Fine Hair vs Thin Hair: Which Do You Have?

25 July 2023 | Hair Care

Fine hair vs thin hair, is there even a difference? Aren’t they the same thing? You’d be forgiven for thinking that they are, as the terms are often used interchangeably to describe both, but the answer is yes, they are different hair types.

In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between fine and thin hair, how to determine which type you have, and what you can do to make whichever locks you’ve got the best they can be. Let’s get into it.

 

What Is Fine Hair?

First and foremost, let’s address the elephant in the room, we’re sorry to break it to you, but your hair’s thickness is determined by genetics and cannot be changed – not ideal, we know. The good news is, your crown can look fabulous regardless of the type; the secret is embracing it and learning how to get it looking its best.

So, your hair type falls into one of three categories: fine, medium or coarse, based on the diameter of each strand, regardless of whether it is straight, wavy or curly. Fine hair strands have a smaller circumference than medium or coarse hair. 

You can still have thick hair even if it’s fine. It simply means you have lots of hair with a small diameter. Having small and narrow hair follicles create a thin hair shaft, leading to hair that looks and feels thin and lacks volume. 

If you’re unsure whether you have fine hair, there are a couple of tricks you can use to find out. You can try rolling a strand of hair between your fingers – if it’s hard to feel, chances are you’ve got fine hair. Or, look at your hair in sunlight to see if it appears see-through or translucent – that’s another sign of fine hair.

 

What Is Thin Hair?

Thin hair, on the other hand, refers to the amount of hair you have on your head; think density, not the diameter of each strand. Either the penny has just dropped, aha! Or you’re looking extremely puzzled right now; we hope it’s not the latter. To clarify, if you have thin hair, you may find that your hair appears sparse or that your scalp is visible through your hair. 

Whilst some people are born with thin hair due to genetics, for others, thinning hair occurs throughout their lives as a result of age, hormones, or certain health conditions, causing concerns about hair growth. 

To check if you have thin hair, you can look at your scalp – if you can see it without having to move your hair around, that’s a sign of thin hair. Or, you can measure the circumference of your ponytail – if it’s less than two inches, you might have thin hair.

 

How To Style Fine Hair

Styling fine hair can feel frustrating. It just never seems to have that volume you want and always falls flat. And then you find yourself layering on more products in a bid to get the look you’re going for – we know the struggle. And let’s not forget how delicate it can be – thin hair is more prone to breakage than thicker hair. But it’s not all doom and gloom; lots of people rock fine hair with confidence.

Let’s explore how you can get your fine hair looking 10/10 like celebrities Sienna Miller, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Alexa Chung.

  • Avoid heavy products as this can weigh fine hair strands down, making it look even flatter – less is more. Your hair and bank balance will thank you for it!
  • Use a volumising shampoo such as Davines VOLU shampoo, which gives immediate body and volume, or Davines VOLU Hair Mist designed to create volume and support hair from the base.
  • Blowdry your hair with a round brush (designed for fine hair) to add volume and create a bouncy look.
  • Consider getting a shorter haircut, as shorter hair can make fine hair appear thicker – Visit our expert stylists here at Tierney Salons Hertfordshire for a hair consultation.
  • Ditch your skinny hair ties. They can cause breakage on delicate hair, and besides, scrunchies are on trend, so it’s a win!

How To Style Thin Hair

There are many ways to give your thin hair a boost. But we want you to know that you can wear whatever hairstyle makes you feel your best, so you should do what feels right for you! 

If you are, however, looking for ways to create the appearance of fuller hair, here are some options for you to explore. 

  • Board-certified dermatologists recommend using thickening shampoo and conditioner that are gentle on your hair and scalp, as this can create the optimal conditions for healthy hair growth.
  • Avoid using too much heat on your hair, as this can cause damage and breakage.
  • Try Davines ENERGISING Seasonal Superactive Regenerating Serum, expertly designed to reduce hair loss and improve hair density and body.
  • Look into having hair extensions installed to add more hair, thus creating additional volume. 
  • Use products with keratin-building ingredients to help promote the health of your hair shaft.
  • Consider getting a layered haircut, as layers can create the illusion of thicker hair.
  • Think about opting for a shorter hairstyle; this is another effective way to make your hair look fuller.
  • Experiment with different hair accessories, such as headbands or hair clips, to add texture and volume to your hair.

If you’re experiencing hair thinning, firstly, know that you’re not alone; we know this can be an extremely stressful and overwhelming experience for many people, so try and be gentle with yourself. You should consider speaking to your doctor or a dermatologist for medical advice on promoting hair regrowth tailored to your specific needs.

 

Outro

We hope you have a better understanding of the difference between fine and thin hair, and feel more empowered to care for your precious locks. Remember, whether you have fine or thin hair, your crown is unique and beautiful in its own way. Embrace your hair type and experiment with different styles to find what works best for you.

Our experienced team is here to provide expert advice and help you achieve the hair you’ve always dreamed of. So if you’re ready to look even more fabulous, get in touch with us.