There are four dominant hair types in humans, and one of them is Caucasian hair. Although every person on earth is unique with their own beautiful hair, people with Caucasian hair share similarities.
But what are the characteristics of Caucasian hair, and how do they affect your voluminous locks? Below, we give you the complete summary about this hair type. Next, we’ll give you answers to some frequently asked questions about Caucasian hair so you can become an expert in no time!
What is Caucasian hair?
Part of the complexity of describing Caucasian hair is that it is quite varied. This type of hair belongs to the inhabitants of the Caucasus region. This is the densest hair type and varies in most key areas in terms of shape, color, etc.
Caucasian hair exhibits a wide range of character traits. Let’s take a closer look at the uppers.
1. Caucasian hair can be straight or curly
There are four main types of hair, and texture is one of the most significant characteristics. They range from very straight hair to curly hair. When Caucasian hair falls in the middle, it is often in varying degrees of waviness.
Some people believe that curly Caucasian hair indicates the presence of other hair types, but this is not the case. Caucasian hair is often wavy but can be quite straight or curly.
2. It has three layers and is made of protein
All human hair is made of the same stuff. Each strand consists of three layers: the cuticle, the cortex and the medulla. It all comes from a protein called keratin, which also makes up our nails and skin.
3. It grows at a constant rate
Caucasian hair grows at a rate of about 1.2 centimeters per month. That’s between five and six inches a year.
Like many other characteristics of Caucasian hair, its growth rate is in the middle. Asian hair grows at the fastest rate, about 1.3 centimeters per month. African hair is the slowest, growing about 0.9 cm every month.
How often should Caucasian hair be cut? It depends on your style! If you have short hair, you will need to visit the salon at least every month.
Even if you let it grow longer, you should still get a haircut no less than six months. This keeps your hair healthy and gets rid of dead and split ends.
4. It is high density
High density hair means that many hairs grow on the scalp per square inch. It is true that Caucasians have more hair on their heads than other hair types.
This often means Caucasian hair looks full and has depth, which is a desirable quality. But it also means that products designed to make other hair types denser can have negative effects.
5. It grows diagonally to the scalp
The direction of hair growth is another key factor that distinguishes between hair types. While Asian hair grows perpendicular to the scalp and African hair grows parallel to it, Caucasian hair again falls in the middle, growing diagonally.
This factor is one of the reasons why stylists specialize in certain ethnic hair types. They must know if they are working against or with the grain of the hair and how the direction of hair growth affects how it lays.
6. Caucasian hairs are oval
Another defining aspect of Caucasian hair characteristics is the shape of the follicle. If you examine Caucasian hair that has been grown, you will see that it is oval. Asian hair is round and uniform, almost round, while African hair is flat.
This quality is distinct from the shape of the follicle. Asian hair follicles are also round, African hair follicles are oval, while the shapes of Caucasian follicles vary.
7. Hair loss is not more common for Caucasian hair
That’s right—if you have Caucasian hair, you don’t have to worry about hair loss, at least not any more than other hair types. Genetic and environmental factors play a much larger role in hair loss.
Sometimes, people with Caucasian hair types may notice a lot of shedding. This is most likely because their hair is so dense, so they have a bit of work to do.
8. Caucasian hair comes in a variety of colors
As can easily be seen in society, Caucasian hair varies in natural color. It can be almost any shade of blonde, red, brown or black.
Changes also occur in a single person. Often, a person with brown hair will have red undertones or grow different colored hairs on their head. Caucasian hair can also change colors (usually darken) from childhood to adulthood.
Hair color is the most significant determinant of how many hairs you have on your head. Caucasians have a high hair density in general, but here’s how it breaks down even further:
- Blondes have about 146,000 hairs on their heads
- Black-haired people have about 110,000
- Brunettes range around 100,000
- Red heads have over 86,000
While the characteristics of Caucasian hair all occur on a spectrum, there are eight critical things they have in common. Now that you know the characteristics of Caucasian hair, you can take good care of it and ensure that your hair thrives.
Common questions
Generally, Caucasian hairs are low porosity. This means they don’t absorb other substances well, including hair dye and products. It may also appear boring or flat. You can use treatments to improve your hair porosity if you need them.
Yes – the colors include brown, black, red and blond shades.
Curls are determined by genetics, and Caucasian hair has a variety of textures from straight to curly. This does not mean that your hair is mixed with another type.
