Curl Tips - Master your Curls with the Right Products for Your Hair Porosity

Hair density and porosity are two curly terms that can be confusing when you’re first starting out. We’ve looked at hair density, so now it’s time to figure out hair porosity. Your unique hair porosity often determines which products you should be using and how to style your curls most effectively. Like hair density, there’s also 3 types of porosity - low, medium, and high.

Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture, which depends on how open the cuticles are on your hair strands. While genetics play a role, factors like heat, hair dye, or bleaching can increase your hair's porosity, often leading to damage.

A simple method to test hair porosity is to place a clean, product-free strand of hair in a glass of water.

• If it floats, your hair likely has low porosity.
• If it sinks slowly or stays in the middle, your hair is usually medium porosity.
• If it sinks immediately, your hair most likely has high porosity.

Keep in mind that this test only offers a basic indication and isn't a precise measurement.

Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles, making it harder for moisture and products to penetrate. Signs of low porosity hair include water beading on the hair surface and hair that takes a long time to get wet or dry. This hair type can be prone to product build-up so it benefits from lightweight products.

• Use gentle heat to help products penetrate your hair. For example, apply the Hydrating Creme while in the shower as the steam will help.
• Wet plopping, where you cover your hair with a shower cap after applying products, can help open cuticles and enhance absorption. See more on wet plopping here.
• Be careful with products rich in protein as too much protein can make low porosity hair feel dry and brittle.

Lightweight and hydrating: Only Curls products are ideal as they’re designed to be light and natural on the hair, but still add needed moisture. Our Cleanser, Conditioner, Creme, and Enhancing Gel are all great options. You can try these in our Original Bundle.

Be cautious with protein: Our Curl Mousse, Heat Protect Spray, and Deep Hydration Mask are rich in protein, and using lots of protein may not suit low porosity hair. Our Enhancing Gel contains a tiny amount of protein, so it’s usually fine for low porosity curls. Our Mega Hold Gel is free of protein.

Medium porosity hair has cuticles that are open halfway, allowing for balanced moisture retention. This type of hair generally absorbs water easily and dries at a moderate rate.

• Use a mix of moisture and protein products.
• Adjust your routine based on your hair’s needs: more moisture if it feels dry, and more protein if curls drop easily.

Moisture and Protein Balance: Use our Curl Mousse and Heat Protect Spray when your curls need a protein boost. If your hair is feeling a bit dry, try our Cleansing Co-wash or the Deep Hydration Hair Mask for lush, hydrated curls. For more information on moisture and protein, check out our tutorial here.

High porosity hair has cuticles that are wide open, making it easy for moisture to enter and escape. This hair type can become wet instantly and dries quickly, which can lead to frizz and breakage.

• Use products rich in both moisture and protein to strengthen and repair the hair.
• Rinse with cool water to help close the cuticles.

Rich in moisture and protein: Our Hydrating Creme, Curl Mousse, Mega Hold Gel, Cleansing Co-wash, and Deep Hydration Hair Mask are all great options for those with high porosity hair.

Extra Protein: Our Heat Protect Spray is a customer favourite for when your curls need a protein boost.

Are you struggling with your curls? It might be time to learn about your hair's porosity and density. Switching up your products and trying new styling techniques can make a significant difference. Every curl is unique, and with some research and experimentation, you can master the best techniques for your unique, beautiful hair. Only Curls is here to help with any questions you have about your individual hair type.

Not sure which Only Curls products are right for you? Our Try Everything Curl Kit contains our best-selling products for you to experiment with.