How many hairs do you normally have on your head?

How many hairs do you actually have on your head? It’s a question many people ask, particularly if their hair feels thinner than before, or if they’d like to understand their natural hair density better.

The number of hairs varies considerably from person to person and is influenced by factors such as genetics, age and the natural hair growth cycle.

In this guide, we take a closer look at hair density, the hair growth cycle, the difference between hair density and hair thickness, and how you can look after your hair based on your own hair type.

How many hairs do you normally have?

An adult typically has around 100,000–150,000 hairs on their head, but this figure can vary considerably from person to person.

The most important factor is therefore not necessarily the total number of hairs, but also:

• how densely the hairs are packed
• the diameter of individual hairs
• the hair’s natural structure
• how many hairs are in the different phases of the hair growth cycle

It is these factors, taken together, that have a major impact on how full the hair appears.

Do men and women have the same number of hairs?

There may be individual differences in hair density between men and women, but there is considerable variation within both groups.

Genetics, age, hormones and the hair’s natural structure generally play a greater role than gender alone.

It is therefore difficult to put an exact figure on how many hairs a particular person should have.

Does hair colour affect the number of hairs?

There may be differences in hair density and hair shaft diameter between different natural hair colours.

For example, very fine hair may appear different from hair with thicker strands, even if the hair density is roughly the same.

It is therefore important to distinguish between the number of hair strands and the thickness of each individual hair strand.

What is hair density?

Hair density describes how many hair strands grow in a specific area of the scalp.

Hair density is often confused with hair thickness, but they are two different things.

• Hair density refers to the number of hairs in an area.
• Hair thickness refers to the diameter of each individual hair.

You can therefore have very fine hair with high hair density or thick strands with lower hair density.

What types of hair density are there?

Hair density is often divided into three main categories.

Low hair density

With low hair density, there are relatively fewer strands of hair on the scalp.

The scalp may therefore be more visible, particularly around the parting.

Medium hair density

With medium hair density, the scalp is typically only partially visible through the hair.

This type falls between low and high density.

High hair density

With high hair density, many strands of hair are closely packed together, and the scalp is typically less visible.

The hair may therefore have a naturally very full appearance.

How do I assess my hair density?

You can get a rough idea of your hair density by looking at your scalp in good light.

If the scalp is clearly visible through the hair, you may have lower hair density.

If it is only partially visible, your density may be medium.

If your scalp is barely visible, you may have high hair density.

However, this is only a visual assessment.

If you experience a significant change in your hair density or sudden hair loss, you should speak to your GP or a dermatologist rather than trying to diagnose the cause yourself.

What can affect hair density?

Hair density can be influenced by several different factors.

Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in both the number of hair follicles and the natural structure of the hair.

You may therefore have a naturally higher or lower hair density than others.

Age

Hair can change over the course of a lifetime.

For example, some people find that their hair strands become finer or that the visible density changes with age.

Hormonal changes

Pregnancy, the post-pregnancy period and the menopause are examples of times when some people experience changes in their hair.

If you notice significant or persistent changes, you should speak to your doctor.

Hair loss

Various forms of hair loss can affect hair density.

If you experience sudden, patchy or persistent hair loss, the cause should be assessed by a doctor.

What about vitamins and minerals?

A varied and balanced diet is part of a healthy lifestyle and provides various vitamins and minerals.

When discussing nutrients specifically in relation to hair, it is important to stick to the approved health claims.

These include:

Biotin helps maintain normal hair.

Zinc helps maintain normal hair.

Selenium helps to maintain normal hair.

This is not the same as saying that these vitamins and minerals increase hair density, promote the growth of new hair or treat hair loss.

Other nutrients may have important functions in the body without necessarily having a specific authorised health claim relating to hair.

How does hair grow?

Hair goes through different phases during its natural life cycle.

The anagen phase

The anagen phase is the hair’s active growth phase.

How long each individual hair remains in this phase varies from person to person.

The catagen phase

The growth phase is followed by a shorter transitional phase, during which active growth stops.

The telogen phase

The hair then enters a resting phase.

