Everything You Need To Know About Hair Texture & Volume
When we talk about texture, we’re often describing how something feels—and the same applies to hair texture. Hair texture is defined by the diameter, width, or thickness of individual hair strands. While some may call this fiber “thickness,” we’ll stick with the term texture to avoid confusion with hair density.
Hair texture is typically measured in microns, providing a precise gauge of how fine or thick each strand is. Here’s a breakdown of the different hair textures based on fiber width:
– Fine Hair: (Less than 50 microns)
– Medium Hair (60–80 microns)
– Thick/Coarse Hair (Greater than 80 microns)
This measurement helps distinguish between hair types, ensuring that texture isn’t confused with other characteristics like density or volume.
Hair texture refers to the diameter or circumference of individual hair strands, and it generally falls into three categories: fine, medium, and coarse.
See Also: Proven Steps to Grow Natural Hair Faster and Healthier
Important Distinctions:
– Hair texture relates to the thickness of individual strands, not the overall hair volume, governed by hair density—the number of strands on your scalp.
– Hair type (straight, wavy, or curly) is determined by the shape of hair follicles, while texture focuses on the size of each strand.
To check hair density, try tying your hair in a ponytail—the thickness will indicate whether your hair is low, medium, or high density.
Many people confuse hair texture, hair type, and hair density, but each term represents a distinct aspect of your hair’s characteristics.
Understanding Hair Texture: What It Means
When we refer to texture, we are usually describing how something feels, and the same concept applies to hair. Hair texture is determined by the diameter, width, or thickness of each strand. While some may call this fiber “thickness,” we’ll stick with the term texture to avoid confusion with hair density.
Hair texture is typically measured in microns, providing a precise gauge of how fine or thick each strand is. Here’s a breakdown of the different hair textures based on fiber width:
– Fine Hair (Less than 50 microns)
– Medium Hair (60–80 microns)
– Thick/Coarse Hair (Greater than 80 microns)
This measurement helps distinguish between hair types, ensuring that texture isn’t confused with other characteristics like density or volume.
See Also: 5 Best Hair Shampoos for Dandruff and Damaged Hair
Understanding the Differences Between Hair Density and Volume
Though often confused, hair density and hair volume are distinct concepts. While they may seem similar, there are key differences between the two.
– Hair Density refers to the number of hair strands on your scalp. It measures how much hair you have in a specific area.
– Hair Volume, on the other hand, describes the overall space your hair occupies, reflecting how full or thick your hair appears.
You can have high hair volume but low density, or high density with minimal volume, especially in the case of straight hair. For instance, a person with curly hair may have high volume but relatively low density due to the way curls create more space.
Another key difference is how each can be addressed:
– Increasing volume is often achievable through simple changes in hair care routines or by choosing voluminous hairstyles.
– Improving density, however, may require medical interventions such as hair treatments or procedures like FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) transplants.
Understanding these differences helps in tailoring the right approach to achieve fuller, healthier-looking hair.
Why Does Hair Texture Change?
Hair texture changes naturally over time, especially as we age, but several other factors also contribute to these changes. Here’s a closer look at some of the main causes:
1. Hormonal Changes
Hormones have a significant impact on hair texture. Women, in particular, experience shifts in hormones during life events like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal imbalances—especially in androgens and estrogen—can affect hair follicles, altering hair texture and growth patterns.
2. Stress
Stress weakens hair, making it more fragile and finer. High stress levels disrupt the hair growth cycle, causing hair loss through conditions like **telogen effluvium**, where hair follicles enter a prolonged resting phase, leading to increased shedding.
3. Genetics
Your genes heavily influence your hair texture, from thickness to type. Genetic variations determine many aspects of your hair, making some traits hereditary.
4. Environmental Damage (Heat and Pollution)
Exposure to UV rays, pollution, and environmental toxins like cigarette smoke depletes your hair’s natural oils and protein levels. As a result, hair becomes dry, thin, and more prone to damage.
