Hair thickness can play a role in how you handle your frizzy hair. But what exactly is hair thickness, and why is it important? In this blog post, we will explore hair thickness, the differences between thin, medium and thick hair, how to determine your hair thickness, and how hair thickness affects your frizzy hair.
What is hair thickness?
Your hair thickness is the width of a single strand of hair. There are 3 categories into which your hair thickness can fall namely, thin, medium or thick hair. It is also possible to have different hair thicknesses on your head.
Hair thickness can also vary by ethnicity. Different ethnic groups often have different hair types, which means they have different hair thicknesses.
According to research, people of Asian descent generally have the thickest hair strands, while people of African descent generally have the finest hair strands. People of European descent are somewhere in between.
Lade. (2014, June 30). What is it about our hair? Diffrences between Afro, Asian and Caucasian hair. Haireducation. https://www.rehairducation.com/what-is-it-about-our-hair-diffrences-between-afro-asian-and-caucasian-hair
What are the different thicknesses of hair?
Thin hair
Thin hair has a smaller diameter than average or thick hair. It is often more fragile and tends to break easily. People with thin hair may have problems maintaining volume and density.
Thick hair
Thick hair has the largest diameter and is generally the strongest and most resilient. People with thick hair tend to have fewer problems with breakage and retain volume more easily.
What determines your hair thickness?
Hair thickness is mainly determined by genetics. It is a trait you get at birth and generally does not change during your lifetime. Other factors that can affect hair thickness are:
1. Ethnicity: Different ethnic groups often have different strand sizes, meaning they have different hair thicknesses. People of Asian descent generally have the thickest hair strands, while people of African descent generally have the thinnest hair strands. People of European descent are somewhere in between.
2. Age: As you get older, hair thickness can change. Some people notice that their hair gets thinner as they age, while others get thicker hair.
3. Hormones: Changes in hormone levels can affect hair growth and hair thickness. For example, during pregnancy, some women may notice their hair thickening, while others develop thinner hair.
4. Scalp health: A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth. Factors such as poor diet, stress, and certain medical conditions can affect scalp health and therefore hair thickness.
In short, although genetics is the main factor determining hair thickness, other factors may also play a role.
How do you know the thickness of my hair?
You can determine your hair thickness simply by looking at your hair strands. If your hair strands are fine and hard to see when you rub them between your fingers, you probably have thin hair. If your hair strands are clearly visible but not too thin or thick, you probably have average hair. If your hair strands are thick and easily visible, you probably have thick hair.
You can also just feel a strand of hair. Thicker hair strands tend to have more texture than fine hair. Rub an individual hair strand between your fingers and feel if it is coarse. If you notice a distinct grain, chances are your hair is thick.
Can thin hair become thick?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to change your hair thickness permanently. Hair thickness is determined by genetics, which means you are born with it and cannot change it. However, there are ways to make thinner hair look thicker. This can be done, for example, by using volumising hair products or by wearing certain hairstyles that create more volume.
In cases where you notice hair thinning, it is possible to get your hair thickness back. It’s always best to seek professional advice when you notice drastic and/or consistent changes in your hair.
How does hair thickness differ from density?
Although hair thickness and hair density are often mixed up, they are actually two different things. Hair thickness, as mentioned, refers to the diameter of individual hair strands, while hair density refers to how many hair strands grow on your scalp.
So, while hair thickness is about the thickness of your individual hair strands, hair density refers to how much hair grows on your head.
Why is hair thickness important for caring for your type 4 hair?
Hair thickness can have an impact on how your natural hair looks and feels, as well as how to care for it. In general, people with fine hair, have more difficulty detangling their hair. This is because fine hair tends to tangle more easily, which can lead to tangles. These tangles, in turn, can lead to hair breakage.
