How to Get Rid of Cowlicks: Easy Styling Tips for Smooth, Frizz-Free Hair
Cowlicks can make or break a hairstyle, whether your hair is straight, wavy or curly. If you’ve ever struggled with hair that won’t lay flat, flips the wrong way or ruins your face-framing layers, you’re not alone.
A cowlick is a section of hair that grows in a different direction than the rest, often around the hairline or crown. While common, they can be frustrating to style, especially when you’re trying to achieve that smooth, polished look you see on Instagram or Pinterest.
The good news: With the right techniques and tools, you can control cowlicks and create a sleek, styled finish that lasts.
What causes cowlicks?
Cowlicks are caused by the natural growth pattern of your hair follicle. They often appear:
- Along the front hairline
- At the crown (back of the head)
- Around part lines
They can be more noticeable in people with fine hair, short styles or layered cuts.
How to fix cowlicks at the front hairline
If your cowlick won’t cooperate during a blowout, or shows up on day two hair, this technique helps reset the hair, so it lays correctly before styling.
Step-by-step: How to tame cowlicks with a flat iron
Step 1: Prep your hair
Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage and reduce frizz.
Step 2: Section the hairline
Focus on the first half inch of hair around your face. These are the areas where cowlicks are most visible.
Step 3: Straighten the roots in the right direction
Place the flat iron close to the root where the cowlick is strongest. Gently guide the hair in the direction you want it to lay, not the direction it naturally grows.
Step 4: Let it cool and set
Allow the hair to cool in place. This step helps lock in the new shape. Finish with a light-hold hairspray if needed.
Pro tip: This technique works especially well before using a curling iron. It helps the bend fall correctly and enhances face-framing layers.
How to fix cowlicks in the back (crown area)
A cowlick at the crown can cause hair to split or create an unwanted gap in the back of your style.
Step-by-step: How to control a cowlick at the crown
Step 1: Apply a strong-hold styling spray
Use a volumizing or anti-gravity spray directly on the cowlick while hair is slightly damp.
Step 2: Blow-dry with directional heat
Point the nozzle of your blow dryer directly at the cowlick. Use medium to high heat.
Step 3: Use tension to redirect the hair
With a round brush or your fingers, pull the hair in the opposite direction of the cowlick while drying.
Step 4: Finish with a cool shot
Lock in the style by using the cool setting on your dryer.
Benefits of controlling cowlicks
- Smoother appearance: Especially helpful for wavy or curly hair, creating a more polished look
- Easier styling: Cuts down on daily styling time and frustration
- Better hold for curls and blowouts: Styles last longer when the base is controlled
- Boosted confidence: You no longer have to fight your hair every morning
Best products for cowlicks
Look for products that offer:
- Heat protection
- Lightweight hold
- Anti-frizz control
- Root direction control
If you want the perfect combo, we recommend:
- Prep (damp hair):
- Blow dry + root control:
- Kevin Murphy ANTI.GRAVITY at the hairline
- Heat styling (flat iron/curling iron):
Popular options include root-lifting sprays, smoothing creams and flexible-hold hairsprays.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about cowlicks
How do you get rid of a cowlick permanently?
You can’t permanently remove a cowlick because it’s based on your hair’s natural growth pattern. However, consistent styling techniques, like blow-drying with tension and using heat tools, can train your hair over time.
Is it better to fix a cowlick with wet or dry hair?
Cowlicks are easiest to fix when hair is damp. Blow-drying allows you to reshape the hair as it dries. However, a flat iron works well for touch-ups on dry hair.
Why is my cowlick worse in the morning?
Hair sets as it dries. Sleeping on your hair can reinforce the cowlick’s natural direction, making it more noticeable when you wake up.
Can haircuts help with cowlicks?
Yes. A skilled stylist can cut layers or adjust length to work with your cowlick instead of against it.
What is the best hairstyle for cowlicks?
Styles with texture, layers or movement tend to hide cowlicks better than blunt, one-length cuts.
Final takeaway
Cowlicks don’t have to ruin your hairstyle. With the right prep, tools and technique, you can redirect your hair and create a smooth, styled look that lasts all day.
The key is working with your hair, not against it, and using targeted techniques to control problem areas at the root.
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