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Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Lifestyle
Gabrielle Ulubay

What Low Hair Porosity Is (And How to Care for It), According to an Expert

Sarah Monteil wears black sunglasses, oversized silver earrings, silver large chain necklaces, a navy blue with orange print pattern oversized silk shirt, high waist matching navy blue with orange print pattern large pants, outside the Thom Browne show, during Paris Fashion Week - Menswear Spring/Summer 2023, on June 26, 2022 in Paris, France. (

When it comes to the care and keeping of hair—especially natural hair—there's far more to be concerned with than simply finding the right shampoo and conditioner. Great haircare is also about crafting a personalized routine that fosters scalp health, hydrated strands, and consistent hair growth. And in finding this routine, it's helpful to know about the needs of your hair and scalp, including whether your hair is low porosity or high porosity. 

"Porosity is the ability of the hair to absorb liquid," explains Alicia Bailey, a licensed master cosmetologist and the CEO and Global Hair Education Director of Iman Yvonne Beauty. "Hair that has low porosity has a tight cuticle layer, which makes it slightly harder to absorb water, products, and various chemicals."

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