Porous hair: learn how to identify, treat and prevent high porosity

Porosity is a common feature of all hair types, but in excess, it is harmful to the strands. For this reason, porous hair needs special care to avoid the loss of water and nutrients, a frequent situation due to its open cuticles. So, learn to identify the porosity level of your wires and learn how to take care of it!

What is porous hair?

According to hairdresser, cutting designer and hair consultant, Mel Valença, porosity is classified as low, medium and high, taking into account the state of our cuticles.

“If the outermost part of our yarn is aligned, the porosity is low. If it is slightly spaced, it is balanced, it is considered medium. If it is lifted, the porosity of the rod is classified as high”, explains the professional. In addition, she says that not all porous hair is dry.

How to identify and treat

Also according to Mel Valença, it is the visual aspects of the locks that will determine the porosity classification. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the structure of the strands or seek professional help, so you can identify the level of porous hair and learn how to treat it.

Porosity test: truth or myth?

Have you heard about the cup test? According to popular beliefs, you put a strand of hair in a glass of water and the way it behaves will determine the porosity level. For example, if the hair floats the hair is low porosity, if it stays in the middle of the cup it is classified as normal and if it sinks it is a sign of high porosity.

However, Mel Valença explains that this test is a myth, as it is more common to find mixed hair than fully composed of a single thickness.

So, low porosity is classified when the hair is visually healthy, but the ends can point to damage. At medium porosity, “the appearance is of a healthy, silky, shiny and frizz-free hair”. In high porosity, “the strands have a lot of frizz. Depending on the thickness of the thread and the care routine, it may present dryness and stiffness”, he concludes.

Treatment schedule for porous hair

“Porous hair needs more nutrition and, depending on the state it is in, reconstructions as well. A schedule focused on these two stages would be ideal for combat. However, remember: “it is useless if the pH of the products used in the conditioning is higher than 4.0 and that of the sanitizers is higher than 6.0”, explains the professional.

It is also worth mentioning that lipid-based products, rich in antioxidants and of good origin, are essential in these treatments, such as coconut oil, avocado and shea butter. “Another very interesting asset is pure bee honey, as it contains natural ceramides, amino acids and antioxidants, a perfect combo for those who suffer from high porosity”, he advises.

4 home treatments for porous hair that give incredible results

Honey, vinegar and lemon are some homemade products that can be used in the fight against high porosity. Here’s how to use each of these ingredients and choose the best acid treatment for your hair!

1. Treating porous hair with just R$5

Débora Joselma teaches the step by step to take care of porous hair and the best thing is the symbolic value spent on this treatment. According to the youtuber, the cheap and effective mixture takes half a glass of water, three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and three tablespoons of saline solution. The result is hair with shine, softness and no dryness.

2. Acid hydration to give shine to the strands

Choose a nourishing mask rich in vitamins, add some vegetable oil of your choice (coconut oil, olive oil, etc.), keratin and vinegar. Mix well and pass through the hair as one of the treatment processes to say goodbye to high porosity. See in the video how Jana Ramos prepares the locks to receive this treatment and how she finishes.

3. Perfect duo: milk and glycerin for porous hair

Glycerin, organic apple cider vinegar, powdered milk and your favorite hair mask. Okay, now just move and put this mixture on your hair. Bia Siqueira says that this treatment leaves the hair shiny, hydrated and very loose. In addition, she gives the following tip: you can replace powdered milk with cornstarch or regular milk in the recipe.

4. Two versions of homemade acidification

The Transitete Rapunzel channel brings two versions of a single recipe. The first version consists of the juice of half a lemon, two tablespoons of a nourishing mask and five sprays of liquid keratin. If you don’t want the lemon, just follow the second version that replaces the fruit with a tablespoon of vinegar.

As can be seen in the recipes, the objective of the treatments is to balance the pH of the hair through the acidification process. According to Mel Valença, hair has an acidic pH between 4.5 and 5.5, thus keeping the cuticles in balance. For this reason, when it is alkaline (with high porosity), it is necessary to use acidic products to try to normalize the pH.

How to prevent high porosity?

Also according to the professional, natural alkalinity is one of the main factors for high porosity. However, other situations can contribute to this characteristic, they are: use of products with alkaline pH (shampoos, masks, combing creams and transforming chemicals), sea water, heat sources and chlorinated water. See below tips from Mel Valença to avoid this aspect!

• Look for a professional: only a specialist will know how to identify and test the porosity of the thread, in addition to indicating effective methods in the fight against this condition;
• Follow the low and no poo techniques: “with a greater focus on cowash, it will help to nourish and hydrate the scalp and balance the porosity of the skin so that the hair is born healthier and less alkalized”, she explains. ;
• Do not neglect the threads when bleaching: unfortunately, dyeing and bleaching can unbalance the porosity of the threads and there is no way to avoid it. However, it is possible to minimize hair reactions by betting on intensive treatment before, protection during and care after the procedure. Thus, “the thread does not remain dry, it does not break and we do not run the risk of suffering a chemical cut”, adds the professional;
• Use oils in finishing: in small amounts, the oil helps to keep the water in the wires and keeps the cuticles nourished and heavy;
• Use cosmetics according to the porosity of the hair: they can “vary from 2.5 to 6.0, consult your trusted professional for a detailed analysis”, advises Mel Valença;
• Pay attention to the use of conditioner: this product is important, as it is responsible for helping to balance the porosity of the hair.

In addition to all these tips, Mel advises that a professional is sought in cases of extremely porous hair, as the specialist has access to the type of technology capable of improving the aspects of the thread. He now learns how to plan your hair schedule to recover your porous hair and avoid damaged strands. Your locks will thank you!