Porous hair - what can you do about it? The essential answers
- Identify your hair's porosity level (low, medium or high) with simple tests such as the glass-of-water test.
- Choisir un shampoing doux sans sulfates pour laver sans décaper et préserver la cuticule.
- Incorporate a moisturizing, nourishing mask rich in shea butter, aloe vera or plant proteins for deep repair.
- Use appropriate oils (jojoba, castor, coconut) to seal in moisture and protect the fiber.
- Establish a consistent hair routine: limit heat, protect the scalp and alternate between moisturizing and protein treatments.
Vos cheveux paraissent secs, ternes, difficiles à coiffer malgré l’application régulière de soins ? Les cheveux peuvent être cassants poreux. La porosité est une caractéristique capillaire encore trop méconnue, pourtant elle conditionne directement l’hydratation et la santé de votre chevelure.
In this article, I'd like to take you through this phenomenon in detail, help you recognize your needs and discover the right solutions for softer, stronger hair.
What is hair porosity?
Definition of capillary porosity
Hair porosity corresponds to the hair's capacity to absorb and retain water and care products. This ability depends on the state of the cuticle, the outer layer composed of small protective scales.
When these are well aligned and closed, they enable the fiber to retain moisture. When they are open or damaged, moisture escapes too quickly and hair becomes dry, rough and brittle.
Porosity is therefore an indicator of hair fiber health. It explains why some hair seems to drink up all the care it receives without ever benefiting from it, while others appear suffocated by products.
Different levels of hair porosity
There are three main levels of porosity:
- Low-porosity hair: the cuticle is very closed. Water and care products penetrate with difficulty, but when they do, moisture remains well locked in. This type of hair can appear heavy and have difficulty absorbing oils.
- Medium-porosity hair: the cuticle is slightly ajar. The balance is ideal, as treatments penetrate easily and are well retained. This is often the easiest hair type to maintain.
- Cheveux à forte porosité : la cuticule est largement ouverte, souvent à cause d’agressions répétées comme la chaleur, les colorations ou le défrisage. L’eau pénètre immédiatement mais s’évapore aussi vite. Ces cheveux sont secs, cassants et très sensibles aux frisottis.
How can you tell if your hair is porous?
The glass-of-water test
There's a simple way to identify the porosity of your hair. Take a clean, dry strand of hair and immerse it in a glass of water at room temperature.
- If the strand floats to the surface, your hair is probably not very porous.
- If it remains in the middle, porosity is medium.
- If it sinks quickly to the bottom, this is highly porous hair.
Everyday signs of porous hair
Beyond this test, certain clues make it easy to recognize porous hair:
- A feeling of constant dryness despite the application of skin care products.
- Hair that swells and frizzes in contact with humidity.
- Hair that dries very quickly after washing.
- A rough, dull texture, sometimes with a tendency to split ends.
What to do about porous hair? Causes and solutions
Why does hair become porous?
High porosity can result from two causes. First, internal factors: certain textures, such as curly or fine hair, are genetically more fragile and porous.
Ensuite, les facteurs externes jouent un rôle majeur : colorations répétées, chaleur excessive (fer à lisser, sèche-cheveux), défrisage, exposition aux UV ou usage de produits chimiques agressifs altèrent la cuticule.
This protective layer becomes damaged and permeable, and the hair suddenly loses its ability to retain moisture.
Porous, frothy hair: what causes it?
Porous hair absorbs care products quickly, but then washes them away just as quickly. It retains moisture poorly, triggering a frothy or airy feel. The weakened cuticle doesn't close, allowing moisture to evaporate.
Often, a poorly-adjusted routine aggravates the problem: too-light treatments or unsuitable products accentuate dehydration instead of remedying it.
Does high porosity mean damaged hair?
It's crucial to differentiate between high porosity and severely damaged hair. A high level of porosity means that water escapes easily, but it doesn't mean that the fiber is irretrievably destroyed.
