The sneaky hair part at the back of your head has met its match.

You style the front of your hair to perfection, feeling confident…until you catch a glimpse of the back and see it: the dreaded part. Whether it’s a stubborn cowlick, a widening split from thinning, or simply the way your hair naturally falls, that unexpected separation at the crown can be frustrating. Luckily, we found a smart, stylist-approved fix from Kate of The Small Things, whose simple blow‑dry hack helps smooth that back part into submission.

A back hair part—often appearing at the crown—is usually caused by natural growth patterns, specifically a cowlick or hair whorl where follicles change direction. While harmless, a widening or newly noticeable part can also be linked to hair thinning, hormonal shifts, or everyday styling habits.

Kate, a professional hairstylist and creator of the YouTube channel and blog The Small Things, shares a quick, effective technique to correct it:

Watch Kate’s fix:

What Causes the Back Hair Part

• Natural Growth Patterns (Cowlicks): The most common cause. Hair around the crown often grows in a spiral or opposing directions, creating a natural split.
• Hair Thinning or Hair Loss: A widening part or increased scalp visibility may signal early female or male pattern thinning, often influenced by genetics or hormonal changes.
• Styling Habits & Tension: The back of the head is often overlooked during styling, allowing hair to fall into its natural separation. Tight ponytails or repeated tension can also contribute to thinning in that area.
• Health Conditions: Issues like telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding), thyroid imbalances, or iron deficiency can temporarily increase thinning.
• Medical Conditions: Scalp infections such as ringworm (tinea capitis) can cause localized hair loss that mimics a part.

How to Manage or Fix the Back Part

• Restyle the Roots: Wet the roots at the crown and blow-dry them in the opposite direction of the split to redirect the hair.
• Add Volume: Use dry shampoo or a root-lifting spray to create lift and prevent separation. Avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down.
• Seek Professional Guidance: If the part is new, widening quickly, or accompanied by shedding, consult a dermatologist to rule out underlying hair loss conditions.