How to Determine Your Hair Density
It’s important to make a distinction between “hair density” and “hair strand thickness.” Hair strand thickness is self explanatory, but hair density refers to how many strands of hair you have on one square inch of your head. The average person has 2,200 strands of hair per square inch. Of course hair density differs greatly from person to person, and if you’re a curly girl, it’s even more difficult to determine. Hair density can be classified into three levels: low, medium and high.
If you have thick hair strands, you will more than likely have high hair density, but this is not always the case. Hair density is often diagnosed by a professional who will either conduct a strand count or take a “phototrichogram.” A phototrichogram is a close up photo of individual hair strands, which professionals use to count hair strands and determine hair density. But if you want to conduct a density test at home, try conducting the “pony tail test.”
- Smooth out your hair as much as possible with a comb or your fingers, and then gather and tie it into a ponytail.
- Measure the circumference of your ponytail. Low density hair will be less than two inches, medium density hair will be two to three inches and thick hair will be four or more inches.
Why is Hair Density Important?
Hair density is an important factor to consider when planning your hair regimen and hairstyle. If you have low density hair, consider using light products that won’t weigh down your hair. Use a mousse with a volumizing agent to give the appearance of thicker hair, and consider leave-in conditioners that contain thickening agents. When deciding on your next hairstyle, look for styles that are simple or rounded. You curls will naturally fall into place and give the appearance of more volume.
If your hair density is high, you want to stick to heavier products that will help hold your thick curls together. Lucky for you, there is an abundance of curly hair products for styling, including gels, creams, butters, etc. Utilize these to help your curls stay in place. If you’re thinking about your next hairstyle, consider layers, as these are best supported by thick hair.
The Best Products for Your Hair Density
- Thin hair: Moptop Light Hold Anti-Frizz Gel
- Medium hair: Living Proof No Frizz Wave Shaping Curl Defining Styling Cream
- Thick hair: Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue
Once you’ve determined your hair porosity and hair density, you can make wiser decisions as to how to care for your curls. Have fun planning your next hair regimen!
Did you do the porosity test? What are your results? Do you know of any other tests for hair density and porosity? We would love to hear about them!
Want More?
How to Condition High Porosity Hair – And KEEP It Moisturized
How to Moisturize Your Stubborn, Low Porosity Hair
Still not sure how your hair’s density should impact your regimen? Learn more about why density matters.
Once you understand the density of your hair – something that you cannot change – you can learn to accept and work with what you’ve got!
