What is Hair Width?
On this journey of getting to know your curls, you’ve learned your curl type, porosity and density but what most people neglect is the importance of learning your hair width.
Often mistaken with hair density, hair width refers to the circumference or thickness of your strands. You may have a lot of hair with fine strands. Knowing your hair width will help you in selecting the proper products, styles or treatments to maintain the health of your curls.
HOW TO MEASURE CURL WIDTH
The Thread Test
Use this test to determine your curl width.
Gather shed hair strands from your comb or brush to examine
Take a piece of sewing thread and lay it next to your strands
Compare your hair strands to the size of the thread. If you hair is thinner than the thread your curls are fine, if it is around the same thickness of the thread then your hair is medium and if its thicker than the thread then your curls are coarse.
TYPES OF HAIR WIDTH
FINE
Fine strands have the smallest circumference and width, making strands fragile and easy to damage from manipulation and chemical treatments.
Because they are prone to more damage than thicker strands, fine hair needs to be tended with care. Using your fingers or a wide tooth comb will be the best method of detangling fine hair to avoid breakage.
Monthly Protein treatments will help rebuild the hair and make it stronger, especially for those who regularly use heat or chemical treatments.
It is best to steer clear of heavy products if you have fine strands as they will weigh down your curls. With one hair less is more when it comes to products. Opt for leave in conditioning sprays and light oils rather than heavy butters or creams.
MEDIUM/ NORMAL
Medium hair’s width is middle of the road. It is not as fragile as fine hair, making it more resistant to damage while being strong and elastic.
Deep conditioning should be done after every wash to ensure your hair remains at optimal health. Protein treatments can be done bi-monthly to rebuild strands after daily manipulation, especially if hair undergoes heat and chemical processing.
Medium hair strands may use heavier creams and butter but in moderation.
COARSE
Coarse strands are the widest and largest in circumference, making them the strongest of hair. Coarse hair is more resistant to damage and chemical processing.
Coarse hair is more prone to dryness which can lead to breakage so deep conditioning treatments should be done bi-weekly to enrich hair with moisture and elasticity.
Coarse hair is not easily weighed down by product. Make sure to layer products to retain moisture.
CONCLUSION
Understanding hair width is important because it determines the strength and the amount of damage your strands can endure. Usually the thicker the strands the stronger it is. This is essential when getting chemical processing done or determining how product will perform.