What Does it Mean When My Stylist Says My Hair Is POROUS?
Have you ever heard a hairstylist mention that your hair is porous? If so, you might be wondering what exactly they mean by that. Let's explore what it means when your hairstylist refers to hair as porous and why it's important.
Your hairstylist is talking about your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. Think of your hair as a sponge—how well it absorbs and holds onto water can tell you a lot about its porosity level.
The outermost layer of your hair strand is called the cuticle. Think of the scales of a fish. If you run your hands the direction of the scales is smooth, but if you go the other direction, it is rough and you can lose scales. The cuticle is made up of overlapping scales (much like fish scales) that protect the inner layers of the hair. When the cuticle is healthy and smooth, it acts as a barrier, protecting your hair strands, preventing moisture from escaping, and keeping the hair hydrated. Additionally, the cuticle also keeps color in your hair. If the cuticle is damaged or has gaps between the scales, the hair becomes more porous.
Types of Hair Porosity
Hair porosity is generally classified into three categories: low, medium (normal), and high. Each type comes with its own unique traits and care requirements.
1. Low Porosity:
- Characteristics: Hair with low porosity has a tightly bound cuticle layer. This makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft.
- Signs: Water beads up on the hair rather than soaking in; products might sit on top of your hair rather than being absorbed.
- Care Tips: Use lightweight products and get conditioning treatments in the salon that can open the cuticle like a Fusio Dose. Avoid heavy, oily products that can weigh hair down. Fusio Dose is available with any stylist at Bella Trio’s locations in Durham or Hillsborough.
2. Normal (Medium) Porosity:
- Characteristics: Hair with normal porosity has a cuticle that is slightly raised, allowing moisture to penetrate easily and retain it for a reasonable amount of time.
- Signs: Hair tends to hold styles well, looks shiny, and retains moisture without much effort.
- Care Tips: Regular, balanced hair care practices. Protein and moisture-focused treatments from Kerastase can help maintain its balance.
3. High Porosity:
- Characteristics: Hair with high porosity has gaps and holes in the cuticle, which means it absorbs moisture quickly but also loses it just as fast. This also means your color (natural or salon colored) could fade quickly.
- Signs: Hair feels dry and frizzy, tends to tangle easily and might look dull.
- Care Tips: Use leave-in conditioners, oils, and serums to help seal the cuticle, reduce thermal styling, and protect hair from environmental stressors. Use Hydrating and cuticle smoothing products. At Bella Trio, we have options from Kevin Murphy, Loreal Professionnel, and Kerastase to help seal your cuticle and protect it from Damage.
Understanding your hair's porosity level is crucial for selecting the right products and developing an effective hair care routine. By knowing whether your hair is low, normal, or high porosity, you can tailor your routine to meet its specific needs. Additionally, discussing your hair's porosity with your hairstylist can help them determine the best techniques and treatments to enhance the health and appearance of your hair.
When hairstylists mention that your hair is porous, they are referring to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. By understanding and addressing your hair's porosity level, you can ensure that it receives the proper care and attention it needs to stay healthy, hydrated, and beautiful.
Bella Trio is a full-service salon in Durham, North Carolina. If you are looking for a new hair stylist, esthetician, or massage therapist, we have personalities to connect with everyone. Browse all our provider profiles and check out our latest work on Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/bellatriosalonandspanc/>.
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