Thick vs Thin Hair: The Differences and How to Tell Your Hair Type

Are you wondering whether you have thick or thin hair? Thick hair has a coarse, dense feel and a voluminous appearance. The strands are abundant, and the overall volume is full. On the other hand, thin hair has narrower individual strands and tends to appear finer, sleeker and flatter.

When understanding your hair type, the difference between thick and thin hair goes beyond just how it looks or feels. One key factor is the number of hair fibers on your head. On average, a person with thin hair has about 50,000 to 80,000 hair fibers, while someone with thick hair has anywhere from 100,000 to 150,000 fibers. This significant difference in hair count plays a big role in how your hair appears and behaves.

But fiber count isn't the only way to tell thick and thin hair apart. In this blog, we'll explore various characteristics that help you identify whether you have thick or thin hair and provide tips on how to care for each type. Understanding your hair type is the first step towards giving it the right kind of attention and care it needs to look and feel its best.

5 Major Differences Between Thick and Thin Hair

The main difference between thick vs thin hair lies in the individual hair strands and their density on the scalp. Five key factors set them apart: diameter, hair density, and hair texture. Now, let's explore them in detail for a better understanding.

1. Diameter of Hair Strands

The diameter of individual hair strands is a primary factor distinguishing thick and thin hair. Thick, coarse hair is characterized by a larger strand diameter, resulting in a fuller, more voluminous appearance. On the other hand, thin hair is characterized by a smaller strand diameter, making it appear more delicate and less voluminous.

2. Hair Density

Hair density is a great way to tell if you have thick or thin hair. Hair density refers to the number of hair strands per square inch on the scalp. Thick hair tends to have a higher density, meaning more hair strands are present. This higher hair density contributes to the overall hair thickness and fullness.

With more thick hair strands covering the scalp, thick hair creates a dense and abundant look. Conversely, thin hair has a lower density, with fewer hair strands. The contrast in hair density affects how "full" the hair looks, even if individual strands are similar in thickness.

3. Hair texture

Hair texture plays a significant role in distinguishing between thick and thin hair. Thick hair often has a coarser texture because of the larger diameter of its strands, giving it a stronger, more resilient feel that better withstands styling and manipulation. Alternatively, thin hair has a smoother hair texture due to its finer strands, making it more prone to breakage and damage. As a result, thin hair requires gentler handling and the use of lighter styling products.

Also Read: How to use a hair texture chart to identify your hair type?

4. Porosity

Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, and it varies between thick and thin hair. Thick hair has lower to medium porosity because its cuticle layers are more compact and tightly packed. This structure makes it harder for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft, but once moisture is absorbed, thick hair retains it well.

Thin hair, on the other hand, is more likely to have medium to high porosity due to its finer structure and fewer cuticle layers. This allows moisture to enter the hair more easily, but it also escapes just as quickly. Because of this, thin hair feels dry or brittle if not properly cared for.

5. Hair Shape

Hair shape is the natural pattern or structure of the hair strand, such as straight, wavy, curly, or coily, and it also helps differentiate thick and thin hair. Thick hair holds its natural shape more strongly, which gives it more structure and resistance.

Thin hair has a softer structure and less internal strength, which affects how well it holds shape. Straight thin hair lies flatter against the scalp, while wavy or curly thin hair loses definition more easily. Due to this, thin hair requires specific styling techniques or products to maintain its shape.

How to Identify Thick Hair

If you're trying to determine whether you have thick hair, there are a few simple observations you can make. Thick hair is generally characterized by more textured, fuller strands. Here are some methods to help you identify if your hair is thick:

Examine the Diameter of Each Strand

Thick hair generally has a larger hair shaft diameter compared to fine or thin hair. You can assess the hair thickness by examining individual strands and comparing them to a piece of thread or a pencil.

Feel the Density and Weight

You can tell you have thick hair by feeling its density and weight. Thick hair tends to feel full and heavy in your hand when you run your fingers through it. You will have a substantial amount of hair between your fingers, indicating a high density of strands.

Observe How Much Hair You Lose

One simple way to identify thick hair is by observing how much hair you lose. You likely have thick hair if you don't lose a significant amount of hair during regular brushing or washing. Thick hair tends to have a higher density, resulting in less hair shedding than thinner hair types.

Look at the Volume

You can tell if you have thick hair by looking at the volume. Thick hair has plenty of body and bounce, making ponytails and braids appear fuller and more substantial. It also provides complete coverage of the scalp, unlike thin hair, which reveals patches of the scalp.

Check How Well Your Hair Holds a Curl or Style

Thick hair holds curls and styles better than thin hair. Once curled or styled, thick hair tends to maintain its shape and volume throughout the day due to the greater weight and diameter of each strand. On the other hand, thin hair struggles to hold curls and falls flat more quickly.

Also Read: Why Are Some of My Hairs Thicker Than Others?

How to Take Care of Thick Hair

Thick hair is both a blessing and a challenge. While it offers natural volume and style versatility, it also requires specific care to manage its abundance and maintain its health. Here are some key tips to help you take care of your thick locks:

• Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to hydrate your hair and prevent dryness.
• Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment into your routine at least once a week to nourish and soften your hair.
• Avoid over-washing your thick hair, as it strips it of natural oils. Aim for 2-3 times a week.
• Limit heat styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners to avoid damage, and always use a heat protectant spray when you do style.
  
• Thinning out your thick hair with proper technique can reduce hair density and make it easy for styling and taking care of.

