What is Hair Density?
On my hair journey, I was always confused when people told me I had thick hair because when I straightened it my hair always fell limp and I was left looking like I had three strands of hair like Homer Simpson. No offense to him.
But once I learned exactly what hair density was and that I had high density hair, I finally understood exactly why my hair behaved the way that it did and how I could properly care for it so it would always look good.
So lets get into it…
What Does Hair Density Mean?
Hair density refers to how closely your strands are packed together on your head.
Hair density increase or decrease can be affected by your genetics, hair texture, porosity and width.
In this article you will learn all about hair density and how to use the hair density test to identify your own.
Knowing your density will help you choose the right products, styles and cuts to maintain and work with the volume of your hair.
Hair Density Test
Count The Strands
The most accurate way to determine hair density is to have someone count the number of strands growing in one square inch of your scalp. The average person has about 2,200 strands of hair per square inch. Warning, this may be time consuming.
Scalp Test
Start with dry hair and let your hair hang loose, do not part it. Grab a mirror and look closely. Can you see your scalp? If you see your scalp easily, then you have low hair density. If you can see only some of your scalp your hair most likely has medium density. If your scalp is difficult to see then you have high hair density.
Ponytail Test
Gather your hair into a ponytail and measure the circumference of the ponytail with a ruler. If you have low density hair it will measure less than 2 inches. Medium density will be 2 -3 inches and high density hair will be at least four inches in circumference.
Low Density Hair
If you have low density hair do not be discouraged there is an upside. You have fewer hairs to manage but you must be wary with product choice because the wrong products can leave you with a head full of limp, lifeless hair.
To avoid weighing down your curls and reducing volume, opt for lightweight stylers as opposed to heavy creams and gels.
Use a mousse to make your hair look fuller along with volume shampoos and conditioners with thickening agents.
To achieve more volume try styling techniques such clipping your roots when setting a style or fluffing out your curls for more fullness and lift.
Simple rounded and blunt haircuts will also allow your curls, waves, or coils to fall into place to give the appearance of more volume.
Reset your hair and scalp with our Volume Shampoo. This clarifying shampoo is powered with bentonite clay to gently pull out buildup, impurities, and excess oils — giving your scalp a “facial” while leaving your hair soft, clean, and hydrated. Unlike harsh clarifiers, it removes product residue without stripping your hair, making it the perfect first step for healthy, thriving strands.
Features:
Deeply cleanses scalp and hair to remove buildup and impurities
Infused with bentonite clay for a detoxifying yet moisturizing cleanse
Leaves hair light, fresh, and weightless — never dry or brittle
Creates the perfect foundation for blowouts, silk presses, or protective styles
Works beautifully on all textures, especially fine hair that gets weighed down easily
Benefits:
Your scalp feels refreshed and balanced, not tight or dry
Helps curls, blowouts, and silk presses last longer by starting on a clean base
Lightweight formula makes it safe for weekly use
Pairs perfectly with the Moisture Shampoo for the ultimate cleanse + hydration routine
Think of the Volume Shampoo as your reset button, the one step that ensures your hair is clean, healthy, and ready to shine.
What’s inside:
•QUINOA PROTEIN: penetrates the hair shaft plumping each strand to maximum fullness.
•BENTONITE CLAY: plumps, strengthens and protects hair.
How to Use:
SHAMPOO: Wet hair and lather from roots to ends. Rinse.
CONDITIONER: After cleansing with shampoo, apply evenly from roots to ends. Leave in for 3-5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Pump up the volume! Essential amino acids provide easy and complete absorption of nutrients into hair’s innermost layers. Cleanse and rebuild each strand to a visibly fuller, lighter, and glossier finish, for hair that resists shedding, breakage and is larger than life!
Sulfate and Paraben Free.
The Benefits:
•QUINOA PROTEIN: penetrates the hair shaft plumping each strand to maximum fullness.
•BENTONITE CLAY: plumps, strengthens and protects hair.
How to Use:
SHAMPOO: Wet hair and lather from roots to ends. Rinse. CONDITIONER: After cleansing with shampoo, apply evenly from roots to ends. Leave in for 3-5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Say goodbye to frizz and hello to definition with our Amplifying Foam. This lightweight styling foam delivers a perfect balance of moisture and hold, smoothing each strand while enhancing your natural curl pattern. Its buildable formula makes it ideal for fine hair or anyone looking for soft, bouncy curls without crunch or residue.
Features:
Provides lightweight, buildable hold without stiffness
Adds moisture and shine for frizz-free curls
Smooths and defines curls for a polished wash and go
Perfect alone for fine hair or as the first layer in your wash-and-go routine
Benefits:
Keeps curls light, juicy, and defined
Layers easily with creams and gels
Moisturizes while styling for healthier looking curls
Ideal for wash and go styling, twist outs, and roller sets
The Amplifying Foam is your go-to for effortless curl definition that feels as good as it looks.
What’s Inside::
• QUINOA PROTEIN: penetrates the hair shaft, plumping each strand to maximum fullness.
