Understanding Hair Types and Porosity: A Guide to Caring for Your Natural Hair

Natural hair comes in all shapes, textures, and curl patterns—and each type has its unique beauty and needs. Whether you’re rocking 3A waves or 4C coils, understanding your hair type is the first step in building a routine that works. But it doesn’t stop there! Hair porosity plays a major role in how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture, which directly impacts the effectiveness of your products.

Let’s break it all down:

Hair Types: What’s Your Curl Pattern?

The hair typing system categorizes curls into four types:

• Type 3 (Curly): Defined curls that range from loose (3A) to corkscrew-like (3C). This hair type tends to be more prone to frizz and benefits from lightweight, hydrating products.
• Type 4 (Coily): Tight coils and kinks that range from small spirals (4A) to zigzag patterns (4C). This type is the driest and most fragile, requiring heavier products and extra moisture.

Knowing your type helps you understand how your hair behaves and what it needs to thrive.

What Is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. It’s categorized into three levels:

1. Low Porosity: Hair cuticles are tightly closed, making it hard for moisture to penetrate. Lightweight, water-based products work best here.
2. Medium Porosity: A balanced cuticle structure allows for good moisture absorption and retention. Lucky you—most products will work well!
3. High Porosity: Open cuticles absorb moisture quickly but lose it just as fast. Thicker, sealing products like butters and oils help lock in hydration.

How Porosity Affects Product Effectiveness

If you’ve ever wondered why a product worked wonders for someone else but did nothing for you, porosity might be the reason. Matching your products to your hair’s porosity ensures you’re giving your strands exactly what they need.

Pro Tip: Take the porosity test by placing a clean strand of hair in a glass of water. If it floats, you have low porosity. If it sinks halfway, you have medium porosity. If it sinks completely, you have high porosity.