Low vs High Porosity Hair: What’s the Difference?

Hair care can feel like a puzzle at times, but there’s one key piece that many people overlook: hair porosity. This refers to how well hair absorbs and retains moisture, and understanding it can genuinely transform how you care for your hair. 

Whether you have low or high-porosity hair, knowing what this means can help you choose the right products and techniques to keep it looking its best. 

Let’s examine the differences between low and high-porosity hair and why it’s important to understand them for your daily routine!

What is Hair Porosity, and How Does it Impact Hair Health?

Hair porosity is all about how your hair’s cuticle – the outermost layer – interacts with moisture. It plays a big role in how your hair feels, how it behaves, and how well it responds to different products.

• Low porosity hair: 

The cuticles are tightly closed, meaning your hair might resist moisture initially but can hold onto it for a long time once absorbed. However, if you use products that are too thick, they can feel heavy or greasy.

• High porosity hair: 

Here, the cuticles are more open—like “open doors.” This means your hair absorbs moisture easily but also loses it quickly, leading to dryness or frizz.

Understanding your hair’s porosity can help you take better care of it and choose products that actually work for you.

How Can You Test Your Hair Porosity?

If you’re wondering how to figure out your hair’s porosity, don’t worry—it’s simple! You can do it right at home with a couple of quick tests.

Float Test for Hair Porosity

Take a clean strand of your hair and drop it into a bowl of water. Wait a few minutes. If your hair floats, you likely have low porosity. If it sinks, your hair is probably high porosity.

Strand Test for Hair Porosity

Another easy method is to run your fingers along a strand of hair from root to tip. If it feels smooth, that’s a sign of low porosity. If it feels bumpy or rough, that could indicate high porosity, as the cuticles are more raised.

These simple tests can give you a clearer idea of how your hair reacts to moisture and help you tailor your care routine accordingly.

What are the Key Differences Between Low and High Porosity Hair?

Now that you know how to test for it, let’s break down what makes low and high-porosity hair so different. 

• Low porosity hair: 

The cuticles are tightly closed, which means your hair might resist moisture at first but can hold onto it for a long time once it’s absorbed. However, it can feel heavy or greasy if you use products that are too thick.

• High porosity hair: 

The cuticles are more open, so moisture enters easily but escapes just as quickly. This type of hair tends to get dry and frizzy more easily and often needs extra care to lock in moisture.

What Products Work Best for Low Porosity Hair?

If you have low-porosity hair, the trick is finding products that can penetrate those tightly closed cuticles. You’ll want lightweight, water-based products that won’t weigh your hair down.

We recommend the John Frieda® Hair Care Volume Lift Weightless Shampoo, which is perfect for low-porosity hair because it hydrates without adding too much weight. For more product options, check out the John Frieda® Shampoo Collection for solutions tailored to your hair type.

To make sure moisture can really penetrate, try using a little heat during your deep conditioning sessions. A warm towel or steamer can help open up the cuticles and allow moisture to sink in more effectively.

How Should You Care for High Porosity Hair?

The goal for high-porosity hair is to lock in moisture. You’ll need richer products like creams, oils, and deep conditioners to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.

A fantastic option is the Frizz Ease Replenish & Repair Nourishing Conditioner, which helps to repair and hydrate high-porosity hair while controlling frizz.

Explore the John Frieda® Frizz Ease Collection for more options that help lock in moisture and maintain curls.

And don’t forget about protein treatments! High-porosity hair often benefits from products that strengthen and repair its structure, helping to smooth raised cuticles and lock in moisture.

Why Understanding Your Hair Porosity Can Improve Your Hair Care Routine

The key to great hair isn’t just your product choices—it’s about understanding your hair’s unique needs. Knowing your hair porosity is a game-changer because it allows you to choose products that actually work for you rather than against you.

• If you have low porosity hair, focus on lightweight hydration and methods that help your hair absorb moisture.
• If you have high porosity hair, your best bet is rich, moisture-locking treatments that seal in hydration and protect against dryness.

To discover the perfect products for your hair type, take the hair porosity test and browse our curated selections. 

Visit the John Frieda® Find Your Solution Page for recommended products based on your unique hair needs.

Final Thoughts

No matter your hair type, understanding your hair’s porosity is the key to unlocking the perfect care routine. By choosing the right treatments for your low or high-porosity hair, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the healthy, hydrated hair you deserve.

Looking for more tips or the perfect product for your hair type? Explore the John Frieda® Collection at MyKaoShop to find the ideal products for your porosity level.