Remember all those famous makeover movies? The lead actor or actress is mocked and hardly ever looked at. And then they go and have an amazing makeover. That includes a completely different hairstyle and wardrobe style and then Voila!! Center of attraction throughout the entire next portion of the film.
Best example??
Princess Mia Thermopolis from Princess Diary.
Remember her frizzy witch hair that is transformed into glorious straight hair?? It changed her look completely. Hair is an important aspect of outward appearance. Even the smallest change in style, cut or color can create a massive difference in the overall appeal of a person.
However, an important factor that contributes to a good style or cut or color is the hair quality. There is no mathematical equation to sort out hair quality. It is simply based on a few smaller deciding points like the volume of the hair and thickness of hair.
While styling two of the most common terms one can get to hear is ‘Thin Hair’ and ‘Fine Hair’.
Though both of these terms may sound similar, they both have an entirely different analogy.
Thin Hair in simple language refers to the volume of hair. It is the overall hair follicle density. So, the next time you hear someone saying thin hair, you know that it means the person in reference has less overall hair volume.
Fine hair is different from Thin hair. It denotes the overall thickness or diameter of each strand. Fine hair generally has a thickness that is less than normal. Fine hair does not necessarily mean thin hair.
Whether you have thin hair or fine hair, embrace your natural texture and make it work for you!
A person can have fine hair but a greater volume or it can be that the person has thin hair but the thickness of each strand of hair is greater than normal.
When you run your fingers through your hair, does it feel as though there is not much hair to pass your fingers through? Or does it feel that you can touch your scalp very easily while brushing your hair?
This can be because of either thin hair or fine hair.
Though both sounds eerily similar, it is best to understand the difference between fine and thin hair well to determine the overall hair quality. These are important facts one must be aware of as they are a few of the factors that affect the styling of hair to a great extent.
Read our reviews of Best Curling Iron for Fine Hair.
What does it mean to have ‘Fine hair’?
Not all hair is created equal. Fine hair may be thin, but it's just as strong and stunning as any other type.
Fine hair refers to the diameter or thickness of the individual hair strand that is way less than normal. There are three determining hair thickness. These are Fine, Medium and Course.
Finer hair is often more supple than the other two types.
As finer hair is often more fragile and lightweight, they tend to break easily. However, given their smoother texture, they have a very shiny appearance as opposed to the other two hair thickness type.
Fine hair generally needs additional care and careful maintenance to prevent excessive or unnecessary hair shedding or breakage.
What does it mean to have ‘Thin Hair’?
Thin hair, but don't care. You're beautiful just the way you are!
Thin hair refers to the lesser volume of hair per unit area. Or in simple words, it is the overall hair density that is less than normal. Hair density is of three types They are Thick, Medium and Thin.
Thin hair can be caused due to many external and internal factors. They generally have a limp appearance in contrast to the unruly thick hair. The scalp is easily visible while styling thin hair.
Can one have thin hair that is not of a finer quality and vice versa?
This question is bound to pop in one’s mind after they learn in detail about the hair density and hair thickness.
A person who has thin hair does not necessarily need to have fine hair. Despite the overall lack of hair density, the individual thickness can be way more than normal.
Similarly, a person with fine hair does not necessarily need to thin hair. The overall density of the hair can be higher than normal despite the individual hair thickness being less.
Read Also: Hair Loss - Causes and Remedies.
Can one have both Thin and Fine Hair?
This is definitely the common next question one will have.
Yes, it is possible for someone to have thin and fine hair. But this combination hair type requires a bit more care than normal though it is not at all a bad thing.
It is just that this combination type of hair requires gentle handling as they can easily damage or break. Tight braids and ponytails should always be avoided as that weakens the strands further.
Using styling products like creams, gels, and iron or crip plates should be minimal. It is easier for this type of hair to lose the natural luster and appear dull and lifeless.
Another important aspect is that this combination of hair type loses the natural oil out faster and often develop splint ends easily. So, consistent and regular aftercare with various hair nutrients like oils and packs is important.
Manipulating hairstyles on hair type that is both thin and fine requires a bit of an extra effort. Styling this combination hair type is fairly easier than most and does not require much time or external products.
Conclusion
Hair thickness or Hair volume can vary from person to person. The quality of the hair can change based on various determining factors. Hormonal changes, environmental factors, genetics, Stress, Disease, Chemical usage, etc are just a few of the etiology one can state.
Proper and routine care with supplementary nutrients can actually change the hair texture, volume, and thickness. Thin or fine hair aside, good quality hair is the one that has a natural bounce and shines with minimal frizz or brakage.
Read Also: How to Measure Your Hair?