Hair Porosity 101

What is hair porosity?

Hair porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. It's determined by the structure of your hair cuticle — the outer layer of each strand. Understanding your porosity is the key to choosing products that actually work for your hair.

The three types:

Low Porosity

Your cuticles are tightly packed and lay flat, making it hard for moisture to get in. Once it's in though, it stays. Common struggles: product buildup, moisture sitting on top of hair instead of absorbing, slow drying time.

Normal/Medium Porosity

Your cuticles are slightly raised, allowing moisture in and out at a balanced rate. Hair is generally easier to manage and style.

High Porosity

Your cuticles are raised or have gaps, absorbing moisture quickly but losing it just as fast. Common struggles: frizz, dryness, breakage, and hair that feels dry shortly after washing.

How to test your porosity at home:

Drop a clean strand of hair into a glass of water and wait 2–4 minutes. If it floats → low porosity. If it sinks slowly → medium porosity. If it sinks fast → high porosity.

Why it matters:

Using the wrong products for your porosity type is why so many of us feel like nothing works. AWN products are formulated specifically for your porosity type — so you get real results, not guesswork.

Find your perfect match

Ready to find out exactly which AWN oil is right for your hair? Take our quick Hair Porosity Quiz and get a personalized product recommendation in minutes.

Take the Hair Porosity Quiz →