How to Identify Thin Hair

Thin hair can be identified by paying attention to specific characteristics. Here are some simple ways to identify thin hair from thick hair:

Lack of Volume

One easy way to distinguish thin hair from thick hair is by looking at its volume. Thin hair often looks flat and lacks fullness, while thick hair appears fuller and has more body. When you style thin hair, it will seem limp and struggle to hold shape or volume, even with products. On the other hand, thick hair naturally has more lift and easily creates a fuller look. This lack of volume in thin hair is due to fewer hair strands and each strand being finer, which makes it harder to create a sense of thickness or fullness on the head.

Visible Scalp

Thin hair reveals the scalp more prominently. If you can easily see your scalp through your hair, with more visible skin than hair, it indicates that you likely have thin hair. This gives your hair a sparser, less dense appearance.

Increased Hair Shedding

You could have thin hair if you notice you are losing more hair than usual, especially during brushing or washing. The fragility of thin hair strands makes them more prone to breakage and shedding, resulting in noticeable hair fall.

Thin strands are lighter and less dense, making it easier to lose more hair visibly during brushing, washing, or styling. With thick hair, shedding is less noticeable since each strand is coarser and fuller, so even if some fall out, the overall volume stays balanced.

Smaller Diameter

Thin hair is often characterized by its smaller diameter. By examining individual strands closely, you'll notice they are much narrower compared to those of thick hair. This finer diameter is a clear indicator of thin hair.

How to Take Care of Thin Hair

Caring for thin hair is different from thick hair because it needs extra attention to maintain volume and avoid breakage. Thin hair is more delicate, so using lightweight products and gentle techniques is key to keeping it healthy. Follow the below tips to take care of your thin hair:

• Use a lightweight shampoo and conditioner to avoid weighing down your hair and help maintain volume.
• Avoid heavy styling products like gels or creams that make thin hair look flat and greasy.
• Be gentle when washing and drying. Use lukewarm water, pat hair dry with a microfiber towel, and avoid rubbing vigorously to prevent breakage.
• Minimize heat styling to protect your fragile strands from damage and breakage.
  

Thick vs. Thin Hair: Side-by-Side Comparison

Why It's Important to Know If You Have Thick or Thin Hair

It's very important to know whether you have thick or thin hair. Knowing your hair type helps you find the best products, haircuts, and styles for your specific needs. For instance, if you have thin hair, using volumizing shampoos and lightweight conditioners help add body and fullness. On the other hand, if you have thick hair, look for products that provide moisture and control and help manage its density and texture effectively.

Thick and thin hair also require different kinds of haircuts and styles. The right haircut also makes a big difference - certain styles maximize volume for thin hair or remove bulk for thick hair. For thin hair, certain cuts and layering techniques create the illusion of more volume and thickness. For thick hair, choosing hairstyles that embrace its natural texture and provide structure prevent it from appearing unruly or weighed down.

Ultimately, identifying whether you have thick or thin hair allows you to make informed decisions about your hair care routine, ensuring that you achieve the best results for your unique hair type.

The Bottom Line

Thick vs. thin hair can be distinguished by looking at factors like strand diameter, hair density, hair texture, and overall volume. Thick hair has wider, more textured strands, greater hair density, and is bouncy.

However, thin hair has narrower, smoother strands, less density, and a flatter, more limp appearance. Examining the width and feel of your hair strands, amount of shedding, scalp visibility, and how well your hair holds styles help you identify if your hair is thick or thin. Moreover, knowing your hair type allows you to choose products and styles best suited for you.

LPT for Treating Hair Thinning and Loss

LPT, or laser phototherapy, is a non-invasive treatment option for hair thinning and loss. It involves using laser devices to stimulate hair growth and improve the overall health of the scalp. LPT will affect your scalp both from a scientific and clinical perspective.

1. LPT slows down hair loss by converting most hairs from the resting phase to the growth phase, which lasts two to eight years. Less hair loss indicates that the scalp will appear fuller over time due to about 3,000 hairs not shedding over thirty days. 
2. LPT reverses the miniaturization phase. In the miniaturizing phase, it appears as if new hairs are growing, but that’s not the case. The reality is that hairs are just thicker because they are changing from vellus to terminal hairs.
3. LPT triggers more hairs per square centimeter than expected to see in the dormant phase. Patients go from ten to fifty hairs per square centimeter to fifty-plus hairs in a single square centimeter. This differs from person to person, but all see positive results from LPT. The only exception is someone with a hairless, shiny scalp, which denotes a new type of skin that buries hair follicles and contains only sweat and oil glands.

These points have been confirmed and millions of people around the world are enjoying the benefits of LPT. One popular LPT device is the Theradome hair helmet, designed for home use. Theradome is a helmet-like device that emits red laser light to penetrate the scalp and stimulate the hair follicles.

There are two kinds of Theradome Helmet: Theradome PRO LH80 and EVO LH40, which are designed to be user-friendly and used conveniently at home. Both models deliver painless and gentle treatment sessions that increase blood flow to the hair follicles, leading to fuller, thicker hair and reduced hair loss.

Once I Grow Back my Hair, Will my Thicker Hair Block the Lasers?

When your hair starts to fill out, people naturally wonder if their new hair will block some or all of the lasers from penetrating the scalp. Even if some of the hairs might be “blocking” the laser light, there are many beams of light which will still pass through, as the scalp only needs at least one good laser beam to stimulate it.

For example, if the LPT device has eighty lasers, it’s estimated that for someone with very thick hair, around 30%-50% of the laser light will penetrate the scalp. This is more than enough to see great results. That said, it’s recommended you carry out a “power treatment” weekly to ensure maximum effectiveness.