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Or awoken to a huge section of your hair stickingflatto your head?

you’ve got the option to likely thank a cowlick for that.

woman brushing hair

Stocksy

They stick to their own agenda, and they never seem to want to cooperate.

These pesky strands may be the bane of your existence, but they don’t have to be.

Meet the Experts

Read on to see what our experts have to say about managing cowlicks.

What Is a Cowlick?

Cowlicks are natural growth patterns in the hair that cause strands to go in opposing directions.

“Cutting the hair short right at the cowlick will expose the cowlick even more,” she explains.

That’s not to say you’ve got the option to’t haveshort hair, of course.

Make a point to discuss your styling goals with your hairdresser.

Use an Iron

Rabiu credits another hot tool for its cowlick-correcting abilities.

“Root tamer irons are [also] great for cowlicks,” she explains.

“They work by helping you get straight to the roots without burning your scalp.

Their fine-tooth comb edges help provide tension as you direct the cowlick towards your desired direction.”

Root tamers are especially great forthicker strands.

Rabiu recommends the BaBylissPROStudio Design Series Root Reacher.

“Diffuse and voila”

No-crease clips and a little heat manipulation will train your cowlicks to reposition themselves.

“[Use] lightweight product on thin hair,” she advises.

She suggests R+Co’sSandcastle Dry Textured Cremewhen you need a little more grit to help reshape your cowlick.

For instance, the hairline is no different than the crown of the head.

Rourk advises using the same precautions and tricks to get your hair to work with you.

Most cowlicks are natural and are triggered by genetics.

But sometimes, it’s possible for you to get them after shaving your head or an injury.

Typically, a cowlick will show up at the crown of your head.

Sometimes, they can appear along the front of your hairline.

Cowlicks typically occur more easily on dry hair.