What does a "porosity test" measure?

A porosity test assesses the hair's ability to absorb moisture and products, which is crucial for hair care and treatment. Hair porosity refers to the hair's structure and how well it can retain and absorb moisture. Higher porosity usually indicates that the hair can absorb products easily but may struggle to hold onto moisture, which often suggests damage or previous treatments. Conversely, lower porosity hair may be more resistant to absorbing moisture, requiring specific techniques or products to enhance its hydration.

Understanding porosity allows professionals to tailor their hair care recommendations and treatment plans according to the specific needs of their clients, ensuring better results and promoting overall hair health. In contrast, measuring the thickness of hair strands, the level of damage, or the natural color of hair does not provide insight into how well hair can absorb and retain moisture, which is why those options do not accurately define the purpose of a porosity test.