From Low to Medium Hair Porosity: Unlock Healthier Hair

Yes, it’s possible for hair to shift from low porosity, where cuticles are tightly compact,to medium hair porosity, where cuticles are moderately raised.

While genetics largely determine your hair’s natural porosity, factors such as your environment, haircare routine, and treatments can influence how porous your hair becomes over time.

Here’s a closer look at how and why this change can happen.

What Is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture.

Low porosity: Cuticles are tightly sealed, making it difficult for moisture to enter but locking it in once absorbed.

Medium hair porosity: Cuticles are slightly raised, allowing the perfect balance of moisture absorption and retention.

High porosity: Cuticles are overly open or damaged, resulting in rapid moisture loss.

A shift from low to medium porosity typically means your hair is becoming more receptive to hydration, without the excessive dryness linked to high porosity.

Why Hair Can Shift from Low to Medium Porosity

Gradual Wear (Without Severe Damage)

Over time, everyday exposure can gently lift the cuticle layer.

Heat styling tools (blow dryers, flat irons)
Friction from brushing or tight hairstyles
Sun exposure, chlorine, and hard water

This subtle change can move hair toward medium hair porosity, improving moisture absorption without causing major damage.

Chemical & Salon Treatments

Certain treatments intentionally open the cuticle.

Hair coloring, relaxing, or perming
Glossing or light conditioning treatments

When done in moderation, these can shift hair from low to medium porosity, helping products penetrate more effectively.

A Better Haircare Routine

Sometimes the “change” isn’t damage, it’s actually improvement.

Clarifying treatments remove buildup that blocks moisture
Balanced protein and hydration keeps cuticles flexible

Low porosity hair often appears resistant due to buildup. Once removed, your hair may behave more like medium hair porosity, softer, more responsive, and easier to manage.

Different Porosity Along the Hair Strand

It’s very common to have mixed porosity.

Roots: often remain low porosity
Mid-lengths & ends: shift to low to medium porosity or fully medium over time

This happens because older hair has more exposure to stress, naturally increasing porosity.

Is Low Porosity Genetic?

Yes, your baseline porosity is largely genetic. However, how your hair behaves can change.

You may not permanently alter your natural structure, but you can encourage a healthy shift toward medium hair porosity through proper care, without causing damage.

Benefits of Medium Hair Porosity

Reaching Medium Hair Porosity is Often Ideal for Healthy Hair:

Better moisture absorption and retention
Less product buildup
Easier styling and detangling
Improved softness and shine

A balanced low to medium porosity state gives your hair the best of both worlds, hydration without heaviness.

Take a look at our personalised porosity product solutions