Medium Porosity Hair Care
Medium porosity hair is often described as "normal," but what makes hair normal and what will help it thrive? If your hair quickly shifts from glossy and fabulous to rough and dehydrated, you might be working with medium porosity hair.
We'll show you how to maintain your balanced medium porosity hair and how to tell if you have it in the first place, so you can keep your mane looking its best day in and day out.
Understanding
What is Medium Porosity Hair?
Medium porosity hair has a balanced structure that allows for optimal moisture retention and healthy hair growth.
To understand what medium porosity hair is, it can be helpful to first understand what low- and high-porosity hair is. Low-porosity hair has tightly packed cuticles that can make it hard for the hair to absorb moisture. High porosity hair holds moisture briefly, but hair strands struggle to retain moisture for long because of the loose cuticles.
As you would expect, medium porosity hair is somewhere in the middle. Hair cuticles aren't too close together or far apart, making it easier for strands to retain moisture. This cuticle layer structure means natural hair can hold moisture for a good amount of time.
What Is a Hair Cuticle?
The cuticle is the outer layer of the hair shaft that is comprised of dead cells, which serve as a protector for each hair strand. If you were to look at a strand of your hair under a microscope, it would appear scaly because the individual cells of the cuticle overlap like slates on a rooftop.
If your cuticle is somewhere in between raised and flat, your hair is considered to be medium porosity. This means that the cells are moderately spaced, making it somewhat easy for moisture and oil to enter. Medium porosity hair can be prone to tangles and frizz but not as much as high porosity hair.
The Science Behind Medium Porosity
Hair porosity is determined by the structure of the cuticle layer, which consists of overlapping scales that protect the inner cortex of the hair shaft. In medium porosity hair, these cuticle scales lie at an optimal distance from each other, creating a balanced barrier that allows moisture to enter and exit at a healthy rate.
This balanced cuticle structure is typically genetic, but can also be influenced by factors such as:
- Genetics (the primary factor)
- Hair care practices
- Environmental factors
- Chemical treatments (which can alter porosity over time)
Identification
Medium Porosity Hair Characteristics
You can probably tell if you have medium porosity hair just by paying attention to how it looks and behaves.
Medium porosity hair is often referred to as "normal" hair and is characterized by these qualities:
- Balanced moisture absorption: Hair absorbs moisture at a moderate rate, neither too quickly nor too slowly
- Good moisture retention: Once moisturized, hair stays hydrated for a reasonable amount of time
- Manageable styling: Hair holds styles well without requiring excessive product
- Moderate drying time: Hair doesn't take too long to dry, but also doesn't dry too quickly
- Healthy shine: Hair has a natural luster without appearing greasy or dull
- Predictable behavior with products: Hair responds well to most hair products without extreme reactions
- Balanced elasticity: Hair stretches when wet and returns to its original state without breaking
- Even color absorption: Hair takes color treatments evenly and predictably
How Medium Porosity Differs from Low and High Porosity
Unlike low porosity hair, medium porosity hair doesn't resist moisture. And unlike high porosity hair, it doesn't lose moisture too quickly. This balanced state makes medium porosity hair generally easier to manage and style.
Medium porosity hair:
- Gets wet more easily than low porosity hair
- Retains moisture better than high porosity hair
- Requires less heat to open the cuticle than low porosity hair
- Needs less frequent deep conditioning than high porosity hair
- Maintains color treatments longer than high porosity hair
- Requires less product than both low and high porosity hair types
While medium porosity hair is generally considered the most manageable type, it can still benefit from proper care to maintain its balanced state and prevent it from shifting toward high porosity due to damage.
Diagnosis
Test Your Hair's Porosity Type
If you're unsure of your hair's porosity type, there are several simple tests you can perform at home.
The Float Test
This is the most common test to determine hair porosity:
- Fill a clear glass with water.
- Take a few clean strands of hair (ones that have naturally fallen out).
- Place the strands in the water.
- Observe what happens:
- Low porosity: Hair floats on top for a long time
- Medium porosity: Hair floats in the middle of the glass or slowly sinks after a few minutes
- High porosity: Hair sinks to the bottom quickly
The Spray Bottle Test
Another simple way to test your hair's porosity:
- Take a section of clean, dry hair.
- Spray it with water from a spray bottle.
