What term describes the hair's ability to absorb moisture, liquids, or chemicals?

The term that describes the hair's ability to absorb moisture, liquids, or chemicals is porosity. Porosity refers to the hair's structural ability to allow substances to penetrate its outer cuticle layer. It is determined by the condition of the hair's cuticle; if the cuticle is healthy and tightly packed, the hair will have low porosity and absorb moisture slowly. Conversely, if the cuticle is raised or damaged, the hair will have high porosity, allowing moisture and chemicals to be absorbed more readily.

Understanding porosity is crucial for hairstyling and hair care because it influences how hair responds to various treatments, such as coloring or deep conditioning. For instance, hair with high porosity may absorb color quickly but could also lose it just as fast, while hair with low porosity might require specific products or techniques to ensure effective absorption of moisture or treatments.