The texture of hair plays an important part in judging the processing time for chemical treatments. Fine hair, which has a smaller diameter, allows the penetration of the waving lotion more quickly than does coarse with its larger diameter. The ability for a surface to take in moisture, nutrients and proteins is dependent on the porosity of the shaft. Hair with the cuticle layer lying close together will not absorb as much solution or absorb it as quickly as hair with the cuticle layer raised from the shaft surface. PH will effect the opened or closed 'stance' of the cuticular layer.
Hair having poor porosity takes longer to absorb solutions.
Hair that is chemically serviced will curl faster and absorb the greatest amount of lotion. Elasticity refers to the ability of hair to stretch and return to its normal length. All hair will stretch, but hair without elasticity will not return to its normal length. How long and well hair will retain the benefits of shampoos, conditioners and creators is dependent on hairs elasticity. The elasticity of hair changes from time to time, and porous hair will lose its elasticity faster than non-porous hair.