What is Hair Density? Ways to Determine and Increase Volume

What is hair density? In simple terms, hair density is how close hair strands are to one another, and in simpler terms, hair density is the amount of hair growing on one’s head.

To better understand more about hair density here is a breakdown of how to classify hair density. 

Hair density is classified as light, medium or thick, however, the three categories are further divided into:

Extra light, this hair density is very thin and is most common among old people. 

what is hair density

Light, with the light hair density the scalp is easily seen when hair is divided. 

Light to medium, this is the transition from light to a medium hair density and is balanced providing a more natural look.

Medium, medium hair density is common among young people.

Medium to heavy, this is the transition between medium and heavy hair density, this hair density is considered normal and is common among men and women between the ages of 20 and 30.

Heavy, with this hair density the amount of hair on your head is more and your scalp is not easily seen when hair is parted, one can see new growth and hair roots. 

Now that you have an idea of what to expect, buckle up as we go through important aspects of hair density, from the benefits of finding out your hair density to factors influencing hair density, as well as how to increase your hair density. 

Let’s get right in.     

Benefits of Finding out Your Hair Density

People assume that glowing and shiny hair is healthy but this far from the truth, after washing, conditioning and styling your hair you may think your hair is in the best condition, but are you sure your hair is strong and healthy?

One way to find out whether your hair is healthy is by determining your hair density, if in the last five years you have experienced thick strong hair, but have recently noticed the amount of your hair is less, then this may call for change. 

Read our 10 steps to avoiding damaged hair here!

Finding out your hair density, not only helps to determine whether your hair is healthy and strong, but also helps determine the best products for your hair. 

If you have light density hair, then using hair products such as mousses and leave in conditioners may be a great way to boost your hair density. While these products are not suitable for heavy density hair types.

Additionally, people with light density hair should avoid heavy products as they may weaken your hair and may also lead to building up. 

Important Hair Maintenance Tip

Deep conditioning is a great way to lock in moisture, prevent damage or even promote luster to any hair density.

Regularly deep condition your hair to ensure you maintain healthy hair, an effective deep condition product is the Bellisso Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Mask. The Belliso hair mask strengthens weak hair and is suitable for all hair types, the oil is made from 100% natural oils. 

Finding out your hair density also helps you find out suitable hairstyles, for instance, if for some reason you have noticed a decrease in your hair density.

Then you may need to wear protective hairstyles, which help restore your natural hair density. 

How to Determine Hair Density

There are several methods used to determine hair density, some are long while others are expensive. However, there is a simple and effective method to help us find out hair density. 

The Ponytail Method

This is the easiest and most pocket-friendly method as it can be done in the comfort of your house. Start by smoothening your hair and holding it in a ponytail, using a tape measure, measure the circumference of the ponytail

If the circumference is less than 2 inches, your hair density is classified as light or low density, while a circumference of 2 to 3 inches is medium density and a circumference of more than 4 inches is high-density hair or heavy density. 

The Strand Count Method

This is the most tedious method as it requires you to count every strand of hair in a 1-inch square unit. Though the most effective method, one is required to count several square units. 

The Photorichogram Method

In this method, a trained hair professional takes a close up picture of the hair strands. The hair professional then makes a more accurate and faster strand count, the picture taken is detailed ensuring an accurate result. 

what is hair density

Factors Affecting Hair Density and Ways to Increase Hair Density

Diet, poor diet can be seen all over your body on your skin and surprisingly on your hair as well. While a good diet, on the other hand, shows glowing skin as well as your hair. 

Diet

To ensure you maintain healthy hair density, eat a balanced diet, vitamin B, aids in hair growth and vitamins such as iron, zinc, silica and iodine, aid in healthy hair growth.

Some of the best sources of Vitamin B include: fresh fruits such as avocadoes, bananas, and oranges to mention a few, other foods include, eggs, dairy products, beans, broccoli, spinach, and whole grain. Incorporating these foods in your menu ensures you achieve healthy hair. 

Age

Age, another key factor in hair density is age. Hair density decrease with age, as older people are prone to hair loose and they experience slower hair growth. A simple solution to age is eating right. Stopping our age is impossible, but the best chance we get at beating age-related conditions such as hair loss is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

So remember it is never a waste to embrace a healthy lifestyle while still young. 

Climate

Climate, too much heat can affect the growth of your hair by damaging the scalp which subsequently affects hair density. Heat, on the other hand, can be attributed to increased hair growth, controlled heat on the scalp helps in better blood flow to the hair follicles which helps in hair growth. 

To ensure you do not experience hair or scalp damage from sunlight, always sunscreen, hats or protective products during the summer. 

Hair extensions are great for creating thicker looking hair. Find out how long tape extensions last with our guide here!


People in colder regions also experience slow hair growth, cold has been seen to reduce blood flow to hair follicles which as result leads to slow hair growth. Cold may also weaken, your hair making it fragile and dry. 

And though climate changes may affect everyone differently it is essential to use products that provide your hair with necessary nutrients that provide insulation during the cold or hot seasons.

Exercise

Exercise, exercise helps in proper blood flow, to the scalp which encourages hair growth, in turn affecting hair density. To increase hair density, create a workout routine. Working out for 3 to 4 days a week for 2 hours is a great way to get started. 

Additionally, some simple exercises such as swimming, hiking, walking, running or cycling are a great addition to your daily or weekly routine. 

Sleep

Rest and sleep, lack of sleep and rest can cause a negative effect on your overall well-being, one is advised to sleep for a minimum of 7 to 8 hours each night.

Enjoy a good night’s sleep and do not hold back on relaxing, this might be just what you need to see improvements on your hair density.

Hair products, another factor affecting hair density is hair products used. Some hair products are harsh on the scalp and hair follicles and may damage or even lead to hair lose. Opt for organically made hair products that boost hair growth. 

Dyeing your hair too much can cause damage that thins your hair. Read our guide to how often you should bleach your hair here.

Health Conditions

Health conditions, if you have been exercising, resting well, using the right hair products, eating right but still experience adverse changes on your hair density, then you may need to consider a doctor’s opinion on your health and scalp health. 

Health conditions such as lupus, scalp infection, ringworm infections or thyroid issues may lead to slow hair growth or severe hair loose. These conditions also weaken the hair leading to breakage. 

Other factors affecting hair density include, 

a woman lying down/What is Hair Density

Lifestyle choices, besides causing adverse health effects, smoking has also been associated with slow hair growth, premature hair aging as well as baldness

Hormones, estrogen testosterone, and thyroid hormones all affect hair growth, in high amounts estrogen leads to increase hair growth which in turn affects hair density and this is common among pregnant women. After birth, the estrogen levels reduce which leads to hair loss and subsequently affecting hair density. 

Genes, genetics plays a huge part in determining hair density, color, and texture. 

What is Hair Density Take Away

Just because the hair is shiny does not mean the hair is healthy, after finding out your hair density, some key pointers to remember include:

Exercise more often, exercise will not only help you achieve your desired body goals but also increase hair density, in addition to exercise, eat a balanced diet, but most importantly use products suitable for your hair.

Hair is an important part of our look, and proper hair grooming is essential, clean your hair, massage your scalp as this increases blood flow to hair follicles and use hair products with important vitamins and minerals to facilitate healthy hair growth.