One strand of hair needs to be taken from the top of the head and held in one hand with the other hand run two finger from tip to root feeling for any lumps and bumps. This should be repeated at least a couple of times ensuring none are missed, also if just one section of hair is coloured this test should be carried out on that hair too. If no lumps and bumps are felt and fingers run smoothly from tip to root then hair porosity is in good condition. If lumps and bumps are felt then hair is porous, they are more likely to be felt on coloured or permed hair. The more lumps and bumps felt the more porous the hair is so if hair is porous, no chemical services should be carried out. If they are hair will become more porous and could even lead to hair breaking off. Other tests such as elasticity tests and strand tests should be carried out to verify the condition of the hair and whether it is in good enough condition to perm or colour.
Causes of porous hair
Not washing, conditioning and brushing or combing hair properly on a regular basis. If this is not carried out at least once a week hair will get greasy and knotty and this problem will get worse as time goes on.
Over-processing or colouring your hair. Too much colour can damage your hair; this is the biggest cause of porous hair.
Especially if you have a highlight blonde or bleach applied to your hair you need to extra careful, applying more bleach or any permanent colour will damage your hair.
Consuming illegal substances, any illegal substances have an effect on your hair, what substances and how much can be discovered from any hair on your body.
How to aid porous hair
If hair is coloured purchase a colour care shampoo and conditioner, they contain extra moisturising agents, which coloured hair needs. Also just leaving the conditioner on for ten to twenty minutes will give it that extra time to penetrate and replace that lost moisture.
If the colour care conditioner is not doing the trick invest in a deep penetrating conditioner they are great and for the couple of extra pounds it will make a lot of difference and give your hair a beautiful shine.
Have regular trims and make sure all split ends are removed.
If your hair needs colouring try to use a semi-permanent so no more damage is done to your hair as they contain moisturising agents also.
When hair is feeling and looking better consult your hairdresser again and he or she can carry out the necessary tests to see whether colouring or perming can be carried out on your hair.
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