The viral hair porosity test trend and the best budget buys for real results

Good hair day, bad hair day, there’s rarely an in-between, and somehow it sets the tone for your whole day. The trouble is, most of us are guessing at what our hair actually needs, buying whatever’s trending rather than what’s right for us.

The good news is it all starts with one simple question: what’s your hair type? Once you know that, everything else falls into place. You’ll know exactly which ingredients are your best friend, which products are worth your money, and which ones you can skip entirely, all without spending a fortune working it out through trial and error.

Lucky for you, there’s a game-changing 30-second test that could be a good indicator of what kind of hair type you’ve got ( but always consult your hairdresser for expert advice).

LOW POROSITY HAIR

Strand floating at the top? You could have low porosity hair. Your cuticles sit tight, which makes it hard for moisture to get in at all. Serums and oils often just sit on top of your strands instead of sinking in, weighing your hair down rather than doing their job.

Lightweight, water-based products that won’t cause build-up are your new best friend. A clarifying shampoo once a week clears oil from the scalp, and a moisturising conditioner gets your ends properly hydrated. For an extra boost, a heated cap turns your conditioning routine into a proper salon moment at home.

Here are the buys that’ll help take your hair from flat and dull to soft and full of life.

MEDIUM POROSITY HAIR

If your strands are floating somewhere in the middle, you could have medium porosity hair. Your cuticles are doing exactly what they should, letting moisture in and holding onto it. Keep it that way with a deep conditioning treatment once a week and heat protectant every time you style. A light oil on your ends each day keeps things smooth and shiny.

But this doesn’t mean there’s no room to level up.

Here’s some products that could help take your lengths from good to great, without spending a fortune doing it…

HIGH POROSITY HAIR

Strand sunk to the bottom? You may have high porosity hair. Your cuticles are wide open, so moisture gets in easily but doesn’t stick around, which is often down to colour treatments, bleach or heat damage. The result can be hair that feels dry, frizzy and prone to breakage.

The goal here is sealing moisture in, so reach for richer products like creams and masks. Pair that with regular trims and a nourishing oil to stop your ends drying out and snapping further.

Here are some haircare saviours that will help your hair feel sleek and moisturised…

Disclaimer: The hair porosity test isn’t scientifically accurate. It doesn’t work for everyone, and it mostly measures surface tension and oil or product build-up rather than how well your hair actually absorbs moisture, though it is a fun way that can still offer some insight. Always consult a qualified hairdresser for hair care treatment.