How can you test for porosity in hair?

The best method for testing porosity in hair involves applying water and checking for absorption. This test assesses how well the hair cuticle allows moisture to penetrate, indicating its porosity level. High porosity hair absorbs water quickly and may appear to sink, while low porosity hair may resist moisture and float for a longer time.

Using water in this manner provides direct insight into the hair’s structure and its ability to retain or repel moisture, which is crucial in determining the appropriate hair care products and routines for different hair types. Understanding porosity helps cosmetologists make informed decisions about treatments, conditioning, and styling methods tailored to the specific needs of the hair.

While the other options might inform aspects of hair health—such as elasticity or tactile texture—none specifically address water absorption, which is fundamental in evaluating porosity directly. Thus, checking absorption through the application of water offers the most accurate assessment of hair porosity.