3 Different Thicknesses of Human Hair: Everything You Need to Know

Hairstylist

William is a professional hair stylist with over 10 years of experience. He is passionate about creating personalized, trendy looks for his clients and specializes in hair treatments and updos. He is now a certified hair adviser for Mic Hair Company. His articles are always filled with advice, pro tips, and latest hair research results.

Fashion Blog

Thu Mar 24 2022

Ever wonder why some people have fine, light hair while others have a booming, thick one? Each individual has a different hair characteristic, such as hair color, texture, density, and thickness. Even though they are different, You can appreciate each one and what you have.

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What Is The Thickness Of Human Hair?
Why Are There Different Thicknesses Of Human Hair?
What Are The Different Thicknesses Of Human Hair?
How To Measure Hair Thickness?
Using a copy paper
Feel the strands
Sewing thread
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why is my hair thin?
2. How to maintain hair thickness?
3. Can shaving grow thicker hair?
Summary

What Is The Thickness Of Human Hair?

Hair thickness is the diameter of the hair. Each strand measures it. People often confuse the definitions of the thickness and density of a hair, as they seem to be similar. However, when it comes to human hair, they both have a different explanation.

Density refers to the amount of hair a person has on their head. It is the count that matters, not the diameter. Having more density means more volume. Thickness and density are both factors that make a hair look fuller, as they both go hand in hand. And just as there are different densities of hair, the thicknesses also differ.

Why Are There Different Thicknesses Of Human Hair?

There is no standard thickness for human hair, as each individual has specific genetic codes. It also explains why people have different hair textures, colors, and densities. Other factors contributing to the differences in hair thickness include the location where people live and their age. The diameter of the hair tends to thicken in a tropical climate and as a person grows up.

The natural color of the hair also happens to make a difference in the thickness of each strand. Black hair is more extensive among other hair colors. For external factors, your lifestyle and the products you use for your hair can actually make your hair stronger and thicker. That is why there are shampoos on the market meant for thin strands.

What Are The Different Thicknesses Of Human Hair?

When you see a chart for hair types, you will notice both numbers and letters. The numbers pertain to the hair texture, with 1 being very straight and 4 being the tightest curls. Meanwhile, the letters refer to the width of the hairs.

Thickness	Diameter	Description	Hairstyles
Fine (A)	50 microns	Fine hairs only have two layers in the strand: the cortex and the cuticle. The cortex gives color to the hair, and it consists of Keratin filaments. On the other hand, the cuticle protects the hair, provides shine, and maintains moisture in your hair.	Because the hair strands are thin, it will be hard to have a fuller hairstyle look. However, having a blunt end can make it look a little thicker and will go best with a stunning angled bob.
Medium (B)	70 microns	Medium hair has both cortex and cuticle, like fine hair. However, there are times when the medulla is present, which thick hair always has. The medulla is a soft, thin core in the middle of the hair strand.	You can style medium hair better than the other since it has the right thickness to hold the hairstyle and not be brittle. Furthermore, it is more resilient than fine hair.
Thick (C)	120 microns	Thick hair contains all three layers, cortex, cuticle, and medulla. This type of thickness gives a full look, even with medium density.	Thick hair can hold almost any hairstyle, handle heat and styling products, and is the strongest among all thicknesses. However, it takes longer to dry and is more prone to frizziness.

Now that you have an idea about the different hair thicknesses, you may measure the ones you have. If you are worried that you have thin hair, you may try these hacks.

How To Measure Hair Thickness?

There are various ways to tell if your hair is fine, medium, or thick. Although measuring the exact diameter is laborious, these methods will still approximate it.

Using a copy paper

A copy paper is 70 microns thick. This item can be used as a baseline, as it is also the same diameter as a medium thickness. You may compare the strands of your hair. It is a thin course if your hair is half as thick as the copy paper. Meanwhile, twice as thick means your hair is at its maximum thickness.

Feel the strands

If you already have a suspicion that your hair might be thin or medium, you may try to hold a strand. You do not need to pluck a hair; you can get one from your hairbrush. Hold the hair strand between your fingers. If you can't feel it, your suspicion will lean toward fine hair. It is medium if you can feel a faint, but not rough, touch.

Sewing thread

If you suspect that your hair is thick, pluck a hair strand from a spot where it grows thicker. Grab a strand of sewing thread and compare it to the end of the hair you have. If the diameter is almost as wide as the thread, your suspicion is correct.

How To Measure Hair Thickness?

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why is my hair thin?

Many factors might affect the thickness of your hair. Mainly, it is already genetically encoded in you, which means that your family carries this trait. Moreover, the weather in your location and your age can also determine hair thickness.

2. How to maintain hair thickness?

One way to have a full look instantly is by wearing a hair extension. Many hair extensions match your hair type. But if you want natural, luminous hair, you may use hair products that can add more thickness or change your lifestyle into a more healthy one.

3. Can shaving grow thicker hair?

Shaving your hair does not mean that your thin hair is gone; a thicker one will come. It does appear thick, however, because the ends are blunt. Blunt ends are also a trick that most thin-haired women use to make them appear voluminous.

>>> Read more: 5 easy hairstyles that hide extensions <<<

Summary

It would be best if you appreciated whatever your hair type is. If you are unsure of your hair's thickness, there are many methods you can try to determine it. Knowing the thickness of your hair will help you style it better.