ALL ABOUT HAIR DENSITY

There are so many ways we categorise our hair. We do so by coarseness, length, colour, and of course by density. But what exactly is density, and why does it matter?

A basic definition for density is that it is the number of hair strands that grow per square inch on your scalp. Some people confuse this with hair thickness, but they are two different things. Hair thickness refers to the circumference of each hair strand, while hair density measures how thick or thin the collective group of hairs is.

Hair density is usually highest at the vertex. The vertex is also known as the crown, and is the area at the back of the head. While the average human being has between 80,000 to 120,000 hairs on the scalp, hair density does vary from individual to individual and also tends to differ by ethnicity. Typically, Caucasians have a higher hair density while people of African descent have a lower hair density. Hispanics fall somewhere in between.

Before we learn more about hair density, I want to assure you that there is nothing like a too low or too high density hair. It is also important to note that your hair density is not an indication of your overall health, even though people with nutritional problems/deficiencies may suffer hair loss that eventually reduces hair density.

How to determine hair density

The most accurate to determine hair density is to count the individual strands in a one-inch by one-inch section of your scalp. Very accurate, but also very impractical.

One other way to determine hair density is to do the ponytail test. All you need to do is put your hair in a ponytail and measure the circumference. The thickness of the ponytail is a good indicator of the density point at which your hair lies. A ponytail circumference less than 2 inches indicates low density hair; between 2 and 3 inches indicates medium density; and over 4 inches indicates high density hair. Of course, this method only works if you have enough hair to put in a ponytail.

A more hands-on way to determine hair density is to do a visual inspection. If it is easy for you to see your scalp without moving your hair out of the way, you more likely have lower density hair. Your density is most likely somewhere in the middle if you need to slightly move your hair to see your scalp. If you need to intentionally part your hair before you can see your scalp, you more likely have higher density.

Why density matters

When you know your hair density, it is easier for you to settle on the hairstyle that works better for you. It is also easy to settle on the hair products that will work best for you (not forgetting that hair length, texture, and coarseness, also play a role, too).

Caring for your hair

Low-density hair: It is best to use lightweight products that add volume to hair without weighing it down (these include mousse, volumising shampoos and dry shampoos) while avoiding heavy products that weigh down hair (such as heavy conditioners and heavy oils). It is also best to go for hairstyles that add volume and that give your hair a thicker appearance.

Medium density hair: People with medium density hair don’t really need to do much to change hair volume. At this point, it pays to focus on products that keep the hair and scalp healthy. You can use creams and butters to calm down the lengths of your hair or a mouse and dry shampoo to boost volume at the roots.

High-density hair: People with high density hair may want to use oils and serums that reduce frizz. They might also need heavier styling products like gels and butters, especially if they have coily or curly dense hair.

Can you increase hair density?

Many aspects of our hair, density included, are determined by our genetics. Our hair grows out of our hair follicles, and there is no way to change the number of hair follicles you have. While hair transplantation surgeries may help remedy patchy areas of hair growth, there’s currently no way to change your situation if you were born with low hair density.

However, you can maximise your hair density potential by eating a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet with enough protein helps to prevent deficiencies that may affect hair growth. The nutrients that play vital roles in hair growth include vitamins A, B, D, C, and E, iron, zinc, biotin, and of course protein. It is therefore important to eat foods that are rich in these nutrients. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids can also help with hair shedding.

So go ahead, load up on fruits and vegetables, cheese, oatmeal, lentils, eggs, fish, yoghurt, milk and avocado.

In conclusion

As I earlier stated, your hair density is not an indication that you are healthy or unhealthy. Your genetic largely determine your hair density, so that is out of your hands. Where you come in is to ensure that you have the most healthy head of hair possible, and it all starts with what you put in your mouth. Eat a good diet that encourages overall heath and hair health.

Then, ensure that the products you put on your hair are those that are suitable for your hair type. This is the only way to enjoy hair health, no matter the density of your hair.

See you on the other side of beautiful.