Why Your Hair Drinks or Drowns: The Truth About Porosity for Every Curl Pattern

Why Your Hair Drinks or Drowns: The Truth About Porosity for Every Curl Pattern

💡 What Is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. It’s all about your hair cuticle—how tightly or loosely it lies. Your porosity is genetically determined, but damage from heat, color, or over-manipulation can change it over time.

There are three main types: Low, Normal, and High Porosity. Let’s start from the most moisture-resistant and work our way up. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION!!!

 


 


🚿 Low Porosity Hair: Resistant but Resilient - BABY!

What It Means

Your cuticle layer lies flat, making it hard for moisture to get in—but once it does, it’s locked in.

Signs of Low Porosity

  • Water beads on your hair instead of soaking in

  • Product build-up is common

  • Takes a long time to fully saturate in the shower

  • Slow air-drying

For Looser Textures (2C to 3B)

  • Can feel greasy or heavy with thick products

  • Needs lightweight, water-based leave-ins and stylers

For Tighter Textures (3C to 4C)

  • May feel dry or stiff despite moisture

  • Benefits from steam treatments and warm water to open the cuticle

Pro Tips

  • Use heat or steam with deep conditioners

  • Avoid heavy butters unless sealing after hydration

  • Clarify regularly to prevent build-up

 


💧 Normal Porosity Hair: The Balanced Type

What It Means

Your cuticles are slightly raised, allowing moisture in and holding it well. This hair type is low-maintenance when cared for properly.

Signs of Normal Porosity

  • Hair absorbs water easily

  • Retains styles and moisture well

  • Responds well to most products

For Looser Textures (2C to 3B)

  • Loves curl creams, mousses, and gels

  • Maintains definition between wash days

For Tighter Textures (3C to 4B)

Pro Tips:

  • Rotate moisture and protein treatments

  • Stick to balanced routines

  • Adjust products with the seasons

 


🔥 High Porosity Hair: The Soaker with Trust Issues

What It Means

Cuticles are raised or damaged, so hair absorbs moisture fast—but loses it just as quickly.

Signs of High Porosity

  • Frizz, dullness, or breakage

  • Hair dries quickly after washing

  • Easily tangled and rough feeling

For Looser Textures (2C to 3B)

  • Needs moisture-sealing products like creams and oils

  • Frizz control is key—especially in humid weather

For Tighter Textures (3C to 4C)

  • Requires more hydration layering (leave-in, Butters, oil)

  • Regular protein treatments help fill cuticle gaps

Pro Tips:

 


🔍 Quick Porosity Tests

1. The Water Test

Drop a clean strand of hair into water.

  • Floats = Low Porosity

  • Sinks slowly = Normal

  • Sinks fast = High Porosity

2. The Finger Slide Test

Slide your fingers up a strand from end to root.

  • Smooth = Low

  • Slightly bumpy = Normal

  • Very rough = High

 


 

.... So what does this mean for you? 

Whether you’re working with defined waves or tight coils, understanding your hair’s porosity is a game-changer. It helps you choose the right products, the right techniques, and most importantly—the right expectations.

Your hair isn't difficult. It’s just talking to you through porosity. Start listening & stop complaining - chica! ✨

    By: Z'YELLE Amor Cosmetics LLC


****we do not own any of the images posted in our blog. It is used for entertainment and visual purposes only.*

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1 comment

I learned a lot! sometimes it is so hard to tell if my hair is low or high porosity. I fear it’s in the middle of them both! What I can say is sticking to a consistent routine of using your products has really helped with my hair retaining moisture. (just don’t ask me what it looks/feels like on wash day LOL) thank you for this!

Yaz

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