The appearance of the hair depends on several parameters. Knowing these indicators helps to properly organize the entire hair care system - from the frequency and method of washing to choosing the right care and dyeing products. The main parameters for assessing the condition of the hair are their type, texture, porosity, elasticity and density.
Hair types
In appearance, the curls are divided into four types;
The locks of the first and second type lie on the head, the strands of the third and fourth - stand above the head. With straight hair, everything is clear - these are straight locks without curls. Wavy resemble the repeating letter S. From moisture, they become fluffy.
Curly and curly curls look like spirals. At the same time, kinky ones are harder than curly ones and worse to style.
Texture (thickness) of hair
Hair thickness (not to be confused with density) is the size of the cross-section of hairs in diameter. Measure it with a micrometer. Measurements are taken in four different zones - the temporal, crown, and also in the bangs and at the bottom of the occipital part of the head.
Dry, clean hair is measured without any styling in the root area.
According to the measurement results, the following types of hairs are distinguished:
- thin (soft) with a thickness of less than 0.05 mm;
- normal from 0.05 to 0.07 mm in diameter;
- thick (hard) over 0.07 mm.
The hue obtained by dyeing depends on this parameter.
Dependence of the result of staining on the thickness
The dye in different ways falls on curls of different textures. With the same amount of paint, the result of its application will be very different on strands of different thicknesses.
On thin hairs, the pigment density is much higher, so the shade can turn out darker than expected. Owners of thin hair should use the dye one level lighter.
For normal hair, the level of dye corresponds to the desired shade.
Of course, on thick hairs, the pigment is distributed dispersively, that is, much less often than on thin ones. Therefore, the shade of hair as a result of dyeing looks lighter. This means that stiff strands will require a dye one level darker than desired.
Hair porosity
This parameter depends on the degree of damage to the upper outer layer of the hairs. Its cells are thin plates. If the top layer is in a good, intact state, these cells tightly overlap one another like a tile. Curls in this case are elastic, shiny, vibrant.
When the top layer is damaged, the plates are deployed, the hairs look like an empty open bump. Their surface is porous, as a result of which their ability to absorb moisture increases.
The strands become porous as a result of:
- mechanical influences, in particular, from improper combing or frequent combing;
- thermal effects - frequent use of curling irons, ironing or hot hair dryers;
- chemical exposure to dyes.
The porosity of the hair should be taken into account when dyeing it. Very porous hair with increased absorbency is oversaturated with pigment, as a result it is colored unevenly, for example, the tips can be much brighter.
The color from such hair is washed out much faster. This happens because the flakes of the upper layer are open and are not able to hold the pigment inside the hairs.
It should be remembered that curly hair, as a rule, has a high level of porosity.
Elasticity
This property of strands stretch and return to their previous state. With high elasticity, dry hair can stretch to a third of its length. Strands with low elasticity may break if stretched. Usually weak elasticity is inherent in damaged porous hair.
The elasticity test is carried out on wet locks. They are selected on different parts of the head, clamped with fingers from both ends and stretched. If the strand easily returned to its original size, elasticity is normal. If it is stretched and does not return to its original size, this is evidence of insufficient elasticity. If it breaks, we can talk about a low rate.
Curls with low elasticity require treatment with protein preparations. With insufficient elasticity, they need intensive hydration.
Hair density
Density of hair, or their density - what is it? Does it depend on the thickness and other factors listed above?
The density of hair is the amount that grows on one square centimeter of the head. It does not depend on the texture of the hairs. Different people on the same area of the head can grow many thin hairs or a little thick. That is, thin hair can be thick, and thick hair can be sparse. How to determine the density of hair?
By their density, hair is divided into rare, medium (normal) and thick. On average, the amount of hair on the head is about one hundred thousand pieces. One square centimeter contains approximately two thousand two hundred hair follicles. The process of updating them is ongoing. Old hair falls out, new ones appear in their place. It happens that the amount of hair lost exceeds the number that appeared, then the hair thins, their density decreases. Usually, the density of hair is associated with the physical health of a person, but in many respects depends on hereditary factors.
Who has thicker locks
As a result of the studies, it was found that the density of hair in people depends on their natural color. Blondes can brag of the thickest hair. The density of their hair ranges from one hundred forty to one hundred fifty thousand pieces. They are followed by brown hairs with a density of one hundred and ten thousand hairs. Brunettes are slightly inferior to them. Their result is one hundred - one hundred eight thousand hairs. The smallest hairs on the heads of red-haired people - from fifty to eighty thousand pieces.
In different parts of the same head, hair growth density is different. Most hair grows on the crown - two hundred and fifty - three hundred and fifty pieces per square centimeter. At the temples and the occipital part, their number does not exceed one hundred fifty - two hundred and fifty pieces in one square centimeter.
How to determine the density of hair
There are several ways to do this. Of course, we are not faced with the task of calculating their number accurate to the hair. It will be enough to approximately determine their density to understand what care your curls specifically require.
One of the most time-consuming methods to determine the density of hair on the head is the following. You must immediately emphasize that for this you will need an assistant. To find out the thickness of the hair, you should select a strand on the head area of one square centimeter. This strand is selected in the parietal zone, where the hair grows denser. Recounting hairs from this strand will take a lot of time, but the maximum accuracy of the result is guaranteed. Comparing the data obtained with a standard indicator of two thousand two hundred pieces, we can draw conclusions about the density of your hair.
A less accurate, but much simpler test for hair density is as follows. Curls are collected in a tail and the thickness of its base is measured with a centimeter tape. If the result is less than five centimeters, hair can be considered rare. With a thickness of five to ten centimeters, they can be attributed to medium or normal. If the circumference exceeds ten centimeters, hair can rightfully be called thick.
And how do you know the density of hair for owners of a short haircut? To do this, there is a visual test for the width of the parting. This is the easiest and most visual way to determine what kind of hair you have. The hair is separated into a parting and carefully studied. With rare hair, it is wide, the scalp is clearly visible, the hair roots are clearly visible. With thick hair, the parting is narrow, it is difficult to see the scalp.
Ways to increase the density of hair
Little to know how to determine the density of hair. You must also be able to increase it. Thick, healthy, beautiful hair is the dream of any woman. What to do to increase their density?
First of all, you need to pay attention to general strengthening factors - proper nutrition, rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, adequate sleep, lack of stress. All this prevents hair loss and contributes to their healing.
It is believed that the density of hair largely depends on heredity. How to determine if your hair density is hereditary or decreased due to adverse factors? Usually, if the hair is sparse along the entire length, this indicates a hereditary trait. If the thickness of the tail decreases sharply downward, this is a signal that there are problems in hair care that need to be addressed immediately.
However, even if you inherited rare hair, it is possible to enhance their growth. In the course of scientific experiments, it was found that up to twenty percent of the hair follicles are in a sleeping state. By activating their growth, it is possible to increase the density of the hairline. To do this, you need to use various tonic and nourishing masks and conduct daily head massage, stimulating blood circulation and blood flow to the roots.
Visually increasing the volume of rare hair can be done using proper haircuts and styling, as well as using lamination or hair extensions.