Hair Density Test: Thin, Medium, Or Thick & How To Care For It

Hair density and hair texture are two hair type categories that are commonly confused. But contrary to popular belief, fine and thin hair don’t always go hand-in-hand. Nor do thick and coarse hair. So in this post, we’ll talk about what hair density is, a test to determine how much hair you have, as well as explain what styles & products will work best for your hair.

Hair Density Chart

The density of your hair refers to the number of hairs per square inch. This is not connected to hair texture, which is the diameter of a single hair strand. And the two are commonly confused. People with fine hair can have a thick density, and people with coarse hair may also have a thin density.

Hair density is divided into 3 categories: thin, medium, and thick.

Typically, natural blondes have the most hair per square inch, though this is not always the case. On average, you have about 2,200 hairs per square inch, which translates to roughly 100,000 on your whole head. Blondes usually have about 150,000.

My only guess is that this is the body’s way of protecting the scalp. With a lighter natural color, hair is often finer in diameter, and the skin may be more vulnerable to the sun and environment. This creates the need for more hair to protect the skin for strength in numbers.

Below, I’ve created a chart that presents the overall strength of your hair based on your combined hair density and texture. The darker the block, the stronger the hair.

To learn more about your hair texture, see this post here.

How to determine your hair density

A general test to determine if your hair is thin, medium, or thick is done by pulling it back into a ponytail and determining the circumference of the ponytail.

You can measure the circumference of the ponytail with a flexible measuring tape or by using a string and then measuring the string. Watch how I did it below:

• Thin Hair – 2 inches or less
• Medium Hair – 2-4 inches
• Thick Hair – 4 or more inches

Is it possible to increase or reduce your hair density?

If you fall into either the thin OR the thick hair category, you may wish to increase or decrease the amount of hair you have. Thin hair usually lacks volume, and sometimes you can actually see through to the scalp. And thick hair can cause headaches and be extremely difficult to manage.

For the most part, the amount of hair we have is based on genetics unless we are experiencing hair loss. And while there are vitamins and supplements that you can take if you have fine hair to promote hair growth and overall healthy hair, nothing will actually increase the number of hair follicles you’re born with. Unfortunately, the myth that shaving makes hair grow in thicker is false.

And while thick hair can be “thinned” out, it’s not going to decrease the amount of hair that’s growing from your scalp.

That said, below I share all of my best tips and tricks for how to manage your specific hair density.

***Since I’m sharing the products that I love to use with you guys, this page includes affiliate links to these products. If you take action and purchase a product through clicking one of my links, I’ll make some commission money from it at no extra cost to you. This enables me to be able to continue giving you awesome hair tips, so thanks! ***

Thin Hair

Thin hair has the least amount of hair per square inch. Similar to fine-haired gals, thin hair also struggles with keeping volume and body. Depending on how thin it is, you may even struggle with your scalp showing through.

If you haven’t always had thin hair and think you may be experiencing hair loss, read my post here. I give explanations as to what could be causing it, as well as a variety of solutions depending on your situation.

How to care for thin hair

• Texturizing should be kept to a minimum with thin hair and done only in specific areas that will accentuate a cut or style. For example, men thinning on the top need the sides texturized to blend.
• Using texture sprays will help to add fullness and make the hair appear thicker (products listed below).
• You need to be very careful when brushing thin hair to avoid causing breakage and taking out more hair from the scalp. For more tips on brushing, check out my post here.
• You can use color sprays, fibers, and powder to cover your scalp if it shows through the top of your hair or hairline.
• Take vitamins and eat a healthy diet to promote hair growth.
• You will likely need to wash your hair more frequently than thick-haired people because there is less hair to absorb the oil from your scalp.
• Less is more when it comes to thin hair. Start with a very small amount of hair product–I’m talking a pea-sized drop. Then you can add more if needed. This is one of the most common mistakes thin-haired clients make.

Best hairstyles for thin hair

If you have long, thin hair, then I don’t recommend many layers. Layers can make the bottom of your hair appear thinner than it already is. Long hair can also weigh your hair down, decreasing your already minimal volume.

But if you wear a short or medium cut, layers can help to increase volume. Bobs and pixies work very well for this hair type!

Extensions can also be a great option if you want to have long hair without your ends appearing too thin or straggly. I suggest a wire hair extension that adds fullness and length to your ends without causing any damage.

Best products for thin hair

Thin hair struggles with keeping body and not appearing stringy. You can remedy this by using products that add texture and substance to the hair.

There are also products designed to minimize the scalp from showing through if that is an issue for you.

• Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo and Conditioner – This shampoo and conditioner will give your fine hair the volume that it lacks. It’s made for color-treated hair and will not weigh your hair down.
• Olaplex No. 4C Clarifying Shampoo – This clarifying shampoo removes buildup and provides a clean slate. This is helpful if you frequently struggle with oily hair or product build-up.
• Amika Un.Done Texture Spray – This is my favorite texture spray. As Amika says, it’s “sexy-in-a-bottle” and they aren’t lying. It adds volume and texture to give you the ultimate “un-done” look. This spray is used on dry hair only.
• Batiste Dry Shampoo – This is not a thickening product, but I will say that dry shampoo definitely does add fullness to limp hair. They have different options of colored dry shampoos, which can be sprayed at the scalp to cover gray hairs or hide your scalp from showing through.
• Aquage Uplifting Foam – This root lifter helps to give you volume, which is a common problem with thin hair. Apply it only to your roots in the area you’re looking for more lift, and blow-dry and style as usual.
• Aquage Thickening Spray Gel – This product is a spray gel that adds fullness and volume to your hair. It’s best to use on wet hair before blow drying.
• Pure Research Liquid Biotin & Collagen – Biotin and collagen promote hair growth and overall healthy hair, skin, and nails. I’ve had clients tell me the liquid form seems to work better than pills, but this is up for debate.

