IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN & WOMEN’S HAIR? (2024)

Ah, the fascinating world of hair!

Did you know that men and women's hair have their own unique characteristics?

I mean – look at their eyebrows! These men always have the sleekest brows and lush lashes, and we constantly wonder why and howww?

Okay, back to my point - men's and women's hair differ in a few ways, from growth rates and texture to balding patterns and care routines.

Let’s discuss some of these differences:

1. Hair Growth and Thickness:

Men and women have the same hair growth rate, but high testosterone levels can make individual male hair strands thicker, making it easier for men to grow longer hair compared to women.

2. Hair Density:

According to a study by PubMed in 2016, there is a significant difference in hair follicle density between men and women, with women displaying a higher number of hair follicles per cm² compared to men.

3. Hairline:

Ah, the ebb and flow of hairlines! Men often face the challenge of receding hairlines or baldness, while hair loss in women tends to be more evenly distributed throughout the scalp.

This is usually due to a combination of factors including hair density, genetics, growth patterns, and even hormones.

Men have higher levels of androgens than women, and this play a significant role in hair growth and loss. e.g Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent form of testosterone, can shrink the hair follicles! This causes them to produce thinner and shorter hairs, eventually leading to hair loss in men. DHT can also affect the hair follicle cycle by shortening the growth phase (anagen) and prolonging the resting phase (telogen).

Also, men’s hair tends to grow in a “horseshoe” shape around the sides and back of the head, while ours grows in a more diffuse pattern across the scalp.

4. Hair Texture:

Men generally have hair that is thicker in diameter, while ours tends to be finer. This is also because of a number of factors including genetics, growth patterns, hormones, and – wait for it! - the shape of the hair follicles!

So what do these differences mean for hair care?

Remember we said men’s hair tends to be thicker and even coarser? This suggests that their hair may withstand some styling better, since thicker strands may not be as prone to breakage.If you notice that men’s hair tends to grow quicker, often the explanation can be found in styling practices, they tend to do less to their hair.

Men's hair care products are often designed to be practical and simpler, with their 3-in-1 shampoos and whatnot! This may nod to the fact that building strength isn’t a priority or a necessity, because they generally don’t put their hair through the compromising styling practices eg dying, blow drying, relaxing or tex-laxing! And even when they do, the inherent characteristics of their hair may support these practices better.

On the other hand, women may need to be more intentional with their hair care products and practices because we tend to do more, which weakens it.

At Ori Lifestyle, we cater to all genders andour innovative productsare specifically tailored to meet the needs of afro-textured hair.