• BENTONITE CLAY: strengthens and protects the hair.
How to Use:
After shampoo and conditioner, apply sparingly to towel dried hair. Style as usual. Amplifying foam is very concentrated so use sparingly.
Medium Density
The problem that most medium density curls experience is the dreaded triangle shape when their hair grows longer and curls begin to the weigh down.
The roots around the crown area start to flatten while the ends look curlier and more voluminous, pushing away from the face. Think Christmas tree.
There’s a variety of products, styles and cuts to enhance medium density textured hair. Mousse and dry shampoo will create volume at the crown area. Heavier creams and butters will give your hair more weight for those ends to hang.
The cut and shape will play a major role in how medium hair density curls will behave. The proper haircut will take the weight off your curls creating more bounce and volume.
Wash and gos will enhance curls and give more definition while twist and braid out styles will work to alter your curl pattern to give it more structure.
Get flawless wash and go results with the Curls Defined Bundle. This 3-step system delivers the hydration, definition, and hold you need for curls that are soft, bouncy, and frizz-free from wash day to day 5 and beyond.
What’s Inside:
Emergency Miracle Treatment – Lightweight leave-in conditioner that deeply hydrates and preps curls for styling.
Amplifying Foam – Moisture rich foam that smooths strands, tames frizz, and gives lightweight, buildable hold. Perfect on its own for fine hair or layered for extra definition.
Versatile Styling Cream – Gel-cream hybrid that locks in curl definition with long-lasting hold, while keeping hair soft and moisturized.
Benefits:
Complete styling routine for juicy, frizz-free curls
Moisture + hold in the perfect balance. No crunch, no flakes
Keeps curls defined, soft, and bouncy for days
Works for all curl types, from wavy to coily
With the Curls Defined Bundle, achieving salon quality wash and go results at home has never been easier. Hydrate, define, and set your curls for long lasting shine and movement.
High Density
While other curls with low to medium hair density struggle to achieve volume, those with high density hair often complain about the struggle of taming all their hair.
Wash days are particularly a challenge for keeping hair in order, thoroughly cleansed and detangled. The best advice is to always work in sections to help make your hair more manageable.
After applying shampoo and while conditioner is still in, divide your hair into sections to detangle with a wide tooth comb and loosely braid or twist the hair to keep it apart form the rest.
Once your entire head is detangled and sectioned, rinse out the conditioner while hair remains in twists/braids. This will ensure that your hair will stay tangle free and make styling easier.
Apply styling products in sections to make sure products are being applied thoroughly to better clump and define curls.
High density hair works best with heavier products such as gels, creams and butter to hold your curls together and reduce volume.
If you’re looking for a cut a layered hairstyle will work well to shape your curls and remove excess weight.
Meet the curl game changer: our Versatile Styling Cream. This unique gel-cream hybrid combines the hydration of a cream with the hold of a gel, giving you long lasting definition without the drying effects of alcohol-based stylers. It’s the perfect finishing layer for a frizz-free, shiny wash and go that lasts.
Features:
Provides long lasting hold and definition
Infuses moisture while locking in style
Prevents frizz and dryness with a nourishing formula
Works as the perfect topper over the Amplifying Foam
Benefits:
Keeps curls moisturized and defined for days
Smooth, touchable hold. No crunch or flaking
Reduces frizz and shrinkage for a polished look
Suitable for all textures, especially curly and coily hair
The Versatile Styling Cream is the ultimate styler for juicy, defined curls that last. All while keeping your hair soft, moisturized, and frizz-free.
What’s Inside:
• PUMPKIN SEED PROTEIN: provides flexible strength and manageability to hair.
• KAOLIN CLAY EXTRACT: provides hold without stickiness and absorbs negative oils to prolong the hairstyle.
How to Use:
Apply to damp hair. Do not rinse out. Style as usual. For sleek, controlled looks, apply to damp hair and allow to air dry. Apply generously for more hold. Repeat on dry hair if desired.
Say goodbye to heavy braiding gels that cause buildup, dryness, and scalp irritation. Flex Paste is your go-to styler for braids, twists, and protective styles. Its lightweight, nourishing formula penetrates the hair instead of sitting on top, giving you flexible hold without blocking out essential moisture.
Benefits:
Perfect for braiding, twisting, and protective styles
Lightweight formula that won’t clog your scalp or dry out your hair
Keeps styles neat, flexible, and touchable
Nourishes while styling, promoting a healthy scalp and growth-friendly environment
What’s inside:
Pumpkin Seed Protein – Strengthens and nourishes hair, improving manageability while keeping it soft and healthy.
Bentonite Clay – Provides natural, moveable hold and scalp protection without flaking or buildup.
Unlike heavy gels, Flex Paste gives you clean, hydrated styles that last with no flaking, no crust, and no dryness.
How to Use:
Apply desired amount to damp or dry hair and style away!
Conclusion
Knowing your hair density will help you make smarter choices in the styles you wear and the products you use to create defined bouncy curls. Learning more about your curls will help you build the perfect regimen to keep your curls healthy and luscious.