Low Hair Density: Meaning, Causes, Treatments and More

Some of us have a head full of healthy strands but the scalp can be seen shining through. If you are one of them, you’re not alone! Millions of men and women struggle with low hair density and become self conscious about the same.

According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, a healthy human scalp carries hair strands between 80,000 and 120,000. Although this number can vary naturally from person to person, it can be frustrating when your hair falls below this range. Now, the question becomes how exactly can you deal with low hair density?

Lordhair - manufacturer of best toupee hair replacement systems - is here to help you understand low hair density. In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know - from what it means to why it happens and most importantly, how to deal with it.

Since some of you might be in a hurry to learn about this hair problem, here’s a FAQ version of the article!

What is hair density?

Hair density refers to the number of individual hair strands growing per square inch of your scalp. It determines how thick or thin your hair appears overall.

Are hair density and thickness the same thing?

Nope. Hair density represents the number of strands while hair thickness refers to the width of each strand.

What are different types of hair density?

There are three main types:

Low density (fewer strands; scalp visible)
Medium density (balanced strands; scalp not easily seen unless parted)
High density (lots of strands; scalp barely visible)

How to measure your hair density and tell if it’s low?

Examine your scalp in a bright mirror. If it’s easily visible without parting, you’re likely having a low density.

How to check density if you have long hair?

The ponytail test! Tie your hair back and measure the circumference. Less than 2 inches indicates low density. 4 or more inches indicates high density.

What causes low hair density?

Many factors can contribute including:

Genetics
Hormones stress
Nutritional deficiencies
Medical conditions
Poor hair practices
Age
Scalp issues

What are the treatments for low hair density?

There are many options available. Here are best ones for a fuller look:

Dietary changes
Topical medications
Hair care revamp
PRP therapy
Hair toupees

Now that we are done with the TL;DR version, let us tell you what exactly it means.

 

What is Hair Density?

Ever thought about what exactly makes your hair appear thick or thin? Well, it all comes to hair density! Scientifically speaking, it refers to how many individual strands grow on each square inch of your scalp. The more strands you have, the thicker your hair will appear and vice versa.

You can think of it as a fingerprint for your hair. Hair density can help you understand its unique needs and how to style it best.

 

Are Hair Density and Hair Thickness the Same Thing?

Ah yes, hair density and hair thickness… A lot of us think that these are the same. But don’t be fooled by these two similar terms. Hair density and hair thickness are definitely not the same. However, they both influence how your hair looks and feels.

Hair density, like we said before, refers to the number of strands crammed onto each square inch of your scalp. Basically, determining how thick or thin your hair appears overall. Hair thickness, on the other hand, focuses on the width of each individual strand. Yes, you read it right!

You can also call it hair texture and divide it into three categories:

• Fine
• Medium
• Coarse

And here’s where things get tricky:

Someone can have high hair density (lots of strands) with fine, thin hair. The result is hair that appears full because of the sheer number of strands but feels lightweight since the individual strands are delicate.

Similarly, low hair density (i.e. fewer strands) doesn't necessarily mean your hair feels thin. If those few strands are coarse and thick, your hair might still feel heavy and robust.

 

What are Different Types of Hair Density?

Now this is where things actually get interesting. We believe that in order to figure out if you fall into the low-density category, you need to understand the different types of hair density.

Here’s a breakdown of the three main types:

Low-density hair: As the name suggests, you have fewer strands packed onto each square inch of your scalp. Sometimes, your scalp might even be visible without parting your hair. In fact, your delicate hair tends to be on the thinner side. Heavy products can weigh it down.

Medium-density hair: Sitting comfortably in the middle is medium-density hair. Men and women having it won’t typically see their scalp unless they part their hair. Medium-hair density offers versatility for styling. It also responds well to a wide range of products and techniques.

High-density hair: Here comes the heavyweight champion of hair density! This type boasts the most strands per square inch. Your scalp is likely a stranger to being visible even when your hair is parted. High-density hair tends to be thick and full. Now that doesn’t mean you’re all good. Of course, it comes with its own challenges in terms of styling and maintenance.

Make sure to check out these sources as well:

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How to Measure Your Hair Density and Tell if it Is Low?

We bet our readers are thinking, “Okay, those were different types of density. How can I tell if mine is low?” Well, here are a few simple methods to assess your hair density at home:

1 Clean and dry your hair first

It’s always best to start with cleaning and drying your hair. Why? Because oils and styling products can make your hair strands clump together. They give a false impression of density. Wash your hair with your usual shampoo and conditioner. Then skip any styling products and let your hair air dry completely.

2 Part your hair

Did your hair get dry? Bingo. Now part it as you normally style it. This will give you a realistic view of your natural hair density. Not an artificially inflated one.

3 Check your scalp visibility

Now for the key part! Stand in front of a well-lit mirror. Closely examine your scalp. Is your scalp readily visible without even parting your hair? This suggests low hair density. You can see a significant amount of scalp between the hair strands.

 

How To Check Density If You Have Long Hair?

Do you have long hair? You can still check your hair density using a ponytail test. Here, consider these steps:

Gather and measure: Is your hair long enough to tie comfortably into a ponytail? Well, this method can offer a rough estimate of your density. Gather all your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Measure the circumference of the ponytail just below the hair tie.

Less than 2 inches: A ponytail circumference under 2 inches suggests low hair density. There just aren’t enough strands to create a thicker ponytail.

2-3 inches: If your ponytail measures between these numbers, you have a medium hair density.

4 or more inches: A ponytail exceeding 4 inches in circumference suggests high hair density. The abundance of hair strands creates a thick and full ponytail.

