More Hair Volume: Hair Density

Density is the number of hairs per square centimeter on your scalp. On average, most adults have 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on their head* or 175-300 hairs per square centimeter. This is a big range that represents a lot of variation - depending on age and genetics, some people can have almost twice as many hairs on their head than others.

Why Hair Density Is Important

1) If you have greater density, you have more hair and a thicker ponytail.

2) When hairs are very close together they help hold each other up straighter (think of being in New York's Times Square on New Year's Eve - it would be virtually impossible to sit or lay down there)

Medical Hair Advice

The easiest thing you can do to maintain hair density is to keep your hair and scalp healthy. Avoid pulling out hairs by vigorous combing or too much tension on ponytails and braids. Use anti-dandruff shampoo if necessary to keep your scalp healthy and prevent itching and scratching. Severe hair loss, called alopecia, should be treated by a dermatologist.

Hair Style Advice

When choosing a product for thin hair, mousses are a good choice because they are lightweight and easy to spread down to the roots. Avoid heavy or waxy products that can cause thin hair to clump at the roots and give the appearance of even less hair.

* William Montagna, The Structure and Function of Skin, Academic Press, 1974 (New York), 219.

* Clarence R. Robbins, Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair. 4th Edition, 2002 (New York), 13.