If you’ve ever wondered why some products seem to work wonders for others but not for you, the answer may have nothing to do with the product and everything to do with hair porosity. Hair porosity is simply how your hair absorbs and holds onto moisture. Once you understand it, choosing the right products and routine becomes much easier.
At The ODARA Edit, we believe knowledge is the foundation of great hair care so let’s break it down, step by step.
What Is Hair Porosity?
Hair porosity describes how open or closed your hair’s outer layer (the cuticle) is.
Think of your hair like a roof:
- When the shingles are tight and flat, water struggles to get in
- When the shingles are raised, water gets in easily but also escapes quickly
This is why two people can use the same product and get completely different results.
There are three porosity types, low, medium and high. Most people fall into low or high porosity and these require different care.
Low Porosity Hair
What Low Porosity Hair Is Like
Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles, which makes it slow to absorb water and products.
How to Tell if You Have Low Porosity Hair
You might have low porosity hair if:
- Water beads on your hair before soaking in
- Products sit on top rather than absorbing
- Hair feels greasy easily but still dry
- Buildup appears quickly
How to Care for Low Porosity Hair
The goal: help moisture get into the hair, without weighing it down.
Cleanse
- Use gentle shampoos regularly
- Clarify occasionally to remove buildup
Condition
- Choose lightweight conditioners
- Use heat (a warm towel or steamer) to help products absorb
Moisturise
- Use the LCO method (Liquid → Cream → Oil)
- Keep oils light and creams airy
ODARA Tip: Low porosity hair responds best to lighter products applied on damp hair.
Star Products for Low Porosity Hair
- Aunt Jackie’s Grapeseed Power Wash Shampoo - removes buildup without stripping
- As I Am Leave-In Conditioner – water-based and lightweight
- As I Am Rosemary Water - Lightweight and hydrating
- Aunt Jackie’s Quench Leave-In – hydration without buildup
- Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Strengthening Oil Light – seals without heaviness
High Porosity Hair
What High Porosity Hair Is Like:
High porosity hair has more open cuticles, often due to heat, colouring, or natural structure.
It absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast.
How to Tell if You Have High Porosity Hair
You might have high porosity hair if:
- Hair gets wet very quickly
- Feels dry soon after moisturising
- Frizzes easily
- Loves rich products
How to Care for High Porosity Hair
The goal: keep moisture inside the hair for longer.
Cleanse
- Use moisturising shampoos
- Avoid over-clarifying
Condition
- Deep condition regularly
- Look for richer, nourishing formulas
Moisturise
- Use the LOC method (Liquid → Oil → Cream)
- Choose heavier oils and richer creams
ODARA Tip: High porosity hair thrives on layering and consistency.
Star Products for High Porosity Hair
- TGIN Moisture Rich Sulphate Free Shampoo - sulphate free and moisturising
- Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioner - plant based oils and nutrients
- AS I Am Rice Water Spray - strengthens and moisture retention
- TGIN Butter Cream Daily Moisturizer – rich and sealing
- Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil - strong moisture seal
· Can Your Porosity Change?
· Yes. Porosity isn’t fixed forever.
· Heat styling, colouring, environmental exposure, and even age can change how your hair behaves. That’s why it’s important to check in with your hair regularly and adjust your routine when needed.
The ODARA Way
Understanding porosity isn’t about adding more steps it’s about making smarter choices.
When your products and routine match how your hair naturally behaves:
- Moisture lasts longer
- Hair feels softer
- Wash days feel simpler
And that’s the ODARA way thoughtful care, rooted in understanding.
Next read Find Your Hair Porosity: A Quick Guide
