Porosity is a common feature of all types of hair, but in excess it is harmful to the strands. For this reason, porous hair needs special care to prevent loss of water and nutrients, a frequent situation due to its open cuticles. So, learn to identify the porosity level of your hair and know how to care!
According to the hairdresser, cut designer and hair consultant, Mel Valença, porosity is classified as low, medium, and high, taking into account the condition of our cuticles.
“If the outermost part of our wire is aligned, the porosity is low. If it is slightly spaced it is balanced, it is considered average. If it is raised, the porosity of the stem is classified as high ”, explains the professional. In addition, she says that not all porous hair is dry.
How to identify and treat
Also according to Mel Valença, it is the visual aspects of the locks that will determine the classification of porosity. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the structure of the strands or seek professional help, so you can identify the level of the porous hair and learn how to treat it.
Porosity test: truth or myth?
Have you heard about the cup test? According to popular beliefs, you put a hair in a glass of water and the way it behaves will determine the level of porosity. For example, if the hair floats in the hair with low porosity, if it stays in the middle of the glass it is classified as normal and if it sinks it is a sign of high porosity.
However, Mel Valença explains that this test is a myth, as it is more common to find mixed hair than it is entirely composed of a single thickness.
So, low porosity is classified when the hair is in visual health, but the ends can point to damage. In the medium porosity, “the appearance is of a healthy, silky, shiny and frizz-free yarn”. In high porosity, “the threads have a lot of frizz. Depending on the thickness of the thread and the care routine, it may show dryness and stiffness ”, he concludes.
Treatment schedule for porous hair
“Porous hair needs more nutrition and, depending on the state it is in, reconstructions as well. A schedule focused on these two stages would be ideal for combat. However, remember: “it is useless if the pH of the products used in conditioning is higher than 4.0 and that of sanitizers is higher than 6.0”, explains the professional.
It is also worth mentioning that lipid-based products, rich in antioxidants and of good origin are essential in these treatments, such as coconut oil, avocado, and shea butter. “Another very interesting asset is pure bee honey, as it contains natural ceramides, amino acids and antioxidants, a perfect combo for those who suffer from high porosity”, he advises.
4 homemade treatments for porous hair that give incredible results
Honey, vinegar, and lemon are some homemade products that can be used to fight high porosity. Here's how to use each of these ingredients and choose the best acid treatment for your hair!
1. Treating porous hair with just
Débora Joselma teaches step by step to take care of porous hair and the best is the symbolic value spent on this treatment. According to YouTuber, the cheap and effective mixture takes half a glass of water, three tablespoons (of soup) of apple cider vinegar and three tablespoons (of soup) of saline. The result is shiny, smooth, and dry hair.
2. Acid hydration to shine the hair
Choose a nutrition mask rich in vitamins, add some vegetable oil of your choice (coconut oil, olive oil etc.), keratin, and vinegar. Stir well and pass the wires as one of the treatment processes to say goodbye to high porosity. See in the video how Jana Ramos prepares the locks to receive this treatment and how it ends.
3. Perfect pair: avocado and honey for porous hair
Three pieces of avocado, two tablespoons of honey and your favorite mask. Okay, now just stir and put this mixture in your hair. Erika Vasconcelos says that this treatment leaves the locks soft, nourishing and shiny. In addition, for curly hair there are two bonus effects: curls are defined and the volume is guaranteed.
4. Two versions of homemade acidification
The Transmitter Rapunzel channel brings two versions of a single recipe. The first version consists of the juice of half a lemon, two tablespoons of a nutrition mask, and five sprays of liquid keratin. If you don't want the lemon, just follow the second version that replaces the fruit with a tablespoon of vinegar.
As can be seen in the recipes, the aim of the treatments is to balance the pH of the strands through the acidification process. According to Mel Valença, the hair has an acid pH between 4.5 to 5.5, so the cuticles are in balance. For this reason, when it is alkaline (with high porosity), it is necessary to use acid products to try to normalize the pH.
How to prevent high porosity?
Still according to the professional, natural alkalinity is one of the main factors for high porosity. However, other situations can contribute to this characteristic, they are: use of products with alkaline pH (shampoos, masks, combing creams and transforming chemicals), seawater, heat sources, and chlorinated water. See below for tips from Mel Valença to avoid this aspect!
Look for a professional: only a specialist will know how to identify and test the porosity of the hair, in addition to indicating effective methods in the fight against this condition;
Follow the low and poo techniques: “with a greater focus on cash, it will help to nourish and hydrate the scalp and to balance the porosity of the skin so that the hair will be born with more health and less alkalinized”, explains ;
Do not neglect the threads when discoloring: unfortunately, the coloring and discoloration can unbalance the porosity of the threads and there is no way to avoid it. However, it is possible to minimize hair reactions by betting on intensive treatment before, protection during, and aftercare. Thus, "the wire does not remain dry, does not break and we are not at risk of suffering a chemical cut", complements the professional;
Use oils in the finishes: in a small amount, the oil helps to keep the water in the hair and keeps the cuticles nourished and heavy;
Use cosmetics according to the porosity of the threads: they can “vary from 2.5 to 6.0, consult your trusted professional for a detailed analysis”, advises Mel Valença;
Pay attention to the use of the conditioner: this product is important, as it is responsible for helping to balance the porosity of the wires. In addition to all these tips, Mel advises that a professional be sought in cases of extremely porous hair, as the specialist has access to the type of technology capable of improving the aspects of the hair. Learn now how to plan your hair schedule to recover your porous hair and avoid damaged strands.
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