Thin Hair vs. Thick Hair: Texture and Density Differences

There are lots of ways to define your hair type, density, and texture. And learning these labels will help you figure out how to take care of it. Then, you can use that information to find a haircare routine that works for your manly mane.

In this article, we'll describe the differences between thin hair versus thick hair. We'll also show you what fine hair looks like versus coarse and what thin hair looks like versus thick. By the end, you'll know precisely what type of hair you have and how to make it look its best.

What's Hair Strand Thickness? (Texture)

Hair thickness is the actual diameter of every strand of hair, and that determines your hair texture. Each individual strand is made up of three parts: a central shaft (medulla), the surrounding core (cortex) and a protective outer layer of scales (cuticle). Coarse hair has wider parts, making the whole strand's diameter wider.

Somewhat confusingly, "thick" and "thin" don't describe how much hair you have. Instead, these terms refer to texture. Grab a strand from your hairbrush and roll it between your fingers. Here's how to tell if you have fine hair or coarse hair:

• If you feel rough angles, you have coarse hair.
• If the hair rolls smoothly, you have medium hair.
• If you can hardly feel the hair, you have fine hair.

What's Hair Density?

Hair density describes how many hair follicles are packed into each square inch of your scalp, not the thickness of the individual strands themselves. Having thin hair means the follicles that are growing hair are loosely packed, like a floor crowd at a concert that's social distancing. Thick hair means your follicles are packed in tight like a crowd at an oversold Macklemore concert.

To tell whether you have thick hair or thin hair, do a quick test. Stand in front of a mirror with a bright overhead light and part your hair:

• If you can see your scalp clearly, you have thin hair
• If you can barely see your scalp, you have thick hair.

Texture vs. Density: Why Fine Hair Doesn't Always Mean Thin Hair

Some men have fine hair that's thick, while others have coarse hair that's thin. These distinctions help us identify facts about our locks we can use to make choices about hair washing frequency and product use.

Fine Hair vs. Medium Hair vs. Coarse Hair: Care Needs

Different textures require unique washing routines and products. What works for coarse hair won't be the same as what works for fine hair, regardless of whether you have high or low-density hair. Once you know your hair texture, look out for these signs that it needs a bit of TLC.

Care Needs for Fine Hair

With fine hair, individual strands are harder to see and feel due to their smaller diameter. These hairs are less rigid, so they cling together more easily, causing knots and breakage. Oil (sebum) also travels more easily down a straight hair shaft, so fine hair tends to get easily bogged down by heavy conditioners, oils, and styling creams. This extra weight means your hair may look flat by the end of the day.

Here are a few tips for how to take care of fine hair:

• Use lightweight products: Get natural shampoos and conditioners that are free from dense oils to avoid greasy buildup.
• Be gentle on wet hair: Your hair is more fragile and easy to tear out when it's wet, so wait to brush it until it's completely dry.
• Use a blow dryer: Drying your hair while lifting it away from the scalp sets its shape for better volume. Just keep the temperature at medium to avoid heat damage, and finish with a blast of cool air to lock in smoothness and shine.

Should I Use Thickening Shampoo If I Have Fine Hair?

If your fine hair lacks density, a volumizing or thickening shampoo can provide some temporary benefits to the look and feel of your hair. But the idea that it's a cure-all for fine or thinning hair is one of many hair myths. Thickening shampoos use ingredients like oat extract for a fuller look, adding temporary body.

Care Needs for Medium Hair

Medium hair sits in the middle of the hair spectrum. While its actual diameter is close to that of coarse hair, it lacks the distinct geometric angles and stiffness found in coarse strands. Medium hair has a balanced structure, meaning it doesn't get instantly bogged down by oils like fine hair, nor does it require heavy-duty moisture to soak into its cortex like coarse hair.

Here are a few tips for how to take care of medium hair:

• Use balanced formulas: Because medium hair has average structural rigidity and normal moisture retention, most products work well. You're free to choose based on your favorite scent profile.
• Dry with flexible control: When blow-drying, use medium heat and downward airflow to maintain smoothness and set shape without heat damaging your stands.
• Protect against styling and buildup: Medium hair handles styling well, but it still benefits from lightweight heat protectants and regular washing to prevent buildup.

Care Needs for Coarse Hair

With coarse hair, individual strands are thicker and wider due to a larger diameter and higher cortical mass. This greater mass provides more structural rigidity, meaning the hairs naturally resist bending and stand apart. But it also makes the hair stiffer and harder to manage. Because the outer cuticle layer has more surface area and potential gaps, coarse hair readily absorbs external moisture and products. This high absorption means it can easily take in too much, leading to product buildup that can leave your locks feeling gunky.

Here are a few tips for how to take care of coarse hair:

• Use moisturizing conditioners: Coarse hair gets frizzy in some conditions like very high or low humidity. Moisturizing conditioners will lock in some hydration to keep it smooth and under control.
• Incorporate a scalp scrubber: A scalp scrubber helps distribute shampoo evenly through thick hair, using mechanical action to lift away stubborn grime.
• Protect from heat styling: If your hair is coily or curly, you may need more heat to style it. Make sure to double-down on heat protectant sprays and use lower temperature styling tools to protect your locks.

Find Dr. Squatch Hair Products for Your Hair Needs

Your hair profile comes down to a combination of two key characteristics: texture and density. Now that you know your hair's unique makeup, it's time to pick your products.

Dr. Squatch natural shampoos and conditioners help your hair feel soft and shiny, whatever your hair type. We use Mother Nature's finest ingredients, like oat protein and jojoba oil, which keep hair feeling soft and nourished. When you're ready to upgrade your grooming routine, pick up a hair care kit, and start enjoying a Squatchingly good clean.