Understanding the double crown hair phenomenon and its potential solutions

Have you ever looked closely at the top of your head or a friend's head? Typically, there is a single point where the hair grows in a spiral pattern, commonly known as the "crown" or "whorl." But have you ever seen someone with two of these center points?

This phenomenon is known as a "Double Crown." While there are many old wives' tales about what it means (often predicting a mischievous or stubborn personality), in modern styling and anatomy, it is simply a fascinating natural occurrence. Today, referencing insights from Bono Hair, we’ll dive deep into what a double crown is, why it happens, and how to manage this unique hair feature.

What is a "Double Crown"?

Simply put, a double crown refers to having two distinct focal points on the scalp where hair grows in a circular pattern, rather than the usual single point. This growth pattern causes the hair to part in multiple directions, creating a visual "double" effect.

According to research, only about 5% of the population has a double crown. While relatively uncommon, it is a completely normal physiological variation and not a sign of any medical issue. Individuals with this trait often find that their hair has more natural volume, but they may also find it challenging to manage because the hair pulls in conflicting directions.

Is a Double Crown a Sign of Balding?

This is a very common misconception. Because the hair parts in different directions at the two whorls, it can often expose more scalp than usual, leading people to mistake it for a bald patch.

The Fact: A double crown has absolutely nothing to do with balding.

Double Crown: A variation in hair growth direction and arrangement.

Balding: Hair thinning or loss caused by genetics, hormonal changes, aging, or stress.

While a double crown might create the illusion of a bald spot due to the way the hair separates, as long as the hair follicles themselves are healthy, it is merely a growth characteristic, not hair loss.

What Causes a Double Crown?

The answer is simple: Genetics.

The scientific consensus is that a double crown is an inherited trait. If one or both of your parents have a double crown, the likelihood of you having one increases significantly. Aside from genetics, there are no other clear external causes for this phenomenon.

Interestingly, folklore often suggests that a double crown denotes exceptional talent or brilliance. While there is no scientific basis for this, it certainly serves as a symbol of uniqueness!

How to Style and Manage a Double Crown

For many people with a double crown, the biggest headache is "unruly hair." Because two different growth patterns are fighting against each other, hair tends to stick up or lay flat in unexpected ways. Here are some practical styling solutions:

Find a Skilled Hairstylist This is the most critical step. An experienced stylist won’t try to force your hair against its natural grain. Instead, they will cut with your double crown in mind—perhaps leaving more length on top to use the weight of the hair to hold it down, or creating a textured, messy look that embraces the chaos.

Utilize Styling Products Strong-hold waxes, clays, or styling creams are your best friends. They can help you "tame" those stubborn strands that stick up due to conflicting growth directions, keeping the hair sleek or adding intentional texture.

Experiment with Parting Sometimes, simply changing where you part your hair (for example, creating a deep side part) can cleverly camouflage the conflict between the two whorls and redirect the hair flow to your advantage.

Use Accessories On days when you don’t want to spend time styling, hats, headbands, or scarves are not just fashion statements—they are effortless solutions to hide the visual disruption caused by the double crown.

Advanced Solution: Hair Systems If you are particularly self-conscious about the appearance of your double crown, or if it is accompanied by actual thinning hair, the Oxea article highlights a non-surgical solution: Toupees or Hair Systems. Modern hair systems are incredibly natural; they can perfectly cover the double crown area and allow you to style your hair exactly how you want, freeing you from the limitations of your natural growth pattern and boosting your confidence.

Conclusion

Having a double crown is not a "defect"—it is a unique natural signature. While it may present a few challenges for your daily grooming routine, mastering the right styling techniques or finding the right solution can turn it into a manageable part of your personal style.

The next time you see that stubborn swirl in the mirror, try to view it as a mark of your distinctiveness!