Determining porosity is a crucial step in developing an effective hair care routine. Porosity refers to the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair has a raised cuticle layer, allowing moisture to enter and exit the hair shaft easily. This can result in hair that is prone to dryness, breakage, and tangles.
There are several methods to ascertain whether you have high porosity hair. One simple test is the "float test." Fill a glass of water and gently place a few strands of hair inside. If the hair floats, it indicates high porosity. Another method is to observe the hair's reaction to water absorption. Highly porous hair will absorb water quickly and appear darker when wet. Additionally, high porosity hair tends to be more susceptible to damage from heat styling and chemical treatments.