- Observe how the water interacts with your hair:
- Low porosity: Water beads up on the hair and takes time to be absorbed
- Medium porosity: Water is absorbed at a moderate rate, neither too quickly nor too slowly
- High porosity: Water is absorbed very quickly
The Slip 'n Slide Test
This test helps you feel the texture of your cuticles:
- Take a strand of hair between your fingers.
- Slide your fingers up the hair shaft (toward the scalp).
- Pay attention to how it feels:
- Low porosity: Feels smooth as your fingers slide up
- Medium porosity: Feels slightly rough, but not too bumpy
- High porosity: Feels very bumpy and rough
Remember that your hair may have different porosity levels throughout your head, especially if you've had chemical treatments or heat damage on certain sections. It's also possible for your porosity to change over time due to various factors.
Treatment
How To Care for Medium Porosity Hair
Even though medium porosity hair is generally balanced, proper care is essential to maintain its health and prevent it from shifting toward high porosity.
Medium porosity hair is often considered the "Goldilocks" of hair types—not too porous, not too resistant to moisture. However, this balanced state can shift over time due to environmental factors, heat styling, and chemical treatments. Here's how to maintain your medium porosity hair's optimal condition:
Balanced Washing Routine
Medium porosity hair typically does well with washing 2-3 times per week. This frequency helps maintain the natural oils that keep your hair healthy without allowing buildup to accumulate.
Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses without stripping your hair's natural oils. Focus the shampoo on your scalp rather than the lengths of your hair to prevent unnecessary drying of the ends.
Regular Conditioning
After each wash, use a lightweight conditioner that provides moisture without weighing down your hair. Apply conditioner primarily to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, where moisture is needed most.
For medium porosity hair, leave-in conditioners can be used occasionally when extra moisture is needed, such as in dry weather or after swimming.
Periodic Deep Conditioning
While medium porosity hair doesn't require deep conditioning as frequently as high porosity hair, a monthly deep conditioning treatment can help maintain optimal moisture levels and prevent damage.
Choose a deep conditioner that balances moisture and protein to keep your hair's structure strong while providing adequate hydration.
Balanced Protein and Moisture
Medium porosity hair typically needs a balance of protein and moisture treatments. Too much protein can make your hair feel stiff and brittle, while too much moisture can make it limp and lifeless. Alternate between protein and moisture treatments as needed, paying attention to how your hair responds.
Gentle Heat Styling
While medium porosity hair can handle heat styling better than high porosity hair, it's still important to use heat protectants and keep styling tools at medium heat settings. Excessive heat can damage the cuticle layer and push your hair toward high porosity over time.
Regular Trims
To prevent split ends and maintain the health of your medium porosity hair, get regular trims every 8-12 weeks. This helps prevent damage from traveling up the hair shaft and keeps your hair looking its best.
Protective Styling
While medium porosity hair is generally resilient, protective styles can still be beneficial, especially in harsh weather conditions. Consider loose braids, buns, or twists to minimize exposure to environmental stressors and reduce manipulation.
Clarifying Treatments
Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove product buildup and hard water minerals that can affect your hair's porosity and overall health. Follow with a deep conditioner to restore moisture after clarifying.
Nighttime Protection
Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase, or use a silk/satin bonnet or scarf to protect your hair while you sleep. This reduces friction that can lead to frizz, tangles, and breakage, helping maintain your medium porosity hair's balanced state.
Products
Best Products for Medium Porosity Hair
The right products can help maintain your medium porosity hair's balanced state and keep it looking its best.
