Why is Your Hair Curly Underneath But Straight On Top? Ever wonder why your hair is curly underneath but straight on top? It turns out there’s a scientific reason for it. And it all has to do with the shape of your follicles.
Understanding The Structure of Your Hair
There are a few reasons why your hair may be curly underneath but straight on top. First, let’s take a look at the structure of your hair. Each strand of hair is made up of three layers: the medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The medulla is the innermost layer and is made up of soft keratin. The cortex is the middle layer and contains hard keratin. The cuticle is the outermost layer and consists of overlapping scales that protect the inner layers of the hair shaft.
The shape of your hair shaft is determined by the cortex. The cortex contains spiral-shaped proteins called keratins. The number and distribution of these spiral-shaped proteins determine whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly. If your hair has more protein chains that are tightly coiled, then your hair will be more likely to be curly. If your protein chains are loosely coiled or not coiled at all, then your hair will be more likely to be straight.
Your hair may be curly underneath but straight on top because the shape of your hair shaft changes as it grows out from your scalp. The cells in the lower part of the hair follicle are longer than the cells in the upper part of the follicle. This means that the lower part of the hair shaft has had more time to become damaged and for the protein chains to become less coiled. The higher part of the follicle has not been damaged as much and so the protein chains are still tightly coiled and thus, your hair is still curly.
Follicles Are Oval-shaped
Here’s a quick science lesson: Your hair follicles are shaped like tiny tubes. And the shape of your follicle determines the type of hair that grows from it. If your follicles are oval-shaped, you’ll have straight hair. If they’re round, you’ll have curly hair. And if they’re somewhere in between, you’ll have wavy hair.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The vast majority of people have oval-shaped follicles on their scalps. But on the underside of their head, near the nape of their neck, they have round-shaped follicles. That’s why your hair is usually straight on top but curly at the bottom.
Genetics and Hormones
Mixed-texture hair is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. The vast majority of people with mixed-texture hair have at least one parent with a similar hair type. And while the precise hormonal causes are not yet known, it is thought that changes in hormone levels during puberty may play a role.
There are a few things you can do to manage mixed-texture hair. First, you’ll want to find a shampoo and conditioner that work well for both your straight and curly hair. Second, invest in a good detangling brush. This will help to minimize breakage and make styling easier. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different hairstyles. Some people with mixed-texture hair find that they can achieve better results by straightening their curls or curling their straight strands. Ultimately, the best way to style your hair is whichever way makes you feel most confident and comfortable.
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Tips for Managing Curly Underneath but Straight-on-Top Hair
Now that we know a little bit about why your hair may be curly underneath but straight on top, let’s talk about how to manage this type of hair. Here are a few tips:
- Use a diffuser when you blow dry your hair to help prevent frizz.
- When you style your hair, use products that contain silicone as they can help to smooth down frizz and flyaways.
- Try not to wash your hair too often as this can strip away natural oils which can lead to frizziness. Instead, try washing your hair every other day or every third day.
- Use a deep conditioner once a week to help hydrate and nourish your curls.
- When you sleep, tie your hair up in a silk scarf or sleep on a silk pillowcase to prevent damage and frizziness.
- Get regular trims to prevent split ends which can make your curls look unhealthy.
Conclusion
So next time someone asks you why your hair is curly underneath but straight on top, you can tell them it’s all thanks to the shape of your follicles!
If you have mixed-texture hair, you’re not alone. This unique hair type is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones. While it can be challenging to manage, there are a few things you can do to make it easier. With the right shampoo and conditioner, detangling brush, and styling techniques, you can achieve any look you want. So go ahead and experiment until you find what works best for you!
