When it comes to maintaining the length, thickness, and shine of your hair, everyone suggests choosing a good hair oil. But what might be good for someone might not be good for you. That’s where hair porosity comes in. Understanding your hair’s porosity helps you pick oils that actually work with your hair, not against it. Don’t be baffled, hair porosity is how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. It’s determined by the condition of your hair’s outer layer, called the cuticle. Your hair can sit in any one of these three categories: low porosity hair, medium porosity hair, or high porosity hair. Before we get to the best oils based on hair porosity, here’s how to know in which category your hair falls. 

Types of hair porosity

1. Low porosity hair

In low porosity hair, the cuticles are tightly packed, which makes it hard for moisture (and oils) to penetrate, meaning water tends to sit on top rather than soak in. Low porosity hair also does not easily absorb moisture from any hair products, which can easily lead to buildup.

2. Medium porosity hair

This is the sweet spot. The cuticles are slightly open, allowing a balanced flow of moisture. They respond well to most products, which ultimately makes them look healthy and shiny.

3. High porosity hair

In high porosity hair, the cuticles are raised or damaged, allowing moisture to enter quickly, but escape just as fast. They are more prone to frizz and dryness. High porosity hair are often caused by heat styling, colouring, or chemical treatments.

How to check your hair porosity

It’s easy to check your hair porosity. You don’t need anything complicated, just try one of these easy methods:

The glass water test

Take a clean strand of hair and drop it into a glass of water. If it floats for a long time, your hair has low porosity. If it sinks slowly and gets settled somewhere in the middle of the glass of water, your hair has medium porosity. However, if it sinks all the way to the bottom, this means your hair is highly porous.

The spray test

Take any mist or normal water and spray it on your hair. If the water beads up, it means your hair has low porosity. On the other hand, if the water gets absorbed gradually, it means your hair has medium porosity. However, if your hair absorbs the water instantly, it means your hair is highly porous. 

Best hair oils based on hair porosity

Once you understand what hair porosity is and how to test yours, choosing the best hair oil for your hair becomes incredibly easy. 

Low porosity hair

For low porosity hair, lighter hair oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil work the best. Tight cuticles can easily absorb them because they are not very thick. If you have low-porosity hair, it’s best to leave hair oil on your scalp for two to three hours or overnight before shampooing. It’s best to apply oil to slightly damp hair and wrap it with a warm towel as heat helps open the cuticles, making moisture absorption easier. 

Avoid heavier oils like coconut oil since they can cause buildup. 

Medium porosity hair

Medium porosity hair people can apply both light and heavy oils. However, the key is to find balance. If you feel like your hair is getting too dry, go for heavy oils like coconut oil and almond oil. Otherwise, light oils like argan oil and grapeseed oil work well for you. You can keep your hair oil for one to two hours or more if you feel the need. Medium porosity hair people can also experiment with different oils to find what personally works for them, since their hair is quite adaptable. 

High porosity hair

If you have high porosity hair, heavy oils like olive oil, castor oil and coconut oil are your gems. Apply these hair oils for at least 30 minutes before shampooing. You do not need to keep the oil for several hours since your hair absorbs moisture pretty quickly. But do not forget to lock in the moisture with a good leave-in conditioner after washing your hair. 

So, go and check your hair porosity and change your hair care routine!

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