Shampoos
Balanced Moisture Shampoo
Look for sulfate-free shampoos that provide gentle cleansing without stripping natural oils. Ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and panthenol help maintain moisture balance.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Aloe Vera
- Glycerin
- Panthenol
- Coconut-derived cleansers
Clarifying Shampoo
For monthly use to remove product buildup. Choose a gentle clarifying formula that won't strip your hair of essential moisture.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Tea Tree Oil
- Citrus Extracts
- Activated Charcoal
Moisturizing Shampoo
For when your hair needs extra hydration, especially in dry weather or after heat styling.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Shea Butter
- Argan Oil
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Honey
Conditioners
Daily Conditioner
A lightweight daily conditioner that detangles and moisturizes without weighing hair down.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Aloe Vera
- Panthenol
- Lightweight Oils
- Silk Proteins
Deep Conditioner
For monthly treatments, choose a deep conditioner that balances moisture and protein to maintain hair strength and hydration.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Hydrolyzed Proteins
- Honey
- Avocado Oil
- Ceramides
Leave-In Conditioner
For occasional use when extra moisture is needed, choose a lightweight leave-in that won't cause buildup.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Aloe Vera
- Glycerin
- Panthenol
- Lightweight Oils
Styling Products
Heat Protectant
Essential for protecting medium porosity hair when heat styling to prevent damage to the cuticle.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Silicones (water-soluble)
- Panthenol
- Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
- Vitamin E
Lightweight Styling Cream
For definition and frizz control without weighing hair down or causing buildup.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Aloe Vera
- Jojoba Oil
- Flaxseed Extract
- Rice Protein
Hair Oil
For occasional use to seal in moisture and add shine. Use sparingly to avoid weighing hair down.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Argan Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Camellia Oil
Avoid These
Common Mistakes With Medium Porosity Hair
Even with balanced medium porosity hair, these common mistakes can disrupt your hair's health.
Excessive Heat Styling
While medium porosity hair can handle heat better than high porosity hair, excessive heat styling can still damage the cuticle over time. Always use a heat protectant and keep styling tools at medium heat settings.
Over-Conditioning
Medium porosity hair needs a balance of moisture. Over-conditioning can lead to product buildup and limp, greasy-looking hair. Focus conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends, and don't use heavy conditioners daily.
Skipping Clarifying Treatments
Even medium porosity hair can suffer from product buildup. Skipping regular clarifying treatments can lead to dull, lifeless hair. Use a gentle clarifying shampoo once a month to remove buildup.
Using Heavy Oils
Medium porosity hair typically doesn't need heavy oils. Using them can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy. Stick to lightweight oils like argan, jojoba, or grapeseed, and use them sparingly.
Frequent Chemical Treatments
While medium porosity hair can handle color treatments better than high porosity hair, frequent chemical processing can still damage the cuticle. Space out chemical treatments and always follow with deep conditioning.
Ignoring Protein-Moisture Balance
Medium porosity hair needs a balance of protein and moisture. Ignoring either can lead to hair that's either too brittle or too mushy. Pay attention to how your hair responds to products and adjust accordingly.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about medium porosity hair care and maintenance.
- Can medium porosity hair change over time?
- Yes, hair porosity can change due to factors like heat styling, chemical treatments, environmental damage, and aging. Medium porosity hair can shift toward high porosity if damaged. That's why it's important to maintain a good hair care routine to preserve your hair's balanced state.
- How often should I wash medium porosity hair?
- Most people with medium porosity hair do well with washing 2-3 times per week. However, this can vary based on your scalp's oil production, activity level, and climate. Pay attention to how your hair feels—if it's getting oily or feels dirty, it's time to wash.
- Do I need to use protein treatments on medium porosity hair?
- Medium porosity hair typically needs a balance of protein and moisture. Light protein treatments every 4-6 weeks can help maintain hair strength and elasticity. However, pay attention to how your hair responds—if it feels stiff or brittle after protein treatments, reduce frequency or switch to a milder protein product.
- Can I color my medium porosity hair?
- Yes, medium porosity hair typically takes color well and evenly. It's less likely to become over-processed compared to high porosity hair. However, always follow coloring with deep conditioning, and try to space out chemical treatments to minimize damage to the cuticle.
- What's the best way to dry medium porosity hair?
- Air drying is generally best for maintaining hair health. If you need to use a blow dryer, use a medium heat setting with a heat protectant. Microfiber towels or t-shirts are gentler for initial drying than regular towels, which can cause friction and frizz.
- How can I tell if my medium porosity hair needs more moisture or protein?
- If your hair feels dry, brittle, and breaks easily, it likely needs more moisture. If it feels mushy, gummy, or stretches a lot before breaking when wet, it likely needs more protein. Medium porosity hair typically needs a balance of both, so pay attention to how your hair responds to different products and treatments.
- Is medium porosity hair the same as "normal" hair?
- Medium porosity hair is often referred to as "normal" hair because it's in a balanced state that's neither too resistant to moisture (like low porosity) nor too porous (like high porosity). However, "normal" is a relative term, and all hair types require proper care to maintain health.