Double Crown Hair: Meaning, Myths, and Best Styling Tips

If you have ever sat in a barber's chair or a stylist's station and heard the professional mention a "double crown," you might have wondered exactly what that entails. For many, discovering they have a double crown explains years of bad hair days, stubborn cowlicks that refuse to lay flat, and that one spot on the back of the head that always seems to stand up. While it is a relatively rare trait, possessing a double crown is not a styling death sentence. In fact, with the right knowledge, cut, and product usage, it can be managed effectively and even turned into a unique stylistic asset.

A double crown refers to the presence of two distinct hair whorls on the scalp, typically located at the vertex (the top back part of the head). For the majority of the population, hair grows in a single circular pattern, either clockwise or counter-clockwise. However, for approximately 5% of people, two of these spirals exist side-by-side. These opposing growth patterns create a collision of hair direction, often resulting in a ridge of hair that sticks straight up or a patch that appears thinner than the rest due to the divergence of the follicles.

Understanding the mechanics of your hair growth is the first step toward mastering your hairstyle. Whether you are a man looking for a sharp fade that doesn't stick out at the back, or a woman trying to manage volume and layers, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the science, the folklore, and, most importantly, the practical styling solutions for living with a double crown. Professional salons deal with this trait daily, and the techniques used by experts are available for you to use at home.

The Science Behind the Double Crown

What Causes Multiple Hair Whorls?

To understand the double crown, one must look at how hair develops in utero. Hair whorls are formed during the early stages of fetal development, driven by the rapid expansion of the brain which stretches the scalp. As the skin stretches, the hair follicles are angled in specific directions. The standard pattern is a single spiral. However, genetic factors can influence the development of two separate centers of rotation. This is not a defect or a medical issue; it is simply a variation in human biology, much like having blue eyes or being left-handed.

Research into parietal whorls suggests a strong genetic component. If a parent has a double crown, there is a higher likelihood of their offspring inheriting the trait. The placement of these crowns can vary significantly. Some are positioned closely together, creating a tight collision zone that results in a "tuft" or spike. Others are spaced further apart, which can create a flat spot between the two whorls where the hair parts naturally, sometimes mimicking the appearance of a bald spot despite full hair density.

Clockwise vs. Counter-Clockwise

The direction of the spiral matters immensely when it comes to styling. A single whorl usually rotates clockwise. In a double crown scenario, you might have two clockwise whorls, or more commonly, one clockwise and one counter-clockwise. When the spirals rotate in opposite directions, the hair between them is forced upward, creating a natural "faux hawk" effect that can be difficult to flatten. Understanding which way your hair naturally wants to flow is crucial. Fighting the direction of a double crown with a comb is often a losing battle; the secret lies in working with the flow or using heat and product to redirect the root temporarily.

Myths, Superstitions, and Cultural Meanings

The "Two Marriages" Myth

Throughout history, human beings have sought to find meaning in physical traits, and the double crown is no exception. One of the most pervasive old wives' tales, particularly in Asian and European folklore, is that a person with two crowns is destined to have two marriages. While there is absolutely no scientific correlation between hair growth patterns and marital success, this myth persists as a playful conversation starter in barbershops and salons around the world.

Intelligence and Mischief

Another common belief is that children born with a double crown are exceptionally intelligent but also prone to mischief. In some cultures, the double crown is seen as a sign of high energy and a strong-willed personality. Parents are often told that their child will be a handful to raise but will grow up to be very successful. In other traditions, it is associated with good luck or spiritual sensitivity. While these are merely superstitions, many people with double crowns embrace the idea that their unique hair pattern sets them apart as unique individuals.

The Genius Link?

Some anecdotal observations have attempted to link double crowns to left-handedness or specific cognitive abilities, but scientific studies have not conclusively proven a direct link between the number of hair whorls and IQ levels. However, because hair whorl development is linked to early brain development, scientists continue to study these patterns to understand potential neurological connections. For now, if you have a double crown, you can certainly claim the folklore of "genius potential" if you wish!

