What does the term “porosity” describe in terms of hair?

Porosity refers to the hair's ability to absorb moisture, making it a crucial factor in hair care and treatment. It is determined by the hair's cuticle structure, which can vary from tightly packed to loosely arranged. Hair with high porosity has cuticles that are raised or damaged, allowing it to absorb moisture easily but also making it more vulnerable to losing that moisture quickly. On the other hand, hair with low porosity has tightly closed cuticles, making it more resistant to moisture absorption.

Understanding porosity is essential for selecting appropriate hair products and treatments, as different porosity levels require different care strategies. For example, highly porous hair may benefit from heavier oils and deep conditioning, while low porosity hair might work better with lighter products that can penetrate the hair shaft more easily. This knowledge equips professionals to tailor their approaches based on individual hair types effectively.