Hair density plays a major role in how full your hair looks – but it’s often confused with how thick your hair is. Although your hair follicle count is predetermined, it’s common to experience hair fall and changes in hair density over time.
So, what does hair density mean?
In this expert guide, we’ll be unpacking the differences between hair density vs hair thickness, exploring how hair density is measured, and walking you through the hair care and lifestyle steps you can take to promote fuller-looking hair.
What is hair density?
Hair density is defined by the number of individual hair strands that grow per square inch on your scalp – and this hair follicle count determines how full your hair looks.
The average person has between 90,000 to 150,000 hairs on their head, and hair density is often highest at the crown of the head.
What is the difference between hair density vs hair thickness?
Hair density refers to the number of hair follicles on your head, whereas hair thickness refers to the width or diameter of each strand. The width of your strands dictates whether your hair is fine, medium, or coarse in texture.
Hair thickness and hair density aren’t mutually exclusive, either. For example, you may have fine-textured hair (thinner strands) but have high hair density (a greater number of strands).
How is hair density measured?
Hair density is professionally measured by a dermatologist using an imaging technique to count the number of individual hairs on your scalp. However, you can do a self-test at home to gauge if you have low, medium, or high hair density.
Below, find out how to perform either a scalp test or a ponytail test to measure hair density.
The Scalp Test
Make sure your hair is clean and dry. In bright lighting, check your natural parting, then part your hair at different spots – specifically the crown and temples.
- Low hair density: You can clearly see a strip of scalp along the part and visible scalp at the crown and temples.
- Medium hair density: There is some visibility of the scalp.
- High hair density: It is difficult to see the scalp at any angle.
The Ponytail Test
Starting with clean, dry hair, put your hair up in ponytail and use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of the ponytail.
- Low hair density: The ponytail measures at less than two inches.
- Medium hair density: The ponytail measures at two to three inches.
- High hair density: The ponytail measures at four or more inches.
What factors influence hair density?
Your hair density and follicle count is largely determined by genetics. However, you may experience changes in hair density based on other factors, including:
- Age-related hair fall
- Post-partum hair fall
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Chronic stress
- Medical conditions
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Poor hair care practices that cause breakage
5 tips for improving hair density
While you don’t have any influence over the number of hair follicles on your scalp, there are a number of strategies you can implement into your lifestyle and hair care practice to target the causes of hair fall and promote hair density.
If you suspect your hair density has been impacted by any of the factors above, we’ve curated five expert tips that can work together to increase hair density.
1. Switch to an anti-hair fall shampoo and conditioner
The first step in any anti-hair fall regimen is to introduce a targeted shampoo and conditioner.
The Dercos Energy+ Stimulating Shampoo is enriched with Aminexil,niacinamide, and vitamins B3, B6, and provitamin B5: which work together to fortify strands and re-anchor hair fibres from the root.
The natural companion to this shampoo is the Dercos Energy+ Fortifying Conditioner, which counts both Aminexil and niacinamide among its key ingredients, alongside glycerin and ceramides to deeply nourish brittle hair and improve resistance.
2. Apply a targeted hair fall serum
In addition to your anti-hair fall shampoo and conditioner, you can tackle hair density with a serum to deliver targeted ingredients to the scalp.
Harnessing the power of five active ingredients, the Dercos Aminexil Pro 5 is a multi-target anti-hair fall serum designed to rebalance the scalp microbiome and fortify hair at the root.
For intensive care, apply one ampoule of this hair serum onto dry or wet hair for six weeks. After that, you can continue to apply one ampoule per week for three weeks.
3. Manage stress levels
Although the relationship between stress and dermatological concerns isn’t completely understood, chronic stress has been known to impact the natural hair growth cycle – which may cause more hair fall than normal. Keeping stress levels in check can help support hair growth and improve hair density.
4. Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
Nutrients and vitamins play a key role in supporting a balanced scalp and the resilience of hair strands. To promote higher hair density, it’s important that your diet incorporates hair-loving nutrients, including:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Protein
- Iron
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
If you suspect that your diet is impacting your hair density, we recommend seeking the advice of a medical professional.
5. Be gentle with your strands
Generally, most causes of hair fall are related to internal stressors, but heat or mechanical damage can also affect your hair density.
We recommend minimising your use of heat styling tools and cutting out any chemical treatments to minimise further breakage and give your strands time to recover.
It’s also important to take care of hair when brushing, so be sure to use a wide-toothed comb to gently de-tangle wet or dry hair – and brush from your ends before gently moving up through sections. If you have long hair, avoid tight hair styles that place tension on the hair.
There tend to be differences in hair density between men and women, so next, find out what causes hair fall in men vs hair fall in women