The Styling Struggle: Why It Is So Difficult

The "Tuft" and the "Bald Spot"

The two biggest complaints regarding double crowns are the uncontrollable spike and the illusion of balding. When two whorls sit close together, the hair growing out of them clashes. Since the hair cannot grow into the scalp, it grows outward, creating a tuft that resists gravity. No matter how much gel is applied, this tuft often springs back up once the product dries. This is particularly problematic for men's short hairstyles, where the silhouette of the cut is ruined by a protrusion at the crown.

Conversely, when the crowns are separated, the hair grows away from the center of the gap in all directions. This exposes the scalp in the middle, creating a distinct white patch. Many clients panic, thinking they are losing their hair. In reality, the density is fine; it is simply the orientation of the follicles exposing the skin. This "parting of the sea" effect requires specific cutting techniques to leave enough weight over the area to cover the scalp.

The Importance of Length Retention

A common mistake made by inexperienced stylists or home-cutters is chopping the hair too short at the crown in an attempt to remove the offending cowlick. Unfortunately, cutting a double crown too short often makes the problem worse. Short hair has less weight and is more prone to standing perpendicular to the scalp. To control a double crown, one usually needs to leave the hair slightly longer in that specific area so that the weight of the hair strand can pull it down flat against the head shape.

Best Hairstyles for Men with Double Crowns

The Textured Crop

For men who prefer shorter styles, the textured crop is an excellent option. This style involves fading the sides and back while leaving the top textured and slightly messy. The beauty of a textured crop is that it is designed to look somewhat chaotic and organic. By using texturizing shears, a stylist can blend the erratic growth of the double crown into the overall messy aesthetic of the haircut. The cowlicks become part of the style rather than a defect.

The Modern Buzz Cut

If the battle with the double crown becomes too frustrating, the buzz cut is the ultimate equalizer. However, there is a caveat. If you buzz the hair down to a grade 1 or 2, the scalp exposure from the whorls will be visible. To minimize this, a slightly longer buzz (grade 3 or 4) on top is recommended. Alternatively, a skin fade that goes high enough to cut through the crowns can eliminate the issue entirely, though this depends on how low the crowns sit on the head.

The Messy Quiff or Faux Hawk

Since double crowns often naturally push hair upward, why not lean into it? Styles that require volume at the crown, such as a messy quiff or a soft faux hawk, utilize the natural lift provided by the whorls. Instead of trying to plaster the hair flat, use a matte clay to encourage the lift. This turns the "problem" area into a volume-boosting asset, making the hair look thicker and fuller.

Best Hairstyles for Women with Double Crowns

Long Layers and Weight

For women, length is the best friend of a double crown. The longer the hair grows, the heavier it becomes, and gravity eventually overpowers the direction of the follicle. Long, flowing layers are ideal because they allow the hair to settle naturally. However, care must be taken not to cut layers too short at the crown area, or you risk creating a "rooster tail" effect where the short layer spikes up through the longer hair.

The Shaggy Bob

A shaggy, textured bob is another fantastic option. Similar to the men's textured crop, a shag cut relies on choppy layers and movement. This disguises the growth patterns of the double crown. By incorporating waves or curls (either natural or heat-styled), the visual disruption of the whorls disappears into the overall texture of the hair. A straight, sleek bob is much harder to maintain with a double crown as it highlights any deviation in the hair's surface.

Pixie Cuts with Texture

Pixie cuts can be tricky but rewarding. A smooth, skull-hugging pixie might be difficult if the double crown causes flat spots. However, a voluminous, spiky pixie cut works wonders. A stylist can cut into the whorls to remove bulk while leaving enough length to create a piece-y look. Using a molding paste, the hair can be directed in various ways to cover the scalp while maintaining a chic, short silhouette.

Expert Styling Techniques: Blow-Drying and Products

The "Confusion" Drying Technique

The most effective way to tame a double crown is through heat styling while the hair is wet. The moment you step out of the shower, the clock starts ticking. Once the roots dry in their natural direction, they set like concrete. The "confusion" technique involves using a blow dryer on medium heat and a vent brush (or your fingers). You must blow-dry the crown area in every direction: left, right, up, down, and in circles. By constantly moving the hair back and forth as it dries, you confuse the root, preventing it from settling into its natural, stubborn pattern. Finish with a blast of cool air to lock the neutral position in place.