If you’re interested, I have a blog post dedicated to styling fine and thin hair, including my recommended routine to follow.

Medium Hair

A medium-density hair type is generally the most desired. You have enough hair on your head to get some volume, but not so much that it’s giving you headaches

Best hairstyles for medium hair

This hair type has the most versatility when choosing cuts and styles. Depending on the hair texture, this hair can be worn long or short without any issue.

Texturizing will help shape this hair, but it is possible to overdo it, especially with fine hair. Your stylist should texturize certain areas of your cut, but be more careful around the front hairline. I have had a stylist over-texturize my medium/fine hair and create gaps where hair should have been left alone.

As long as this hair is kept healthy, it should have no problem growing long. If you get headaches, ask your stylist to thin it out in the areas that feel extra heavy and try not to keep it in tight ponytails.

Best hair products for medium hair

There are no strict rules with medium-density hair because it has the best of both worlds. As mentioned with medium-textured hair, you may want to consider your other hair type categories (texture, wave pattern, condition, color) when selecting products. Here are a few of my favorite basic products that work well with medium-density hair.

• Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner – Replenishes lost moisture in your hair and smells AMAZING. All of my clients ask me what I’m using on them when I use this. I keep it at my backbar and actually use it on 90% of my clients!
• Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – The best dry shampoo on the market. It doesn’t leave a residue, absorbs oils, and smells great. Spray at your root area, rub in with your fingers, and style.
• Amika The Shield – This is a heat-activated spray that protects your hair from heat tools and humidity. Spray 8-10 inches away.
• Pravana Intense Therapy Leave In – This leave-in conditioner serves as a thermal protector, UV protector, minimizes the effects of chlorine, replenishes lost moisture, repairs and strengthens damaged hair, detangles, and reduces blow-dry time. I LOVE this stuff.

Thick Hair

Thick-haired people have the most amount of hair per square inch. People with this hair type frequently complain of headaches due to the stress on their scalp from the weight of their hair, and it can be really difficult to manage.

They also leave hair EVERYWHERE they go because they lose a lot more in a day than people with thinner hair types. This is normal, you have a lot more hair to lose!

How to care for thick hair

• Thick hair not only needs to be texturized, but also thinned out regularly so that it’s easier to deal with and less stress on the scalp.
• If you have extremely thick hair, make sure you’re thoroughly rinsing the shampoo out. I had a client who had so much hair, she struggled shampooing and drying it herself. Her scalp was frequently irritated on the back of her head because it was difficult to get water to penetrate all of her hair!
• I don’t recommend high ponytails for thick hair because the weight of the hair will tug on the elastic rubber band, which can not only cause breakage, but will also give you headaches. Stick to low ponytails and use a scrunchy.
• You can wash your hair less frequently than thinner-haired clients! This is because you have more hair to absorb the oil from your scalp. Take advantage of this and go as long as you can between washes. It will make up for the larger amount of shampoo you need when you do wash it!

Best hairstyles for thick hair

Thick hair can be difficult to deal with. I have seen clients who have enough hair for 6 people! People whose ponytail is larger in circumference than a water bottle.

Keeping your hair shorter or layered will help reduce headaches opposed to wearing it long. I also recommend getting it thinned out monthly, no matter what length you keep it at. This will stop it from getting too unmanageable and difficult to wash thoroughly.

Hair services will, unfortunately, take longer and likely cost you more money. You may want to inform your stylist when booking a first-time appointment that you have a ton of hair, so that they have enough time and won’t run behind.

Best products for thick hair

Thick hair doesn’t have any problem getting volume, and it certainly doesn’t need anything to make it appear thicker, so you can be pretty versatile here.

I would aim your focus of product selection on one of the other hair type categories (texture, wave pattern, condition, or color). But here are a few of my favorites that work well with thick hair and make it manageable!

• Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner – Replenishes lost moisture in your hair and smells AMAZING. All of my clients ask me what I’m using on them when I use this. I keep it at my backbar and actually use it on 90% of my clients!
• Aquage Silkening oil treatment – This is used for blow-drying, anti-frizz, anti-humidity, heat protection, and works wonders as a smoothing serum. It even cuts your blow-dry time down!
• Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – The best dry shampoo on the market. Doesn’t leave a residue, absorbs oils, and smells great. Spray at your root area, rub in with your fingers, and style.
• Pravana Intense Therapy Leave In – This leave-in conditioner serves as a thermal protector, UV protector, minimizes the effects of chlorine, replenishes lost moisture, repairs and strengthens damaged hair, detangles, and reduces blow-dry time. I LOVE this stuff.

Conclusion

Hair density refers to the number of hairs per square inch on your head. This is not to be confused with hair texture, which refers to the diameter of each hair strand. Understanding your hair density will help you determine what hairstyles will work best for you, as well as what products you should be using.

By measuring your ponytail circumference, you can determine if you have thin, medium, or thick hair density.

For thin hair, you’ll want to aim for short and medium lengths with minimal layering and texturizing to maintain as much thickness as possible. You can utilize thickening products to help add some fullness to your hair. Extensions can also be helpful for wearing long hair so that the ends don’t appear too thin.

For medium hair, you have the best of both worlds. You can wear your hair at any length without problem, although you may need a bit more texturizing than those with thin hair.

For thick hair, you may get headaches when keeping your hair long with minimal layers. To avoid these headaches, we recommend layering as well as getting your hair thinned out monthly to reduce the weight of your hair.

If you found this post helpful, check out this post on determining your hair texture.

If you have any further questions for me on this topic, be sure to leave them for me in the comments. And as always, Have A Good Hair Day!