Porosity

 Porosity is the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture

There are three types of hair porosities. High, Normal & Low. 

High Porosity hair absorbs EVERYTHING because of the raised hair cuticle. There is little to no down time as far as moisture or product absorption. It dries quickly. Gets wet easily & unfortunately gets tangled easily as well. 

*Beau Peep Tip*

Do your final rinse with cold water to prevent frizz. Use heavier butters and oils to prevent moisture from leaving hair. Protein products work well for you.

Low Porosity hair takes FOREVER to dry because of the tightly seal cuticle It doesn't absorb products well which leads to build up on the hair shaft weighing the hair down. Takes a lot of effort to get hair soaking wet. Stays moisturized longer than high porosity hair because it slowly absorbs water over time. 

*Beau Peep Tip*

Always, ALWAYS use heat. With a steamer or a thermal heat cap. The goal is to have those cuticles open to absorb everything before they close. Be wary of protein.

Normal

Normal or Medium Porosity hair falls in between high and low. Caring for this porosity varies depending on what your hair needs in the moment. Your cuticle is half way open and too much water can open it up too much & too many oils can seal it shut. You have to be very careful in choosing the correct products & method of applying said products to hair. Weather also plays a big part in what normal porosity hair needs.

*Beau Peep Tip*

Create a schedule for you hair & stick to it. Varying between Moisture & Protein.

Density:

Hair Density is defined as the number of individual strands per square inch on your scalp.

If you can see your scalp easily you have Low Density Hair

If you can see your scalp a little bit, you have Medium Density Hair

If you can't see your scalp at all, you have High Density Hair

Your hair density depends on a few factors. If you are suffering with low density, don't fret all hope is not lost. Theres no way of knowing if your hair follicles are dead unless you have seen a doctor who has told you so. 

If its genetic go see a doctor. Even if they tell you there's nothing that can be done to reverse or stop the damage request pre natal vitamins. Some doctors will just write it off as genetics but they have the power to prescribe you supplements that could give your hair a boost internally.

Manipulation plays a huge role in losing density over time. I'm talking weaves & braids too.

*Beau Peep Tip*

8 week intensive program

Give your hair a break just put in some simple braids or twists after washing.

Keep it simple. 

Wash every 7-8 days depending of lifestyle with the products specified for your hair porosity. 

Protective style using one of the leave ins & sealing with one of our oils or butters.

Moisturize using LOC/LCO method every 2-4 days.

Scalp massage using our Manifest oils every 3 days.

Do this for 8 weeks & your density & length will approve

Low 

Most women have lower density hair in the front (thinning edges) 

Use thinner & lighter products when styling in this area.

Medium

You still want to steer clear of anything too heavy when styling 

High 

High Density hair can hold gel & butters better than the other two. Your curls can be defined easily because of how much hair there is to work with

Texture

Hair STRAND Type

Fine, Medium, Coarse

If you take a single hair in between your fingers and you don't feel anything, then you have fine hair.

If you can feel the hair, then it's medium.

If you feel a strong, thick strand, then you are coarse

Your hair strand type is important when styling. To get the best results you need to be aware of your hair strand type. 

*Beau Peep Tip*

Your hair could have several different hair strand types so be sure to check the front, crown & back of hair to be sure. It doesn't mean you have to use different hair products on a different part of your hair but you should be careful with application. Certain parts can use more or less of each to have beautiful results.

Fine Hair 

Fine hair does better when using lighter oils & even some butters as to not weigh hair down.

Medium Hair

Medium Hair strands should can do both heavy and light but if using heavy use a tiny amount to reduce any risk of limp hair

Coarse Hair

Coarse hair strands can use heavy butters and oils & it won't weigh hair down

You guys still with me?

Ok the final bit of information I want to share is the different hair phases.

Hair Growth Cycles

There are 3 stages of hair growth in the cycle, from actively beginning growth from the root to hair shedding

Anagen Phase

Active growth phase where follicles 

this phase lasts for 3-5 years

Catagen Phase

This short transitional phase lasts approximately 10 days.

Telogen Phase:

This phase is where the hair rests and when strands are released and falls out. Then the hair follicle remains resting for 3 months then the process starts all over again

*Beau Peep Tip*

Now with all that being said your entire head can be going through different phases at the same time. Frustrating, I know. Also different factors can disrupt these phases. Such as hygiene, stress, manipulation, chemicals, diet, and pregnancy. To get the most out of the anlagen phase is to do as much as you can ex. take vitamins, less manipulation, proper hair care, hair growth oils etc all the time. Theres no way for us to know when or which phase is taking place, so its better to think of every day as the Anagen Phase.

This is the last thing I SWEAR

If you see your hair described in any of these categories just know that your hair is unique to YOU. These categories are not meant to overwhelm you but to educate you so your hair can be its best. Some hair is easier to maintain than the others but it doesn't make it bad. Your hair is YOUR hair & the more you know about it the easier it will be to care for.

Did you find this article useful? Any questions about porosity, density, hair strand type? Let me know in the comments below!