Eventually, the hair shaft is shed as a natural part of the cycle, after which a new cycle can begin.

It is therefore normal to lose a few hairs every day.

Why do we lose hair?

Shedding hair is a natural part of the hair’s life cycle.

However, there are also various forms of actual hair loss.

This can be influenced by, amongst other things:

• genetics
• age
• hormonal changes
• medical conditions
• certain medicines
• various types of alopecia

If your hair loss changes significantly, occurs suddenly or persists over a longer period, you should have it assessed by a doctor.

Read more in our guide on causes of hair loss.

What is the difference between hair loss and low hair density?

Low hair density may simply be your natural hair type.

It does not necessarily mean that you are experiencing hair loss.

Hair loss, on the other hand, refers to losing hair or experiencing a change from your normal hair volume.

It may therefore be more useful to compare your hair to how it has normally looked, rather than comparing it to others.

How thick is a strand of hair?

The diameter of a strand of hair varies from person to person.

Some people have very fine strands, whilst others have thicker strands.

This has a significant impact on the overall appearance of the hair.

Two people may therefore have roughly the same hair density, yet still have very different perceptions of volume and fullness.

Can you increase your hair density?

The number of hair follicles is largely genetically determined.

Cosmetic hair care products cannot, therefore, create new hair follicles or alter your natural genetic hair density.

However, you can work on the appearance of your hair.

For example:

• volume-boosting styling
• a suitable haircut
• caring for the lengths
• reducing hair breakage
• products that add body

can make your hair appear more voluminous.

It is important to distinguish between increased actual hair density and a visually fuller appearance.

Dietary supplements and normal hair

Dietary supplements should not be marketed as a way of increasing hair density.

Our Yuaia Hair Vitamins contain, amongst other things, biotin and zinc.

Biotin and zinc help maintain normal hair.

This is the relevant health claim.

Hair Vitamins should not be regarded as a treatment for hair loss or as a product that has been proven to create new hair follicles or increase genetic hair density.

Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Always follow the recommended daily dose.

Scalp care

Scalp care can be a regular part of your hair care routine.

Regular hair washing can help remove:

• excess sebum
• styling products
• dirt
• product residue

Choose a shampoo that suits your scalp and hair type.

A scalp massage can also be a pleasant part of washing your hair.

However, it should not be described as a proven method for increasing hair density or accelerating hair growth.

Biotin in hair care and dietary supplements

Biotin can be found in both dietary supplements and cosmetic products.

When biotin is used as a nutrient in a dietary supplement, the relevant authorised hair-related claim is:

Biotin helps maintain normal hair.

This does not mean that biotin should be described as an ingredient that stimulates hair growth, increases hair density or produces stronger hair through keratin.

When biotin is included in a cosmetic product, the product’s cosmetic claims must be assessed on the basis of the specific product’s documentation and formulation.

What about keratin and peptides?

Keratin and various peptides are used in cosmetic hair care products.

Keratin is a protein found naturally in the hair shaft.

Cosmetic products containing, for example, hydrolysed keratin may be used to care for the hair shaft itself, depending on the product’s formulation.

However, it is important not to automatically extrapolate the ingredient’s properties to claims regarding biological hair growth or increased hair density.

Natural oils and scalp care

Plant oils can be used cosmetically for various purposes.

Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil can be used as part of an oil or scalp care routine, depending on the specific product’s instructions for use.

It should not automatically be described as an ingredient that stimulates blood circulation, promotes new hair growth or increases hair density.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil can be used in hair care, with a focus on, amongst other things, nourishing the lengths.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is used in a range of cosmetic formulations.

The effect depends on the specific product and the overall formulation.

Stress, sleep and hair

Stress and sleep are part of general health and wellbeing.

However, if you are also experiencing significant or persistent hair loss, you should not attempt to diagnose the cause based solely on stress or sleep.

A doctor can help assess various possible causes.

