Cowlicks are those annoying areas that refuse to play by the rules. Essentially, they’re a clump of hair that grows in a different direction than the rest of your head, which creates a push-up effect in your hair. While there’s no way to completely get rid of cowlicks (the direction of your hair follicles is set at birth), you can learn how to conceal or reshape them to your liking.
The best part is that cowlicks are not exclusive to straight hair—most people, including those with curly hair, have at least one. The most common place to find a cowlick is near the front of your hairline, or what’s known as a widow’s peak, though they can also appear on the crown of the head and even in the nape of the neck.
For those with a cowlick at their forehead, you can hide it by opting for long side-swept bangs that will support the natural pattern of your hair and add movement to the look. Shorter bangs, on the other hand, can expose your cowlick and make it more pronounced.
You can also use a heat-protectant product and a blow dryer with a diffuser to help control your cowlick. By alternating the direction you’re blow drying, you can confuse your cowlick by making it harder for it to follow the same pattern. Ultimately, the key is to experiment with your hair until you find a style that works best for you and your cowlick.