Why is my hair so freaking dry?!!
Porosity may be to blame. Hair porosity refers to your hair's ability to take in and retain moisture. It is affected by the outer cuticle layer of the hair that opens and closes to let product in and closes to seal it shut. It is typically determined through genetics, but it can also be affected by heat and chemical processing. Knowing your hair's porosity level can be a game changer, and can help you choose the correct products and treatments to maintain healthy moisturized hair.
HAIR POROSITY TEST
Knowing your hair porosity level gives you the power to transform your hair into healthier well-moisturized hair. The Water Test is a great to help determine your hair's porosity level.
1. Take a strand of your CLEAN shed hair and drop it in a glass of water.
2.Let it sit for 2-4 mins
If your hair floats (takes in little to no water) you have LOW porosity hair. If it sinks to the bottom (takes in a lot of water because the cuticle does not close) you have HIGH porosity hair. This also means your hair loses moisture easily as well due to the cuticle remaining open. And if your hair floats (takes in water and the cuticle closes to seal in moisture) you have MEDIUM porosity hair.
~TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR POROSITY~
Low Porosity: Hair with low porosity is usually very shiny due to the tight bound cuticle layer. It repels water and is hard to process. Protein-free products are best, as this hair type is usually strong. Protein-rich deep conditioning products may leave it feeling stiff. Use moderate heat for treatment (steamers or hooded dyers) to help open the tight cuticle layer. Use more products with emollients such as shea butter and jojoba oil. Also choose lighter liquid base products that have smaller molecules that will slip easily into the hair.
Medium Porosity: (Also considered "Normal Porosity") Hair with medium porosity require the least amount of maintenance. The cuticle layers easily allows product to enter into the hair and prevents too much from escaping. It also maintains its elasticity. Regular deep conditioning and occasional protein treatments can benefit this type of hair.
High Porosity: Majority of the clients we service at our salon has this hair type. Hair with high porosity has gaps and holes in the cuticle layer, which allows too much moisture into the hair. This is also the reason it is prone to becoming frizzy in humid weather. It also looses moisture easily too. It is good to use leave-in conditioners, moisturizer, and seal the cuticle. Layering products will help your high porosity hair receive and hold moisture.
Doing the "LOC METHOD" benefits high porosity hair greatly! This means you layer your products in the correct order to achieve the best moisture retention. Consistency is key, and the more your practice this method of moisture retention, you will see results. LOC METHOD" benefits high porosity hair greatly! This means you layer your products in the correct order to achieve the best moisture retention. Consistency is key, and the more your practice this method of moisture retention, you will see results.
Here are some products to help lock that moisture in:
So what is your hair's porosity? Try the test, and do any necessary adjustment to your hair diet. Your hair will be retaining moisture in no time!!
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