Thin, dry, damaged, oily, thick, or healthy, these are just a few of the terms we can use to describe our hair. These words are also what accompany us when choosing shampoo, as we describe the needs of our hair.

But, let me add four new words to your hair vocabulary: 'low porosity' and 'high porosity'. 

Porosity, a term to describe how well the hair shaft is able to absorb moisture, can affect the overall appearance and health of your hair. Because while certain products (like a hair mask or conditioner) may work wonders for one person, they may be damaging to another—even if you have similar hair types. 

What is hair porosity?

The difference in porosity of your hair will change the products you need to care for it - if you have low porosity hair, you will need lightweight products, as they have a harder time penetrating the hair shaft. Otherwise, other products may not be fully absorbed, which will weigh down the hair. If you have high porosity hair, you will need products with a different texture, very moisturizing, because your hair shaft absorbs a lot of product and if it is not nourished enough, it will remain dry.

An easy way to test your hair porosity

A good way to test porosity is to dip a few strands of hair in a bowl of water and let them sit for a few minutes. If the hair “sinks,” it has high porosity; if it “floats,” it has low porosity.

The best products for high and low porosity hair

We're not saying to throw away the products you have, but as they wear out, try to replace them with products specifically designed to penetrate your hair. Remember, to the list of adjectives you use to describe your hair when shopping: add porosity type.

Source: Stylist UK