We only work with and promote products from companies that we trust and feel are good for our consumers to use. We are reader-supported. If you decide to make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Last Updated on March 10, 2023 by Verna Meachum
Are you wondering how much hair weighs? Well, wonder no more! We have the 411 on everything related to hair weight.
There are many different factors that can influence how heavy your hair truly is, such as length and thickness. But the short answer to how much hair weighs is- not very much. On average, hair typically weighs between 50 and 100 grams, which is about the size of a small apple.
In addition to length and thickness, other factors that can affect how much hair weighs include the type of hair you have (i.e. fine, thick, etc.), how healthy and hydrated your hair is, and how much product you use in your hair.
Overall, it’s safe to say that hair is quite lightweight.
Human hair is arranged in a hierarchy. The outer layer, known as the cuticle, contains an inner cortex with many small keratin fibres measuring around 5 micrometers in diameter and 100 micrometers long. These are linked together by chemical bonds.
Each of these fibres consists of smaller threads, 0.2–0.4 μm in diameter, which are made up of 7.5 nm intermediate filaments.
On average, a single strand of hair typically weighs between 0.000015 ounces, or about 0.0004 grams.
This is much lighter than many people might expect, particularly given how strong and durable our hair can be.
The weight of your hair will vary significantly on its length and porosity. Discussing the density of hair or keratin, which is the mass per unit area is more appropriate in this context as it provides a better indication of how much hair truly weighs.
So how does our hair manage to be so light while still offering us protection and support? The answer lies in how our hair is structured.
What makes hair strong is all thanks to its unique composition and structure.
Hair is made up of thousands of individual strands, which are held together by a protein called keratin. This protein helps to protect our skin and absorb shock, making it a crucial part of how we move and function in the world.
The total weight of all the hair on your head can also vary depending on several factors, such as how long and thick your hair is. However, on average, a healthy person has between 80,000 to 120,000 hairs on their head.
So while your hair might seem heavy at times, it’s actually incredibly light and flexible. And with so many important roles to play in our body, it’s an essential part of who we are.
While hair itself is incredibly light, there is some evidence to suggest that it can impact weight in other ways.
A person with long, thick hair may weigh more than someone with thin, short hair. On the other hand, someone whose hair only reaches their shoulders could shave all over their body and not see a significant weight change.
Overall, however, the role of hair in our overall weight remains a topic of much debate. Some experts believe that it may play a small role, while others argue that its impact is minimal at best.
Despite this uncertainty, there is no denying the importance of hair in our lives and how much we rely on it to stay healthy and strong.
The three primary factors that affect hair are texture, thickness, and color. However, it is worth noting that all ethnicities have hair that behaves in the same way. For example, generally speaking thin hair weighs less than thick hair.
Some studies have found that people with African descent may have slightly thicker hair than those with European or Asian descent. However, the overall weight of hair, regardless of race or ethnicity, is relatively small and does not have a significant impact on overall weight.
At the end of the day, we should all appreciate how much our hair contributes to who we are. Whether it’s how we style it, how we treat it, or how much it weighs, our hair is a vital part of who we are.
The weight of your hair may not seem like something worth considering, but it can actually have a significant effect on you.
Another factor that can impact how much hair weighs is how wet or dry it is. For example, a single strand of dry hair typically weighs more than a strand of wet hair.
This is because when hair becomes wet, it swells (by approximately 15%) and absorbs water, which adds additional weight to the strand.
With wet hair weighing more due to absorbed water, dry hair will always weigh less.
While we may not think about how our hair weighs in on a daily basis, this simple fact can help us to better understand how our bodies work and how we can take care of our hair to keep it healthy and strong.
At most, your hair weight will not weight more than a pound – unless it’s very long. Ultimately, how much your hair weighs is just one small factor in how our bodies work.
So the next time you’re standing in front of the mirror and wondering how much your hair weighs, remember that it’s a lot less than you might think.
Keep Reading
I had to listen to what my hair needed...my curls are finally ready to take in some moisture again!!!
- renee, Stylist Liaison
- renee, Stylist Liaison
“I truly couldn't have gotten through this without her knowledge, advice and support...after suffering from Hygral Fatigue and getting tons of advice @themestizamuse.”
“@themestizamuse: for ESSENTIAL information you will NEED TO KNOW in order to see results.”
See how easy the topics are to find on her page (a few posts screenshot)? There is no topic Verna hasn't covered.
- dominique P, wavy hair enthusiast
- dominique P, wavy hair enthusiast
“I have learned a whole heap of knowledge from @themestizamuse.”
Inspiring hair tutor, grateful for what she offers the Curly Community in authenticity, passion, and knowledge.
- zoe F, Producer & Host of The Curl Squad
- zoe F, Producer & Host of The Curl Squad
“I was so excited to embrace my curls and take better care of them. As I started to dive in, I immediately became overwhelmed with the information.”
I read books and tried doing things because "that's what I'm supposed to do," but it didn't always work and I didn't understand why. I'm so grateful for Verna and her blog. Her info. actually helped me understand more of the science of why some methods helped and what products or ingredients to use and why. Anyone that compliments my hair and wants to start a curly journey, I tell them to start here. My hair is so much healthier and I'm so happy with it.
- stephanie, Curly hair enthusiast
- stephanie, Curly hair enthusiast
“One day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you've always wanted. Do it now”
- Paulo coelho