How to Fix Bad Layers in Curly Hair

Sometimes, when you want a quick change in hairstyle, you’re willing to take the risk of cutting your hair at home. Or maybe, your hair is naturally looking uneven, and you have no clue how to fix it.

You don’t always have to cut your hair to fix bad layers, as you might not be styling your curls correctly. Now, what are you supposed to do to fix the uneven layers in your curly hair?

Before you start freaking out, take a deep breath in and exhale. Continue reading to learn how to fix bad layers in curly hair.

What Are the Common Reasons for Bad Layers in Curly Hair?

You already know that some bad layers come from your own doing by trying to trim the ends of your hair. But, sometimes the bad layers could come from your doings without you even realizing it.

One of the common reasons for bad layers of curly hair is heat damage. The excessive heat from heating tools causes damage to the hair cuticles. This reduces the ability of this layer of hair to protect the rest of your hair.

Styling your hair with heat alters the hydrogen bonds in your hair, which are within the cuticles. When these bonds break down, they temporarily change the hair’s natural curl shape. Although it doesn’t completely dissolve the bonds in your hair, it does cause extensive damage.

When you blow-dry your hair on high heat it leads to rapid evaporation of moisture and drying of any oils out of your hair. This affects the cuticle and the more you use heating tools, the more damage it causes.

As soon as the cuticle is damaged, more moisture is lost. More damage can happen without you even using a heating tool, resulting in brittle layers.

Another reason for uneven layers is breakage. ‌Hair breakage at the nape of the neck can cause curls to be shorter. The shorter curls will shrink more and appear tighter.

This results in uneven layers of your hair. If you’re struggling with hair breakage, it’s best to add more moisture, wash your hair once a week, and get regular trims. Remember not to go to bed without a silk headwrap to help protect your curls at night.

Also, adding in too much protein can cause damage to your hair. Yes, protein is good for your hair, but remember not to overdo it. Having too much protein in your hair can make it brittle and cause more breakage.

To avoid this, add more moisture to your hair to create a healthy balance of protein. Here’s a product you can use in between your protein treatments: Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque.

The last two reasons for bad layers in curly hair are product build-ups and using products that are too heavy for your hair type. ‌A product build-up occurs when products remain on the scalp and hair shaft for an extended period. It will appear as white specs in the hair and may cause your scalp to be itchy.

This can happen to anyone, but it is more evident in people with longer hair. If you have product build-up, it will appear lanky, be harder to style and feel dirty after shampooing.

To avoid product build-up consider using a clarifying shampoo once a month. For a clarifying shampoo consider using this product: SheaMoisture Residue Remover Shampoo.

You can also use apple cider vinegar, baking soda, or beer to remove product build-up from your hair. Also, when it comes to adding products to your hair, avoid starting from the roots. This is another way to cause build-up and make your hair look weighed down.

Instead, add the product to your hair starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Make sure you apply even coverage to your hair and only use a small amount at a time.

How to Fix Bad Layers in Curly Hair?

Don’t try to fix bad layers at home if you have the time and money to go to the salon. Your hairstylist can repair the bad layers in your hair and keep the length you desire.

Remember to go to the hairstylist with your hair dry. Your hairstylist will see the uneven layers better when your hair is in its dry state. Also, it is easier to cut or trim hair when it is dry instead of when it is wet.

Fixing Bad Layers in Curly Hair at Home

Surprisingly, it’s not uncommon to have uneven curls, particularly while transitioning. This stage is often a struggle for many as the curl pattern is often all over the place and you’re unable to achieve the desired look you want.

When your hair is trying to return to its natural curl shape it doesn’t always turn out as even as you want. So, until your hair is healthy again, there are some steps you need to do to help it take its natural shape again.

Many people will have a range of types of curls in their hair. For example, you may have Type 3 A curls in the front of your hair, but in the back of your hair, it may be looser and can create Type 2 C curls.

This can cause your hair to look shorter in the front and longer in the back. Of course, this is not the desired look you want to achieve. You want your curls to be full, bouncy, and even all over.

If you don’t have the time and money to go to a hairstylist, here’s how you can fix the uneven layers in your curly hair.

First, you may have to start using different hair products in different sections of your hair. This is often needed for those who have different textures, curl patterns or those who have high and low porosity.

Wet your hair and section the different textures off to apply the products. For example, you may be using different products for the front of your hair than the back.

Start off using a leave-in conditioner and after applying the product, use a Denman brush to help give your hair riglets. Next, use a hair gel and apply it to your ends, working your way to the roots.

Grab the Denman brush and curl each strand with the brush to create more riglets. When using the brush, make sure you don’t create clumps within the curls.

This will make the hair weigh down and look heavy. The goal is to use lightweight products to avoid hair shrinkage.

Next, move to the middle section and do the same steps. Once done, move to the top of your hair and use hair cream for this section. If you use too much water and product, grab your hair with your hands and squeeze the product out.

Now add in a hair gel and use the Denman brush again to create more riglets. Take your time with this section of your hair since it is more visible.

If you don’t have a Denman brush, you can use your fingers and twirl the curls around. This will help with shrinkage and add more volume to your hair.

Once done, use a hairdryer with a diffuser and flip your hair upside down. When it’s 50% dry, flip your hair again and dry more. These steps can help prevent bad layers in your hair and help give your curls a more even look.

It can be costly to do it this way but to avoid it do a trial-and-error process of finding the right products that help with each curl type in your hair.

You can also do curl training during your deep conditioning to help with the bad layers in your hair. This will prevent shrinkage and give your curls a more even look.

If you’re transitioning, you’re going to trim the ends that are straight to give the curls their natural bounce. If you don’t want to do this on your own consider asking a friend to help trim your ends.

Never Fix the Bad Layers in Curly Hair on Your Own

The uneven curls might tempt you to cut your hair, but you’ll end up with shorter hair than you planned. ‌Consider going to your hairstylist for a trim instead. ‌Also, by preventing bad layers in your curls, you’ll avoid the trouble of cutting your hair.

Are you looking for more curly hair tips? ‌Visit the blog to learn how to style your hair and have the healthiest, shiniest, and most bouncy‌ ‌curls‌ ‌ever!