We’re not telling you anything you don’t already know, but hair can be really important to folks. It’s a way of distinguishing yourself, showcasing your style, and exploring how to best feel good in your skin.

But in order to keep it looking healthy and beautiful, you need to know how to take care of it － and that in turn requires knowing your hair type. This is especially essential for those with fine hair, as it has completely different concerns and requires a different care routine than others.

Unsure if you have fine hair or how to even determine if it’s your hair type? Well, it’s time to find out!

Continue reading below for our brief guide to fine hair. Not only will it help you know if your hair is fine or not, but it will break down just what “fine hair” is in the first place, common concerns to be aware of, and answer some frequently asked questions regarding the topic.

What is Fine Hair?

So, there’s a bit of a misconception in the haircare world, and we want to clear it up immediately. While the terms are frequently used interchangeably, fine hair and thin hair are not one and the same.

You see, thin hair is hair that’s lacking in density. This type of hair usually contains fewer follicles than what might be seen as average, and there’s the additional spacing between the ones that are present, making hair look more sparse and, well, thin. But when we’re talking about “fine” hair, what we’re referring to has more to do with diameter and texture than density.

Essentially, fine hair is that which is comprised of smaller, more compact hair strands than you’d find in individuals with coarser hair. Because of this, fine hair often has a very soft, smooth, and supple texture. It also tends to be on the thicker side, as smaller hair strands allow more room for follicles than other hair types.