How to Test Your Hair Porosity and Customize Products for Your Type
May 1, 2023
Taking care of your hair will help keep it healthy, and an aspect of transformational haircare is keeping your strands optimally moisturized. But how do you know if your hair needs more or less moisture in the first place? The answer lies in the porosity of your hair cuticle, which varies from person to person—and can be determined by floating hair in the water. (Don’t worry, we’ll explain.)
What Does Porous Hair Mean?
Porosity, in the most basic sense, is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. There are three main porosities: high, low, and normal. If your hair has high porosity, it absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as quickly, like a sponge. Low porosity hair has a harder time absorbing moisture but, in turn, retains it longer, like wool. Normal porosity hair (or medium porosity hair) is somewhere in the middle.
Once you know your type of hair porosity, it is just a matter of choosing the right products for your moisture level. And you can find out your porosity type in minutes by conducting a simple test at home.
How to Do a Hair Porosity Quiz
Testing hair porosity is quick and easy, and it does not require any special tools. Just follow these steps:
1. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup.
2. Take a few strands of clean hair from various parts of your head (it is easiest to use ones you are already naturally shedding) and place them in a glass of water.
3. Observe your hair’s behavior in the water.
If the hair sinks quickly, you have high porosity hair.
If the hair floats, you have low porosity hair.
If the hair falls somewhere in between, you have normal porosity hair.
You may be wondering: Is low or high porosity hair better? The answer is that neither is “good” nor “bad”—porosity type can be thought of more like a personality trait of your hair. When you test for hair porosity, you are unlocking information that you can use to achieve healthier hair.
The Best Products for Every Hair Porosity Level
Once you know your hair’s porosity level, you can start using products formulated specifically for your hair type. As a leader in luxury haircare, we offer a selection of care and stylers that moisturize and nourish every porosity level.
For low-porosity hair, the key to achieving optimal hydration and moisture retention lies in using high-quality products. Alterna's CAVIAR Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Masque stands out as an exceptional option, as it deeply nourishes parched strands, enhances hair's radiance and overall condition, and seals in vital moisture. Another noteworthy choice is the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture CC Cream, which not only delivers deep hydration but also shields hair from heat damage up to 450°F/230°C, among other impressive benefits. With these expertly crafted products, your hair will be left feeling irresistibly soft and healthy.
Achieving the perfect balance of hydration for normal porosity hair is essential to avoid the unpleasant consequences of over-moisturizing, such as limp and greasy locks. Luckily, Alterna's Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner, and CC Cream offer precisely what normal porosity hair needs to maintain optimal moisture levels. This dynamic duo is formulated with a range of nourishing, hydrating, and strengthening ingredients, including omega-3s, which replenish the hair's natural lipid layer for superior moisture retention, smoothness, and shine. The result is transformational care for shiny moisturized hair.
For high-porosity hair, use products that provide deep hydration and help smooth the cuticle. Try Alterna’s Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair Shampoo & Conditioner for smoother, softer hair. The Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Restructuring Bond Repair 3-1 Sealing Serum help protect and strengthen hair while providing long-lasting moisture. This styling tool also shields your hair from heat styling damage, leaving your hair looking healthy and silky smooth.
Other (Easy) Ways Keep Your Hair Moisturized
While using the right hair care products is important, there are other key factors to consider when aiming for healthy and moisturized hair. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential, which includes eating a well-balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Staying properly hydrated and getting enough sleep also play a crucial role in promoting healthy hair growth and overall hair health. Remember, healthy hair starts from the inside out, and by taking care of your body, you will see the benefits reflected in your luscious locks.
Maintaining healthy, moisturized hair is attainable whether you have high or low-porosity hair. By selecting the right products that cater to your hair type and implementing healthy lifestyle practices you can foster optimal overall hair wellness. By prioritizing your hair care and utilizing the appropriate tools, your hair can thrive and radiate beauty, leaving you with a confident and vibrant look.
