Iowa Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Porosity in hair refers to the hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. It is an important characteristic that affects how hair interacts with various hair care products, treatments, and the environment. The degree of porosity indicates how well the hair can take in moisture and, crucially, how well it can retain it once absorbed.

Hair can be categorized as low, medium, or high porosity:

- Low porosity hair has tightly bound cuticles, making it more resistant to moisture absorption but also prone to product buildup.

- Medium porosity hair has a balanced cuticle condition, allowing for optimal moisture absorption and retention, making it easier to manage with various products.

- High porosity hair has gaps and holes in the cuticle layer, allowing it to absorb moisture quickly but also making it lose moisture easily, which can lead to dryness.

Understanding porosity is vital for selecting the right products and techniques for hair care, enabling better moisture management and overall hair health.