What does the term "porosity" refer to in regards to hair?

Porosity in hair refers specifically to the hair's ability to absorb moisture and products. It indicates how well hair can take in water and other substances, which can significantly affect hair health and styling. When hair is porous, it means that the cuticle layer, which protects the inner structure of the hair, has gaps or openings that allow moisture to penetrate easily.

This characteristic is important for determining which hair care products will be most effective. For example, highly porous hair may require more intensive moisture treatments, while low porosity hair might benefit from lighter products that don’t weigh it down. Understanding the porosity can aid hairstylists and clients alike in maintaining optimal hair health and achieving desired hairstyles.

The other options touch on various attributes of hair, such as elasticity, damage resistance, and aesthetic qualities like color and shine, but they do not accurately define what porosity measures in the context of hair care.