Determining the thickness of hair in a braid can be tricky, especially if you're working with someone else's hair or assessing your own hair's thickness without fully letting it down. This guide provides several effective methods to accurately gauge the thickness of braided hair, whether it's your own or someone else's.
Visual Assessment: The First Step
Before resorting to more involved techniques, a visual assessment can provide a good starting point. Consider these factors:
1. Braid Diameter: A Simple Measurement
The most straightforward method is comparing the braid's diameter to a known standard. A thicker braid will naturally have a larger diameter. You can use a ruler or even compare it to objects of known size – a pencil, for example – to get a relative measurement. Keep in mind that this method is affected by the braiding style; a tightly braided style will appear smaller than a loosely braided one, even with the same hair volume.
2. Number of Strands: A Clue to Thickness
While not a direct measure of thickness, the number of strands used to create the braid can offer insight. A braid created from many fine strands will appear denser than one made with fewer, thicker strands. If you can carefully examine the braid, counting the number of individual strands visible at its base can provide a helpful indication.
3. Braid Density: Examining the "Fill"
Examine the braid's overall density. Is it densely packed, appearing full and substantial? Or does it look sparse and somewhat thin? A thicker braid will generally appear more filled out and less likely to show gaps or scalp through the braid.
Tactile Assessment: Feeling the Difference
Moving beyond visual observation, a tactile approach can give a more definitive answer. This is especially helpful when dealing with fine hairs that may not create a noticeably thick braid visually.
1. Feeling the Weight: A Simple Test
Gently lift the braid. Thicker hair will feel noticeably heavier than thinner hair, even when the braid's diameter appears similar. Compare the weight to known standards—perhaps another braid you know is thick or thin, or even a familiar object of similar weight.
2. Feeling the Individual Strands: A More Detailed Approach
If possible, carefully separate a small section of the braid and gently feel the individual strands. Thicker hair strands will feel coarser and more substantial than thinner strands, which often feel fine and almost silky.
Contextual Considerations: Factors Affecting Perception
Several external factors can affect how thick a braid appears:
- Hair Type: Naturally curly or coily hair can appear thicker in a braid than straight hair due to its volume and texture.
- Braiding Style: Tight braiding styles compact the hair, making the braid appear smaller and potentially less thick than a looser braid.
- Hair Products: Styling products such as gels or mousses can temporarily increase the apparent thickness of the braid by adding volume and hold.
- Hair Length: The length of hair will affect the thickness of the braid. Longer hair generally results in a fuller, thicker braid.
Conclusion: Combining Methods for Best Results
Combining the visual and tactile methods described above will provide the most accurate assessment of hair thickness in a braid. Remember that context is important: considering hair type, braiding style, and other factors will significantly refine your estimation. While precise measurement is challenging without unraveling the braid, using these techniques will allow for a reasonably accurate assessment of its thickness.
