Why is My Hair Curly Underneath But Straight on Top?

Having curly hair underneath but straight hair on top is a common hair dilemma that can leave you feeling frustrated. You’re likely wondering – why does my hair have different textures in different areas?

The good news is that there are several reasons why this happens along with solutions to help you achieve a more uniform curl pattern.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into:

• Understanding hair texture and curl patterns
• Possible reasons for uneven curl patterns
• How to fix an uneven curl pattern
• Mistakes to avoid for healthy curls
• The benefits of specialized products
• Frequently asked questions

Understanding Hair Texture and Curl Patterns

Hair texture and curl pattern are determined by the structure and shape of the hair follicle. Some people have a consistent curl pattern all over, while others experience variations in curliness or straightness in different areas.

One common issue is having curly hair underneath but straight hair on top. This uneven curl pattern can be frustrating and make styling difficult.

There are several possible reasons for these differences in curl pattern:

Genetics

Genetics plays a big role in determining natural hair texture and curl pattern. You may have inherited combinations of hair types from different sides of the family, resulting in varying curl patterns over your head.

Heat Damage

Excessive heat styling over time, such as daily blowouts or flat ironing on high heat, can damage the hair cuticle. This can permanently alter the natural curl pattern, causing sections of hair to go straighter.

Chemical Treatments

Chemical treatments like relaxers, keratin treatments, or coloring can affect curl pattern. These treatments are designed to straighten or alter the natural state of the hair.

Environmental Factors

Sun exposure, wind, humidity levels can influence hair texture. Sun and dryness can cause hair to become dry and lose its natural curl pattern.

The good news is that by understanding the causes, you can address uneven curl patterns through proper hair care and products, like specialized shampoos, conditioners, and stylers formulated for curly hair.

Possible Reasons for Uneven Curl Patterns

There are a few key reasons why you may experience different curl patterns on different parts of your head:

Genetics

Thanks to genetics, curly hair can vary even within the same head. You may have inherited curl patterns from both sides of your family, resulting in looser curls on top but tighter curls underneath.

Heat Styling Damage

Frequent heated styling like blowouts or flat ironing can damage the cuticle over time. This damage often concentrates on the top and outer layers of hair which are exposed to heat styling the most.

Chemical Processing

Chemical treatments like keratin, relaxers, coloring and perms can alter the natural state of your hair. Too much chemical processing can lead to straighter sections.

Sun Exposure

The sun’s UV rays can dry out hair and degrade hair proteins. This can cause the outer layers of hair to lose moisture, shape and curl pattern.

Improper Styling

Certain styles like tight ponytails put tension on hair follicles. Constant traction can gradually pull curls looser on the surface layers.

Product Build-Up

Product build-up is common on the top and outer layers of hair. Excess residue can weigh hair down, causing the underneath layers to curl more.

How to Fix an Uneven Curl Pattern

If you’re struggling with uneven curls, there are solutions to help restore balance and achieve a more uniform curl pattern.

Get a Curly Haircut

A good curly cut shaped to your texture can help reduce discrepancies in curl pattern. Ask your stylist to layer and texturize your hair to match your curl type. Avoid drastic layers which can accentuate differences.

Try Deep Conditioning

Use weekly nourishing deep conditioners to hydrate parched strands. Focus on damaged areas to help rebuild moisture balance. This helps strands regain elasticity and spring.

Avoid Heat Styling

Give hair a break from hot tools like blow dryers, flat irons and curling wands which can worsen damage. Allow hair to air dry naturally when possible.

Use a Curl Defining Product

Enhance spring with curl creams, gels and mousses that provide hold and definition. Scrunch these styling products into clean damp hair and allow hair to air dry for best results.

Refresh Curls Between Washes

Mist hair with water or a curl reviver spray, then scrunch in a touch more styler to redefine curls on lagging sections and reduce discrepancies in texture.

Try Different Techniques

Play with styling techniques like squish-to-condish, diffusing, and finger coiling to encourage curl formation across all layers as hair dries.

Be Patient!

Getting an even curl pattern requires diligence and patience over time. Stick to a proper curly hair care regimen using moisturizing products free of sulfates and silicones.

Mistakes to Avoid for Healthy Curls

It’s also important to avoid common missteps that can worsen texture differences:

• Over-shampooing which strips moisture
• Skipping the conditioner or using one without sufficient slip
• Rough drying with towels which causes frizz
• Not using a styling product to enhance definition
• Brushing dry curls which causes frizz and breakage
• Heat styling too frequently without protectant
• Not trimming regularly to remove damaged ends
• Sleeping on cotton which robs moisture overnight

By avoiding these mistakes and adjusting your hair care routine, you’ll see an improvement in curl consistency over time.

Benefits of Specialized Products

Using salon-quality products tailored for curly hair types can help restore and enhance your natural curl pattern.

Curly Hair Shampoo

A sulfate-free shampoo is gentle enough for daily washing without stripping hair. Look for moisturizing and curl-enhancing ingredients.

Curly Hair Conditioner

A hydrating, silicone-free conditioner provides slip and moisture to repair damage. Generously coat mid-lengths to ends and leave on for a few minutes before rinsing.

Curl Defining Cream

These creams provide frizz protection, definition and hold for springy, defined curls from root to tip. Apply to wet hair after shampoo and conditioner.

Curl Enhancing Mousse

Build volume while fighting frizz with a lightweight mousse. Scrunch into wet hair before air drying or diffusing for bounce and curl formation.

Curl Reviving Spray

Spritz this mix of conditioners and botanical extracts onto dry hair to instantly boost moisture, reduce frizz and refresh curl shape between washes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the hair at my crown curly but the front pieces straight?

The hair around your crown and nape area is often more sheltered and retains its natural curl pattern. But the hair framing your face is more exposed to sun, wind and heat styling resulting in looser curls.

How can I get the top layer of my hair to curl like the bottom layer?

Give your roots extra attention when applying curl cream or mousse and diffuse upside down to target the straighter pieces up top. Also avoid over-shampooing, heat styling or brushing the top layer.

Why are my ends very curly but roots straight?

Damaged, porous ends lack protein and tend to absorb more moisture, springing up into tighter curls. Avoid over-conditioning roots which can drag curls straight and focus on keeping ends trimmed.

Can I train my straight hair on top to curl?

While you can’t permanently alter your natural curl pattern, you can maximize waves and shrinkage on straight pieces by avoiding damage, enhancing hydration and styling with curl-enhancing gels or mousses.

The Takeaway

Uneven curl patterns are common and occur due to genetics, chemical or heat damage, product buildup or environmental factors. While you can’t change your natural hair texture, you can take steps to care for and enhance yourGod-given curls.

Be patient, avoid harsh styling, shampoo and condition gently, use curl creams and gels, and refresh curls as needed. With time and a curly-friendly hair care regimen, you’ll achieve your healthiest, bounciest curls from root to tip!