It's Time to Add 'Porosity' to Your Hair Care Vocabulary

In 2021, our self-care routines have expanded to include all things hair care. Whether it be masks, treatments, or new supplements, it's about time that we start paying mind to the health of our hair. In order to give your locks the most love, it is essential to determine what type of hair you have. This goes beyond recognizing if your strands are especially dry or prone to oil accumulation, and moreso focuses on the scientific make-up of your hair, which is measured but its porosity.

You might have heard this term being thrown around the social media sphere, which is a sure sign of 2021's collective interest in hair care, but have you taken the time to understand it? Join L'OFFICIEL as we break down why hair porosity is important and how it should change your routine. 

Hair porosity is essentially your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. It greatly affects the way in which oils pass through the hair cuticle, which is the outermost layer of your hair. Moreover, porosity is closely linked to your hair's elasticity which is determined by the equal presence of proteins and moisture. If this balance becomes skewed, your hair might be subject to breakage or dryness. Physically, porosity alludes to the position of hair cuticles on your head. Low porosity hair typically means that the cuticles are very close together, while high porosity hair suggests that the cuticles are far apart.

It is this distance that determines the amount of protein your hair might need. When considering the products you use to nourish your hair, it is important to realize that you might be adding elements that actually do more harm than good. People with low porosity hair should stay away from products that are rich in protein and opt for clarifying shampoo's like Klorane's Detox Shampoo, while those with high porosity hair should religiously use them and indulge in a deeper treatment like Briogeo's Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask. There is, of course, a middle ground between low and high porosity hair. Medium porosity strands require less attention and can try most products, but should take it easy on the heat styling, which could alter the porosity levels.

Now, you might be wondering how you can discern what your hair's porosity is, and the process is actually quite easy. All you'll need is a strand of hair and a glass of water. Simply place the strand in the glass and let it sit overnight.