An estimated 20 percent of the population has low porosity hair, but few have even heard the term. People of all races and ethnic groups can have this type of hair, but African-Americans are particularly susceptible to low porosity. This type of hair requires special care to maintain moisture and health.
While certain hair types, such as tightly coiled hair commonly found in Black and African American hair, may be more prone to low porosity, individuals of any race or ethnicity can have low porosity hair. In fact, it's estimated that up to 20% of the population has low porosity hair.
This is very hard to find, and it's more common in straight hair. The cuticles on this hair type are extremely tight, and they don't allow moisture in or out. Those with this hair porosity often have shiny hair which looks smooth with no product on.
The average diameter of Hispanic/Latino hair tends to fall between that of Asian and Caucasian. Caucasians have the highest hair density among the ethnicities studied. Black people have the lowest. Asian people have hair density that falls somewhere in between.
Asian hair and Caucasian hair handle stress and fatigue well. Asian hair has the highest hardness and elasticity. It is resistant to stretching and can withstand a traction force of 60 to 65 grams.
Type 1A is the rarest hair type and is stick-straight without even a hint of a wave.
Low: Those with low hair porosity have hair that often appears healthy, but it might also lack vibrancy and fullness and struggle to absorb products, moisture, and even hair color. Caucasian and those with straight fine or thick hair types tend to be on the lower end of the hair porosity spectrum.
"Hair porosity" essentially refers to how well or poorly your hair absorbs and retains moisture. This is important as your hair's porosity is an indicator of its health. Low porosity hair is typically considered healthier, whereas high porosity hair is more damaged.
Low porosity hair is not very absorbent. It is less able to take in water and hair treatments, so products may accumulate on the surface. Compared with high porosity hair, it is less prone to breakage. The above information is from the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC).
In the case of low porosity hair , the cuticles are naturally closed, leaving little room for moisture to penetrate naturally. Low porosity hair can also be difficult to style, as it tends to get oily quickly and doesn't last long.
Asian hair shows the fastest growth rate in comparison to the other two hair types. African hair has the lowest growth rate.
There is no such thing as a rare hair porosity. Hair porosity is a measure of how easily hair can absorb and retain moisture, and it can vary from low to high. All three types of hair porosity (low, medium, and high) are common and can occur in individuals of any ethnicity and hair type.
Studies have shown that the morphology of the hair follicle can be influenced by a person's race. Individuals of African ancestry, for example, are more likely to have curly hair due to the oval shape of their hair follicles.
We often get asked this and yes, frizzy hair is usually a sign of high porosity.
Grade 1 Porosity: Virgin hair that has been exposed to little or no environmental damage. This is very hard to find, and it's more common in straight hair. The cuticles on this hair type are extremely tight, and they don't allow moisture in or out.
For low porosity hair, light oils like jojoba, argan, avocado, and almond oil are ideal as they easily penetrate the tightly bound cuticles without weighing the hair down.
An estimated 20 percent of the population has low porosity hair, but few have even heard the term. People of all races and ethnic groups can have this type of hair, but African-Americans are particularly susceptible to low porosity. This type of hair requires special care to maintain moisture and health.
“Any hair type can have low-porosity hair,” says Prose's Director of Education, Faith Huffnagle. “Low-porosity hair generally looks shiny (because hair cuticles lay very flat), takes a very long time to dry, and can look dry even after products are applied.”
Additionally, your hair's natural oils struggle to travel from the roots to the ends due to the tightly packed cuticles. As a result, low porosity hair tends to be: Dry and/or frizzy, especially at the ends. Prone to product build-up, resulting in weighed-down or limp hair.
A general observation across experiments was that straight hair was perceived as younger, healthier, and more attractive than wavy hair and darker shades (medium copper and brown) were perceived more positively than blonde hair.
The rarest eye colors are red and violet, which are primarily found in individuals with albinism. Excluding those affected by albinism, green and gray eyes are considered the most uncommon.
If the above applies to you, congratulations - you have 4C hair. Although this hair type is the weakest for breakage and dryness, the incredible volume allows for a range of hairstyles that will last for days, as well as holding protective hairstyles for months.