Hair Porosity

For the past few months I have notice that my hair dries really fast after washing and became straw like once it was completely dry. So I did some research and found out that my hair was highly porous. This is what I found out:

What is hair porosity?

Hair porosity has to do with the hair's ability to absorb moisture. Hair with high porosity is usually damaged with the cuticle not completely intact, usually from too much bleaching or over processing from perms or relaxers. Porous hair absorbs hair chemicals very quickly and can become over processed and damaged quickly. On the other hand hair with low porosity is harder to process and is resistant to perms, colors and relaxers.

Highly porous hair also has the ability to absorb twice its weight in moisture which sounds like a good thing but over time this expansion of the hair shaft can be very damaging and cause serious breakage.

So if you find that your hair is drying super fast after washing and has a straw like feel after. You might just have overly porous hair. You can also tell by taking a strand of your hair and running your fingers down it, you will feel the raised cuticles. Healthy hair will be smooth while porous damaged hair will be rough.

How to repair highly porous hair?

You can try a porosity control treatment like Roux Porosity Control Conditioner. Just apply it right after your regular conditioner to seal your cuticles and lock that moisture in. It will also prevent all the moisture from leaving the hair. Leaving you with smooth, silky moisturized hair every time. I tried this today and if it keeps working like it did then it will sure become a staple in my regimen.

There is also Apple Cider Vinegar rinses. Use 1/4(quarter) cup to 1/2(half) gallon of water. Use as a final rinse after your conditioner and you will have the same results as the Roux Porosity Control Conditioner.


I plan to use both these methods once per week to see how my hair benefits from this.