Can you make a cowlick go away?

Author: Ryan Kautzer  |  Last update: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Cowlicks are a natural part of your hair's growth pattern, and you can't get rid of them. With that said, you can definitely make them less noticeable and easier to manage. There are ways to tame or hide these pesky strands so they blend more seamlessly with the rest of your hair.

How do I permanently get rid of a cowlick?

Unfortunately, there is no way to permanently remove a cowlick in your hair. They are formed because the hair grows in a specific pattern, or the follicles are unusually shaped. In some cases, children with cowlicks can see their cowlicks go away as they mature and their hair follicles alter in shape.

Can you train a cowlick to stay down?

typically a cowlick may be controlled by training it with a blow-dryer to go to the direction were you want it to go. the second option would be to have your hairstylist design the haircut specifically around the cowlick so that it may lay right.

Do cowlicks go away over time?

Cowlicks are there when you're born and don't go away throughout life, unfortunately. Sometimes you can ``train'' your hair to go against its growth pattern (depending on the texture), but the cowlick is still there. It's simply the direction in which your hair grows out of your head.

Can you permanently straighten a cowlick?

While you cannot permanently change the direction of a cowlick, consistent styling in the desired direction over time may help manage a cowlick's appearance to some extent.

He HATES his Cowlick

Do you get more cowlicks as you age?

These patterns are present from birth and often stay consistent throughout life. However, changes in hair density and texture as we age can make cowlicks appear more pronounced.

What causes cowlicks?

If you have a cowlick hairline or crown, you can likely thank one or both of your parents—genetics are the main reason cowlicks crop up as your hair grows. Surgeries or injuries to your scalp can also cause cowlicks; if you're left with a scar, the hair growth pattern may change.

Can you permanently tame a cowlick?

And that leaves you with two choices: (1) You can either embrace yours, since they're totally normal and natural or (2) you can try to style it to make it a little less noticeable. And although you can't ever fully get rid of a cowlick, you can style around it to at least temporarily fix it.

How to get rid of cowlick from sleeping?

To fix bed head, dampen the area with water, apply a pomade or cream, use a hair dryer to dampen cowlicks, and brush out the section in question. Hurtado recommends tying hair up in a loose top knot, loosely braiding it, or wearing a silk bonnet to keep it secure while sleeping.

Is it a cowlick or calic?

A cowlick — sometimes called a "hair whorl" — is a small group of hair that either stands straight up or lies in the opposite direction of the way a person wants to comb his or her hair. You can recognize a cowlick by the spiral pattern the hair forms.

Can you surgically get rid of a cowlick?

If you dislike your cowlick or feel that the angle of growth doesn't suit your facial features, a hair transplant can correct this and redesign a hairline you are satisfied with.

Can you train a hair cowlick?

Use a flat iron to curve the cowlick in a new direction. Blow drying on a round brush can curve the natural direction of the cowlick at the crown or forehead. When heat styling a cowlick, do not brush or comb while it cools in the new shape. This will help the hair set in the new direction.

Why does hair grow in a spiral?

The direction in which your facial hair grows is determined by the shape of your hair follicles. Spiral patterns occur when these follicles are not perfectly round, causing the hair to grow in a corkscrew fashion.

Can I permanently get rid of a cowlick?

Can you fix a cowlick? Not permanently — cowlicks are surprisingly stubborn. But with the right haircut, styling products, and grooming techniques, you can temporarily hide those unyielding tufts.

Do cowlicks get worse over time?

In conclusion, while cowlicks themselves do not necessarily get worse with age, the changes in hair density, texture, and health can make them appear more prominent or behave differently. By understanding these changes and how to manage them, individuals can maintain their desired appearance and confidence.

Why did I suddenly get a cowlick?

What causes cowlicks? Usually, cowlicks are simply hereditary, caused by your genes. They can also happen after a serious head injury, surgery, or even if you've shaved your head. That's because this can affect the way your hair grows.

What does a cowlick indicate?

Cowlicks result from the hair follicle's angle, causing hair to grow in a spiral pattern. While they can be a styling challenge, cowlicks don't indicate hair loss or balding. The most common characteristics of cowlicks include: Visible spiral or circular hair growth pattern.

What hairstyle is best for a cowlick?

A slicked-back ponytail is not just a classic hairstyle, it can also help conceal a cowlick. If you really want to make sure nothing sticks out, opt for face-framing strands, which will help to cover your temples and the sides of your face.

Does sleeping cause cowlicks?

As someone moves around, the hair does not move with them, causing hair to bend. Someone sleeping can also crush their hairs under the weight of their head, creating cowlicks.

Can you have bangs with a cowlick?

Some people say it's a bad idea to get bangs if your hair is fine or curly or if you have a cowlick. The pros at Matrix say nonsense! As long as your stylist takes your particular hair type and texture into consideration, you can incorporate bangs into your hairstyle no matter what.

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