If you hang out with other curly-haired beauties, you start to realize that no two curl patterns are the same. Our coils & curls express themselves in countless ways & curl density is one of the factors that makes each crown unique.
For those of us embracing our natural texture, understanding hair density helps us nurture our curls & know precisely what creates the pillowy bounce you might strive for.
If you’re wondering, “what does hair density mean?” This guide will help you learn how to enhance your natural pattern & find the perfect products to make your curls pop.
The Difference Between Curl Density & Hair Thickness
Before we explain how to determine hair density, it’s important to understand the difference between hair thickness & curl density.
These factors sound similar, but they’re two distinct characteristics that give our curls their unique shape. While thickness refers to the diameter of each strand, density describes how closely our strands grow together on our scalp. Because the strands are closer, people with higher hair density tend to have fuller-looking hair.
An easier way to describe what is hair density is to visualize this fact: The average person has 80,000 to 120,000 hairs on their head. More hair means the strands must grow closer together.
But if you want to know the density of hair, it isn’t practical to count each one individually to determine whether it’s low, medium or high density.
How to Measure Your Curl Density At Home
What is the density of hair isn’t always obvious—especially when you’re sporting a crown full of luscious ringlets on the regular. There are a few different tests you can try to measure hair density at home:
- Scalp test – Take a look at your scalp. Your density is low if you can see it without moving your hair. If you only have to move the hair a little, your density is medium. If it’s hard to see your scalp without entirely moving your hair, it’s high-density.
- Ponytail test – Put your hair into a ponytail & measure its circumference. Less than 2 inches is low density, 2–3 inches is medium density & 4 inches or more is high density.
- Ask a professional – When in doubt, ask your hairstylist. They can help you determine your hair density & offer advice on how to best care for your curl type.
We also want to note that there is no “unhealthy” level of hair density. Whether full or thin, hair density is not an indicator of hair health. Determining hair density is merely a tool for finding the best ways to nurture hair.
Why Curl Density Matters for Your Curl Care Routine
Now that you know the density of hair, you may be wondering why hair density is so important. Because knowing your hair’s density can be the key to caring for your curls & their unique curl pattern.
Think back to that visual we mentioned earlier: the closer your curls are, the more of them you have, & the more hydration, love & care they’ll likely need.
You may need more hydrating or holding products to nourish each curl if you have high curl density. On the other hand, if you have low curl density, too much product could weigh your curls down.
Tips for Managing High, Medium & Low Curl Density
Creating a routine that builds maximum hair density is all about understanding what our individual texture needs to perform. If you often find yourself wondering how to improve your hair density, it all starts with a carefully curated curl care routine that gives your curls otherworldly bounce & definition.
High Density
When blessed with abundant curls, we focus on proper product distribution & moisture retention.
Consider using a tool like the PATTERN Hair Steamer to penetrate nourishing hair treatments deeper. Then, use heavier styling products like gels, butter, serums & oils packed with nutrients to lock in moisture & reduce frizz.
You may also want to use our Sectioning Hair Clips for even product application & style your hair in layers to maintain definition without creating bulk.
Medium Density
Medium density offers volume while still requiring balanced moisture. Since your density is right in the middle, you can decide whether to focus more on nourishing or volumizing products.
If you want a simple way to get started, our Biotin-infused Hydration Shampoo contains Aloe, Honey & Coconut Oil to attract & seal hydration in your hair.
Experiment to see what hairstyles & products produce the level of bounce & shine that you prefer.
Low Density
If your hair is low density, it may be easily weighed down by heavy styling products. Even the best hair products produce buildup over time. Use the PATTERN Cleansing Shampoo on occasion to keep your hair healthy.
For a natural boost to your locks, opt for lighter products like the PATTERN Lightweight Conditioner. Specifically-formulated volumizing shampoos & the PATTERN Curl Mousse are also excellent choices to add volume & make your hair look thicker.
Optimizing scalp health is also one of the best ways to maintain springy curls with low density hair. For the best results, cleanse your scalp with the PATTERN Deep Scalp Detox as needed, then moisturize & nourish it with essential nutrients.
