Let’s Get Geeky – Thick Thin Fine Coarse

It happens all the time: A client sits down and says, “my hair is so fine!” when it’s actually coarse or “I have thick hair!” when it’s really quite thin. The terms for describing hair texture and density are really easy to confuse. Chances are, your stylist knows what you mean but in case you are curious, I’ll define these desciptors the way cosmetologists use them.

Hair Texture

Texture refers to the diameter of the individual strand of hair. The words “coarse,” “medium,” and “fine” are used to qualify texture. Coarse hair is generally stronger than fine hair.

Hair Density

Density describes the number of hairs per square inch and is identified as “thick,” “medium,” or “thin.” Some stylists may also use the terms “low,” “medium,” or “high” when determining density. Average density is about 2,200 hairs per square inch. Blondes tend to have the highest density, redheads the lowest.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of the difference between texture and density and will aid you in discussing your hair with your stylist as well as choosing appropriate products for your hair type.