Figuring out your hair type isn't always linear. It may be easy to tell if your hair is curly or straight, but there's actually more to defining your hair type other than the generic terms: thick or thin hair.
For instance, someone's hair type can fall into the categories of fine strands or thick strands, and low-density and high-density hair. However, this all can fall into a gray area when it comes to hair loss and hair thinning. So, we asked certified trichologists to help break it down and walk us through the differences between thickness versus density. Plus the best ways to care of your hair, based on its type.
Is there a difference between hair thickness and hair density? | How can you tell if you have fine or coarse hair | How can you tell if you have high or low-density hair? | How to take care of your hair type | Best products for fine hair | Best products for coarse hair | Best products for high-density hair | Best products for low-density hair | How we chose | Meet the experts
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Is there a difference between hair thickness and hair density?
While hair thickness and density both contribute to your overall hair fullness, the terms are distinct, says certified trichologist Sara Hallajian. "The difference between hair thickness and hair density is that hair thickness describes each individual hair strand diameter, whereas hair density describes how dense and how many hair follicles are on the head," Hallajian says.
Certified trichologist Penny James further explains that this means how fine or coarse your hair is versus the amount of hair on your head. She also mentions that the average head has 100,000 follicles, and the wider the cuticle shaft, the more density and thickness it will have.
How can you tell if you have fine or coarse hair?
According to Hallajian, thickness is determined by the texture and cuticle layers of each hair strand, which she notes is all based on genetics. "Finer hairs will have fewer cuticle layers, one to three layers, and so they will look and feel flatter and skinnier," she says. "While coarse hair has up to six to eight layers of cuticle and will generally be rougher in texture and much thicker in diameter."
How can you tell if you have high- or low-density hair?
This is a little easier to determine since you're probably already well aware of how much hair is on your head. But getting into the specifics, Hallajian says the normal amount of hair growing in each follicle is two to four hairs. To check, you can have an expert look under a microscope to see how much is in each follicle. "When people have thinning hair I see a lot of empty follicles, dormant follicles, as well as single hairs growing out of follicles which makes hair feel thinner," she says.
To measure your hair density at home, Hallajian says you can simply pull your hair together with your hands (like a pony tail), and that will give you a good a idea on how dense your hair feels.
How to take care of your hair type
Once you've figured out your type, you can successfully arrange your hair care routine. Thankfully, the trichologists share the best practices and tips to keep you hair as healthy as possible.
Fine hair
Both experts agree that finer hair tends to be more fragile, so they note you'll want to avoid excessive heat and chemicals. You'll want to use a lightweight conditioner to keep it from feeling weighed down, heat protectants, volumizing and thickening products.
Coarse hair
Medium to coarse hair tends to be dryer and frizzier, that's why the experts say keeping it hydrated is an important factor. Hallajian says you can use heavier and leave-in conditioners, smoothing products and deep conditioning treatments, such as a hair mask.
Low- and high-density
For any type of hair density, Hallajian says she encourages everyone to focus on scalp health by using nutrient-based serums, and low-toxic shampoo and conditioner. "No matter our density, as we age, our hair becomes less important to our body so encouraging optimal hair growth with serums is necessary to maintain youthful hair," says Hallajian.
James echoes a similar statement and recommends using the correct brush types and blow dryers, plus reducing using harsh chemicals.
Best products for fine hair
Biolage Bond Therapy Conditioning Foam
- Helps repair damage
- Lightweight foam formula
- Rinse off after 1 to 3 minutes
Size: 8.45 oz. | Ingredients: Glycerin, coconut oil, salicylic acid | Best for: Fine, over-processed hair
Experts say those with fine hair should look for a lightweight conditioner. This Biolage conditioner is made with a foam formula and specifically made for fine hair, says the brand. Experts previously told Shop TODAY that bonding treatments can feel heavy, but this bonding conditioner can help fix damaged hair without it feeling weighed down.
Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection & Hold Styling Mist
- Protects up to 450 degrees
- Smells amazing
- Holds style and frizz
- Some say hair felt dry
Size: 5 oz. | Ingredients: Prickly pear seed oil, Agave leaf extract | Best for: All types
To help protect finer hair, our trichologists mention using a heat protectant is ideal to protect the strands from damage. According to the brand, you can use this mist on dry hair, however, I've used it on wet hair too, and it worked just as well.
I’ve been trying to take even better care of my hair by using a heat protectant. This mist smells amazing and makes my hair look and feel fantastic. It’s a heat protectant as well as a holding mist, so it not only protects your hair from damage but it also helps lock in frizz and hold your desired style. I spritzed and styled my hair in the evening, went to bed and when I woke up, I didn’t have to touch up my hair at all.
Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil
- A pre-wash or overnight serum
- Users say non-greasy
- Pricey for size, users say
Size: 3.4 oz. | Ingredients: Rosemary, castor and tea tree oil | Best for: All types
Editorial assistant Madison San Miguel says she has fine hair with a greasy scalp. To help maintain her moisture without drying it out, she leans on this prewash scalp serum. "This product, in particular, uses rosemary oil as its star ingredient to improve scalp health without the greasy residue. It even claims to work well with all hair types and textures, even if it is thin and fine like my own," wrote San Miguel in a review article.
R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo
- Works on all hair types
- Provides volume
- Doesn't lather
- Strong scent
Size: 8.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, rice protein | Best for: Fine hair
This high-quality, thickening shampoo is a 2023 Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner, which the brand says it meant to strengthen hair, add thickness and prevent breakage.
“I love that my hair genuinely feels smooth after each wash — something that doesn’t often happen,” says editor Vivien Moon. “My hair is thin and gets oily fast so any product that’s too heavy instantly shows on my hair (yes, this has happened with shampoo, too) and this shampoo is not only a quality product but something I know I will repurchase.”
Best products for coarse hair
Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner
- Improves texture and pattern
- Softens
- Great for detangling
- Some do not like the scent
Size: 11.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Shea butter, apple cider vinegar, Jamaican black castor oil and peppermint oil | Best for: Medium to thick textures curls, coarse
Experts say coarser hair will benefit from leave-in conditioners, and this option contains hydrating ingredients such as vitamin E and shea butter, to provide intense moisture for dry and thick hair.
“Because this product is packed with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, apple cider vinegar and Jamaican black castor oil (JBC), it was able to effectively repair and smooth out my hair without leaving a greasy feeling afterward,” editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz previously stated.
Biolage Bond Therapy Intensive Treatment
- Makes hair feel "moisturized"
- Hair feels "healthier"
- Pay attention to directions
Sizes: 5.1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Citric acid, coconut oil | Hair Types: Coarse, color treated, chemically treated, thick, coily, damaged
James recommends using a "coconut conditioning treatment" to take care of coarse hair. I've used this pre-shampoo, which contains coconut oil and citric acid, to help my medium to thick hair stay frizz-free and smooth. This is also a bonding treatment that can help restore damage and repair split ends, too, says the brand.
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother
- Controls frizz
- Makes hair more manageable
- A little goes a long way
Size: 3.3 oz. | Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed and coconut oil | Best for: Frizzy hair
Experts say coarser hair can often lead to frizz. If you're looking for a smoothing cream, reviewers say this No. 1 bestseller from Olaplex is worth the cost. "It really got rid of my frizz on my hair to style it. It made my hair look 30 years younger .... This product actually made my hair easier to comb and air dry to have a curly hair look," wrote one Amazon reviewer, who lives in a state with hard water.
Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo
- Reviewers say hair feels silky
- Cleans hair without stripping
- Some say sent is strong
Size: 8.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Caffeine, niacinamide | Best for: All hair types
For coarse hair clients, James says she often recommends Oribe's Gold Lust shampoo and conditioner. According to the brand, this shampoo contains "centuries-old healing oil" to help increase moisture and strengthen the cuticle layers.
