Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
Read my article below to understand why does hair grow outwards and not down. You can also learn about how to train your hair to curl downwards instead of sticking out.
Are you perplexed by the way your hair seems to defy gravity, growing outwards instead of cascading down? You’re not alone. Many individuals grapple with hair that has a mind of its own, expanding outward and creating a challenge for those who desire sleek, downward-flowing locks.
At Hair Everyday, we’re diving into the science behind this common hair phenomenon to uncover the reasons why some hair types insist on an outward trajectory. From the role of genetics to the impact of hair care routines, we’re peeling back the layers to provide you with a clearer understanding of your hair’s behavior.
Join us as we explore the intricacies of hair growth patterns and offer tips on how to manage and embrace your unique hair type. Let’s get to the root of the matter and discover why your hair grows the way it does!
Why does hair grow outwards and not down
Have you ever stopped to wonder why your hair grows outwards instead of down towards the floor?
The majority of people have hair that tends to naturally grow outwards instead of downwards, so this is a question that has most likely crossed our minds at one point or another.
It all comes down to the hair follicles. Follicles are like small pouches of cells containing stem cells – the stem cells are responsible for helping hair grow.
Each hair follicle is a bit like an umbrella in shape – pointed at the top and wider at the bottom – and are usually inhabited by a tiny muscle at the base called the arrector pili muscle.
When this muscle contracts and relaxes repeatedly, it causes the follicles to move, creating outward hair growth rather than downwards.
Hair follicles also have something called an epithelial root sheath. This sheath is made of several layers that, when they collapse, cause hair to bend and grow in a certain direction.
The root sheath can be curved in one direction, which causes the hair to grow downwards, or curled in the opposite direction, which causes hair to grow outward away from the scalp.
What’s particularly fascinating is that we all have different hair follicles and root sheaths due to genetic reasons. This is why some people’s hair grows inwards and why some people’s hair grows outwards.
So, why does hair grow outwards compared to downward? The answer lies in the anatomy of the hair follicle and the shape of the root sheath.
Related: How To Train Your Hair To Go Back
How do you style hair when it grows outwards
Styling hair when it grows outwards can be a difficult task. Every hair type is different, and some respond differently than others when trying to create a particular look.
But regardless of the type of hair you have, there are several styling tips you can use when you find yourself dealing with hair that’s determined to grow outward.
For starters, if you’re looking to achieve a more formal style, a brush or a round brush is a great tool to have.
Utilizing this tool combined with a hairdryer can help sculpt the hair inwards, as opposed to outwards. When brushing, try to be as gentle as possible, so as not to damage the hair. It’s also beneficial to use some sort of heat protectant before beginning the styling process.
If you want a more natural look, a curling iron can be incredibly helpful. Separate your hair into sections and then twist the iron inwards until you reach the desired volume and look.
Adding some styling products can also be a great way to achieve the desired effect. Mousse or gel can be particularly helpful in this case, as it will help keep the hair in place while adding body and volume.
Is there a way to train hair to grow downwards
Understanding how hair grows and why it grows outwards can be baffling at times. Yet, there are some steps you can follow to train your hair to grow downwards.
This can involve some trial and error to find a style that works for you, but with a little bit of patience, you’ll be able to flaunt a sleek, downward-growing hairdo.
Firstly, it’s important to use the right shampoo and conditioner. A hydrating cleansing shampoo and a softening, smoothing conditioner can help your hair lie more naturally, rather than jutting outwards.
Generously apply conditioner to your hair and then, using a wide-tooth comb, comb very lightly in the direction you want your hair to go. This will help train the direction of your hair to lay flat.
Next, it’s important to ensure your hair is properly protected. Invest in some high-quality heat-protection spray that’ll protect your hair from any damage caused by the use of hair dryers or hot tools.
These products help to seal the cuticles of your hair, which helps keep the moisture in, reducing breakage and frizz. An additional hairstyling product such as a curl-defining spray or serum can help to keep your hair looking soft and healthy with its weighing down properties.
Finally, make sure that you get trims regularly. Seeking professional advice from a hair stylist is recommended. Regular trims will ensure your hair grows in the direction you choose, while also reducing split ends and frizz.
All it takes is good styling products, a little practice and the right tools to achieve a perfect, downward-growing hairdo. If you follow these tips, you’ll soon have an effortlessly stylish look that you can be proud of.
How to make curly hair grow down instead of out
For those of us blessed with wind-swept, wild curls, taming them can be quite the challenge. Here are a few tips to help us get those luscious curls to hang in the way we want them rather than growing out into an unruly mane.
Start off with a clean slate. Washing your hair with a gentle, hydrating shampoo and a dense, creamy conditioner is the first step in achieving tamed curls. Follow it up with a good leave-in conditioner and a smoothing serum that will help align the cuticles and reduce frizz.
When it’s time to dry, opt for air-drying or use a diffuser on the lowest setting. For added hold, you can use a curl cream or mousse to help smooth the cuticles and reduce frizz while styling.
Once your curls have been tamed, ready to be styled, use a wide-toothed comb to detangle. It’s important to hold the sections in your hands, then comb from the ends up to the roots, to avoid breakage and to protect your curls from damage.
Next you’ll want to blow-dry. Switch between the cooling and low settings, going from the scalp to the tips of your curls. This will help reduce shrinkage and will help you achieve that defined curl pattern.
Finally, finish off with a moisturising, hydrating mousse or a leave-in conditioner. This will help to keep those pesky split ends at bay and will give you the perfect curl pattern. With a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to growing down your curls not outwards.
Is changing hair growth direction good
No matter what we do, our body will naturally do what it needs to do – this includes hair growth. While some people enjoy changing the direction of their hair growth to create a certain style or look, it’s important to be aware that this isn’t necessarily a good or healthy thing to do.
When we interfere with our natural hair growth patterns, it can have consequences on our scalps and our hair follicles, both of which can cause a range of issues such as inflammation, breakage, and thinning hair.
This is often caused by using products such as gels, creams, or wax that can weigh down our hair, making it grow in a certain direction instead of outwards, as it is naturally intended to do.
As such, it’s important to be mindful of the products we use and how we style our hair, as the consequences can be too detrimental.
Far more beneficial would be to focus on healthy and natural methods of caring for our hair, such as using conditioners and shampoos that are specifically formulated to promote growth.
This is something we should prioritize, as it can have a profoundly positive effect on our hair, not to mention our overall health.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
Conclusion
Understanding why our hair grows outwards instead of inwards is really quite fascinating. It’s all part of an intricate process in which the hair follicle interacts with the dermal papilla in a special way to produce the curl of the hair.
For some of us, the shape of our hair can be the key factor in our self-confidence and identity.
Whether you are looking to change your hairdo, preserve your hair, or just learn more about it, understanding how and why our hair grows outwards could help to boost both confidence and self-esteem.
Also Read:
Why Does My Hair Curl At The Ends
How Long Do Bangs Take To Grow To Your Chin
To Summarize
