If you’ve been blessed by the curly-haired gods, you’ve probably whispered a little "thank you" for those luscious curls & coils every now & then. After all, not everyone can wake up & go from bedhead to bombshell with just a quick spritz of the PATTERN Hydrating Mist.
But sometimes, you may find yourself wondering how to make your curls look fuller. The truth is, everyone’s curl density (a.k.a. how much hair you’ve got on your head) varies, & as we age, it’s natural for that density to shift.
The good news? When it comes to how to improve hair density, we’ve got all the tips you need. Keep reading to learn how to combat low-density curls & keep your crown looking its best.
What Affects Curl Density? Key Factors to Know
The average person has approximately 800 to 1,290 hairs per square inch on their head—that’s a wide range. Since counting every single hair is likely not your idea of a fun afternoon, here’s an easy way to determine your curl density: simply check your scalp visibility.
If, from various angles, your scalp is completely hidden from view, you likely have high-density hair. On the other hand, if you can easily spot your scalp in the mirror, you probably have low-density hair.
Several factors determine a person’s hair density, including:
- Genetics
- Age
- Stress levels
- Hair care practices
- Scalp health
How to Improve Hair Density: Hot Tips
If you have medium- to low-density hair, don’t sweat it! Here are a few tried-and-true tricks for how to increase hair density.
Nourish Your Scalp for Healthier, Thicker Curls
One crucial step that often gets overlooked on wash days? Taking the time to massage your scalp. Not only does it feel amazing, but scalp massages also stimulate hair follicles, promoting growth & enhancing blood circulation.
We recommend incorporating a product like the PATTERN Deep Scalp Detox during this part of your ritual. This treatment unclogs follicles by clearing away dirt & dead skin, all while refreshing your roots for optimum health. With regular use, you’ll set the foundation for thicker, more vibrant curls.
Choose Curl-Boosting Ingredients
Curls thrive on moisturizing ingredients. In fact, they’ll gladly soak in the following & show their appreciation in the form of better curl clumps & ringlets (that last for days after wash day):
- Jojoba Oil
- Shea Butter
- Avocado Oil
- Coconut Oil
These & other naturally moisturizing ingredients can help hydrate the hair shaft, provide deep conditioning & protect hair from stressors like UV rays & pollution.
Use Caution With Some Hair Habits
Not all hair habits are created equal. If any of the following are part of your current hair styling routine, check out our tips to ensure you’re giving your hair all the TLC it needs to grow, baby, grow:
- Heat styling – From blow dryers to curling irons, heat styling tools deserve a spot on every curly-haired icon’s shelf. Just remember to protect your precious strands from heat damage by using a lightweight protectant like the PATTERN Heat Protectant. This essential step can help your hair stay strong & healthy.
- Protective styles – These styles were named so for a reason—they help safeguard your hair from natural hair breakage. But to minimize stress on your hair follicles, choose protective hairstyles that keep pulling to a minimum, such as loose braids or buns. These styles not only protect your hair but also let you enjoy beautiful, low-maintenance looks.
Build a Curl Care Routine for Maximum Density
If you’re still wondering what secrets are behind how to promote hair density, another answer lies in creating an effective curl care routine. Let’s break down some important ways you can support maximum curl density & embrace your natural texture:
- Wash your hair regularly – Looser curls should be washed approximately twice a week, while coils can benefit from a co-wash each week & a full shampoo once a month. Experiment with your strands to see what works best for you.
- Prioritize conditioners – Conditioners are your curls’ best friend. The PATTERN Lightweight Conditioner is ideal for fine or thin curly hair, as well as those with low hair density. Plus, don’t forget about using an ultra-nourishing product like the PATTERN Intensive Conditioner from time to time. Packed with Avocado Oil & Shea Butter, ours penetrates the hair shaft & offers long-lasting hydration & soft curl definition.
- Incorporate a hair steamer – Meet the heating tool you never knew you needed—the PATTERN Hair Steamer. This handheld wonder uses warm steam to gently open your hair cuticles, allowing the hydrating ingredients of your leave-in conditioner & curly hair stylers to penetrate deeply into your strands. It’s designed to add volume, detangle & refreshe curls for that just-washed look & feel—without starting your wash day from scratch.
Embrace Your Curl Power with PATTERN
Can you increase hair density? With a little extra TLC & the right products, it is possible to get your curls to grow in more full & fabulous.
That’s where PATTERN comes in. Our products are designed specifically for natural textures, & they’re packed with the ingredients your hair loves. From pre-poos to leave-ins (& so much more), we have what you need to make wash day & every day in between feel effortless.
Ready to give your curls & coils the love they deserve? Shop our collection of best selling hair products today.
Sources:
NIH. Distribution of human hair in follicular units. A mathematical model for estimating the donor size in follicular unit transplantation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10417585/
NIH. Hair Cosmetics for the Hair Loss Patient. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8719955/#:~:text=Vegetable%20oils%20have%20long%20been,dioxide%20present%20in%20beach%20sand.