Best products for high-density hair
Prose Custom Leave-In Conditioner
- Unique to you
- Great value for the experience
- Alchohol-free
- You'll need a subscription
Size: 5.1 oz. | Key ingredients: Depends on personalization | Best for: All waves and curls
Associate editor Kamari Stewart says she has fine hair but a lot of it. She started using the hair subscription service, Prose, to help target her hair needs and goals. Her favorite product from her personalized kit is this leave-in conditioner.
“I was pleasantly surprised by how soft and hydrated this leave-in conditioner left my hair feeling,” Stewart says. “It’s pretty easy to apply with the spritz pump (though can be a little slippery after you’ve been applying the product), and I opted for a light mango scent which is perfectly to my liking.”
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
- Lightweight formula
- Soothes scalp
- Need to use consistently
Size: 2 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, caffeine, tripeptides | Best for: All waves and curls
No matter your hair density level, Hallajian says maintaining a healthy scalp is paramount. While my hair density is high, I did notice some thinning around my hairline from years of damage, such as coloring from blonde to brown, and excessive heat use. This multi-peptide serum not only soothed my scalp, but it also made my hair feel stronger all around. I even noticed new growth around my hairline.
Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Treatment Serum
- Suitable for all scalp types
- Some say scent is unpleasant
Size: 4 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide | Best for: All hair types
Photo editor Vivian Le previously said this treatment made her hair feel "super clean without drying it out." According to the brand, this serum works to remove buildup and excess oil to help keep your hair feeling its healthiest. Le and Sephora reviewers even noted it helped reduce flakiness.
Best products for low-density hair
Pura D'or Original Gold Label Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo
- Bestseller
- Gentle on hair
- Some note it dries out hair
Size: 16 oz | Key ingredients: Pumpkin seed, black cumin seed oil, nettle | Best for: Thinning hair
One dermatologist previously told Shop TODAY that this anti-thinning shampoo is great for sensitive scalps. According to the brand, it's formulated with various oils to help with hair growth as well as increasing the appearance of thickness.
"I have very thin, very oily hair. I started using this shampoo back in December 2023," wrote one Amazon reviewer. "My hair has grown so long so fast. My hairstylist said she can see lots of new growth."
Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer
- Hair doesn't feel sticky
- Lasts all day into the next
- The pump is hard to manage
Size: 16 oz | Key ingredients: Bamboo extracts, proprietary polymer complex | Best for: Fine, thinning hair
Hallajian notes that using a thickening agent can help increase the appearance of high-density hair. This volumizing foam helps lift and visibly add depth to your roots, which is also beloved by Shop TODAY editors. "Not technically a hair-thinning fix, but it does add volume and makes my hair appear thicker and fuller, even into the next day. I like using it before I blow my hair out so it’s not flat," says deputy editorial director Ali Deabler.
Aavrani Hair Density Boosting Scalp Serum
- Can help reduce shedding
- Can help reduce breakage
- Must be consistent for results
Size: 2 oz | Key ingredients: Turmeric, vegan collagen | Best for: Thinning hair
One product Hallajian recommends for the scalp is this collagen and turmeric treatment. If you're experiencing hair thinning, the brand says this leave-in serum will promote hair growth and can reduce shedding. "It delivers fast results without using much of the product, you just have to be consistent with applying it every day. My hair line looks so much more fuller," wrote one Sephora reviewer.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers. We've been writing about hair, while interviewing trichologists, dermatologists and hair stylists for years.
We selected the best hair products for your hair type based on insights and recommendations from certified trichologists and hair stylists and from Shop TODAY editors and staffers. Other options were sourced through verified shopper reviews and brand reputation.
Meet the experts
- Sara Hallajian is a certified trichologist, as well as a stylist and founder of Âme Salon in Los Angeles.
- Penny James is a certified trichologist and owner of Penny James Trichology in New York City. She started her career as a hairstylist.
