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Differences Between Fine and Coarse Hair

Fine vs Coarse Hair: What's the Difference?

Our hair is as unique as we are, and we all range somewhere along the spectrum from very fine to very coarse hair. Both fine and coarse hair are gorgeous, but they have different needs: using a product for coarse hair on fine strands will weigh it down, while using a product for fine hair on coarse strands won’t do much of anything. Here, we’ll talk about the basics of haircare for fine and coarse strands and tell you how to identify where you’re at on the spectrum.

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There’s a common misconception that hair width and strand shape are necessarily related. That curly or coily hair is thick and coarse — and straight hair is fine and thin. This isn’t true: you can have super curly, fine strands, or extremely thick, stick-straight hair. So, don’t let your shape be your guide.

Coarse vs. fine also isn’t related to the amount of hair you have. You can have lots of fine hair, which makes your hair look full and thick, or few coarse strands, making your hair look thinner. So while just looking at our hair in the mirror won’t reliably tell us what width hair we have, there are a few easy tests you can do at home.

Determining Whether You Have Fine or Coarse Hair

There are many tests out there, but we find the easiest one is the simple finger test. After brushing your hair, take one of your strands from the brush and rub it between your fingers. Roll it around and really get a feel of it. If you can barely feel it, or can’t feel it at all, you likely have fine hair. If you can feel a strong and thick strand, it’s coarse. And if you can feel it, but it doesn’t feel super strong or thick, you’re somewhere in between with medium hair.

The Finger Test

Now that you know what kind of hair you have, you’re better prepared to know what kind of products you need. But you can get to know your hair even better if you take [Our Quiz](/quiz/), designed to help you optimize your haircare routine with a tailored list of products for your hair — whatever width, texture, and style it is.

Want to know more about what makes your hair, your hair? Learn more about the science behind the strands at our [Tips & Tricks](/articles/).

So What Does This Mean?

When you unlock your hair’s secrets, you unlock its full potential. Take the HairCode quiz to learn more about 1b hair, and all hair types.

Take Our Hair Quiz

What is fine hair vs coarse hair? Our hair is unique, whether you have coarse hair or fine hair, learn the difference between the two from HairCode.

High or Low? How to Do a Hair Porosity Test

Why do some people seem to have effortlessly sleek strands, while others deal with dryness and frizz? The answer lies I hair porosity: your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Finding the right products for your hair porosity, whether it’s high, medium, or low, can help you unlock your hair’s vibrant potential. Read on to learn quick hair porosity tests... 

What Type of Hair Do I Have?

Knowing your hair type can help you maintain and take care of it. Some hair does better with certain types of products, so being able to answer the question “what is my hair type?” can save you a lot of trouble... 

Know Your Hair Type & Tips for Hair Care

Hair Care Tips for Your Hair Type

You might have a hair care routine down, but it’s always helpful to see what else you could be doing to amp up your style!... 