Root Boosters and Volumizers

If your double crown creates a flat spot, root boosting powders or sprays are essential. Apply a texturizing dust directly to the roots at the crown area and massage it in. This creates friction and grit, allowing you to physically move the hair over the flat spot and have it stay there. This is far more effective than hairspray, which only coats the surface.

Matte Pastes vs. Wet Gels

For controlling spikes, avoid wet gels. Gels tend to clump hair strands together, which can actually make the scalp visibility at the whorl worse and make the spike look like a singular, hard horn. Instead, opt for matte pastes, clays, or putties. These products have a low sheen and high hold. They coat individual strands to make the hair look thicker and allow for reworkability throughout the day. If the crown pops up, you can simply push it back down.

Communicating with Your Stylist

What to Ask For

When visiting a professional salon, communication is paramount. Do not assume the stylist sees your double crown immediately, especially if your hair is dry and messy when you arrive. Point it out. Ask them to leave a little extra length in the crown area (the vertex) to account for the cowlick. A common phrase to use is, "Please leave weight in the crown so it doesn't stick up."

Texturizing vs. Thinning

Be cautious with thinning shears. While removing bulk is good, over-thinning a double crown can be disastrous. If too much hair is removed, the remaining short hairs will stand up even straighter, and the scalp will be more visible. Ask your stylist to "point cut" or "texturize the ends" rather than thinning out the roots near the crown. This creates soft edges that blend easier without compromising the structural weight needed to hold the style down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is a double crown a sign of balding?

No, a double crown is not a sign of male or female pattern baldness. It is simply a growth pattern. However, the divergence of hair can expose more scalp, creating an illusion of thinness. If you are concerned, check the density of the hair follicles themselves; if the hair strands are thick and plentiful, it is just a whorl, not hair loss.

2. Can I permanently remove a double crown?

No, you cannot surgically remove or alter the direction of hair follicles. It is a permanent genetic trait. Chemical straightening or relaxing can help the hair lay flatter, but as soon as the new roots grow in, the natural pattern will return. The only permanent solution is learning how to style it effectively.

3. Are double crowns rare?

Yes, they are relatively rare. Studies suggest that only about 5% of the population has a double crown. A single clockwise whorl is the most common pattern found in humans.

4. Does hair length affect how a double crown looks?

Absolutely. Hair that is very short (but not buzzed) often highlights the sticking-up nature of the crown. Hair that is medium-to-long is usually easier to manage because the weight of the hair helps flatten the cowlick. The "awkward stage" of growing hair out is usually the hardest time for managing double crowns.

5. Can a double crown develop later in life?

No. You are born with your hair whorl patterns. However, they may become more noticeable as you age if your hair thins or if you change your hairstyle. Changes in hair texture (e.g., greying hair becoming coarser) can also make cowlicks feel more stubborn, but the pattern itself was always there.

6. What is the best brush for a double crown?

A vent brush or a small round brush is best. A vent brush allows warm air from the blow dryer to circulate through the roots, helping to redirect them. A small round brush can be used to grab the hair at the root and pull it taut against the growth pattern to smooth it out.

Conclusion

Having a double crown is a unique biological quirk that makes your hair distinctively yours. While it presents certain styling challenges—from the stubborn spikes to the visible scalp—it is entirely manageable with the right approach. By understanding the genetics behind the whorls, choosing a haircut that complements rather than fights your growth patterns, and mastering the art of the multi-directional blow-dry, you can achieve a salon-quality look every day.

Remember, the key is patience and product. Don't fight the flow; manipulate it. Whether you choose to crop it close, grow it long, or texture it into a messy masterpiece, your double crown does not have to dictate your style—you do. Consult with an experienced stylist at a professional salon, discuss your specific growth patterns, and embrace the uniqueness of your hair.