What is the Difference Between Fine Hair and Thin Hair?
A lot of us use the terms fine hair and thin hair interchangeably, but did you know that there is actually a difference between the two? It may seem like a minor difference, but it’s actually not. Caring for fine hair is different to the way you would treat thin hair. If you feel that you have fine or thin hair, learning the differences between these two hair types can improve the way you care for your hair.
Fine Hair
The main distinction with fine hair is that it has to do with the diameter of your hair strands.1 More specifically, if your individual hair strands are smaller than a strand of thread, you can say that you have fine hair.2 Another indicator is the feel of your hair. Fine hair is a lot silkier, it usually falls out of hair ties when put in ponytails or buns, and it retains moisture better than medium or thick hair despite being weaker.2
Thin Hair
Thin hair relates to the density of your hair on your scalp.1 In particular, thin hair describes the strands as per square inch of your scalp, and to put it in the simplest terms, it is about how much hair you have on your head.2 One way to determine if you have thin hair is if your scalp is visible under your hair strands, or if it takes you more than three wraps to tie a ponytail.2
Also, it is important to understand that thinning hair is the loss of density on your scalp.1 People can have fine, medium, or thick hair and still experience hair thinning. Check out our blogs about thinning hair where we further discuss how to tell if you are experiencing hair thinning, and things to avoid if your hair is in this state.
Now that we’ve covered the differences between fine hair and thin hair, we can delve into how to take care of your hair based on the specific hair type.
Taking Care of Fine Hair
As mentioned earlier, fine hair retains moisture better than the other hair types, even though the hair strands are weaker than those with medium or thick hair. Given this, it is important to keep your hair strands hydrated to give it strength. The new Kazani products are the perfect option for this. Specifically, the Kazani Revitalizing Hair Mask and the Kazani Intensive Hair & Scalp Serum. The Kazani Revitalizing Hair Mask is the best hair mask to nourish and hydrate the hair, while the Kazani Intensive Hair & Scalp Serum is the best hair serum to lock in that hydration. These two products, if focused on the mids and ends, will help fine hair look shiny and smooth.
Additionally, with fine hair, the haircut you get can transform the way your hair looks and give the illusion of thicker strands. According to celebrity hairstylist, Andrew Fitzsimons, “With fine hair, you could have really, really thick hair density-wise, so you could still definitely have layers. You want the baseline of your hair to look as thick as possible, so when your hair is fine, you can get away with more if you have a lot of it.” 1 He also recommends to use clarifying products and to exfoliate the scalp to stimulate hair growth, and that opting for shorter and more blunt cuts can help give off a fuller look to your hair.1
Taking Care of Thin Hair
Caring for thin hair is different than caring for fine hair as you can have fine, medium, or thick hair and still experience hair thinning. Given this, there is not a specific way to care for thin hair other than avoiding harsh hair products that could worsen the condition. Fitzsimons recommends using products that have keratin building ingredients, such as biotin, to help promote hair health, as well as gently exfoliating the scalp to avoid product build up.1 The Kazani Revitalizing Shampoo is the best shampoo option for this as it features biotin, rosemary, and caffeine, which are all ingredients that promote healthier-looking hair, while also gently cleansing the hair without harsh ingredients. With thinning hair, you also want to avoid products that would weigh down the hair, so avoiding heavy conditioner in the scalp and opting for volumizing sprays and mousses to help lift the hair from the root.1
As for hair styles, there is no specific hairstyle for thinning hair. However, many people opt for extensions to give the illusion of fuller hair.1 If you are looking for a cut, shorter hairstyles will give a fuller look to your hair, while also being easier to deal with when your hair is in this vulnerable state.1 Going to a trusted hairstylist is the best option if you are looking for a way to mask thin hair, as they will be able to help you find a look that makes you feel confident.
Hair terminology may seem unimportant, but the specifics of hair types may make a difference in the way you are caring for your hair. It is beneficial to learn your hair type and your hair needs so that you can find the best products for you. If you need some help, look at our blog about building a good hair care routine. Once you lock in your hair care routine and stick to it, your hair will transform into the best version of itself.
Notes
1 Shatzman, Celia. “Is Your Hair Fine or Thin? Here’s How to Tell the Difference.” Byrdie, 29 June 2024, www.byrdie.com/fine-vs-thin-hair-5267987#:~:text=When%20it%20comes%20to%20fine,you%20have%20on%20your%20head. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
2 Yarborough, Kaitlyn. “The Real Difference between Fine Hair and Thin Hair.” Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2024, www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/hairstyles/fine-vs-thin-hair. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.
