The Science of Hair Porosity: Why Your Products Work Differently

Have you ever bought a hair mask or serum because your friend swore it was amazing… only to find your own hair completely unimpressed? Yup, we’ve all been there. The truth is, hair isn’t one-size-fits-all. One big reason why products behave differently on different heads is hair porosity.

What Is Hair Porosity Anyway?

Hair porosity is just a fancy way of saying how well your hair absorbs and holds moisture. Imagine your hair like a sponge: some sponges soak up water instantly, some barely let a drop in. That’s basically your hair cuticle — the outer layer — deciding how thirsty your strands are.

  • Low porosity hair = tightly packed cuticles, moisture struggles to get in.

  • Medium porosity hair = balanced absorption, usually healthy and shiny.

  • High porosity hair = raised or damaged cuticles, moisture comes in but also escapes quickly.

Knowing your porosity is a game-changer. It helps you pick products that actually work — instead of wasting money on treatments your hair hates.

The 3 Hair Porosity Types

1. Low Porosity Hair

  • Feels smooth, shiny, but can be stubborn when it comes to absorbing products.

  • Takes longer to dry. Products might sit on top instead of soaking in.

Tips:

  • Stick to lightweight, water-based products.

  • Gentle heat, like a warm towel wrap, can help your hair drink up the goodness.

  • Skip heavy oils unless your hair is begging for it.

2. Medium / Normal Porosity Hair

  • Your hair is kind of the “easy-going” type. It absorbs and retains moisture just right.

  • Usually looks healthy, shiny, and reacts well to most products.

Tips:

  • Keep it balanced with a mix of hydrating masks and strengthening treatments.

  • Don’t forget protection from heat styling and Singapore’s humid sun!

3. High Porosity Hair

  • Hair feels dry or frizzy, tangles easily, and loses moisture super fast.

  • Often the result of chemical treatments, heat styling, or environmental damage.

Tips:

  • Go for rich oils, creams, and protein-packed treatments.

  • Seal moisture with leave-in conditioners or masks.

  • Your hair needs a little extra TLC, but it can bounce back beautifully!

How to Check Your Hair Porosity

Here’s a super easy test:

  1. Grab a clean hair strand.

  2. Drop it into a glass of water.

    • Floats = low porosity

    • Sinks slowly = medium

    • Sinks fast = high porosity

See? Science can be simple — and actually fun.

Why This Matters

Understanding your hair porosity means fewer bad hair days, better product results, and less trial and error. It’s not about copying what everyone else is doing — it’s about listening to your hair and giving it exactly what it needs.

At Chinchy SG, our range of hair masks, oils, and treatments is designed to cater to different hair types and needs. Whether your hair is dry, frizzy, or struggling in Singapore’s humidity, tailoring your routine to your porosity can make all the difference.

💡 Pro Tip:
If your hair isn’t soaking up products, try layering them in small amounts — a light spray, a tiny dab of mask, and a touch of oil. Your strands will thank you!

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