Sensitized hair can be restored to health with the right care. However, if breakage is severe or frizz is long-lasting, it's time to consult a professional about a personalized repair routine.
My conviction: understanding porosity is an often overlooked key to skincare. This diagnosis enables us to accurately select treatments that really repair, not just mask, dryness. With this vision, every hair receives what it really needs.
The right hair routine: what can you do for porous hair?
Which shampoo for porous hair?
Retaining moisture starts with a gentle shampoo, free from sulfates and silicones. These aggressive agents strip the hair fiber of its natural moisture or clog cuticles, limiting the penetration of care products.
Je privilégie les formules enrichies en acide hyaluronique, probiotiques ou kératine végétale : l’hyaluronique attire l’eau au cœur de la fibre, les probiotiques restaurent l’équilibre du cuir chevelu, et la kératine végétale renforce la structure du cheveu pour limiter la casse.
Which moisturizing and nourishing mask to choose?
When hair is porous, a rich mask becomes essential. I recommend generous textures combining shea butter and plant proteins.
Shea butter intensely nourishes the hair thanks to its fatty acids, while highly-assimilable plant proteins strengthen the inner keratin. Working in synergy, these ingredients rehydrate the fiber deep down, providing a lasting solution to the problem of porosity.
Which oil for porous hair?
Choisir la bonne huile pour cheveux exige de tenir compte de votre porosité :
- I use jojoba oil on hair with low porosity. It resembles scalp sebum and penetrates without weighing hair down.
- Thick castor oil is ideal for very porous hair that needs a powerful nutrient boost to stimulate density and growth.
- The more penetrating olive and coconut oils ferment moisture inside the fiber, acting as a veritable occlusive shield.
Which hair serum for porous hair?
The serum plays an essential finishing role, to be adjusted according to your porosity:
- If your hair is not very porous, opt for a light protective serum. It should detangle and discipline without clogging the fiber.
- If your porosity is high, opt for a nourishing and repairing serum. It will help seal cuticles and smooth fiber over time.
How often should I wash porous hair?
Washing frequency makes all the difference. Highly porous hair dries out quickly when washed too often.
Conversely, hair with low porosity can tolerate a higher weekly frequency without losing shine. I recommend :
- limit shampooing to twice a week for very porous types;
- alternate between gentle shampoos and co-washes to retain moisture and structure.
In all cases, finishing your routine with a moisturizing treatment is a must.
My personal conviction: applying a consistent routine that respects hair porosity levels is like composing a harmonious score. Each product has a specific function, each gesture a meaning. By adapting shampoo, mask, oil, serum and washing frequency to your porosity, we can transform fragile, porous hair into revitalized, soft, shiny, controlled hair.
The best tips for treating and repairing porous hair
Home care and simple gestures
Before buying new products, optimize your gestures. What to do about porous hair at home. Start by taking care to close the scales to better retain moisture.
A final rinse with cold water helps smooth the cuticle and improve shine. I also appreciate a slightly acidified cider vinegar rinse at the end of the routine, to stabilize the pH without being harsh.
When it comes to skincare, opt for textures that provide water and lipids at the same time. Aloe vera rehydrates, shea butter nourishes and vegetable oils seal.
- Cold water at the end of shampooing to smooth the cuticle
- Rinse with low-dose cider vinegar, only at the end of the routine.
- Homemade masks combining aloe vera, shea butter and an oil adapted to your needs
My vision is simple. Moisturize, then seal. Avoid heavy blends that suffocate the fiber, but don't let water evaporate without lipid protection either.
Adapting your daily hair routine
Porous hair progresses with regularity. A hot towel or heating cap for ten to fifteen minutes increases the penetration of active ingredients tenfold.
Systematically protect the fiber from heat sources, keep a distance from the hairdryer and use a thermal protector when styling. Finally, limit the use of strong sulfates, which strip the hair, and non-volatile silicones, which build up.
