Porosity is why your
products aren't working.
More than curl pattern, porosity determines how your hair absorbs and retains moisture. It's the single most important factor in choosing the right products.
The Float Test
Test your porosity at home
Clean your hair first (buildup affects results). Take a strand and drop it in a glass of room-temperature water. Wait 2–4 minutes.
Floats at top
→ Low Porosity
Cuticles are tightly closed — water can't penetrate. Hair is less porous.
Sinks slowly, hovers mid
→ Medium Porosity
Cuticles accept moisture at a balanced rate.
Sinks to the bottom
→ High Porosity
Cuticles are open or damaged — absorbs water (and loses it) fast.
Note: Buildup can affect results. Clarify first for most accurate reading.
Low Porosity
Cuticles lie flat and tightly sealed, making it difficult for moisture to enter — but once inside, your hair holds it well. Low porosity is often genetic and most common in hair types 1A–2C.
Signs You Have Low Porosity
- ✓Products sit on top of hair instead of absorbing
- ✓Hair takes a long time to get wet
- ✓Hair takes a long time to dry
- ✓Product buildup despite regular washing
- ✓Hair feels dry despite conditioning
Loves
- ✓ Aloe vera
- ✓ Glycerin (moderate climate)
- ✓ Lightweight leave-ins
- ✓ Clarifying shampoos
- ✓ Heat during conditioning
Avoids
- × Heavy butters (shea, mango)
- × Thick creams
- × Protein treatments
- × Coconut oil (protein-mimicking)
Routine for Low Porosity
Cleanse
Clarifying shampoo monthly to remove buildup. Gentle sulphate-free cleanser weekly.
Condition
Use heat (hooded dryer, steamer, or warm towel) while conditioning to lift the cuticle.
Leave-In
Water-based, lightweight leave-ins. Avoid heavy creams.
Moisturise
Liquid products penetrate better than creams — water or aloe vera based.
Seal
Very light oil (jojoba, argan). Avoid heavy butters.
Pro Tips
→ Apply products to warm, damp hair to aid absorption
→ Avoid protein-heavy products — they cause more buildup
→ Steam your hair regularly to open the cuticle
Medium Porosity
Cuticles are slightly raised and allow moisture in and out at a healthy rate. Medium porosity hair is the most balanced — it accepts treatments easily and holds colour and styles well.
Signs You Have Medium Porosity
- ✓Hair feels moisturised after conditioning
- ✓Products absorb reasonably quickly
- ✓Holds styles for a good length of time
- ✓Accepts colour and chemical treatments well
- ✓Generally manageable with regular care
Loves
- ✓ Most conditioners
- ✓ Protein treatments (moderate)
- ✓ Leave-in creams
- ✓ Most oils in moderation
Avoids
- × Over-processing
- × Excessive protein (causes brittleness)
- × Neglect — medium porosity is forgiving but not maintenance-free
Routine for Medium Porosity
Cleanse
Sulphate-free shampoo or co-wash. Clean weekly or bi-weekly.
Condition
Standard deep conditioning monthly. Regular rinse-out conditioner each wash.
Leave-In
Medium-weight leave-ins. Flexibility here — cream or liquid.
Moisturise
Balanced moisture + protein routine. Don't over-protein.
Seal
Medium oils: sweet almond, grapeseed, or a light castor blend.
Pro Tips
→ Maintain with regular deep conditioning
→ Occasional protein treatment every 6–8 weeks
→ You have the most flexibility with product weight
High Porosity
Cuticles are raised or damaged, absorbing moisture quickly — and losing it just as fast. High porosity can be genetic (often in coily types 4A–4C) or acquired through heat, chemical treatments, or colour.
Signs You Have High Porosity
- ✓Hair gets wet very quickly but dries fast
- ✓Perpetually frizzy, especially in humidity
- ✓Tangles and breaks easily
- ✓Absorbs products fast but needs reapplication often
- ✓Looks dull or dry even after moisturising
Loves
- ✓ Castor oil
- ✓ Shea butter
- ✓ Protein treatments
- ✓ Heavy creams
- ✓ Anti-humectants
- ✓ LOC/LCO method
Avoids
- × Humectants in high humidity
- × Skipping sealant
- × Sulphates
- × Heat without protection
Routine for High Porosity
Cleanse
Co-wash between washes. Sulphate-free cleanser weekly maximum.
Condition
Protein-rich deep conditioner every 1–2 weeks. Regular detangling conditioner.
Leave-In
Creamy, heavy leave-in conditioner. LOC or LCO method essential.
Moisturise
Layer products: water → leave-in → cream → seal.
Seal
Heavy sealant: castor oil, shea butter, or mango butter to lock moisture in.
Pro Tips
→ Anti-humectants in humid weather to prevent frizz
→ Regular protein treatments to fill gaps in the cuticle
→ Apple cider vinegar rinses to temporarily flatten the cuticle
Know Your Porosity?
Get your full profile.
Combine your porosity, curl type, scalp condition and goals for a complete product recommendation.
Take the Full Quiz