By Ebony Bomani
Porosity. Everyone is talking about hair porosity. What is it? Technically it is defined as the state of being porous & permeable by water. Here at PATTERN we describe hair porosity as your curl pattern’s native language; how your curls want to love and be loved.
Hair strands can generally be classified as low porosity, medium porosity or high porosity, & those terms describe how open your hair cuticles are & how easily moisture can go into the hair shaft (leaving you moisturized) or exit (leaving you dried out).
Here's how to find out what your hair's porosity is. PATTERN Brand Educator Ebony Bomani explains.
Low Porosity
Hair has a very “closed” hair shaft so it’s difficult for moisture to go in or out. Hair often takes a long time to dry when wet, & products often struggle to be absorbed by the hair. Heat or steam can help to open up the hair cuticle so that moisture can go in, & cold water rinses can be great for “sealing” the hair back up to lock in the hydration. Low porosity hair products such as the Intensive Conditioner & Lightweight Conditioner can be great for this hair type!
SHOP: All PATTERN for Low Porosity
Medium Porosity
Hair relatively has a good balance of accepting moisture into & out of the strands. Water & formulas absorb & dry down without too much trouble. Medium Conditioner & Lightweight Conditioner works well for hair of this porosity.
SHOP: All PATTERN for Medium Porosity
High Porosity
Hair has a very “open” hair shaft & can suck up water & products with ease, but it can also lose that moisture relatively quickly after a wash. Rich, buttery formulas that impart a ton of moisture are highly favored, & deep conditioning & frequent oiling of the hair & scalp can help to keep moisture sealed into strands. We recommend the Heavy Conditioner for high porosity folks.
SHOP: All PATTERN for High Porosity
Ebony Bomani is a licensed cosmetologist, textured hair enthusiast, content creator & brand educator. Connect with her about healthy hair care & green beauty-related topics via Instagram or LinkedIn.
Connie Guinn -
I am looking for the right product for my granddaughter, her hair is extremely thick, tight coils. Recently we had to cut it short because it had actual dry knotty places, the hair dresser said it was almost starting to mildew or something. Her mother is white and father African American. Her hair is unbelievably tight. Please advise what products is needed!!!
Jacqueline Skerritt -
My hair is natural for about 4 years now, and is breaking. I have my hair in plate and everything I comb my hair and it is not daily because I work from home, I think there is too much hair in my comb. I relaxed my hair for years and now it is natural I thought I was on the right track, but i am losing too much hair.
Sheila -
This is great to know. I will try this on my hair. Because it has been so dry lately. I love my new hair brush.
Ruffina Rector -
Thank you for the beautiful information. I am high porosity no doubt. Ms Clarol and I are bison buddies!!! So my hair craves moisture. Any advice for us gurls that “dye till we die”” And you better dye it before you put me in my casket!!! Lol!!!