- Gentle heat activation to boost masks
- Protection against irons and aggressive drying
- Formules sans sulfates, silicones limités pour éviter l’accumulation
This sobriety of means, applied on a weekly basis, corrects much more than a one-off treatment.
Food supplements for porous hair
Working from within reinforces the consistency of the routine. Biotin is involved in protein metabolism, zinc supports follicle activity, and essential fatty acids contribute to fiber suppleness.
Vegetable proteins in the diet or as a supplement provide the amino acids needed for keratin synthesis. They are not a miracle solution, but a useful supplement if the diet is imperfect.
My advice: take regularly and sensibly, and seek medical advice if you are taking medication or are pregnant.
How to recover and permanently repair porous hair
When hair is very porous
When porosity is high, the aim is to balance water and protein intake while sealing in the fiber. I like to organize the week in three stages.
A humectant-rich moisturizing mask to recharge, a targeted oil bath to seal, a protein mask to support structure.
Extremely damaged tips benefit from regular trimming, as a cuticle that is too open will not close completely.
- Moisturizing care to replenish water
- Light oil baths to seal and limit evaporation
- Protein masks to support keratin and reduce breakage
The key is consistency. Follow-up over several weeks ensures stable, visible results.
Professional and natural solutions for porous hair
An in-salon diagnosis refines the action plan. Reconstructive treatments based on hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids and ceramides strengthen cuticle cohesion.
Some protocols, known as structure repair, target the fiber and improve the hold of the scales. At home, strategically alternate a moisturizing mask with a protein mask, then seal with a suitable oil.
Maintain a mild pH, avoid repeated chemical processes and keep heat sources away.
My personal conviction. lasting repair of porous hair isn't a sprint, it's an enlightened routine.
By combining simple gestures, the right choice of active ingredients and gentle discipline, we restore the fiber's ability to absorb and hold hair, an essential condition for supple, shiny, resilient hair.
Produits pour cheveux poreux : la routine complète
Maintenant que vous comprenez votre porosité, il est temps de mettre en place une routine adaptée. Les cheveux poreux ont besoin de produits spécifiques : hydratants, réparateurs, et formulés pour sceller l'hydratation.
Le Masque aux Hydrolats : le soin réparateur essentiel
Le Masque aux Hydrolats Madame d'Alexis est formulé spécifiquement pour les cheveux poreux. C'est le produit clé de votre routine.
Pourquoi c'est le meilleur pour cheveux poreux :
- ✓ Sans eau ajoutée — concentration active maximale, pas de dilution
- ✓ Hydrolats bio actifs — Rose, camomille, fleur d'oranger : hydratent et apaisent
- ✓ Acide hyaluronique cationique — hydrate en profondeur, repulpe la fibre
- ✓ Kératine végétale — renforce la structure interne, réduit la porosité
- ✓ Céramides végétales — scellent l'hydratation, renforcent la barrière lipidique ✓ Prébiotiques — rééquilibrent le microbiome du cuir chevelu
Expected results:
- Semaine 1-2 : cheveux plus souples, moins crépus
- Semaine 3-4 : porosité réduite, brillance retrouvée
- Après 30 jours : cheveux transformés, hydratation stable
Instructions for use:
- Fréquence : 2x par semaine (semaine 1-2), puis 1x par semaine (entretien)
- Durée : 10-15 minutes de pose
- Application : du milieu jusqu'aux pointes, en évitant les racines
Le Sérum Jour : l'hydratation légère quotidienne
Le Sérum Jour Madame d'Alexis complète le Masque pour une hydratation quotidienne sans alourdir.
