Understanding hair porosity:
The porosity of hair corresponds to its ability to absorb and retain moisture. It is linked to the state of the cuticles that cover the hair fiber: the more open they are, the more the hair absorbs water... but it also lets everything escape.
There are three types of porosity:
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Low porosity: the cuticles are tightly closed, making it difficult for water to penetrate.
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Medium porosity: the ideal balance, where the hair absorbs and retains moisture well.
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High porosity: the cuticles are very open, often due to chemical treatments, heat, or external damage. Water enters easily… but escapes just as quickly.
How do you know if your hair is porous?
Here are a few signs of high porosity:
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Your hair takes a long time to dry
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It feels dry to the touch, brittle, or coarse
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It tangles easily
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It absorbs products quickly, but the effect does not last
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It reacts very quickly to humidity (swells, frizzes)
What are the causes?
Porosity can be natural, but it is often aggravated by:
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Repeated coloring or bleaching
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Frequent use of heating tools without protection
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Excessive exposure to the sun or chlorine
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Inappropriate, overly aggressive, or harsh hair care
- Washing hair with water that is too hot
The right habits to combat porosity:
1. Adopt a gentle routine
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Avoid sulfate shampoos that strip the hair
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Opt for co-washing or gentle moisturizing shampoos
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Limit aggressive brushing; prefer a comb or boar bristle brushes
- Rinse your hair with lukewarm water
2. Seal in moisture
First, moisturize with a spray or a lightweight cream, then seal with a vegetable oil (jojoba, argan, grape seed) to close the cuticles.
3. Use reparative treatments
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Rich masks: with yogurt, avocado, or honey
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Warm oil baths: to strengthen and smooth the fiber
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Acidic rinses: apple cider vinegar or diluted lemon juice to close the cuticles
4. Limit external damage
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Protect your hair from the sun
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Avoid heating tools or use a heat protectant
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Sleep on a silk pillowcase to prevent breakage
By adopting targeted care and limiting damage, your hair will regain its natural ability to retain moisture… and therefore its shine, suppleness, and strength.
Discover the silk pillowcase, which is an essential accessory for caring for and protecting your hair.