5. Poor Diet
A diet lacking essential nutrients like protein, iron, and minerals weakens hair, leaving it thinner and more brittle. Hair relies on the nutrients absorbed through your bloodstream to stay nourished, so deficiencies show up quickly in hair health.
6. Overuse of Hair Styling Products
Frequent use of heat styling tools, such as straighteners, curling irons, and chemical treatments like hair dyes, can cause significant damage to hair texture over time. Excessive heat and chemicals weaken the hair, making it more likely to become thin and prone to breakage.
7. Collagen Loss
Collagen is crucial for maintaining strong, healthy hair. It nourishes the scalp and strengthens hair follicles, making hair smooth and shiny. As collagen levels naturally decrease with age, the hair loses some of its strength and elasticity, leading to changes in texture.
Hair Density
Hair density refers to the number of hair strands growing in a specific area of your scalp. It’s typically measured by counting the follicles per square centimeter on the scalp, often taken from the back of the head for accuracy.
A more precise measurement comes from parting the hair in smaller sections.
In simple terms, hair density shows how thick or sparse your hair covers the scalp. Higher density means more coverage, while lower density reveals more of the scalp.
There are two general types of hair density
- Low Density: Hair appears thinner, and the scalp is easily visible.
- High Density: Hair is thicker, with minimal scalp visibility.
Each type of density comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Knowing your hair density will help you tailor your hair care routine to meet your specific needs.
Natural Remedies to Enhance Hair Texture & Volume
Achieving better hair texture and volume doesn’t always require expensive treatments. Nature offers several effective solutions that can transform your hair with regular use.
Best natural ways to improve your hair:
1. Eggs
Although they have a strong odor, eggs are excellent for improving hair texture. The fatty acids in egg yolks restore shine and softness, while the peptides promote hair growth and strengthen brittle strands.
Simply whisk 1–2 eggs (depending on hair length) and apply to your scalp and hair. Cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then wash and condition as usual.
2. Olive Oil
Packed with vitamin E and antioxidants, cold-pressed olive oil strengthens and thickens hair with regular use.
Apply it 30–40 minutes before washing your hair to lock in moisture and protect your hair from becoming stripped of its natural oils. The result is shinier, more hydrated locks.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a miracle plant that benefits both curly and straight hair. Its vitamins (A, B12, C, E) cleanse the scalp of excess oil and promote healthy hair. For curly hair, aloe vera gel is a perfect curl refresher.
For straight hair, blend aloe pulp and apply it to your hair, wrapping it in a warm towel for deeper penetration. Let it sit for 30–40 minutes, then wash with a mild shampoo for added moisture and shine.
4. Coconut Oil
Cold-pressed coconut oil is lightweight and won’t weigh down your hair. It improves scalp circulation, locks in moisture, and enhances hair elasticity. Applying it regularly can prevent brittleness and keep hair healthy, soft, and manageable.
5. Onion Juice
Onion juice is a powerful remedy for hair growth and strength, thanks to its high sulfur content. Apply 1–2 tablespoons to your scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.
You can also mix it with coconut or castor oil for added nourishment. This treatment helps restore thinning hair and adds a natural shine.
6. Green Tea
Green tea isn’t just for drinking—its polyphenols support healthy hair growth when applied topically or consumed. Drinking green tea regularly helps balance your body’s nutrients, leading to stronger hair with fewer split ends.
7. Vitamins
Vitamin deficiencies can wreak havoc on hair texture, leading to brittleness, hair loss, and even premature graying. Key vitamins like A, B12, C, D, and E are vital for hair health.
Incorporate dark leafy greens, avocados, eggs, kale, chicken, and nuts into your diet to boost vitamin intake and support healthy hair growth.
8. Essential Oils
Essential oils are great for enhancing hair health. Lavender oil, mixed with a carrier oil, smooths hair and increases hair follicles, leading to thicker strands.
Rosemary oil is another excellent option for combating hair loss and strengthening brittle hair.
By incorporating these natural remedies into your routine, you can significantly improve your hair’s texture and volume without resorting to harsh treatments.
