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Before you order a hair system, also called hair toupee or hair replacement system, you need to find out which hair density fits you perfectly. This article tells you what hair density is and how to measure it.
What is Hair Density?
Hair density refers to the number of individual hair strands per square inch on the scalp. A typical human scalp has between 80,000 to 120,000 hairs. This figure, which varies from person to person and across different ethnicities, represents what we know as hair density. It's responsible for giving your hair the overall appearance of being thick or thin and is a key factor in understanding the unique characteristics of your hair.
Hair Density vs. Hair Thickness: What's the Difference?
Hair density and hair thickness are two terms that often create confusion. Both are important but serve different roles in the overall health and manageability of your hair.
As opposed to hair density, hair thickness refers to the width of individual hair strands. It's also known as hair texture and can be classified into three categories: fine, medium, and coarse.
It's a common misconception that thick hair equals high hair density, but this isn't always true. The thickness of your hair has to do with the width of individual hairs and not the number of hairs on your scalp. You may have high hair density, meaning you have a lot of hair per square inch of your scalp, but each individual hair may be fine or thin. This can cause your hair to appear thick due to the number of hairs, but feel light or brittle due to the thinness of the individual hairs. On the other hand, if you have low hair density, meaning you have fewer hairs, each individual hair may still be thick. Even if you have less hair overall, your hair may feel heavy or hard if the individual hairs are thick.
Types of Hair Density
Identifying your hair density — low, medium, or high — is a vital step toward personalizing your haircare routine. Here's a look at each density type:
Low-density hair
Low-density hair means fewer hair strands per square inch. In some instances, the scalp may be visible even without parting the hair. This delicate hair type tends to be thin and easily overwhelmed by heavy products.
Medium-density hair
With a balanced number of hair strands per square inch, medium-density hair is the middle ground. You won't see the scalp unless the hair is parted. This hair type offers styling versatility and is amenable to a broad range of products and styles.
High-density hair
High-density hair includes the most strands per square inch. The scalp is typically hard to see, even when the hair is parted. This hair type tends to be thick and full, which might make styling and maintenance a bit more challenging.
How to Measure Hair Density
Assessing your hair density is simpler than it may seem. Here are a few straightforward steps you can take to measure the density of your hair:
Wash and dry your hair: Begin with clean, dry hair. Oils and products can change the thickness and clumping of your hair strands, which may impact your assessment.
Section your hair: Part your hair as you usually would. This provides a realistic view of your hair's natural density.
Examine your scalp: Inspect your scalp closely in the mirror under bright light. If your scalp is easily visible without parting your hair, you likely have low-density hair. If it's somewhat visible, you likely have medium-density hair. If your scalp is hardly or not visible at all, you likely have high-density hair.
Consult a professional: If you find it's difficult to determine your hair density, please contact us and we can help.
