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How to determine hair porosity according to the experts

Ciao! Welcome to the world of Rossano Ferretti Parma, where understanding the very essence of your hair is paramount. With our Italian heritage, we pride ourselves on blending luxury, science, and beauty seamlessly. And today, we’ll delve into the very heart of what is hair porosity and why understanding it is the key to unlocking your hair’s true potential.

What is Hair Porosity?

In the heart of our beautiful Italian landscapes, we believe in the philosophy of embracing every strand’s uniqueness. Hair porosity is the hair’s natural ability to absorb and retain moisture. Think of it as your hair’s thirst level: is it parched and in dire need of hydration or fairly content and resilient to external elements?

Distinguishing between ‘high’ and ‘low’ porosity is essential. This distinction will guide you in making informed decisions on the best products and treatments to ensure every day feels like a good hair day.

Discover more on this topic: What is hair porosity and why does it matter?

High Porosity Hair Characteristics

Signs of high porosity hair are easily noticeable. This type of hair tends to absorb moisture quickly but loses it just as fast, often leading to dryness. It can appear frizzy, gets tangled easily, and can be more susceptible to breakage. The cuticles are raised and open, often due to frequent styling and chemical treatments.

For those with high porosity hair, our Dolce Nourishing Collection is your go-to. Crafted for dry hair, it provides the perfect touch of Italian love, ensuring your strands receive the hydration they yearn for. Hair with high porosity often has gaps and holes in the cuticle, allowing it to absorb moisture quickly but, regrettably, lose it just as swiftly. This rapid moisture loss is a primary reason for chronic dryness. The Dolce Nourishing Collection is formulated to quench this thirst, drenching each strand in deep hydration. Its nourishing ingredients work harmoniously to seal those gaps, locking in essential moisture and preventing further dehydration.

Image of Rossano Ferretti Parma's Dolce nourishing routine with the nourishing shampoo, the repair and nourish mask and the satin glow booster spray.

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For those graced with thick, coarse hair that has high porosity, the Intenso Smoothing Collection is ideal. With its sophisticated blend of naturally-derived ingredients, the Intenso formula delves deep into the hair shaft, sealing those open cuticles and imparting a smooth, sleek finish. Its formulation not only provides hydration but also tames and softens the thick, coarse texture, ensuring each strand is luxuriously smooth and manageable.

Image of Rossano Ferretti Parma's Intenso smoothing routine with the moisturising & smoothing shampoo, the softening & smoothing mask and the softening & smoothing serum.

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Low Porosity Hair Characteristics

On the other spectrum, we have signs of low porosity hair. This hair type has tightly bound cuticles, making it resistant to absorbing additional moisture and can often appear lifeless or flat. Low porosity hair can often take longer to dry and may appear shiny, but don’t be mistaken – it’s not always well-hydrated.

For the elegant souls with low porosity hair, our Grandioso Volumising Collection is designed to lift and invigorate, giving life to fine or flat hair whilst helping to maintain optimum moisture levels. Impeccably tailored for those with low porosity hair, the Grandioso formula is designed to penetrate these resilient cuticles, infusing the hair with the right balance of moisture and nutrients. As a result, hair is invigorated with volume and life, ensuring that every strand dances with buoyancy and elegance. With its meticulous formulation, this collection turns the challenges of low porosity hair into an opportunity for breathtaking volume.

Image of Rossano Ferretti Parma's Grandioso volumising routine with the extra volume shampoo, the volumising conditioner and the volumaising spray.

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The Vita Rejuvenating Collection, while tailor-made for thin, fragile, or ageing hair, is a hidden treasure for those with low porosity types. Possessing tightly bound cuticles, low porosity hair often stands as a barrier to moisture and vital nutrients. This can be particularly challenging for thinning or ageing tresses that yearn for nourishment. What sets the Vita Rejuvenating Collection apart is its unique blend of naturally-derived ingredients that not only penetrate these stubborn cuticles but also offer the incredible benefit of plumping up thin strands. By infusing hair with deep hydration and vital nutrients, it not only revitalizes and fortifies but also lends a fuller, more youthful appearance, transforming each strand into a testament of rejuvenated elegance.

Image of Rossano Ferretti Parma's Vita rejuvenating routine with the rejuvenating shampoo, the rejuvenating mask and the rejuvenating serum.

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How to Test Your Hair Porosity

To truly tailor your hair care routine, you must first understand how to find out your hair porosity. Here are two trusted methods:

The Float Test: A simple yet effective hair porosity test. Take a strand of clean, dry hair and gently place it into a bowl of water. Observe. If it sinks rapidly, it’s high porosity. If it floats even after a few minutes, it’s low porosity.

The Slip and Slide Test: Take a strand of hair and slide your fingers up the hair shaft (from the tip to the root). If it feels smooth, it’s low porosity. But if it feels rough or bumpy, indicating raised cuticles, it’s high porosity.

Image showing how to determine hair porosity with three glasses and a strand of hair to see if it floats or sinks.

The final word

In conclusion, your hair is a canvas, and understanding its porosity is the first step to creating a masterpiece. With Rossano Ferretti Parma’s insights on how to determine hair porosity, coupled with our exquisite collections, every day promises to be as splendid as a sun-soaked afternoon in an Italian villa.

So, embrace your unique beauty, cherish your hair’s unique traits, and remember, with the right knowledge and products, every strand can tell a story as enchanting as Italy itself. Saluti!