Which type of hair is considered the most porous?

The most porous type of hair is coarse hair. Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb moisture, which is influenced by the structure of the hair cuticle. Coarse hair has a thicker and more open cuticle layer, allowing it to absorb more moisture compared to finer hair types. This characteristic means that coarse hair can hold onto moisture but may also be more susceptible to damage if not properly cared for.

In contrast, fine hair tends to have a smoother, tightly closed cuticle, making it less porous and more prone to oiliness. Medium hair typically has a balance of both characteristics, being neither too porous nor too resistant to moisture. Curly hair, while it can have different levels of porosity depending on the individual, is not inherently the most porous type; its curly structure can sometimes make it less porous due to how the cuticles overlap.

Thus, understanding porosity is essential for determining the right hair care products and treatments for different hair types, particularly coarse hair which is the most porous and requires specific attention to avoid damage and to maintain hydration.