How to check your density
Part your dry hair down the middle in good light. If you see a lot of scalp along the part without moving any hair, density is probably low. If you have to push hair aside to see the scalp, it is probably high.
A ponytail helps too: a slim one suggests low density and a thick one high density, though strand thickness changes how a ponytail feels. Density often differs between the crown, the temples and the nape. Slow drying on its own doesn’t tell you density: section size, the products you layer and airflow all change drying time.
Low density
- Use smaller amounts of leave-in and styler; measure them so you can change one thing at a time.
- Prefer foams and light gels over heavy creams and butters.
- Clip the roots up while drying for lift.
- Wash more often if roots get oily or flat.
High density
- Wash, condition and style in sections so product reaches every strand.
- Use enough conditioner and leave-in to cover every section, and measure how much you actually use.
- Expect long drying: diffuse in stages, or air-dry overnight in twists or braids.
- Clarify when products stop working; more product means more build-up.
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