Good hair care habits

If you want to look after your hair properly and minimise unnecessary damage, you can, amongst other things:

• brush your hair gently
• use conditioner as needed
• avoid very high temperatures
• use heat protection when heat-styling
• handle wet hair gently
• choose products suited to your hair type

These measures won’t necessarily change your biological hair density, but they can help preserve your hair strands and give your hair a more well-groomed appearance.

How to care for hair with low density

If you have low hair density, styling and product choice can make a big difference to how your hair looks.

Choose lightweight products

Very heavy products can make fine or less dense hair look flat.

Lightweight mousses, sprays and volumising products can be good alternatives.

Focus on volume

A suitable haircut and styling can make your hair appear fuller.

Use conditioner strategically

If your hair tends to get weighed down easily, focus the conditioner on the lengths and ends.

Minimise hair breakage

Be careful when detangling and using heat styling tools.

Heat protection may be necessary if you use heat styling tools.

How to care for hair with medium density

Medium hair density often offers plenty of styling options.

You can focus on a balanced routine involving:

• shampoo as needed
• conditioner on the lengths
• hair mask as needed
• gentle brushing
• heat protection when styling

There’s no need to stick to a fixed washing schedule. Wash your hair as often as your scalp and lifestyle require.

How to care for hair with high density

Hair with high density may require more product and more time for detangling.

Work in sections

This can make washing, conditioning and detangling easier.

Use sufficient conditioning

Conditioner and hair treatments may be useful for making the lengths more manageable.

Gently detangle your hair

You may want to use a wide-toothed comb or a brush designed for detangling.

Be mindful of product build-up

With very thick hair, it can be particularly important to rinse out shampoo and other products thoroughly.

Styling tips for different hair densities

Low hair density

If you want your hair to look fuller, you could try, for example:

• volume-boosting mousse
• root lift products
• soft waves
• a cut with a full fringe
• lightweight styling products

You may want to avoid very heavy oils at the roots if they make your hair look flat.

Medium hair density

Medium hair density can often be styled in many different ways.

Layers, waves, straight styles and varying lengths can work well depending on hair type and face shape.

Thick hair

With thick hair, a hairdresser can, for example, work with layers and shape to make the hair easier to style.

Conditioning products can help make the lengths more manageable, whilst styling products can be used to control or define the hair’s natural texture.

When should you take action if your hair density changes?

Your natural hair density can be low, medium or high without being a problem.

However, if you notice a significant change from your usual hair, you should pay closer attention.

You may wish to contact your doctor if you experience:

• sudden hair loss
• patchy hair loss
• rapidly progressing thinning
• hair loss accompanied by other symptoms
• persistent changes for which you do not know the cause

It is important not to automatically conclude that a change in hair density is due to a deficiency in a specific vitamin or mineral.

FAQ on hair density

How many hairs do you have on your head?

An adult typically has around 100,000–150,000 hairs, but the number varies considerably.

What is hair density?

Hair density describes the number of hairs within a specific area of the scalp.

Is hair density the same as hair thickness?

No.

Hair density refers to the number of hairs, whilst hair thickness describes the diameter of each individual hair.

Can vitamins increase hair density?

Vitamins and minerals should not generally be marketed as something that increases hair density.

Biotin, zinc and selenium, on the other hand, have authorised health claims stating that they help maintain normal hair.

Can biotin make more hair grow?

The authorised health claim is:

Biotin helps maintain normal hair.

This is not the same as saying that biotin creates new hair follicles or increases hair density.

Can scalp massage increase hair density?

Scalp massage can be a pleasant part of your hair care routine, but should not be regarded as a proven method of increasing natural hair density.

Can hair products make hair look fuller?

Yes, cosmetically, styling products and the right haircut can make hair appear more voluminous.

However, this is different from increasing the biological number of hair follicles.

Embrace your natural hair density

Hair density is highly individual.

Low hair density does not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with your hair, just as high hair density does not automatically mean your hair is healthier.

The most important thing is to get to know your own hair and choose a hair care routine that suits:

• your hair density
• your hair thickness
• your scalp
• your natural texture
• your styling preferences

If you notice a significant change in your hair density, you should have the cause assessed rather than automatically trying to solve it with hair products or dietary supplements.