes a long time to get wet and to dry.
- Hair care products tend to build up on the hair surface.
- Hair retains moisture well once it penetrates but is hard to initially hydrate.
- Often appears less dry but can be challenging to moisturize effectively.
- More common in people with straighter hair types
Hair Structure Explanation:
Hair is made up of three layers: the cuticle (outermost), cortex (middle), and medulla (innermost). In low porosity hair, the cuticle scales overlap tightly with no gaps, preventing moisture from entering easily
Causes:
Low porosity hair is usually genetic rather than caused by damage. Heat or chemical damage typically results in high porosity hair, where cuticles are raised and gaps allow moisture to enter but not retain well
Care Tips:
- Use warm water or steam to help open the cuticle for better product absorption.
- Choose lightweight, low-residue products to avoid buildup.
- Deep conditioning and moisturizing treatments can help maintain hydration once moisture penetrates
In summary, low porosity hair is defined by its tightly closed cuticle layer that resists moisture absorption but retains it well once inside, requiring specific care approaches to maintain optimal hydration and health.