Choosing the Right Products Based on Your Curl Density
Our curls are our legacy, & like any legacy they thrive with careful attention. When we recognize that our curls are unique & pay close attention to pattern based on curl density, our curls give us extra bounce.
Curl-Loving Ingredients
Understanding how different products interact with our density can help us make choices that enhance our hair’s natural texture. Higher density curls often thrive with rich butters & creamy gels that provide moisture & hold. Meanwhile, lower density curls are best complemented with lightweight formulas that won’t weigh them down or overwhelm their natural pattern.
Our favorite density-supporting ingredients work differently across density levels:
- Biotin & B-vitamins – Support healthy growth for all density types
- Coconut Oil – Provides deep moisture but should be used according to density needs
- Honey – Adds weightless hydration for all density types
- Tea Tree Oil – Clarifies the scalp regardless of density
- Aloe Vera – Offers lightweight moisture that won’t weigh down strands
- Rosemary Extract – Stimulates the scalp across density types
- Witch Hazel – Balances scalp health without heaviness
- Rice Water – Strengthens & supports all density patterns
Each ingredient plays a role in supporting our natural curl density. It’s important to note that even if a product is generally considered for a certain density level, still feel free to experiment with different ingredients & amounts until you find what works best for your hair.
(Psst: All of our products at PATTERN contain some combination of these ingredients so your hair can be its healthiest at any density level!)
Scalp-Nourishing Products
A healthy scalp can nourish your curls from the root, so whatever your hair type, don’t be afraid to try out different masks, oils & serums to your heart’s content. Each of these products can be chosen based on your density needs with lighter formulations for finer textures & richer options for denser patterns.
Weekly scalp masks can also help maintain optimal scalp health, especially for high density hair, while clarifying treatments like the PATTERN Deep Scalp Detox prevent buildup that can weigh down low density curls.
Styling Tools
Your styling tools also make a huge difference in caring for your curl density. The PATTERN Wide Tooth Comb paired with our Detangling Nectar gently works through knots from ends to roots in low density hair, while a tool like the PATTERN Paddle Brush helps distribute oils evenly through medium & higher density hair.
Using our Sectioning Clips during styling also ensures even product distribution & prevents over-application that can weigh down your locks.
Curl Density Myths
On the topic of hair density, we’d be remiss not to clear up some common misconceptions about caring for our curls.
Myth: High density curls are harder to manage.
Truth: Every curl pattern has its own unique care needs. With the right techniques & products, high density curls are easy to style & maintain.
Myth: Low density means unhealthy hair.
Truth: When low density hair lacks nourishment, it can look thin & flat, but that does not mean it is inherently unhealthy. Density is primarily determined by genetics, & with the proper TLC, low density hair can appear just as luscious as other hair types.
Myth: Heat styling always reduces density.
Truth: When used properly with heat protection, heat styling tools can help achieve versatile looks & increase volume while maintaining our curl integrity.
Myth: Certain products only work for specific densities.
Truth: You don’t have to stop using your favorite products just because you read that they are too heavy or too light for your hair type. Most products work well across density types. Adjust the amount & application distribution to suit your hair’s individual needs.
Awaken Beautiful Natural Curls With Pattern
At PATTERN, we embrace curls of every type, texture & density. Our collection of hair products is designed to enhance your crown’s natural beauty, whether you’re blessed with ethereal wisps or abundant coils.
From our nurturing shampoos to our hydrating masks & conditioners, each product works in harmony to support your goal of building bouncy, beautiful curls. Our tools from the gentle Mini Wide Tooth Comb to our new Heat Styling Collection offer curl-conscious solutions to help you create versatile looks for happy, healthy hair every day of the week.
Explore our collection of best selling hair products & find the perfect combination for your unique texture.
Sources:
StatPearls. Anatomy, Hair. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513312/
Healthline. What is Hair Density and Why It Matters. https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-density#hair-density-test
Healthline. How to Take Care of Your Scalp and White It Matters. https://www.health.com/how-to-care-for-your-scalp-7482921
Curly Curvy Passion. Fine, Low Density Curls May Actually Behave Better Without This! https://curlycurvypassion.com/f/fine-low-density-curls-may-actually-look-better-without-this?blogcategory=EMPOWERMENT+%26+Awareness
