Why Is One Side of My Hair Flat? Styling and Growth Factors

Medically reviewedby Dr. Bilal Khan M.B.B.S.
WrittenbyDr. Edna Skopljak, M.D.
Last updated

Dr. Bilal Khan M.B.B.S earned his medical doctorate at Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University in Karachi, Pakistan. In September 2023, he successfully passed the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), achieving certification to practice medicine internationally. Read more...

Have you noticed that one side of your hair appears flatter than the other? Wondering, "Why is one side of my hair flat?" This article will explain the potential causes of this common hair concern and provide solutions to bring back volume and symmetry to your hair.

Why Is One Side of My Hair Flat?

If one side of your hair appears flatter than the other, several factors could be at play:

  1. Hair Care Habits: Constantly brushing, combing, or parting your hair on the same side can train it to lie flatter over time. Switching up your part and varying your styling routine can help restore balance.
  2. Sleeping Position: The side you sleep on most often experiences more friction and pressure, which can flatten the hair. Using a silk or satin pillowcase can reduce this effect and help maintain volume.
  3. Hair Growth Patterns: Natural hair growth direction and cowlicks can cause one side of your hair to be flatter or less voluminous. A professional cut or blow-drying in the opposite direction can help add lift.
  4. Product Buildup: Heavy conditioners, styling products, or oils can weigh hair down unevenly, leading to flatness on one side. Regular clarifying shampoos can prevent buildup and restore volume.
  5. Heat Styling and Damage: If you straighten or curl one side more frequently, it may appear flatter due to heat damage and weakened structure. Ensuring even styling and using heat protectants can help maintain uniform volume.
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Causes of Flat Hair on One Side

✔ Repeated Pressure and Friction Frequent brushing, combing, or parting on the same side can cause the hair to lay flatter over time. Switching up your styling routine can help restore volume.

✔ Sleeping Habits Consistently sleeping on one side puts pressure on the hair, leading to flattening. A silk or satin pillowcase can reduce friction and preserve volume.

✔ Hair Growth PatternsNatural cowlicks or hair growth direction may make one side appear less voluminous. Blow-drying in the opposite direction can help lift the roots.

✔ Product Buildup Uneven application of conditioners, serums, or styling products can weigh down one side more than the other. A clarifying shampoo can help remove excess buildup.

Heat Styling and Damage Overusing straighteners or curling irons on one side can weaken the hair and reduce volume. Using a heat protectant and distributing heat evenly can prevent this.

How to Add Volume to Flat Hair

To add volume to flat hair, start by switching your part regularly to prevent one side from becoming too flat—deep or zigzag parts can create instant lift. Blow-drying with a round brush in the opposite direction of your hair’s natural fall helps boost root volume. 

Using lightweight volumizing products like mousses, root-lifting sprays, or dry shampoos can add body without weighing hair down. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase or adjusting your sleeping position can also prevent flattening overnight, while loose buns or braids help maintain volume. 

Avoid heavy conditioners, serums, or oils on the flatter side, as they can weigh hair down. If uneven volume persists, a professional layered haircut or texturizing treatment may provide long-term balance, and consulting a hairstylist or trichologist can offer personalized solutions.

Conclusion

Understanding why one side of your hair may be flat is the first step towards finding a solution. Whether it's changing your hair care routine, modifying your sleep habits, or trying new volumizing techniques, you have the power to bring back symmetry to your hairstyle. Always remember to consult a hair care professional if you're unsure about the cause of your flat hair or if the problem persists despite your best efforts.

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Dr. Edna Skopljak, M.D.

About the Writer

Edna Skopljak, MDUniversity of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine

Edna Skopljak, MD is a clinical doctor at the University Medical Center Ljubljana and a PhD candidate in Biomedicine at the University of Ljubljana. She combines clinical work with research and medical editing, bringing a clear, evidence-based lens to patient education. Previously, she held roles in the pharmaceutical sector (product management and chief medical officer) and served as a medical production editor for the journal Biomolecules and Biomedicine.

Dr. Skopljak’s publications span clinical topics, including urology and orthopedics. She has co-authored work affiliated with the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at University Medical Centre Ljubljana. She trained in medicine with early clinical experience in Slovenia, reflecting a long-standing focus on practical, patient-facing care.

She strictly follows our Editorial Standards: All medical statements are grounded in authoritative guidelines, FDA labels, and peer-reviewed studies, with clear distinction between approved treatments and adjunctive options.