Why is My Curly Hair Flat on Top? Causes and Solutions

Having flat, lifeless curls on top can be frustrating. As a curly girl myself, I know the struggle all too well. You style your hair beautifully, only to end up with a deflated crown area. If this sounds familiar, keep reading to uncover the reasons behind flat curly hair on top and expert tips to revive your curls.

Common Causes of Flat Curly Hair on Top

There are several factors that can lead to flat roots and limp curls on top:

Over-moisturizing

Too much moisture can weigh hair down, causing it to lose volume. Applying conditioner to the roots or co-washing too frequently can over-hydrate hair. Additionally, using heavy leave-in conditioners or oils on the scalp area adds excess weight.

Product buildup

Buildup from hair products, oils, and conditioners can coat the follicles and roots. This prevents them from getting the airflow needed to lift the curls. Clarifying shampoos help remove buildup.

Improper drying

Letting hair air dry flattened on a surface pushes curls downward. Drying upside down and diffusing encourages lift at the roots. Avoid sleeping on wet hair as well.

Heat damage

Frequent heat styling can damage and weaken curl pattern. This causes strands to go limp and straight, especially on top where exposure is higher. Limit use of hot tools.

Hair loss

Thinning hair means less density and volume on top. Certain health conditions, hormonal changes, and aging can trigger temporary or permanent loss. See a dermatologist if concerned.

Tight hairstyles

Tight ponytails, buns, braids cause excessive tension on the follicles and lead to traction alopecia. This can permanently damage follicles and thin hair over time.

Product application

Applying products incorrectly can flatten curls. Distribute stylers evenly and scrunch upward from ends to roots. Avoid roots when applying heavier creams or oils.

Solutions for Flat Curly Hair on Top

Here are tips and tricks to lift your curls and get lasting volume on top:

Clarify regularly

Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove residue and refresh strands. Follow with a hydrating conditioner and avoid scrubbing roots harshly.

Diffuse upside down

Diffusing with your head flipped over pushes volume into the roots. Scrunch and squeeze curls while blasting them with air to encourage lift.

Air dry correctly

Let hair air dry fully before touching it. Avoid laying down or resting head against anything while drying. Finger coil strands up and away from scalp.

Lightweight products

Look for volumizing mousses, foams, or gel-creams that provide hold without weight. Apply stylers prayer hands method and scrunch them in for bounce.

Utilize clips & rods

Strategic placement of duck bill clips or curlformers at the crown area lifts flat sections. Roll hair on rods overnight for added volume the next morning.

Dry shampoo is your friend

Spray roots with dry shampoo before bed to absorb oil and create grit for texture and lift. Reapply in the morning for extra oomph.

Don’t touch roots

When applying heavy creams or oils, distribute mid-length to ends only. The slightest bit of oil on roots weighs down fine strands.

Tease and fluff

Gently tease underneath and flip top layers up before smoothing down flyaways. Shake out curls and fluff at the roots for added body.

Get regular trims

Schedule a trim every 8-12 weeks to reduce some weight and boost curl formation. Ask for texturizing layers around the crown.

Switch parts frequently

Change up your part from side to middle to zig-zag. Varying the direction of your hair’s growth encourages volume.

Mask & deep condition

Nourish strands with intense conditioning to increase elasticity, bounce and spring. Avoid applying masks to the first 1-2 inches near scalp.

Try volumizing sprays

Spritz sea salt or root-lifting sprays onto damp hair before heat styling. These add grit and texture for extra lift at the roots.

Workout before washing

Hit the gym or go for a jog before shampooing – the sweat and motion help boost volume and lift flat roots before washing.

Examine products for heaviness

Evaluate your routine for silicones, waxes, mineral oils, shea butter, or coconut oil based products. These can weigh down fine, dense curls.

Skip the sulfate-free shampoo

Sulfate-free shampoos are gentler but can increase buildup. Use a sulfate shampoo 1-2x per month to remove residue thoroughly.

Sleep on satin

Use a satin bonnet or pillowcase while sleeping. The slippery fabric doesn’t cause friction like cotton, reducing tangles and flat spots.

When to See a Professional

If you’ve tried these solutions for flat curly hair to no avail, it may be time to seek professional help. Here are some signs it’s time to make an appointment:

• Noticeable thinning or bald patches at the crown
• Increased hair loss when brushing or washing
• Scalp pain, tenderness, redness or itching
• Hair that is limp and won’t hold a curl
• No new growth after 6 weeks post-trim

See your dermatologist or trichologist to determine if an underlying health condition is the culprit. They can also analyze your hair and make personalized recommendations for revitalizing flat curls.

Additionally, a skilled curly hair stylist can suggest customized solutions like precision cutting techniques, volumizing treatments, or extensions to add fullness.

The Takeaway

Having flat curly hair on top can be disheartening but rest assured the problem can be fixed! Assess your current routine and avoid over-moisturizing or heat damage. Clarify regularly, apply products correctly, and use volumizing techniques to lift and enhance your curls. With some tweaking to your regimen you’ll be rocking bouncy, beautiful tousled curls in no time.