What is the difference between a bald spot and a calic?

Author: Ms. Jalyn Padberg MD  |  Last update: Monday, September 15, 2025

Key takeaways. A cowlick is a natural hair growth pattern that remains unchanged throughout life, while a bald spot is caused by hair loss. Though cowlicks can sometimes mimic thinning hair, they aren't an early sign of balding.

How to tell if cowlick or bald spot?

It's a cowlick the best way to know if your balding is to see if the hair swirls near what you think is a bald patch and if it does swirl its a cowlick if it doesn't then it's a bald patch.

Do I have a bald spot or is it my crown?

It's a cowlick the best way to know if your balding is to see if the hair swirls near what you think is a bald patch and if it does swirl its a cowlick if it doesn't then it's a bald patch.

How to make cowlick not look like a bald spot?

Use a small hair clip to 'cover' the cowlick part with the surrounding parts after washing so it dries that way (no need to blow dry), sooner or later it will be less noticeable as the hair gets used to the new direction.

What does a cowlick look like?

It can look like a swirl or tuft of hair sprouting up from your crown, hairline, or anywhere on your scalp.

Cowlick vs. Balding: Is It Actually An Early Sign of Hair Loss?

Am I balding or is it just my part?

Am I balding or just losing hair? Shedding 50-100 hairs daily is normal. But consistent loss beyond that coupled with seeing more scalp indicates balding, especially in the frontal and top areas for male and female patterns.

Is a hair whorl a bald spot?

Everyone has a whorl in their hair on the crown of the head and for the most part they typically grow clockwise or counterclockwise. Most patients refer to hair whorls as “bald spots,” but technically, they're not the same. Bald spots are commonly caused by genetic male pattern hair loss.

Do cowlicks get worse with age?

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.

What does a thinning crown look like?

Common signs that you have a balding crown include: hair thinning on the top but not around the sides, hair at the crown becoming more brittle, and/or if you have a receding hairline.

What haircuts hide cowlicks?

Classic Pixie. Michelle William's classic pixie cut is one of the best styles around for hiding a cowlick, and celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab agrees, "Pixie cut is a great haircut to help hide a cowlick. This shorter hairstyle will help hide and camouflage the cowlicks making it easier to control them.

What is the best haircut for a bald spot on top of the head?

Haircuts like the crew cut, Caesar cut, or buzz cut are great for hiding a balding crown, giving you a low-maintenance look that makes your hair appear thicker. Styles like the slicked-back look, comb-over, or quiff can use longer hair and a bit of product to cleverly cover up any bald spots.

Why do I suddenly have a cowlick?

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. Or, if you've had a hair transplant, that could be another factor in cowlick growth, since you can't really predict the pattern that will result.

Which hormone causes hair loss in females?

Androgenic alopecia is generally used to describe female pattern hair loss, it is the most common cause of hair loss in women. It usually occurs after menopause because of an excess of androgens (“male hormones”) such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) caused by rapidly decreasing estrogen.

Am I going bald or is it my crown?

Thinning hair at the crown is a common sign of male pattern baldness. It is caused by genes and male hormones. male pattern baldness begins with a receding hairline and often causes a crown bald spot. If you are suffering with temple recession and crown thinning, then this is indicative of balding.

Is a cowlick permanent?

Cowlicks are small tufts of hair that stick straight up, grow in a different direction, or refuse to blend in with the rest of your hair follicles. Can you fix a cowlick? Not permanently — cowlicks are surprisingly stubborn.

Why does my cowlick hurt when I touch it?

This might be because of aggressive combing, headaches, conditions like eczema, scalp psoriasis, contact allergies, etc. While you might think that the pain originates from your hair itself, it's the nerves in your scalp that causes the pain.

Am I balding or is it a cowlick?

Progression: Cowlicks remain consistent, whereas balding areas will continue to thin and expand. Location: Cowlicks can appear anywhere but are most common at the crown or hairline, while balding often starts at the temples, crown, or hairline and spreads.

Can a balding crown grow back?

With the right treatment, there are ways hair can regrow on the crown. From hair loss medications to surgical treatments and even natural methods, there are plenty of treatment options you can try.

How to hide a bald spot on crown female?

Opt for the Right Hairstyle:

Avoid hairstyles that pull hair tightly back or expose the scalp, as these can accentuate thinning areas. Instead, opt for styles that add volume and camouflage sparse areas. Layered cuts, side-swept bangs, and soft waves can all help create the illusion of thicker hair.

What is a double crown?

A double crown is best described as having two whorls at the crown of your head rather than one – these might grow in either direction and are harmless and a natural part of your hair growth genetics. Double crowns are fairly rare and affect a very small proportion of people – around 5% of Caucasian individuals.

What does a healthy cowlick look like?

A cowlick is a natural hair growth pattern that's different from the pattern of the rest of your hair on your scalp. Often, a cowlick appears as one section of hair on the top of the head that sticks straight up or grows in the opposite direction from the rest in a "hair whorl."

Can you make a cowlick go away?

"Using a concentrator on your blowdryer and medium heat while pushing the hair in the opposite direction of the cowlick is the best way to neutralize it," says Rourk. Heat is always the contributing factor that alters the state of our hair, so when in need, use it to your advantage.

Is it normal to have a small bald spot on your crown?

A bald spot on the crown of the head is incredibly common. Men and women may lose hair in this area, even if the rest of their scalp remains unaffected.

How rare are two crowns on head?

A “double crown” refers to the growth of two circular patterns of hair growth on the crown area (top of the head). Around 5% of men are believed to have a double crown, making it a relatively rare occurrence. That's around 1 in 20 men! Even fewer people have triple/multiple hair whorls.

Can a crown look like a bald spot?

A double crown is sometimes mistaken for balding. It can also make your bald spot look worse if you begin to lose hair between the two whorls on your vertex.

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