While thin and fine might pass as synonyms in general, they’re not equivalents in the world of hair. If you thought identifying your skin type was confusing, here’s a spoiler alert: a similar principle extends to your hair. While you might believe that “thin” and “fine” as words are somewhat synonymous, it’s actually quite the opposite. And you must remember that you cannot treat a hair-related concern without comprehending your hair type. This is why we’re breaking these definitions down for you.
Fine Hair, Thin Hair, And Thinning Hair: What Do They Mean?
What Is Fine Hair?
This refers to the diameter of one strand of hair: the thinner the diameter, the finer the strand. This is courtesy of a narrow hair follicle that leads to the development of a thin hair shaft. This translates to your hair as fineness: they look thin, limp, and without volume and life. Since the size and shape of your follicle are genetic, there’s not much you can do to change the thickness of each strand. Use a volumising shampoo (don’t shampoo too much though) to pump some nutrients into your hair as well as a clarifying shampoo to eliminate any build-up. Finish with a volumising mousse or spray.
What Is Thin Hair?
This doesn’t refer to the thickness or thinness of a strand. It indicates that the number of strands on your scalp is less. Look at it this way: even if you have fine hair, a higher density of fine hair can make your overall hair look thick. But thin hair means a low density of hair on your head. Keep in mind not to use heavy products on your hair as these can weigh it down further. Invest in a lightweight shampoo and conditioner instead, and lift your hair with some volumising mousses and sprays before stepping out.
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Thin Vs Thinning Hair
While thinness means you have a lesser number of strands on your scalp, thinning means that you’re continuously losing hair on your scalp. This condition has nothing to do with the diameter of each strand. It refers to the density of hair on your scalp.
Tell-Tale Signs Of Thinning
Some tell-tale signs of thinning include: your ponytail is thinner than normal, you can wrap your hair tie around your ponytail more times, your part is wider than normal, and you’re shedding more hair than usual.
Results From Androgenetic Alopecia
Thinning is an indication of female-pattern or male-pattern hair loss. Since this condition develops as a result of age or genetics in most cases, there’s no treatment or prevention per se. But if you catch it early and treatment is consistent, the condition can be reversed or at the least, delayed.
Or From Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is a condition that can be triggered by a variety of causes, but it refers to shedding as a response to a stressor. This stressor could be because of severe emotional stress; physical stress (accidents or surgery), because of rapid weight loss, deficiency of iron or an excess of vitamin A, and medications. This type of hair loss is temporary, and once the stressor has been eliminated, the shedding will stop, and your hair will grow back.
And that’s the tea on the various types of hair and the hair vocab.
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