What Is Hair Density?

Often, people wonder how dense their hair is. Before we can answer that, we've got to talk about what that means. Otherwise, it would be impossible to provide a meaningful answer. Luckily, it's a relatively straightforward concept. Therefore, it shouldn't be too challenging to wrap your head around.

The Number of Strands in a Given Area

At the end of the day, it's about the number of hair follicles per unit of area. If there are a larger number of follicles, then the density would be higher. In contrast, if there are a smaller number of follicles, the density would be lower.

Different Between People

Generally speaking, there's not a perfect density. Depending on the person, you'll find different results. However, even if it's super low, that doesn't mean anything is wrong. For each person, a different range should be expected.

Diet, Age and Ethnicity All Impact Your Hair's Density

Plus, on top of the natural variations, a whole host of factors impact it. So, for certain ethnicities, you'll find they have a higher density than average. In addition, as people age, densities tend to change. Thus, if you are older, you will have a lower density, most likely.

How to Determine Your Hair Density

Now, we can look at how you can measure this. Of course, if you would like the most accurate results, you'll need the appropriate equipment. Otherwise, you can guesstimate by using a few at-home techniques. For the most part, the at-home techniques should suffice for your purposes. Unless you need precision, advanced equipment should be unnecessary.

Phototrichogram

Suppose you were a researcher. During your research, you'd like to analyze hair density. Therefore, you decide to use some imaging technology.

These take highly detailed pictures of one square inch of the head.

Once the images develop, you can count each individual follicle in the image. Afterward, you can extrapolate to the rest of the head. Ultimately, this would be the most precise method available.

Visual Inspections

Usually, you probably won't have access to such equipment. In those circumstances, you can still get a rough approximation. For the simplest approach, you can just use your eyes.

For example, if you can see the scalp on your head's crown without pushing anything aside, you've got low-density hair. On the other hand, if you had to push away a ton to see the scalp, you've got high density here. If it is in between, you could refer to your hair as a medium density.

Compared to the previous method, this would be much less accurate. However, for the most part, it provides enough information to be useful.

Pony Tail Test

For a bit more accuracy at home, you can tie your hair into a ponytail. Then, with a ruler, Measure the ponytails diameter. As the diameter increases, so has the density of your hair.

Usually, it would be best if you compared the thickness to other people's. By contrasting them, it's easy to see the difference. Plus, compared to a visual inspection, it's a lot more precise.

Hair Density vs. Hair Thickness

Sometimes, you'll hear people talk about how thick someone's hair is. What is the difference between density and thickness? Well, it's a lot simpler than you might imagine. Overall, it's about the difference between groups of follicles and individual follicles.

Density Is the Number of Strands Per Area

As we mentioned previously, density refers to the number of strands in a given area. If there are more strands, then the hair is denser. If there are fewer strands, then the hair is thinner.

Thickness Refers to the Size of Each Individual Strand

On the other hand, thickness refers to the specific hair strands. As the diameter of the strands increases, so does the hair's thickness. For hair with large diameter follicles, you would say it is thick. If the diameter is small, then the hair would be thin.

Why Does Hair Density Matter?

With all that said, you might be wondering why any of this matters. Of course, if you don't care how the hair on your head looks, then it wouldn't.

Nevertheless, according to most people, they would like to look their best.

Therefore, by understanding their hair density, they can tailor their personal hygiene. That way, by customizing their routine, they can maximize their results.

Depending on Its Density, You May Want to Care for It Differently

When you shop for hair products, you'll see lots of options. Some of them perform best on thicker hair, while others perform better on thinner hair. By learning about your hair's density, you can select the most appropriate products. That way, once you get out of the shower, you'll love how things look.

Improving the Density of Your Hair

Above all, the density of your hair determines how things appear. When hair is super thick, it's tough to see the scalp. On the other hand, if it is thin, you can see right through it. For that reason, many people would like to know how to improve their hair density. Thus, we put together a few tips. However, before we get to those, there is one major caveat.

Genetically Determined

While it is possible to improve the density of your hair, you will encounter a hard limit at a certain point. Unfortunately, your hair can only become so thick.

