What is the primary factor that hair texture is classified by?

The classification of hair texture primarily relies on the diameter of each hair strand. Hair texture encompasses the thickness or fineness of individual strands, which can significantly influence the appearance and styling of the hair. A finer diameter may result in hair that feels soft and silky, while thicker strands can appear coarser and may hold styles differently.

While color, growth rate, and scalp health are essential in other contexts of hair care and styling, they do not directly determine the texture itself. Color refers to pigmentation, growth rate relates to how fast hair grows, and scalp health pertains to the condition of the skin on the head, none of which address the fundamental characteristic of hair texture defined by the physical dimensions of each strand. Thus, understanding the diameter of hair strands is crucial for professionals when assessing hair texture and providing appropriate care and styling.