Can White People Have Low Porosity Hair?

Hair porosity is one of the many unseen factors that may be affecting why you struggle with moisture absorption and certain hairstyles. Your hair’s porosity determines how easily the hair shaft absorbs water, dictating if products will work or fall flat of your expectations. Porosity is determined mainly by genetics but is also affected by how you care for your hair and the accumulated effects of heat, chemicals, and overall damage.

It’s never too late to learn more about your hair and how to keep it healthy. Hair porosity may be something you’re born with, but it can be easily and healthily managed with the right knowledge and products.

Can white people have low porosity hair?

The porosity of your hair is determined by your genetics, meaning that you’ll likely share the same characteristics as your family members. Low porosity hair means that your hair cuticles are tight and close together, making it difficult for moisturizers and treatments to access the delicate middle of the hair strand. Low porosity hair shows many similarities to normal porosity and can use many of the same products.

You may think the natural shape of the hair affects porosity like if it’s straight or curly. However, your genetics are the driving force. Asian or Caucasian people with naturally straight hair aren’t more or less likely to have low or high porosity than those with curly or coiled hair.

There are minimal differences in how the actual hair looks when you have an abnormal porosity. You can test your hair to determine how well it absorbs water. You can also watch how long it takes your hair to dry compared to your friends or loved ones.

Is Caucasian hair low or high porosity?

Your race doesn’t play a role in your hair’s porosity. Your parentage and genetics determine what type of hair you’ll have unless you alter your porosity through chemical or heat treatments. You may even struggle to see a difference between your hair and your friends’ hair types if you use your parents’ products at home.

Your family has likely been dealing with low porosity hair for years and found the right products to promote healthy and shiny outcomes.

By sharing these characteristics with your family, you can take advantage of their knowledge and minimize any unforeseen damage to your own hair. While low porosity hair is more similar to normal hair types, high porosity indicates hair that takes in a lot of moisture and releases it just as fast.

If your family uses a lot of moisturizers and hair masks, they may be struggling with high porosity hair that dries out fast and doesn’t absorb enough nutrients.

While there is no set porosity per race, certain hair habits and treatments specific to different hair types can increase your chances of changing your porosity and damaging your hair. Frequent use of heat tools and chemical treatments can give you a higher hair porosity. Your hair can also be affected by windy or bright environments, hard water, and inappropriate use of cleansing shampoos.

What are the signs of low porosity hair?

Low porosity hair will struggle to take in moisture, but once it’s wet, it will take a longer time to dry. The water isn’t being absorbed by your hair because it can’t make it through the compact exterior. Towel drying and even blow-drying will take more time for you than for someone who has normal or high porosity hair. You’ll also notice your products struggling to be absorbed, often just coming off on your fingers hours later.

A great way to test your porosity is to drop a strand of hair in a glass of water. Low porosity hair will sit at the top for a period of time before sinking. Doing this float test at home can give you a better idea of how your hair reacts to moisture.

You can even spray a strand of hair with water, and if it beads up and rolls off, you likely have low porosity hair. Visiting a beautician is a great way to get a professional opinion and find safe and healthy products that work best for you.

Low porosity hair can struggle with treatments like coloring, relaxers, and more. You may have more dandruff or oily hair that never feels like it’s completely clean. Every day can feel like a bad hair day because your hair doesn’t want to act or feel clean, fresh, and healthy. Don’t be discouraged by your hair’s low porosity. You have many options available to you to improve your hair and scalp health and widen your selection of hairstyles.

Is low porosity hair bad for you?

Your hair needs moisture and nutrients to stay strong and healthy. When your hair isn’t able to absorb any products, it can become weighed down under buildup, dirt, and wasted product. Your hair may be dry, crunchy, and unpleasant to touch, losing texture, volume, and shine the longer it goes without essential oils and nutrients. Continuing improper washing and conditioning habits to address your low porosity will worsen the health of your hair and scalp.

When you’re younger, your hair has an easier time bouncing back from improper care, heat, and chemical treatments. As long as you take the time to buy healing products and thoroughly moisturize and energize your hair, you won’t suffer any long-term negative effects.

However, if your low porosity hair isn’t given its necessary nutrients, it will keep weakening and becoming less healthy. You’ll be more likely to have permanent damage the longer the improper treatment continues.

Your hair’s best chance at staying manageable, glossy, and silky smooth is to use the right products and research the best care for your hair type. Every hair porosity can have great health outcomes if you utilize professional beautician advice and recommendations as well as proper daily care.

Best low porosity hair products

The negative effects of low porosity can be mitigated with the right routine and healthy hair products. Start your journey by investing in a quality, sulfate-free, or clarifying shampoo. Massage the product deep into your scalp, focusing on being thorough and consistent rather than just trying to remove dirt. Pair your shampoo with a professional conditioner that can lock in essential moisture.

Deep conditioners are better than regular conditioners because the product itself is thicker and typically more concentrated. When first stepping out of the shower, squeeze any extra water out of your air but don’t fully dry it. Apply your deep conditioner liberally and rinse out when needed. You can use apple cider vinegar to restore your cuticles and increase your hair’s overall shine.

Your regular washing routine is just as important as maintaining consistent daily levels of moisture. Wrapping your hair in a bonnet or scarf before bed can minimize how much moisture and product is being wasted and provide extra protection. Those with natural curls should use twists or braids to aid in retaining moisture and the definition of their curls.

Additional oils, masks, and serums can be used based on your specific needs and the dryness of your hair. Beauticians often carry a host of reputable brands that improve the strength and health of your hair with state-of-the-art ingredients and essential vitamins.

Consider booking regular salon visits if you need constant professional guidance or care to keep your hair strong, soft, and shiny. Your hair will look and feel its best when you put in the time and effort to maximize its moisture, elasticity, and health.

Conclusion

You may struggle with low porosity if your hair is dull or struggles to fully absorb moisture and products. Many products on the market today are aimed toward moisturizing and encouraging healthy hair outcomes. Break out of your regular hair routine and practice new and informed levels of moisturizing care to improve your look and confidence.