You may have come across the term 'hair porosity' when browsing hair care topics on social media. Hair porosity is how well your hair soaks up and holds onto moisture - and knowing your hair porosity type can help you pick the right products.
There's no 'better' type - both low and high porosity hair have their pros and cons. Ideally, your hair will sit somewhere in the middle. And yes, your hair's porosity can change over time depending on things like heat, chemical treatments, or the environment.
Low Porosity Hair: Resistant and Sealed
Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles (the outer layer of each strand), which gives it a smooth, shiny look. The downside? It's hard for moisture and nutrients to get in. On the plus side, once moisture is in, it stays in - so this hair type takes a while to dry.
Low porosity hair can also be prone to product buildup, leaving hair feeling greasy or coated if you use heavy products.
What works best: Lightweight products that sit smoothly on the hair without piling up work best. Look for humectants (ingredients that draw in moisture) like glycerin and avoid heavy oils, silicones, or thick creams that just sit on top. The goal isn't to force things deep into the hair, it's to keep the surface smooth, hydrated, and buildup-free.
Our gentle 2 in 1 Sulfate Free Shampoo, the JBCO Conditioner, and our Braid Spray are suitable for all hair types including low porosity hair.
Medium Porosity Hair: Balanced and Adaptable
Medium porosity hair is the sweet spot. The cuticle is slightly open, which means it can both absorb and hold onto moisture effectively. It's the most responsive hair type - products tend to work well, and hair is generally easier to manage.
What works best: You have the most flexibility here. Products that work on both the surface and deeper inside the hair strand are ideal. Proteins help keep hair strong, while a balanced mix of moisture and oils keeps it looking healthy without feeling heavy.
High Porosity Hair: Open and Thirsty
High porosity hair has raised or damaged cuticles, which means moisture gets in easily but escapes just as fast. This can leave hair feeling dry, frizzy, or prone to breakage and tangles. When wet, it may feel stretchy or elastic.
What works best: The focus should be on rebuilding and sealing. Proteins (like hydrolyzed keratin or amino acids) help strengthen hair from the inside, while rich oils, ceramides, and conditioning ingredients help patch up the cuticle and lock moisture in. Slightly acidic products (low pH) also help close the cuticle.
Use our luxurious Detangling Hair Butter to reduce knots and breakage before shampooing. Then follow up with our JBCO & Shea Butter Conditioner and the Moisture Seal Hair Food (enriched with Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Lanolin and Shea Butter) to lock in the moisture.
A Note on Water
Whatever your porosity type, water plays a big role in hair health, but it needs to be managed differently for each type:
- Low porosity: Too much water can disrupt the hair's natural balance.
- High porosity: Water gets in easily but leaves just as fast, so sealing it in is key.
- Medium porosity: Water can be absorbed and retained well, making hydration easier to maintain.
This is why not all moisturising products work the same for everyone - the right balance of humectants and occlusive ingredients really matters.
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