Fine Hair Types

Choose a hairstyle based on your hair elasticity, texture and density

Choosing the best cut and style for your hair can result in a less than desirable outcome if you don't understand your hair type. Hairstyles, perms and colors react differently with varying hair, which can result in either a stylish hairdo or a bad hair day. Beauticians define hair using three criterion: Texture of strands, elasticity and density of hair per square inch.

Hair Texture

Hair texture is calculated by the diameter of your hair strands.

Hair texture is the thickness of the hair strands. Finely textured hair is silky, lightweight and smaller in diameter compared to medium, course and wiry strands of hair that are more heavy and thick. Fine hair is often correlated with a higher density. However, some people have a low density of fine hair, needing a different hairstyle than high density, fine hair.

Hair Density

Hair density is the amount of hair within one square inch.

Hair density is calculated by the amount of hair within a square inch on your head. Fine hair is categorized as fine density, medium density or thick density. Density can be determined by the number of times you need to wrap a hair tie around your ponytail. Fewer wraps with the hair tie means you have thick density fine hair. Three or four wraps around your ponytail is medium density and more than five wraps is fine density.

Hair Elasticity

Hair elasticity describes the shape of your hair strands.

Elasticity is the term used to describe your hair as straight, wavy or curly. The relationship between your hair texture and elasticity is important to know when choosing a hairstyle. Straight hair is devoid of kinks, waves or curls. Wavy hair has slight "S" shaped curves. More prominent "S" shaped hair is defined as curly.

Choosing Your Hairstyle

Virtual hairstyle programs let you see how your hair type will look in a specific style.

Use your hair definition to help you choose the most appealing style. Virtual hairstyle programs at thehairstyler.com or instyle.com let you see what hairstyles will look good with your hair type. For example, low density, fine, straight hair can look more full if worn as a short bob. On the other hand, high density, fine, wavy hair has a more calm look if it is shoulder length or longer.

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