Diagnosis – Porosity & Protein

Headline: Is It Moisture or Protein? How to Diagnose Your Natural Hair’s Biggest Needs

Introduction:
Feeling stuck because your hair is always dry, or your curls have lost their spring? The problem often boils down to an imbalance between moisture and protein. Think of your hair like a plant: it needs both water (moisture) and food (protein) to thrive. Here’s how to figure out what your hair is craving.

Key Tips:

1. The Simple Porosity Test: Fill a glass with water. Take a clean strand of your shed hair and drop it in.
   • High Porosity: Sinks quickly. Hair has gaps, absorbs moisture fast but loses it just as fast. Needs heavier butters/oils to seal.
   • Normal Porosity: Floats then slowly sinks. Ideal balance, retains moisture well.
   • Low Porosity: Floats on top. Cuticle is tight, resistant to moisture. Needs light products and heat to help absorption.
2. Signs You Need MOISTURE:
   • Hair feels dry, rough, and brittle.
   • Lack of elasticity (hair snaps easily when stretched).
   • Constant tangling and excessive frizz.
   • Fix: Incorporate more water-based products, humectants (like glycerin), and deep conditioning with moisturizing conditioners (look for ingredients like shea butter, honey, aloe vera).
3. Signs You Need PROTEIN:
   • Hair feels overly soft, mushy, or “stretchy” when wet.
   • Lack of curl definition and limp curls.
   • High porosity hair that won’t hold moisture.
   • Fix: Use a protein treatment (look for hydrolyzed wheat, silk, or keratin protein) every 4-8 weeks. Follow with a moisturizing deep conditioner to balance.
4. The Goldilocks Balance: Healthy hair needs both. A good rule is to deep condition for moisture weekly and use a light protein treatment or protein-rich conditioner monthly. Adjust based on your porosity and how your hair feels.