Hair Porosity & Curly Hair: The Secret to Hydrated, Healthy Curls
If you’ve ever wondered why your curls soak up moisture like a sponge or, on the flip side, why your hair never seems to stay hydrated, the answer lies in hair porosity.
Understanding your curl pattern is essential, but knowing your hair’s porosity level is the real game-changer when it comes to choosing the right products, maintaining moisture, and keeping your curls bouncy, defined, and frizz-free.
At The Press Room Salon, we specialize in healthy hair solutions, silk presses, and luxury extensions, but more importantly, we educate our clients on how to properly care for their natural curls. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about hair porosity, why it matters for curly hair, and how to create the best routine based on your porosity type.
What is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It determines how well water, oils, and styling products penetrate your hair shaft. Your porosity level is influenced by genetics, heat exposure, chemical treatments, and overall hair health.
There are three main levels of hair porosity:
Low Porosity Hair – Resistant to moisture absorption but retains it well.
Medium (Normal) Porosity Hair – Balanced moisture retention and absorption.
High Porosity Hair – Absorbs moisture quickly but struggles to retain it.
Knowing where your curls fall on this spectrum will completely change the way you care for your hair.
How to Determine Your Hair Porosity
The Water Test
Fill a clear glass with water.
Drop a clean strand of shed hair (not plucked from the root) into the water.
Observe what happens:
Low Porosity: Hair floats on top for an extended time.
Medium Porosity: Hair slowly sinks to the middle.
High Porosity: Hair immediately sinks to the bottom.
This simple test gives you an instant insight into your hair’s moisture behavior.
Caring for Curly Hair Based on Porosity
Low Porosity Hair: The “Water-Resistant” Curls
If your curls repel water, take forever to dry, and product buildup is a common issue, you likely have low porosity hair. The cuticles are tightly packed, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate, but once it’s in, your hair retains it well.
✔ Best Haircare Routine:
Use lightweight, water-based products that won’t sit on top of your hair.
Apply heat (like steam or warm water) when deep conditioning to open the cuticle.
Avoid heavy butters and oils that can cause buildup.
Clarify regularly to remove product residue.
✔ Recommended Ingredients:
Aloe vera
Honey
Hydrolyzed proteins
Lightweight leave-in conditioners
✔ Best Products:
Shampoo: Kinky Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo
Leave-In: Camille Rose Honey Hydrate Leave-In
Styler: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel
Medium Porosity Hair: The “Balanced” Curls
If your curls hold moisture well, respond well to most products, and don’t experience excessive dryness or buildup, you have medium porosity hair. Consider yourself lucky—your hair naturally maintains hydration and elasticity.
✔ Best Haircare Routine:
Use a mix of lightweight and slightly heavier products depending on the season.
Maintain a consistent deep conditioning routine to preserve balance.
Avoid excessive heat styling to prevent porosity damage.
✔ Recommended Ingredients:
Shea butter
Coconut oil (sparingly)
Keratin and silk proteins
✔ Best Products:
Shampoo: Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo
Leave-In: As I Am Leave-In Conditioner
Styler: The Mane Choice Tropical Moringa Curl Defining Cream
High Porosity Hair: The “Thirsty” Curls
If your hair absorbs moisture quickly but dries out just as fast, tangles easily, and often looks frizzy, you have high porosity hair. This can be caused by heat damage, chemical treatments, or genetics. Your cuticle is raised, making it easy for moisture to enter but difficult to retain.
✔ Best Haircare Routine:
Use thicker, moisture-rich products that seal hydration in.
Layer the LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO method to prevent moisture loss.
Avoid too much protein, which can make hair brittle.
Regularly do bond-repairing treatments to strengthen hair structure.
✔ Recommended Ingredients:
Castor oil
Avocado oil
Murumuru butter
Hydrolyzed wheat protein (sparingly)
✔ Best Products:
Shampoo: Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo
Leave-In: Shea Moisture Manuka Honey Hydrating Leave-In
Styler: Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter
Common Hair Porosity Myths (Debunked)
🚫 Myth #1: High porosity hair is always damaged.
✅ Truth: Some people are naturally born with high porosity hair, and it’s not necessarily a sign of damage. However, heat and chemicals can raise porosity over time.
🚫 Myth #2: Oils moisturize your hair.
✅ Truth: Oils seal in moisture but do not hydrate your hair. Use water-based leave-ins first, then layer oil if needed.
🚫 Myth #3: Low porosity hair doesn’t need deep conditioning.
✅ Truth: It does—but with heat! Using steam or a warm towel helps the treatment penetrate deeper.
Why Hair Porosity Matters for Silk Presses & Protective Styles
Understanding hair porosity is crucial if you wear silk presses, sew-ins, or protective styles, as it determines how well your hair holds up under different styling conditions.
✔ Low Porosity Hair & Silk Presses: Use lightweight heat protectants to prevent product buildup.
✔ High Porosity Hair & Sew-Ins: Focus on intense hydration before the install to prevent dryness.
✔ Medium Porosity Hair & Extensions: You’re flexible—just keep up with deep conditioning.
At The Press Room Salon, we customize hair care treatments based on your porosity level, ensuring that your silk press lasts longer, your extensions remain healthy, and your curls thrive.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Porosity, Know Your Hair
Hair porosity is the key to choosing the right products, avoiding unnecessary damage, and keeping your curls hydrated year-round. Whether you have low, medium, or high porosity hair, adjusting your routine to meet your hair’s needs will make a huge difference in your curl definition, shine, and moisture retention.
At The Press Room Salon, we help clients understand their unique hair type and build the best regimen for long-term hair health. Whether you need a silk press, deep conditioning treatment, or expert consultation, we’re here to help you achieve your healthiest curls yet.
Book Your Personalized Hair Care Consultation at The Press Room Salon Today