I have shoulder length thin fine hair. My hair soaks up water and conditioner. I don't use any kind of heat on my hair. I let my hair air dry. I use a towel to squeeze out the extra water out of my hair before I use leave in conditioner. It usually takes 40-45 minutes for my hair to fully air dry. So my question is: my is medium or high porosity?
Hair porosity refers to how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture. Since your hair soaks up water and conditioner quickly and air dries in 40-45 minutes without heat, it indicates that your hair may have medium to high porosity. High porosity hair easily absorbs moisture but loses it rapidly due to gaps or damage in the cuticle layer, while medium porosity hair absorbs and retains moisture more balancedly. To better determine your hair porosity, you can perform a simple test: take a strand of clean hair and place it in a bowl of water. If it sinks quickly, your hair is likely high porosity; if it floats for a while before sinking, medium porosity; and if it floats for a long time, low porosity. For thin, fine hair that is air-dried and not exposed to heat, maintaining moisture balance is crucial. Use leave-in conditioners that provide hydration without weighing down your hair. Avoid harsh shampoos and opt for sulfate-free formulas to preserve natural oils. In addition, gentle towel drying by squeezing out excess water—as you do—helps reduce breakage. Regular deep conditioning treatments can also help strengthen the cuticle and manage porosity over time. Understanding your hair’s porosity allows you to tailor your hair care routine for better hydration and manageability, keeping thin, fine hair looking healthy and vibrant.
