Sometimes you wonder why your hair look thinner or thicker than other and you sometimes have no idea the purpose of hair to human. Below, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the thickness of a hair, from function to cause and supplements to take care as well as improvement on your strands. Keep scrolling for all the answers you need!
What is thickness of a hair in inches?
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. The main purpose of hair on head keeps warm, regulates body temperature, provides a little cushioning for skull and beautify.
The thickness refers to the diameter of a strand of hair. Do not confuse this with the density. Most people think that thickness refers to volume and hair density. But the density is the number of hairs you have in a square inch of your head. If you have a larger diameter the hair is considered thick but if you have a thinner diameter than the hair is considered fine.
it’s that the diameter of the human hair which describes the thickness varies. We all have different thickness at different times or weather conditions or on different parts of our head. What’s more, your genetic composition will cause a major difference in the hair from that of other people. Typically, the thickness of hair strands ranges from 1/1500 to 1/500 of an inch in diameter. Specifically, the thin hair ranges from 0.04-0.06mm. 0.06 -0.08mm is average and 0.08-1mm then the hair is very thick.
Human hair consists of roughly 80 % of keratin (protein), about 10 to 15 % is water, and the remaining (5 to 10 %) are pigments, minerals, and lipids. Moreover, the cuticle layer forms the perfect outer layer for every hair. The cuticle layer envelops the inner part of the hair shaft called the hair cortex. The cortex comprises about 80 % of the hair mass. A person has 80.000-150.000 hairs on average.
What causes the difference in the thickness of a hair?
There are several factors that effect to the thickness of a hair. But the major ones are as follows.
Genetic composition
We are all born with a unique genetic composition and genetic factors play a major role in determining the thickness of hair strands. Several genetic syndromes affect hair stability such as Monilethrix, Uncombable hair syndrome, etc. Scientists think that many genes also contribute to hair thickness such as Ectodysplasin A receptor. It is is a protein and encoded by the ADAR gene. It plays an important role in determining hair thickness as it influences hair follicle development.
The color
Did you know that generally, those with dark hair have thicker strands than those with lighter colored hair. Take a look at the women with dark hair and lighter hair. You will notice that women with dark hair have denser hair which goes to say that they most likely have thick strands. This is attributed to the melanin composition of the hair. The melanin composition when deposited to our hair strands usually gets dark and then thick. But when you have less melanin then you might experience the fineness.
Environmental conditions
The environmental conditioner too has massive effects on the thickness of hair. If the weather is humid the hair gets thicker than when it’s cold. It often leads to frizz as well as the hair cuticles opening in search of moisture. This is to say that it may affect those with thick hair. The warmer the weather, the more the chances of developing thick hair.
How to measure thickness of a hair?
In order to find out the size of the thickness of a hair as well as the average thickness of human hair, scientists use laser diffraction. Measuring the diameter of human hair by laser diffraction isn’t so difficult if you have basic background knowledge of physics. When measuring the diameter of human hair by laser diffraction, the single-color light will hit the strand generating diffraction. Diffraction is the bending waves when the light hits an object. Looking at the bending pattern, scientists can easily measure the structure and diameter of a tiny object. So by using laser diffraction, scientists are able to tell you the width of this tiny string we have all over our head.
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How to get thickness of a hair
If you were born with fine hair, it’s genetics, and no product will completely alter that. However, there are innovative products that can help beef up the look and feel of each strand.
Intake of Healthy Fats
Your diet dictates so much of how you feel, what you look like, and what goes on inside your brain. You should consume more healthy fats as it houses significant levels of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and vitamin B6. A healthy diet rich in fatty acids aids in hair growth—it not only prevents hair loss and breakage but also encourages new hair growth and reduces scalp inflammation.
Avoid Dryness by Reducing Heat Styling
Heat styling inevitably irritates dry and breakage-prone hair. If you find your hair is thinning or you’d like it to look thicker, opt for air-drying as an alternative. Chances are it’ll grow at a quicker rate (and will look far healthier).
Use the Right Shampoo & Conditioner
The right hair styling products go such a long way, and this rings especially true when it comes to finer hair types. When faking thickness, go for lightweight mousses that create lift at the root. This also helps when it comes to actually styling the hair, as it creates a grip that improve the thickness of hair.
Scalp Massage
Massages aren’t just for relaxation. As a matter of fact, massaging your scalp can help your hair grow thick and strong by increasing blood circulation. One of the easiest ways to get your massages is to use the help of an in-shower scalp brush. Wet your hair, apply shampoo, and use the brush to massage and deep clean your scalp
Don’t Over-Wash
There is nothing better for shine than the hair’s natural oils. Too much of a good thing can harm your hair. Bear in mind that don’t over wash. 2-3 times per weeks is perfect choice.
Now that you have been acknowledged about the thickness of hair, If your hair is thin, it’s time to buy yourself some packs of hair extensions to elevate your look. Here at BigG Hair we provide a wide range of human hair, hair extensions, and wigs for both men and women. Our top-notch products promise to bring you the best hair finish. Contact us via WhatsApp +234 913 396 5598 to get assistance!