How To Get Rid Of A Cowlick: Simple Ways To Tame Unruly Hair

By Perry LittelJul 13, 2025

Do you ever feel like your hair has a mind of its own, especially around your hairline or crown? That little swirl of hair that just won't lay flat, no matter what you do, is probably a cowlick. It can be a real source of frustration, making styling a daily battle. Many people wonder if there's a secret to making these stubborn spots disappear, and the good news is you can certainly learn to manage them better.

That one spot where your hair seems to grow in a different direction can really make getting your desired look a bit tricky. It’s like your hair has its own unique personality, sometimes a bit too strong for your liking. People often try all sorts of things to get that hair to cooperate, from heavy gels to pulling it tight with clips, but sometimes those efforts just make things worse, you know?

Learning how to get rid of a cowlick, or at least make it less noticeable, means understanding what makes it act up and then finding the right approach for your hair type. It's about finding ways to gently encourage your hair to behave the way you want it to, which is a pretty satisfying feeling, actually. We can explore some smart ideas to help you achieve that smoother style you're aiming for.

What Exactly Is a Cowlick?
Why Do We Get Cowlicks?
Getting Ready to Tame Your Cowlick
- The Right Cut Makes a Difference
- Tools to Help You Get the Job Done
Simple Steps to Style Out a Cowlick
More Ideas for Handling a Cowlick
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowlicks

What Exactly Is a Cowlick?

A cowlick is a section of hair that stands straight up or lies in a different direction from the rest of your hair. It’s caused by the way your hair follicles are angled on your scalp. Think of it like a little natural whirl. This unique growth pattern means the hair in that area just wants to stick out, sometimes creating a noticeable part or a tuft.

You can find them anywhere on the head, though they are quite common at the front hairline, the crown, or even the nape of the neck. For many people, a cowlick near the forehead can be the most annoying, since it’s so visible. It can make a fringe or bangs look a bit uneven, or just create a general messiness that you might not want, you know?

Why Do We Get Cowlicks?

The main reason we get cowlicks is simply genetics. It’s something you’re born with, a bit like your eye color or how tall you are. Your hair follicles, which are tiny tubes in your skin that hold the hair, are set at a certain angle. When a group of these follicles point in a direction different from the surrounding ones, that’s where a cowlick forms. It’s just how your hair is made to grow, in some respects.

So, you can't really "catch" a cowlick, or make one appear. They are a part of your natural hair growth. Understanding this can actually help you feel a bit better about them, knowing they are not a flaw, but just a part of what makes your hair unique. It’s pretty interesting how our bodies work, isn't it?

Getting Ready to Tame Your Cowlick

Before you try to get your cowlick to behave, it helps to prepare your hair and have the right tools. A little planning can go a long way in getting the results you want. It's about setting yourself up for success, so to speak.

The Right Cut Makes a Difference

One of the most effective ways to deal with a cowlick is to get a haircut that works with it, rather than against it. A skilled hair stylist can really help you figure out the best approach. They can actually cut your hair in a way that minimizes the cowlick’s appearance, making it blend in more naturally. Sometimes, a longer cut can weigh the hair down, which helps it lie flatter.

For shorter styles, your stylist might suggest cutting the hair around the cowlick very short, so it doesn't have enough length to stand up. Or, they might suggest leaving it a bit longer so it can be styled into a natural-looking part or sweep. It's about getting a shape that complements your hair's natural tendencies. Ask your stylist for their thoughts; they often have great ideas for handling these spots.

Tools to Help You Get the Job Done

Having the right equipment can make a big difference when you’re trying to manage a cowlick. You don't need a whole lot of fancy gadgets, but a few key items can really help you get a better grip on your hair. For example, a good quality blow dryer with a nozzle attachment is pretty helpful. The nozzle helps direct the air exactly where you need it, which is important for controlling those tricky sections.

A flat brush or a paddle brush can also be useful for smoothing hair down. Some people find a small round brush works well for directing hair as they dry it. And, of course, having some styling products on hand is key. Things like a strong-hold gel, a cream, or even a good hairspray can help keep your hair in place once you’ve styled it. It's about having the right things to get your hair to stay put, you know?

Simple Steps to Style Out a Cowlick

Once you have your hair cut in a way that helps, and you have your tools ready, you can follow some simple steps to style out your cowlick. The goal is to train the hair to lay flat or blend in with the rest of your style. It takes a little practice, but you can definitely get the hang of it.

Wet Your Hair Down

The first step is to make sure the cowlick area is completely wet. Hair is much easier to control when it's wet, as the water breaks down some of its natural bonds, making it more pliable. You can do this right after a shower, or you can use a spray bottle to dampen just the cowlick area. You want it pretty saturated, actually, so it's really ready to be worked with.

If your hair is just slightly damp, the cowlick might still have some of its stubbornness. Getting it thoroughly wet helps you get the most control over it. This is a basic but very important part of the process, setting the stage for everything else you'll do to try and get your hair to behave.

Apply the Right Products

After getting your hair wet, put a small amount of styling product onto the cowlick. You want something that offers a good hold but won't make your hair feel stiff or sticky. A styling cream, a light gel, or a mousse can work well. The idea is to get a product that helps the hair stay in its new position once you dry it. You don't need a lot, just enough to coat the strands in that specific area.

