Is My Low Density Because My Scalp Is Stretched and Spreading My Follicles Apart?

Hi Dr. Rassman et al.!

I am a 22-year-old Caucasian male with blond hair, a NW2 hairline and somewhat low hair density. I’m not worried about my hairline, but my low density bothers me.

Here’s the thing: I have hydrocephalus, and with it an abnormally large head circumference. I’ve always had thin hair, but I shaved my head for the first time the other day and the density really scared me. Given my history of thin hair, is it possible that my low density is due to my scalp being “stretched” and causing the follicles to spread apart? The hair at the back of my head is slightly denser than at the top, but it’s very fine and light-colored. I know this is an unusual question and I understand if you can’t offer any answers.

Thanks for your time and all the advice you give!

I suppose if you start with a normal scalp hair number (100,000 hairs), but with a large head circumference (large area), you would have a lower hair density (hair numbers per unit area). But for those with normal head circumference, you can still have low hair density because some of us can be born with low hair numbers. It’s just the way we are different.

Hair color and skin color can also contribute to the perception of hair density or fullness. High contrast (dark hair / light skin) can be perceived as a lower density than low contrast (light hair / light skin). Hair length can also change the perception, as longer hair looks more full than shorter hair.

Finally, hair style can be a factor, as well. Curly hair looks more full than straight hair. These factors may be common sense, but it all plays a factor in how one perceives density and fullness of hair.

If you were to visit us, we could measure your hair density in different parts of your head, compare one part with another and give you an assessment of your total hair count and any differences that are area dependent.