How to Find Your Hair Type & Porosity (So Your Hair Routine Actually Works)
Ever feel like you're doing everything “right,” but your hair still isn’t cooperating? You’re not alone.
The real secret to a healthy, thriving hair routine? It starts with understanding your hair type and porosity. Once you figure that out, suddenly everything makes sense—why your hair drinks in moisture or stays dry, why some products leave you greasy while others do nothing at all.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to finally figure out your unique hair blueprint—and how to use that knowledge to build your best routine yet.
💭 Why Hair Type & Porosity Actually Matter
Let’s be real: there’s no one-size-fits-all in beauty. What works for your favorite influencer or best friend may not work for you—and that’s okay. Your hair has its own needs, and those needs are shaped by two key factors:
Your Hair Type (its texture + curl pattern)
Your Hair Porosity (how it absorbs and holds onto moisture)
Knowing both will change everything about your routine—from the shampoo you choose to how you deep condition. Think of this as your haircare foundation. Once you get this right, everything else gets easier.
🔍 How to Identify Your Hair Type
You’ve probably heard people talk about Type 2B or 4A hair. But what does it actually mean?
Hair type is categorized by curl pattern and texture. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Hair Type | Needs | Best Products |
|---|---|---|
| Straight (1) | Volume, oil control | Lightweight shampoo, dry shampoo, volumizing sprays |
| Wavy (2) | Frizz control, definition | Curl creams, lightweight gels, leave-in conditioners |
| Curly (3) | Moisture, definition | Creams, butters, co-washing conditioners |
| Coily (4) | Deep hydration, strength | Butters, oils, heavy leave-ins, protective styling |
🌸 Personal tip: I have 3B hair with springy curls that were always there—I just didn’t know how to care for them properly. For the longest time, I thought something was wrong because my hair never laid straight or sleek like other girls’. Once I started using the right products and techniques for my curl pattern, everything changed. Your real texture might be more beautiful than you realize—it just needs the right love.
🧪 How to Figure Out Your Hair Porosity (Water Test)
Porosity is your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. There are three main types: low, medium, and high. The easiest way to find yours? The Water Test:
💧 Porosity Test Steps:
Take a clean, dry strand of your hair (free from product).
Fill a glass with room temperature water.
Drop the hair in and wait 2–4 minutes.
| Porosity | Needs | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Lightweight moisture, heat to open cuticle | Use warm water, avoid heavy oils |
| Medium | Balance | Regular conditioning + protein treatments as needed |
| High | Protein, sealing moisture | Use leave-ins, oils, and butters to lock in hydration |
🎯 Real Talk: I have high porosity hair (thanks bleach), and once I started layering my products (leave-in + oil + cream) to seal moisture, my hair stopped feeling like straw and finally stayed hydrated.