Its maximum thickness is determined by the prevalence of follicles.

Since you cannot add more of these, you'll be limited by how many there are. If there are more, then your hair can get thicker. However, if there aren't, then there isn't much you can do.

You Can Maximize What You Have

Fortunately, despite such limitations, things aren't hopeless. Usually, people aren't at their genetic peak. Therefore, by making a few small changes to your lifestyle, you should be able to notice a difference. On the whole, the following factors seem to impact it the most. By maximizing these, you'll grow the thickest head of hair possible.

Maximizing the Density:

Diet

After all, you are what you eat. If you happen to eat an unhealthy diet, you shouldn't be surprised by a thin hairline. In fact, depending on how unhealthy the diet is, you could even lose your hair early. On the other hand, by eating healthily, your hair will thrive. More than anything else, plant foods are essential. Without them, it's tough to acquire all your necessary nutrients.

Hair Transplants

Next, you can change what you are working with. Since you can't grow more follicles, it's tough to improve your hair density. However, thanks to modern science, these limitations aren't as restrictive anymore. Instead, by transplanting someone else's hair, you can add more follicles to your head. That way, by adding more of these, your hair will grow denser than ever.

Supplements

Finally, with the right supplements, your hair can be even healthier. Did you know, biotin is essential for health. If not, then you might want to grab some of those supplements. In addition, many B vitamins are also good for your hair. So, to have the best results, you should supplement them. By doing that, you provide your hair with all the essential nutrients necessary for growth.

Caring for Your Hair Depending on Its Density

Not to mention, depending on its density, you'll want to care for your hair differently. If not, you won't have the best results. Usually, people tend to have hair of medium density. However, depending on the circumstances, these things may change. Thus, by following the advice below, you'll be equipped for everything.

Density-Dependent Hair Care Guide

Low Density

With lower density, you'll want to avoid heavy products. Since these tend to remain on your hair, they could weigh things down. At that point, it'll look like you have hardly any hair at all. On the other hand, you could use some volumizing products. By using them, the hair on your head will appear fuller. That way, even though it's not that dense, other people won't notice.

Medium Density

For the most part, with hair like this, you won't have to do anything special. Instead, we recommend focusing on its health. By improving your hair's health, it'll look its best. To accomplish that, we recommend a healthy diet along with important supplements. By combining those, your hair will be as healthy as possible.

High Density

Now, with high-density hair, things are a bit different. Without the right products, controlling such hair can be a challenge. Thus, if these are your shoes, you'll want something with hair control. Otherwise, while you are styling your hair, it won't stay in place. To us, that would be more annoying than anything. Thankfully, by using the right gels, it's not too challenging to control.

What Causes Low-Density Hair?

Of course, even though you can improve your density, the opposite can happen as well. Unless you are careful, you can damage your hair. If you'd like to avoid such a travesty, then pay attention to the following variables. Each of them has an outsized impact on your hair density. By controlling them, you'll keep the hair on your head to the greatest extent possible.

Factors That Contribute to Low-Density Hair

Genetics

After all, your genes determine everything about you. As a result, if you have certain genetics, it'll be tough to overcome. Generally, you'll have a similar thickness to your parents. Depending on how dense their hair is, you'll know what to expect.

Stress

Besides genetics, stress plays an incredible role. If you live a stressful life, your hair doesn't like to stick around. In fact, unless you learn how to relax, you might even go bald. Therefore, when you feel the stress rising, take some time for yourself. That way, even when things are tough, your cortisol remains under control. Otherwise, it wouldn't be long before your hair fell away.

Poor Diet

On top of that, you'll also have to monitor your diet. Without sufficient nutrients, hair wilts away. To prevent that, maintain a healthy diet. Generally, if we had to make a recommendation, it would be to increase your consumption of plants. Since these are still healthy, they are an easy choice. By eating more of them, your hair should get healthier.

Lack of Exercise

Finally, unless you live an active lifestyle, nutrients don't distribute equally. When your heart rate increases, it pumps those nutrients throughout the body. If your heart rate never rises above resting, such activity doesn't occur. Thus, even if you eat a healthy diet, your hair will receive all the nutrients.