What’s Your Hair Porosity? The Secret to Choosing the Right Oils

If you’ve ever tried an oil that worked wonders for someone else but left your hair greasy,

dry, or unchanged, the issue probably wasn’t the oil. It was porosity.

Hair porosity determines how your hair absorbs and retains moisture. And when it comes to

oil blending, understanding your porosity is the difference between guessing and getting

results.

At The Oil Bar by RYZE, we believe the right oil blend should work with your hair, not against

it.

First… What Is Hair Porosity?

Hair porosity describes how open or closed your hair cuticle is.

Think of your cuticle like shingles on a roof:

● Closed shingles = moisture struggles to get in

● Open shingles = moisture gets in easily but escapes quickly

There are three porosity types: low, medium, and high.

Before choosing oils, let’s find out where you fall.

The Strand Test (At-Home Porosity Test)

You only need:

● A clean strand of hair

● A glass of room-temperature water

Steps

1. Take a clean strand of shed hair (no product on it).

2. Drop the strand into the glass of water.

3. Wait 2–4 minutes and observe.

Results

● Floats on top → Low porosity

● Slowly sinks → Medium porosity

● Sinks quickly → High porosity

Now that you know your porosity, let’s talk oils.

Why Choosing the Right Oil Matters

Not all oils behave the same on every head of hair.

Using the wrong oil can:

● Sit on top of the hair without moisturizing

● Weigh hair down

● Cause buildup

● Leave hair feeling dry even after oiling

Using the right oil can:

● Improve moisture retention

● Increase softness and shine

● Support length retention

● Strengthen the hair over time

This is why custom blending is so powerful.

Best Oils for LOW Porosity Hair

Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles. Heavy oils sit on top and create buildup.

Low porosity hair needs lightweight, fast-absorbing oils.

Best oils to include in your blend:

● Grapeseed oil

● Sweet almond oil

● Argan oil

● Jojoba oil

● Apricot kernel oil

These oils absorb easily and help moisture enter the hair instead of blocking it.

Best Oils for MEDIUM Porosity Hair

Medium porosity hair is the sweet spot. Moisture enters and stays fairly well.

This hair type does well with balanced blends of light and medium oils.

Best oils to include:

● Jojoba oil

● Argan oil

● Coconut oil (light amounts)

● Olive oil

● Sunflower oil

Medium porosity hair thrives with blends that support shine, softness, and maintenance.

Best Oils for HIGH Porosity Hair

High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast.

This hair type needs heavier sealing oils to lock in hydration.

Best oils to include:

● Castor oil

● Avocado oil

● Olive oil

● Coconut oil

● Shea oil

These oils help seal the cuticle and reduce moisture loss.

Your Hair Deserves the Right Blend

When you match your oil blend to your porosity, everything changes.

Your hair feels softer.

Your moisture lasts longer.

Your routine becomes easier.

At The Oil Bar by RYZE, we help you create a custom oil blend designed specifically for your

hair’s needs, not a one-size-fits-all formula.

Because the right oil is not just about ingredients.

It is about understanding your hair.

Ready to find your blend?