What Is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. It is determined by the structure of the cuticle, the outer layer of your hair strand. While genetics play a big role, heat styling, colouring, or environmental stress can also affect porosity. 

Can you fix hair porosity?

You cannot change your natural porosity, but you can manage it. Damaged hair porosity can improve with consistent care, strengthening treatments, and the right products.

Types of Hair Porosity

If cuticles are tightly closed → low porosity.
If they are slightly raised → medium porosity.
If they are wide open or damaged → high porosity.

Low Porosity Hair 

Has cuticles that are tightly sealed. This makes it difficult for water and products to enter the hair shaft.

Signs of Low Porosity Hair:

Water beads on the surface instead of soaking in
Products tend to sit on your hair
Hair takes a long time to dry
Hair may look shiny but feel heavy with buildup

Is low porosity hair oily or dry?
It often looks oily because products remain on the surface instead of being absorbed.

Can low porosity hair be frizzy?
Yes. Even though moisture struggles to penetrate, humidity and product buildup can still cause frizz.

Medium (Normal) Porosity Hair

 Has cuticles that allow a balanced flow of moisture in and out.

Signs of Medium Porosity Hair:

Easy to style and holds styles well
Accepts moisture and colour without much trouble
Requires less maintenance than low or high porosity

Which porosity of hair is the best?
Medium porosity is often considered “ideal” because it balances moisture absorption and retention. However, all porosity types can be healthy with the right care.

High Porosity Hair

High porosity hair has cuticles that are more open — sometimes due to genetics, but often from heat or chemical damage.

Signs of High Porosity Hair:

Absorbs water quickly but dries just as fast
Frizzes easily, especially in humidity
Prone to tangling and breakage
Colour fades quickly

How to Test Your Hair Porosity

Place a clean strand of hair in a glass of water.
Floats → Low porosity
Suspends mid-way → Medium porosity
Sinks → High porosity

Spray Test

Mist water on your hair. If it beads, you likely have low porosity. If it soaks in instantly, you may have high porosity.

Slide Test

Run your fingers along a strand from tip to root. Smooth = low porosity, bumpy = higher porosity.

Care for Each Porosity Type

Low Porosity Hair Care

Use lightweight, water-based products that do not sit heavily on the hair.
Deep condition with heat (steam, hooded dryer, or a warm towel) to help open the cuticle.
Clarify occasionally to prevent buildup.

 Try our Moo & Yoo Miracle Milk — a lightweight leave-in conditioner that hydrates without weighing hair down. Perfect for low porosity strands that resist heavy oils or creams.

Medium Porosity Hair Care

Maintain balance with a mix of hydration and protein.
Limit heat styling to prevent damage that can push hair into high porosity territory.

 Our Harmony Bundle (Shampoo, Conditioner & Miracle Milk) is a great everyday set for medium porosity hair. It provides hydration and nourishment without overloading, helping you maintain that healthy balance.

High Porosity Hair Care

Use the L.O.C. (Liquid, Oil, Cream) method to seal in moisture. Incorporate protein treatments and hydrating masks to strengthen cuticles. Avoid sulfates and minimise heat styling. Protect strands with satin pillowcases and wide-tooth combs.

 Our Miracle Hair Mask is ideal for high porosity hair that struggles to retain moisture. It deeply nourishes, smooths frizz, and helps repair damage for stronger, more manageable strands.

Can dry hair become healthy again?

Yes. With the right combination of moisture, strengthening treatments, and gentle care, even dry or damaged hair can be restored.

 For an extra boost, our Elixir Bundle (Shampoo, Mask, Milk & Curl Cream) is a complete routine designed to hydrate, repair, and restore bounce and shine — perfect for hair that feels overly dry or porous.

Your hair’s porosity type is not about “good” or “bad” — it is about understanding what your hair needs. Whether you have low, medium, or high porosity, the right Moo & Yoo products and treatments will help you achieve healthy, hydrated, and beautiful hair.

Love, 

The Moo & Yoo Team x