The Difference Between Thin and Thin Hair, This is an Expert Explanation

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JAKARTA - Everyone has different types of hair, in terms of texture, diameter, and density. Among the various types of hair, there are two terms that are often misunderstood related to hair, namely fine hair and thin hair.

Fine and thin hair are often considered the same, although both describe very different hair conditions. The difference between fine hair and thin hair is actually quite striking.

Quoted from Elle, Saturday, December 13, 2025, hair stylist Sam McKnight, said fine hair is related to its thickness, while thin hair is related to its density.

"Fine hair refers to the thickness of each strand, while thin hair refers to its density (the number of strands on the scalp)," Sam said.

Fine hair means that each strand has a small diameter. This means that a person can have dense hair, but it is still considered fine because the strands are thin.

Meanwhile, thin hair refers to the minimum number of strands of hair on the scalp, although the diameter of each strand can be medium to thick. This is because the number is not much, the hair looks sparse, so it is called thin.

For fine hair to occur, it generally occurs due to genetics. In this condition, it is not easy to change the thickness of the hair.

"The shape and size of the hair follicle is a genetic trait, and we can't change the thickness of the hair shaft," says dermatologist Helena Kuhn, MD.

Meanwhile, for thin hair is caused by more factors. In addition to the original hair character, thin hair can also occur due to decreased hair density, iron deficiency and vitamins can also be the cause.

"Hair thinning can occur due to nutrient deficiencies, hormonal changes, or genetic factors," concludes trichologist, Hannah Gaboardi.