When it comes to healthy hair, knowing your hair porosity is a game-changer. Whether your strands sip moisture like a sponge or repel it like a raincoat, your porosity level affects how your hair absorbs and retains moisture—and that can make all the difference in your routine.

So let’s break down what hair porosity is, how to find out yours, and how to care for it like a pro.

What Is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. It's determined by the condition of the outer layer of your hair, called the cuticle. This layer acts like tiny shingles on a roof—when they're tight, moisture has a harder time getting in; when they're raised, moisture escapes easily.

There are three main levels of porosity:

• Low porosity – Cuticles are tightly packed.

• Medium (or normal) porosity – Cuticles are slightly raised.

• High porosity – Cuticles are very raised or damaged.

How to Test Your Hair’s Porosity

Want to know your porosity level? Try the float test:

1. Start with freshly washed, product-free hair (no oils, leave-ins, or conditioners).

2. Take a clean strand and place it in a cup of room-temperature water.

3. Watch what happens after 2–4 minutes.

Results:

• Floats = Low porosity

• Sinks slowly to the middle = Medium porosity

• Sinks quickly to the bottom = High porosity

Not a fan of the float test? You can also tell by how your hair behaves:

• Low porosity hair takes forever to get wet and even longer to dry.

• Medium porosity hair is easy to style and holds moisture well.

• High porosity hair drinks in moisture fast but dries out just as quickly.

How to Care for Each Porosity Type

Low Porosity Hair

Traits: Moisture-resistant, prone to buildup, takes a long time to dry.
Goals: Help moisture get in and avoid product buildup.

Tips:

• Use lightweight, water-based products.

• Apply products to damp (not soaking wet) hair.

• Use heat (like a warm towel or steamer) during deep conditioning to help open the cuticle.

• Clarify regularly to prevent buildup.

Asha + Miel Tip: Look for ingredients like glycerin or honey that attract moisture—but avoid heavy oils that just sit on top of the hair.

Medium Porosity Hair

Traits: Balanced moisture absorption and retention, easy to style.
Goals: Maintain moisture balance and avoid damage.

Tips:

• Stick to a regular wash and deep condition routine.

• Use leave-ins and oils that nourish without weighing hair down.

• Don’t overdo the heat or chemical treatments—your hair is in a good place!

Asha + Miel Tip: Our nourishing leave-ins and daily moisturizers are perfect for medium porosity hair—check out our moisture-rich products!

High Porosity Hair

Traits: Absorbs moisture quickly but loses it fast, often feels dry or rough.
Goals: Seal in moisture and protect the cuticle.

Tips:

• Layer products using the LOC or LCO method (Liquid, Oil, Cream).

• Use protein treatments to strengthen hair and reduce damage.

• Seal in moisture with heavier oils or butters like shea butter or castor oil.

• Avoid harsh sulfates and heat styling when possible.

Asha + Miel Tip: Deep conditioning is your best friend. Choose rich, protein-infused masks to strengthen and hydrate.

Final Thoughts

Knowing your hair’s porosity can help you choose the right products, create a better routine, and finally understand why your hair behaves the way it does. Whether you’re low, medium, or high porosity—your hair is unique, and it deserves personalized care.

Need help picking the best products for your porosity type? Browse our collection at Ashamiel.com or reach out—we love helping you love your hair!