Medium Porosity Hair: Recognition & Care Tips for Curls

There's a myth that only two types of curls exist: super dry and porous, or healthy and shiny. But this overlooks a significant group: curlies with medium porosity hair. And it just so happens that this is precisely the group that has the balance the rest of the curly world envies.

However, even medium porosity hair can become unbalanced. And then the confusion begins: "Am I high, low, or medium?"
Let's unravel it step by step.

What does 'medium porosity' actually mean?

Porosity indicates how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture.

• Low porosity hair is like a closed door: difficult to get in, but what's inside stays put.
• High porosity hair is like an open window in a storm: everything comes in, but flies out just as quickly.
• And medium porosity hair? That's the friendly intermediary who says: "Come on in, but I'll keep an eye on things."

The hair cuticles are slightly open, allowing moisture to be absorbed well but also retained reasonably well.

How do you know if you have medium porosity hair?

There are a few signs that indicate you fall into this category:

• Your hair dries at an average speed after washing, not in 5 minutes, but not after 2 hours either.
• Your products absorb reasonably well, without 'floating' on top of your hair.
• Your curls usually have a beautiful shine, but can become dull with heat or product build-up.
• Sometimes you have perfect curl days... and sometimes not at all. (Medium porosity hair is a bit fickle).

Want to test it? Do a slip test: take one hair from your brush, slide two fingers along it.

• Smooth = low porosity
• Rough = high porosity
• Slightly coarse with a little texture = medium porosity

It's that simple. And no, Facebook groups don't have to decide what you are. Listen to your hair or read our blog about Porosity in Curly Hair.

What does medium porosity hair need?

Balance.
Your hair loves alternating moisture and protein. Too much of one, and your curls will become either limp or stiff.

That's why it's smart to choose products that combine both elements or that you can adjust yourself.

And that's where our Amazing Curls products come in handy.

Your ideal routine for medium porosity hair

1. Cleansing – maintain a pure balance

Use a mild, yet effective shampoo that removes build-up without stripping.
Smart Clean Shampoo removes product residues and hard water build-up without stripping your natural oils. Perfect for keeping your curls light and bouncy.

Tip: Wash 1 to 2 times a week. Washing too often = dry hair. Too little = build-up.

Hydration & nourishment – the key to resilience

All-in-One Treatment – your multi-tasker for conditioner, mask, and leave-in.
Use it as:

• Conditioner with every wash
• Mask once a week
• Leave-in on extra dry days (but not at the same time as the Styling Cream)

Medium porosity hair loves ingredients like jojoba and avocado oil – all of which you'll find in this treatment.

Styling – provide definition without weighing down

All-in-One Styling Cream contains a perfect blend of nourishing oils and light polymers.
Provides definition without making your hair greasy. Use a small amount and distribute well on wet hair.

Styling Gel for extra hold. Your curls will stay in shape longer without a crunchy feel.
Scrunch in, let dry, then break the cast (with a drop of oil, see below).

4. Sealing & protecting – prevent moisture loss

Super Sealing Oil, the finishing touch.
Apply a few drops to wet hair before or after the gel (depending on your porosity).

• Medium porosity hair usually does well with the oil between your cream and gel.
  This way, you lock in moisture, get shine, and keep your curl pattern tight.

Want to know more about whether this Super Sealing is suitable for your curls? Read more here.

Add protein, only if your hair asks for it

Do you notice your curls becoming lifeless or limp, or losing their shape more quickly?
Then add a few Protein Drops to your Treatment or Styling Cream.
This way, you determine how much strength your hair needs without overloading it.

Think of it like vitamins: an occasional boost works wonders, but it's not needed every day.

Styling techniques that work for medium porosity hair

• Praying hands – to distribute products evenly.
• Scrunching – for more definition and bounce.
• Plopping – to remove excess water without frizz.
• Diffusing on low heat – because too much heat unnecessarily opens the hair cuticles.

And remember: it's trial & error. What works for your curly friend might turn out completely different for you. Curls are like people, no two are the same.

Want to know more about Styling Techniques? Read it here.

And what's best to avoid?

Too heavy butters and oils in every step of your routine, that quickly makes your hair dull.
Product overload, medium porosity hair needs air.
A protein treatment every week, too much strength actually makes it brittle.

Finally

Medium porosity hair is like a friend who's usually chill but occasionally needs some attention. Give it love, listen carefully to its signals, and it will reward you with bouncy, shiny curls that fall perfectly every day.