Why is my hair curly underneath but straight on top? Many people might be confused as to why they have various hair textures.
Do you have the same problem where your hair is curly underneath but straight on top? You’re not alone. The answers cover anything from genetics to hair care practices.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the possible causes of this and suggest a solution. Keep reading to find out more!
Why is My Hair Curly Underneath but Straight on Top?
There are several reasons including Genetics, hair damage, and the length of the various layers all cause your hair to be straight on top and curly underneath.
In the following section, we will explain why your hair is experiencing this puzzling hair texture. Continue reading!
Reasons Why Your Hair is Straight on Top
There are several reasons why your hair might be straight on top and curly underneath, some of which may surprise you. However, the two most common causes are genetics and hair damage.
We’ve listed some of the most common ones below:
1. Genetics
The main reason why your hair is curly underneath but straight on top is genetics. This means that it’s something that’s passed down from your parents or grandparents.
If you have a parent or grandparent with curly hair, then it’s more likely that you’ll inherit their curl pattern. Similarly, if they have straight hair, you’re more likely to have straight hair.
Some people have hair that is naturally curly at the top and wavy at the back or have waves at the top and kinks on the sides. However these variations are common and natural, and they can make styling challenges.
2. Your Hair is Damaged
One of the most common reasons for straight hair on top and curly hair at the bottom is damage. This is because curly hair is more prone to breakage and damage than straight hair.
If you have damaged hair, it’s likely that the top layer will be straight and the bottom layer will be curly. This is because the damage affects the cortex of the hair, which is the innermost layer.
The cortex is responsible for giving the hair its strength and structure. When it’s damaged, the hair becomes weaker and is more likely to break.
This is why it’s important to use products that are designed for curly hair. These products can help to protect the hair and prevent damage.
3. The Length of the Layers
Another reason why your hair might be straight on top and curly underneath is the length of the layers. If you have shorter layers, they might be straight because they haven’t had time to develop a curl.
Conversely, if you have longer layers, they might be more likely to be curly because they’ve had time to form a curl. For this reason, people whose hair is longer at the crown frequently have a more relaxed texture there.
4. Heat Styling Tools
Curling irons, flat irons, and other heat styling tools are helpful for temporarily changing the texture of your hair. They can easily make highly curly hair straight or flat hair voluminous.
If you use heat styling tools, such as straighteners or curlers, this can also cause your hair to be straight on top and curly underneath. This is because the heat from the tools can damage the hair and make it more likely to break.
If you use these tools frequently, it’s important to use a heat protectant spray. This will help to protect your hair from damage and keep it healthy.
5. Weather Conditions
The weather can also play a role in why your hair is straight on top and curly underneath. If it’s humid, this can make your hair more likely to frizz and become curly.
Conversely, if it’s dry, this can make your hair more likely to become straight. This is because the moisture in the air helps to keep your hair hydrated and prevents it from becoming frizzy.
The health and integrity of your fragile strands suffer significantly when exposed for a prolonged period to extremely hot or cold weather.
If you live in an area with high humidity, you might need to use different hair products than you would in an area with low humidity.
This is because products that work well in high humidity might not work as well in low humidity.
6. Overuse of Chemical Treatment
If you use a lot of chemical treatments, such as dyes, relaxers, bleaches, dyes, or perm, this can also cause your hair to be straight on top and curly underneath.
This is because these treatments can damage the hair and make it more likely to break.
If you use these treatments frequently, it’s important to use a deep conditioner. This will help to protect your hair from damage and keep it healthy.
7. Over Combing or Brushing
If you brush or comb your hair too frequently, this can also cause your hair to be straight on top and curly underneath.
This is because the hair can become damaged and more likely cause extensive damage to the hair cuticles.
For simple styling, brushes and combs effectively detangle your hair. But while using these tools, it is simple to overdo it.
However, brushing won’t make your hair straight, it can cause damage to the point where some parts of your curl pattern no longer look the same.
If you brush or comb your hair frequently, it’s important to use a wide-toothed comb. This will help to protect your hair from damage.
8. Unhealthy Hair Habits
If you have unhealthy hair habits, such as sleeping with wet hair or using too much heat, this can also cause your hair to be straight on top and curly underneath.
If you sleep with it tightly bound or left unprotected, this habit might harm your hair. This is because these habits can damage the hair cuticles and make them more likely to break.
If you want to avoid this, make sure that you are gentle with your hair and don’t use too much heat.
What to Do When Hair is Curly Underneath and Straight on Top?
