Flat hair? Not on our watch: how to perk up limp curls

There’s nothing quite like spending all that time washing, styling, scrunching and diffusing… only to end up with flat hair. The dreaded crown flop. The “where did my curls go?” moment.

Whether it’s the aftermath of a deep sleep, a tight beanie, or just your curls having a meh day, flat curly hair can kill the vibe faster than humidity at a pool party. But don’t stress – we’ve got tricks to put the bounce back in your mane.

Why does curly hair go flat?

Curly hair might be big on drama, but it’s also surprisingly easy to squash. If your hair is fine, low density or low porosity, it’s especially prone to flatness at the roots. Add in gravity, leftover product buildup, or a winter’s worth of hat hair, and suddenly your curls are stuck to your scalp like cling wrap. Rude.

Flip it and reverse it

If flat hair is your nemesis, styling upside down is your new best mate. Washing and applying product with your head flipped forward helps lift the roots off your scalp and encourages volume. Scrunch while upside down and even diffuse in that position too.

Get a lift 

Root clipping is a brilliant little hack for flat curly hair. After styling, use clips like these to prop up the roots as your curls dry. Place the clips at the crown or wherever you want a little extra lift. Let your hair air dry or diffuse, then gently remove the clips and bam – instant volume, zero drama.

Morning-after magic

Woke up with squashed curls? Flat hair doesn’t stand a chance with a quick refresh routine. Here’s how:

• Lightly mist your roots and lengths with water. Try our handy spray bottle.

• Flip your head and give it a good shake – like you’re trying to air out your brain.

• Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently lift at the roots.

• Add a tiny bit of curl cream or gel if needed, then scrunch and diffuse.

Bonus move: If your curls are really in crisis mode, re-wet the top layer and re-style just that section. Nobody will know you didn’t do your whole head (and frankly, nobody’s got time for that anyway).

Say no to build-up

If your hair is feeling weighed down or greasy at the roots, it might be time to clarify. Product build-up can make curls go limp and sad, so treat your scalp to a clarifying shampoo once every week or two. Fresh, clean roots = lifted, happy hair.

Hats off (but not really)

Hats are cute. Flat hair under hats? Not so much. If you’re rocking a beanie or cap, prep your hair first. Pop your curls into a loose pineapple with a silk scrunchie, or wear a satin-lined beanie like this one to prevent friction. When you take it off, flip your hair upside down and fluff with your fingers. It’s like CPR for your crown.

Final thoughts on flat hair

Flat curly hair is annoying, but it’s totally fixable with the right techniques and a few clever tweaks. Flip, clip, fluff, and refresh – and if all else fails, just blame the weather and put your hair in a claw clip. We won’t tell.

So next time your curls fall flat, remember: volume is a vibe, and your hair can bounce back – literally.

Looking for more curly hair tips and tricks? 

Check out more of our advice here.

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