What is Hair Porosity and How Should It Impact Your Hair Care Routine?

You already know there are plenty of different hair types, from thin hair to curly hair to damaged hair, but did you know that your strands also have a certain level of porosity and that these levels can differ greatly from one person to another? Perhaps even more importantly, your hair’s porosity levels can and should determine how you go about your regular hair care routine, including which system of shampoo and conditioner you use and which type of leave-in hair care products you reach for. Not sure whether your strands are porous? Maybe you don't even know what that means. Keep reading to learn about what hair porosity is and how it could impact your daily hair care routine.

WHAT IS HAIR POROSITY?

Just like your skin, your hair also has pores—although not the same type. All hair is porous, but damaged strands are even more intensely porous, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). In simple terms, hair porosity refers to a strand of hair’s ability to absorb and hold moisture. Hair that has high porosity can absorb the most moisture, or water, but it's unable to hold onto this moisture (which is not a good thing, since you want to keep your strands hydrated). When your hair has less or very little porosity, it’s able to hold onto moisture better, which helps to keep it from looking dry and damaged. When retained, this moisture can help reduce static and frizz. 

WHAT CAUSES POROUS HAIR?

According to the NCBI, the study they conducted on the topic of hair porosity looked into two possible factors, UV exposure and hair bleaching, that may have an impact on the hair and increase its porosity levels. In addition to avoiding excessive or limiting chemical treatments (including bleaching and coloring your strands), as well as protecting your hair from the sun, there are also certain steps you can take in your hair care routine to help prevent hair from becoming porous and help manage hair that is already porous. Keep reading for our best tips.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF HIGHLY POROUS HAIR

If you’re convinced that your strands are highly porous, don’t panic. The overall goal of your hair care regimen from now on should be to manage your damaged strands, and there are plenty of products to help you do so.

POROUS HAIR TIP #1: USE A HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER SYSTEM

The goal here is to replenish moisture levels in the hair and help the hair fiber hold onto the moisture you’re supplying. First things first, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner system, like the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.

POROUS HAIR TIP #2: USE A DEEP CONDITIONING TREATMENT

In addition to using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, you should also regularly use a deep conditioning treatment, such as the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Rapid Reviver Deep Conditioner. You can use this in addition to your regular conditioner, or in lieu of. Just apply onto clean, wet strands and leave on for one minute, then rinse thoroughly and style as usual. Use it regularly and you’ll see less hair breakage.

POROUS HAIR TIP #3: USE A HAIR MASK

For an extra boost of strength, use a repairing hair mask to help improve your locks. Reach for the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Deep Moisture Hair Sheet Mask or the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Intense Repair Hair Sheet Mask.

POROUS HAIR TIP #4: USE A HEAT-PROTECTANT

Although you should really try to avoid using hot tools when you’re trying to address your hair’s porosity levels, we understand that there are just certain times when you aren’t able to skip using your blow-dryer or straightening iron. Before you reach for any of your hot tools, spray your hair with a heat protectant, like the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, to help protect your strands from becoming even more damaged by the high heat.

Want more hair tips? Next, read up on exactly How to Use Heat Protectant Before Styling Your Hair.