Rub the product between your palms first, then gently work it into the cowlick, pushing the hair in the direction you want it to go. This step helps to give your hair some extra weight and grip, making it easier to manage. It's about getting the hair ready to be persuaded, so to speak.

Blow Dry with Purpose

This is where the real work happens. Using your blow dryer with the nozzle attachment, direct the airflow directly onto the cowlick. As you dry, use your fingers or a brush to push the hair in the opposite direction of its natural growth. Then, immediately push it back in the direction you want it to lay. You're basically "confusing" the hair and training it to go where you want it to go.

Keep the dryer moving, and don't hold it in one spot for too long, as that can cause heat damage. You might need to do this back-and-forth motion several times to get the hair to cooperate. It takes a little persistence, but you can really get that hair to lay flatter this way. This technique helps to break down the cowlick's natural pattern, allowing you to reshape it.

Cool It Down

Once the cowlick area is dry and laying flat, switch your blow dryer to the cool shot setting. Blast the area with cool air for about 10-15 seconds. This step is super important because it helps to set the hair in its new position. Just like how a blacksmith cools metal to make it hold its shape, cool air helps hair hold its style. It’s a bit like freezing the hair in place, actually.

Without this cool-down step, your hair might spring back to its original cowlick position as it cools naturally. So, make sure you take the time to do this. It really helps you get a longer-lasting result from your styling efforts.

Finishing Touches for Lasting Results

After the cool shot, you might want to add a light mist of hairspray to the area for extra hold. Choose a flexible hold hairspray so your hair doesn't feel too stiff. Just a little bit can help keep everything in place throughout the day. You don't want to use too much, just enough to secure the style. This helps you get that polished look that lasts.

If you find your cowlick is still a bit stubborn, you can try using a flat iron on a very low heat setting on just that section. Gently press the hair flat, moving the iron quickly to avoid damage. This can really help to get those last few strands to behave. Always use a heat protectant spray beforehand, of course, to keep your hair healthy. You want to get that smooth finish without any harm.

More Ideas for Handling a Cowlick

Beyond daily styling, there are a few other things you can consider to make living with a cowlick a bit easier. These ideas might offer a longer-term solution or a different way to think about your hair. It's about finding what works best for you to get the comfort and style you desire.

Grow It Out

For some people, letting the hair in the cowlick area grow longer can be a simple solution. Longer hair has more weight, and that extra weight can help pull the hair down, making it lay flatter. If your cowlick is at the crown, growing out the layers around it might help it blend in more. This is a pretty hands-off approach, actually, if you're patient enough.

This method doesn't "get rid of" the cowlick, but it can make it much less noticeable and easier to manage without daily fuss. It's a natural way to encourage your hair to behave differently. Sometimes, simply letting nature take its course can be the easiest path to get the outcome you want.

Embrace the Swirl

Sometimes, the easiest way to deal with a cowlick is to just accept it and work with it. Instead of fighting it, you can incorporate it into your hairstyle. For example, if your cowlick creates a natural part, consider styling your hair to go with that part. Or, if it makes a little tuft, you could turn it into a cool, intentional spike or a messy, textured look. It's about finding a way to get your hair to look good, even with its unique features.

Many celebrities and public figures have cowlicks and simply style them into their signature looks. It adds character and personality to your hair. Learning to appreciate your hair's natural tendencies can save you a lot of time and frustration. It's a way to get a stylish outcome without all the struggle, you know?

Consider Specialized Treatments

For very stubborn cowlicks, some people explore more advanced options. There are certain salon treatments, like keratin treatments or specific hair relaxers, that can temporarily loosen the hair's natural curl pattern, which might help a cowlick lay flatter. These treatments can be pretty strong, so it’s important to talk to a professional stylist about whether they are right for your hair type. They can help you get information about the process and what to expect.

You might also hear about very rare, more permanent solutions like hair follicle removal, but these are generally not recommended for cowlicks due to potential risks and the fact that cowlicks are usually manageable with less drastic methods. It's usually better to try simpler styling methods first to get a handle on the situation. For more about general hair care and keeping your strands healthy, learn more about hair care on our site. You can also check out this other page for product suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cowlicks

Can a cowlick be permanently removed?

No, a cowlick cannot be permanently removed in a safe or widely recommended way. Since cowlicks are caused by the natural direction of your hair follicles, which are set in your scalp, you can't really change them for good. The best approach is to learn how to manage and style your hair to make the cowlick less noticeable. It's about getting creative with your daily routine.

Do cowlicks go away as you get older?

For most people, cowlicks do not go away as they get older. They are a consistent part of your hair growth pattern. However, as hair thins or changes texture with age, a cowlick might become less prominent or, in some cases, even more noticeable. It really just depends on the individual and how their hair changes over time, you know? So, you can't really expect them to vanish on their own.

What haircut is best for cowlicks?

The best haircut for a cowlick often depends on its location and your hair type. Generally, longer styles can help weigh down the hair, making a cowlick less visible. For shorter hair, cutting the hair very short in the cowlick area, or leaving it long enough to be swept over, can work. A skilled stylist can assess your specific cowlick and suggest a cut that works with your hair's natural tendencies, helping you get a great look. You can find more helpful hair tips by checking out resources from places like the American Academy of Dermatology.

How To Get Rid Of Cowlick In Hair - All About Cow Photos

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