You look in the mirror and it seems like you have two different hair types: the top part is almost straight or has a very soft wave, while underneath there are much more defined waves or curls.
The term Irish curls has become popular on social media to describe this effect, but beyond the name, it's important to understand something: having different patterns in the same mane is completely possible.
And it doesn't mean you have to buy a different routine for each area. Often, the change starts with something much simpler: adjusting the amount of product and the technique.
Why do some areas curl more than others?
The natural hair pattern is not always uniform. You can have wavier areas, curlier areas, and even strands that are practically straight.
In addition, the result can change due to factors such as hair weight, cut, thickness, porosity, accumulated damage, or simply how we apply and distribute products.
Therefore, before trying to make all strands look the same, observe which area loses its shape and which remains defined easily.
If the top is straighter, don't start by adding more cream
This is one of the most common mistakes.
When the top part isn't defined, we tend to apply more leave-in or more cream hoping to get more curl. But if that area has a soft wave, is fine, or gets weighed down easily, adding weight can achieve the exact opposite.
First, try using less conditioning product and strengthening the hold.
A light option is the Volume Booster from Gentleaf, especially interesting if you're looking to prepare your hair without reducing volume.
Apply a small amount to very wet hair and avoid loading the roots if they tend to lie flat.
A simple routine to work with different textures
You don't need to divide your head into ten sections. Start with an easy routine and adjust only where necessary.
1. Use little leave-in
If you need a conditioning base, the Maternatura Orange Blossom Curls and Waves Leave-in can be used before the styler.
Start with a very small amount, especially in the wavier or finer areas. You can concentrate a bit more product on those parts that are drier or need more conditioning.
2. Seek hold without losing volume
For hair with soft waves on top and more curl underneath, a mousse can be a good starting point.
The Carmen Cosméticos Strong Curl Mousse allows you to work with waves and curls with hold without necessarily resorting to a heavier cream.
Distribute it well and scrunch, focusing especially on the areas where you want to enhance the shape.
3. Add gel only where you need it
If some strands lose definition very quickly or need more control, you don't have to apply a large amount of gel all over your head.
You can use a small amount of K89 Curly Hair Curl Gel only in the areas that need more hold.
Working by sections does not mean using four different routines. It means observing and adjusting.
The technique can also change depending on the area
Product doesn't do everything.
If the top part lies flat, try not to press the hair against your head during styling. Work with movements that promote volume and dry with a diffuser without flattening the roots.
In areas where the curl appears more naturally, you may need to intervene much less. Sometimes it's enough to distribute the styler well and scrunch.
Don't try to force a wavy strand to behave exactly like a curly one. The goal is to enhance its natural shape, not to achieve a perfectly uniform mane.
Frequent mistakes when you have different patterns
- Applying more cream to the straight area: if it gets weighed down easily, it can lose even more shape.
- Using the same amount all over the head: some areas may need much less product.
- Confusing lack of curl with lack of hydration: it's not always solved by adding conditioning products.
- Trying to make all strands identical: a head of hair can have different patterns and still be perfectly well defined.
Curly Products Tip
If you have a straighter top part and more defined curls or waves underneath, before buying different products for each area, try changing the amount.
Use less conditioning product where your hair loses volume and play with hold and technique. Reserve larger amounts or extra hold for those areas that really need it.
Many times, the change is not in using more products, but in learning to apply them differently.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my hair straight on top and curly underneath?
It may simply be your natural pattern. Weight, cut, thickness, porosity, damage, or the way you apply and dry products can also influence it.
Do I have to use different products in each area?
Not necessarily. Start by using the same products and first modify the quantity and technique. Only add a different product if an area has a clearly distinct need.
Can a mousse help if the top part lies flat?
It can be a good option if you are looking for definition and volume with a light texture. For fine or wavy hair, it is usually especially important not to use too many layers underneath.
How do I know if I'm using too much product?
If your hair feels heavy, takes a long time to dry, loses volume, or the wave stretches shortly after styling, try reducing the amount in the next wash.
Your hair doesn't have to choose between being straight or curly
Having soft waves in some areas and more defined curls in others doesn't mean you're doing your routine wrong.
First, observe how each part of your hair responds, and then adjust product, quantity, and technique.
If you don't know which leave-in or styler might best suit your thickness, porosity, and hair type, use our Curly Product Recommender or check out our specific selection for wavy hair.