Pourquoi c'est essentiel pour cheveux poreux :
- ✓ Texture légère — hydrate sans alourdir les cheveux fins ou poreux
- ✓ Actifs hydratants — acide hyaluronique, glycérine, hydrolats
- ✓ Scelle l'hydratation — empêche l'eau de s'échapper de la fibre
- ✓ Anti-frisottis — lisse la cuticule, réduit le crépus
- ✓ Sans silicones — brillance naturelle, pas d'accumulation
Expected results:
- Cheveux plus brillants et lisses
- Frisottis réduits
- Hydratation maintenue toute la journée
- Effet anti-crépus visible
Instructions for use:
- Fréquence : quotidien, sur cheveux secs ou humides
- Quantité : 2-3 gouttes par section
- Application : sur les longueurs et pointes, en évitant les racines
Routine complète pour cheveux poreux : 30 jours
Semaine 1-2 : Phase de réparation intensive
| Day | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Lun-Mar-Mer | Sérum Jour (cheveux secs) | Shampoing doux + Masque 15 min |
| Jeu-Ven-Sam | Sérum Jour (cheveux secs) | Shampoing doux + Sérum Jour |
| Sunday | Repos (pas de lavage) | Repos |
Semaine 3-4 : Phase d'entretien
| Day | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Lun-Mer-Ven | Sérum Jour (cheveux secs) | Shampoing doux + Masque 1x/semaine |
| Mar-Jeu-Sam | Sérum Jour (cheveux secs) | Mild shampoo |
| Sunday | Repos (pas de lavage) | Repos |
Résultats attendus après 30 jours :
- ✓ Porosité réduite
- ✓ Hydratation stable
- ✓ Cheveux moins crépus
- ✓ Brillance naturelle retrouvée
- ✓ Cheveux plus souples et malléables
- ✓ Frisottis réduits
Porosité faible vs haute : quelle routine adapter ?
Votre type de porosité détermine votre routine. Voici comment adapter vos soins selon votre porosité.
Cheveux à porosité faible
Caractéristiques :
- Cheveux lisses, brillants naturellement
- Difficiles à hydrater (l'eau ne pénètre pas)
- Secs aux pointes, gras aux racines
- Peu de volume
Routine adaptée :
| Step | Product | Frequency | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nettoyage | Shampoing doux sans sulfates | 2-3x/semaine | Évite de décaper |
| Hydration | Sérum Jour léger | Daily | Hydrates without weighing down the skin |
| Soin profond | Masque léger | Once a week | Deeply moisturizes |
| Finition | Spray hydratant | Au besoin | Scelle l'hydratation |
Produits recommandés :
- Shampoing aux Hydrolats (nettoyage doux)
- Sérum Jour (hydratation quotidienne)
- Masque aux Hydrolats (soin profond)
Cheveux à porosité moyenne
Caractéristiques :
- Cheveux équilibrés
- Hydratation facile
- Brillance naturelle
- Volume normal
Routine adaptée :
| Step | Product | Frequency | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nettoyage | Shampoing doux sans sulfates | 2-3x/semaine | Maintient l'équilibre |
| Hydration | Day Serum | Daily | Maintient l'hydratation |
| Soin profond | Masque équilibrant | 1-2 times per week | Renforce et hydrate |
| Finition | Spray hydratant | Au besoin | Scelle l'hydratation |
Produits recommandés :
- Shampoing aux Hydrolats
- Day Serum
- Masque aux Hydrolats
Cheveux à porosité haute
Caractéristiques :
- Cheveux crépus, frisottis importants
- Hydratation facile mais ne retiennent pas l'eau
- Secs et cassants
- Peu de brillance naturelle
Routine adaptée :
| Step | Product | Frequency | Pourquoi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nettoyage | Shampoing doux sans sulfates | 2x/semaine | Évite de décaper |
| Hydration | Day Serum | Daily | Scelle l'hydratation |
| Soin profond | Masque riche | 2x/semaine | Hydrate et scelle |
| Finition | Spray hydratant | Daily | Scelle l'hydratation |
Produits recommandés :
- Shampoing aux Hydrolats (nettoyage doux)
- Sérum Jour (hydratation quotidienne)
- Masque aux Hydrolats (soin profond riche)
FAQ about porous hair
What to do about porous hair
Porous hair absorbs water and care products very quickly, but is unable to retain them. To remedy this, you need to build a hair routine that's just right for you. The essential steps are :
- use a mild shampoo to avoid damaging the cuticle;
- incorporate a porous hair care product rich in moisturizing and nourishing active ingredients;
- opt for a porous hair treatment that combines hydration and nutrition;
- seal in moisture with suitable oils;
- protect the fiber from heat and chemical aggression.