Measuring your hair density on your own can be hard for some men and women. If you’re unsure or have concerns, consider consulting your hairstylist or dermatologist. They have expertise and tools to provide a precise assessment.

 

What Could Cause Low Hair Density?

Okay, we understand that having fewer strands on your scalp than average can be frustrating. But hey, understanding the potential causes behind your low hair density is the first step towards addressing it. The following are some culprits behind this hair problem in men and women:

Genetics

Also known as androgenetic alopecia, this is the most frequent cause of low-density hair in men and women. It’s influenced by hormones and genes you inherit from your parents. If not caught on time, it can lead to a receding hairline or bald spots in men. Women, on the other hand, can experience a general thinning all over their scalps.

Hormonal fluctuations

Human bodies are complex hormonal ecosystems. And fluctuations in it can significantly impact hair growth. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, thyroid disorders - all of these problems can disrupt the hair growth cycle and make your strands thin over time, resulting in low hair density on the scalp.

Stress

Feeling overwhelmed lately? We all know that stress (long-term and chronic) puts people at risk of a variety of health problems. It can cause depression or anxiety as well. Even problems with digestion and sleep sometimes. But do you know stress can also wreak havoc on your hair?

Yes, it’s true! According to the National Institutes of Health, chronic stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase. This leads to shedding and a decrease in overall density.

Nutritional deficiencies

We bet most of our readers are surprised. It’s legit: Just like the other parts of our body, our hair thrives on a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Deficiencies in iron, protein, biotin, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals can all contribute to hair loss and low hair density.

Medical conditions and treatments

Another reason for the low density of scalp strands in men and women! Certain medical conditions like alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles) can cause patchy hair loss and affect the overall density of hair on the head. Additionally, some medications, particularly chemotherapy, can lead to significant hair thinning.

Hair care practices

Surprise surprise! Some hair care practices can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Over-washing, using harsh chemical products like gel or wax, dying your hair, wearing tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp (like braids and cornrows), excessive heat styling with straighteners or curling irons - all of these can contribute to thinning hair. Thus, leading to low hair density!

Note: It is important to note that the cause of your thin hair might be a combination of factors. Better consult a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and then develop a personalized treatment plan.

 

What are Treatments for Low Hair Density?

Figured out you got low hair density? Hey, don’t despair! It’s not too late yet. There are several approaches to help you address the issue. Here are a few options to promote fuller, healthier hair on the scalp:

1 Dietary adjustment

Do you know your diet is like a bank account? And good food choices are like good investments. So, make sure to switch to a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients if you haven’t yet. Include foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains in your diet. All of these are considered as rich sources of proteins, iron, biotin, and crucial vitamins.

2 Topical treatments

Several topical medications can stimulate hair growth and increase hair density. These may work by increasing blood flow to the scalp. Some even block DHT - a hormone that contributes to hair loss and promotes hair follicle activity. However, Lordhair highly recommends consulting a dermatologist to discuss if these medications are right for you because they are also known for their share of side effects!

3 Hair care revamp

Ever thought if the problem actually lies in your hair care routine? It could be true. Just making a simple change in your hair care routine can make a big difference. For example, you can avoid harsh shampoos and instead, opt for gentle formulas. Love styling your hair using heat equipment? Limit that as well!

Consider incorporating scalp massage into your routine to promote blood flow. And lastly, be gentle when brushing and combing your hair to minimize breakage.

4 Platelet-rich plasma therapy

For those who don’t know, PRP therapy involves injecting your own concentrated platelets into your scalp. Dermatologists state that platelets comprise growth factors that may promote hair growth and improve scalp health. While further research is needed, we can say that PRP therapy shows promise for overcoming the low density of hair on the scalp.

Still, consult your dermatologist to determine if you’re a good candidate for PRP therapy.

5 Hair systems

While the above treatments may work for some men and women, they can’t work wonders for all. If they haven’t yielded the desired results for you as well and you have developed bald patches, a hair system can be an excellent option for achieving a fuller, more confident look.

Also called men’s hairpieces and hair integration systems for women, Lordhair specializes in creating high-quality, undetectable non-surgical hair units that are perfect for addressing low hair density.

Now you must be wondering, “Why choose us? What makes our hair systems special? Well, our hair replacements ensure:

Comfort: Thanks to breathable bases that conform your scalp, Lordhair’s hair units feel natural and comfortable throughout the day.

Durability: We use strong yet lightweight materials in our hair systems. Meaning, they can withstand everyday wear and tear.

Breathability: When you wear our hair replacement toupee, you don’t have to worry about feeling irritation on the scalp. Our systems allow your scalp to breathe freely.

Customizable: If you think Lordhair is all about providing stock human hairpieces, you’re WRONG! We also provide fully customized systems tailored to your specific needs. We offer you the ability to choose from a wide range of base types, sizes, colors, hair types, and densities to match your natural hair perfectly.

Check out how amazing Juha looks after wearing hair replacement unit:

Recover from Low Hair Density: Final Words

Above is everything important you need to know about dealing with low hair density. We understand that it can be difficult to come to terms with hair loss. And it’s completely normal to feel frustrated and discouraged. But remember, you’re not alone! Many people experience low hair density. By considering the solutions listed above, you can achieve a fuller, more confident look.

Embrace your hair journey. And know that Lordhair is here to support you at every step of the way! Feel free to reach us in case of queries. We recommend checking out these products as well in case you are considering recovery through hair replacement systems:

Lace hair systems for men
Swiss lace hair systems for men
Skin hair systems for men