What factor affects product performance based on hair properties?

Hair porosity is a critical factor affecting product performance because it refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. The porosity of hair is influenced by its cuticle, which is the outer layer that surrounds the hair shaft. When the cuticle is tightly packed, the hair is considered low porosity, making it more resistant to absorbing products. Conversely, high porosity hair has more gaps and holes in the cuticle, allowing it to absorb products more easily but also leading to quicker moisture loss.

Understanding porosity is essential for selecting the right hair care products. For instance, low porosity hair often benefits from lightweight products that can penetrate the cuticle without weighing the hair down, while high porosity hair may require richer creams or oils that help seal in moisture and hydration.

While hair color, texture, and length may influence styling techniques and the overall appearance of hair, they do not play as significant a role in how effectively products perform on the hair's structural properties as porosity does. Therefore, recognizing the importance of hair porosity helps cosmetologists and clients choose products tailored to individual hair needs for optimal results.