How can you determine the porosity of hair?

Determining the porosity of hair is best done by conducting a simple strand test, which evaluates how well the hair absorbs moisture and products. This test involves placing a strand of hair in water and observing how quickly it sinks or floats. If the strand sinks rapidly, it typically indicates high porosity, meaning the hair can absorb moisture easily. Hair with lower porosity may float or take longer to sink, indicating that it has a tighter cuticle layer that does not readily absorb moisture.

While analyzing hair color, combing with a fine-tooth comb, and checking thickness may provide some insight into hair characteristics, they do not give accurate information about porosity. Color may affect the appearance but not the absorption capacity. Combing can reveal tangling or texture but not moisture retention. Thickness can indicate the density or health of hair but does not relate to how porous the hair is. Thus, the strand test is the most effective method for assessing porosity.