Don’t worry if you’ve been having difficulty with different hair textures. There are practical methods you can use to take control of the texture of your hair.
If you have this problem, the best thing to do is to get a haircut. This will help to even out your hair and make it look more uniform.
If you don’t want to get a haircut, then here are some styling tips that will prevent the top layer of your hair from appearing flat.
1. Avoid Getting Damaging Treatments
If you’re getting your hair straightened or permed, this could be the reason why your hair is curly underneath and straight on top. These treatments can damage your hair, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
Avoid the following treatments on your hair. Each of them may result in straightening:
- Bleaching
- Blow-Drying
- Heat Styling
- Dyeing
2. Use the Right Products
If you want to style your hair, make sure you’re using the right products. Look for products that will add volume to your hair and make it easier to style.
Make careful to select hair products that are designed for curly hair. Products designed for straight hair will flatten out your top layer if you use them. Avoid products that create a glossy, flat shine.
3. Go shorter at the Top
If you have long hair, you may want to consider going shorter at the crown. This will add volume to your hair and make it easier to style.
You’ll notice more curls on top if you maintain the top layer shorter than the bottom ones. The weight of longer hair pulls curls out straight, which is why this technique works.
4. Deep Conditioning
If you want to keep your hair healthy, make sure you’re deep conditioning it on a regular basis. This will help to add moisture to your hair and prevent damage.
Dry or damaged hair is less prone to curl, as was already mentioned. The use of a deep conditioning treatment once or twice a week can help restore the damage.
Deep conditioning treatments are available at most beauty stores. You can also find them online. Look for a product that’s designed for curly hair.
5. Try Curl Friendly Styles
People who deal with different hair textures might consider styles like roller sets, braid outs, and twist outs. These hairstyles remove the stubbornly straight patches on the top of the head by forcing the hair to have a uniform texture.
6. Follow Healthy Hair Care Routine
One of the best things you can do for your hair is to follow a healthy hair care routine. This means using gentle products, washing your hair regularly, and using heat sparingly.
If you follow these tips, you’ll notice that your hair is healthier and easier to manage.
7. Use a Pick Instead of a Brush
If you have curly hair, you should avoid brushes. This is because they can cause your hair to frizz, straight at the top, and become unmanageable.
Instead, use a pick to gently loosen your curls. This will help to add volume to your hair and prevent frizz. A pick does wonders for boosting the roots and promoting curls.
8. Use Root Lifter and Curl Stimulators
If you want to add volume to your hair, use a root lifter. This product will help to lift your roots and add volume to your hair.
Curl stimulator is another product that can help to add definition to your curls. This product will help to make your curls look bouncy and healthy.
These types of products work best if you have curly and fine hair.
Conclusion
The most likely causes of hair that are straight on top and curly underneath are genetics and hair damage. It’s usual to mix up your hair textures.
If you have curly hair, there are a few things you can do to prevent the top layer of your hair from appearing flat. Avoid damaging treatments, use the right products, and go shorter at the top.
You should also deep condition your hair regularly and follow a healthy hair care routine. Finally, use a pick instead of a brush and use root lifters and curl stimulators to add volume to your hair.
By following these tips, you can achieve healthy, bouncy, and voluminous curls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my hair curly on the bottom and straight on top?
There are a few possible reasons for this. It could be due to genetics, damage, improper product use, or the way you style your hair. If your hair is genetically straight on crown, then you may face changes getting it to curl.
Why is my curly hair curly in the middle and straight at the bottom when wet?
If your hair is curly in the middle and straight at the bottom when wet, it’s likely due to damage. When hair is damaged, it’s more likely to be straight. You can prevent damage by using the right products and following a healthy hair care routine.
What are the genetics of curly hair?
There is no one gene that determines whether you will have curly hair. Instead, it is determined by a combination of several genes. This is why some people have curly hair and others do not.
What products are good for curly hair?
There are a variety of products that are good for curly hair. These include conditioners, oils, gels, and mousses. You should look for products that are specifically designed for curly hair.
Why is my hair curly on top but frizzy underneath?
This is likely due to damage or improper product use. When hair is damaged, it’s more likely to be frizzy. You can prevent damage by using the right products and following a healthy hair care routine.
Is constantly curling your hair bad for the tresses?
If you use a curling iron frequently, it can damage your hair. This is because the heat from the curling iron can cause your hair to become dry and brittle. To prevent damage, use a heat protectant spray before curling your hair.