Maximizing Effectiveness: The Effect Of Different Hair Characteristics (Curl, Color, Caliber)

Curly hair and higher-caliber (thicker) hair is more effective at creating the appearance of fullness because these characteristics increase the amount of hair surface area that is interposed between the scalp and eye. The same amount of curly or thick hair will do a better job of hiding the scalp than thin straight hair. Although a physician can’t control thickness or curl, he/she does need to take these factors into consideration when predicting the results a patient can achieve. Patients may be able to improve their look by using products or medications that will increase the thickness or curl of their hair. Propecia® and Rogaine® have the ability to thicken all the existing hair on a patient's scalp, and putting a slight wave or curl in the hair may also increase the illusion of density.

Hair color also influences the appearance of density. We see the scalp through the hair partially because we notice the contrast between the color of the hair and the color of the scalp. This is obvious with strong contrasts such as black hair and white skin. When there is a low color contrast between the hair and scalp (such as with light blond hair on light skin), it is much more difficult to notice thinning and increases the illusion of density. Products such as Dermatch® color the scalp to create this effect.