This approach works just as well on highly porous hair as it does on fine or very porous hair. The aim remains the same: to compensate for water loss and nourish deep down.
How to recognize hair porosity?
To find out how porous your hair is, there's a simple test called the glass test: dip a clean strand into a glass of water.
- If it floats, you have low-porosity hair.
- If it remains in the middle, this is normal porosity.
- If it runs quickly, this is porous hair with high porosity.
Other symptoms of porosity include dry hair that dehydrates quickly, frizziness, dullness and a rough texture. These characteristics help to identify the level of porosity, and therefore to choose the most appropriate care products.
Care for porous hair
Care for porous hair relies on a balance between hydration and nutrition. There are several options:
- apply a moisturizing mask rich in aloe vera or hyaluronic acid;
- create an oil bath with oils such ascastor oil or coconut oil to seal in moisture;
- use a shea butter or vegetable protein mask regularly;
- Choose organic cosmetics to avoid sulfates and silicones;
- alternate moisturizing and protein treatments to strengthen keratin and improveyour hair's hydration over the long term.
How to treat dry hair
Les cheveux secs nécessitent un protocole spécifique qui vise à nourrir et à traiter la fibre en profondeur. Pour réparer les cheveux abîmés (ou les cheveux gras), il est essentiel de miser sur :
- moisturizers rich in humectants (aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid);
- Nourishing masks that repair rough and brittle hair;
- vegetable oils to protect and prevent breakage;
- nutritional supplements to support the hair's internal health.
A regular routine helps repair dull hair and reinforce its protection against external aggressions.
Quel produit choisir pour cheveux poreux ?
Pour les cheveux poreux, vous avez besoin de deux produits clés :
- Masque aux Hydrolats — soin profond réparateur (2x/semaine)
- Sérum Jour — hydratation quotidienne légère (quotidien)
Ces deux produits travaillent ensemble pour hydrater, réparer et sceller l'hydratation. Le Masque apporte la nutrition profonde, le Sérum maintient l'hydratation au quotidien.
Combien de temps avant de voir les résultats sur cheveux poreux ?
Vous verrez les premiers résultats dès la première utilisation du Masque :
- Semaine 1-2 : cheveux plus souples, moins crépus
- Semaine 3-4 : porosité réduite, brillance retrouvée
- Après 30 jours : cheveux transformés, hydratation stable
La clé est la régularité. Utilisez le Masque 2x/semaine les 2 premières semaines, puis 1x/semaine en entretien.
Le Masque aux Hydrolats convient-il aux cheveux poreux ?
Oui, c'est même le produit idéal pour cheveux poreux. Grâce à :
- Son acide hyaluronique cationique (hydrate en profondeur)
- Ses céramides végétales (scellent l'hydratation)
- Ses hydrolats bio actifs (apaisent et régénèrent)
- Sa kératine végétale (renforce la structure)
Le Masque aux Hydrolats est spécifiquement formulé pour réduire la porosité et sceller l'hydratation.
Puis-je utiliser le Sérum Jour quotidiennement sur cheveux poreux ?
Oui, absolument. Le Sérum Jour est formulé pour être léger et hydratant, idéal pour une utilisation quotidienne sur cheveux poreux.
Application : 2-3 gouttes sur les longueurs et pointes, en évitant les racines. Appliquez sur cheveux secs ou légèrement humides pour un meilleur résultat.
