Styling your bangs when you have a cowlick isn’t always easy. In fact, it can be downright frustrating. Having a section of hair that’s growing in a different direction than the rest of your fringe can take some extra effort, but with the right tips and products, cowlicks can be camouflaged, hidden, and tamed. Take a look at how to style bangs with a cowlick.
What Is a Cowlick?
A cowlick is a small section of hair that grows at a different angle than the rest of the hair on your head. The name comes from the swirled effect left in the hair of a calf after being licked by their mother. Cowlicks are caused by genetics and are typically located at the crown of the head, but can also appear near the front of the hairline, in the middle of the forehead. This is called a cowlick hairline. Anyone can have cowlicks; you’re either born with them or without them.
7 Tips and Hacks to Tame a Cowlick
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- Flip your hair- drying your hair in multiple directions confuses the hair roots in the area. This helps break down the stubborn directions held by the cowlick. First, blow dry your hair in the direction of the cowlick, then, after several seconds, switch to drying in the other direction. Continue flipping back and forth until your hair is dry.
- Use the right products- don’t shy away from product if you have a cowlick. Apply a small amount of pomade or wax to your fingers and smooth down the cowlick. Or apply a small amount of hair gel to the cowlick and comb it in the desired direction. Allow the product to dry to hold the hair in place.
- Finish with hairspray- spray a lightweight hairspray on the cowlick after styling for added hold. You don’t need to use a ton, but it will help hold your style throughout the day.
- Switch up your part- this can help to camouflage a cowlick. Experiment with different parting styles to find the one that works best.
- Cut and style for your cowlick- while blunt bangs and sleek styles aren’t the best choice if you have a cowlick, opt for beach waves or any other style with texture. These are easier to blend and camouflage your hair’s inconsistent growth pattern.
- While you sleep- if your cowlick is at the front of your hairline, try sleeping with your hair pinned down with a no-crease pin to help train it in the right direction over time.
- Be consistent- taming a cowlick may require consistent effort over time. You may need to repeat these techniques daily until your hair starts cooperating.
How to Style Bangs with a Cowlick
1. Start with Wet Hair
When your hair is wet, it’s easily manipulated, and as it dries it can be trained to do what you want. To style your bangs, you can simply use a spray bottle to wet your bangs before styling. You don’t need to re-wash your whole head, but make sure your bangs are completely wet before you move onto styling.
2. Use a Round Brush
To blow dry your bangs you’ll need a round brush with good tension. Starting where your cowlick is, place the thumb of the hand that’s holding the brush underneath the section of bangs you’re going to blow dry. Then put the brush on top of your thumb so that you’re squeezing your bangs between them. The thumb is essential because it gives your hair extra tension to pull on the follicle from the root. While directing the blow dryer down your bangs, first pull your bangs to the left, then the right, then straight down, keeping tension on them the entire time. Repeat until your bangs are dry.
3. How to Blow Dry Bangs with a Cowlick | Sam Villa Hair Tutorials
Watch this tutorial to learn another technique to style bangs if you have a cowlick. It’s super simple to do and all you need is a styling comb, a little bit of product, and a blow dryer. He explains why using a thermal protectant is crucial and why a styling comb is his preferred choice over a brush. Check out his best tips and style your cowlick with ease!
4. Try Side Swept Bangs
If your cowlick wants to curve to one side, side swept bangs are a great option for you. They’ll typically look better than blunt bangs, which fall straight along your forehead. Side swept bangs with long layers are ideal because the weight of longer hair will pull your cowlick down, making it less obvious. Longer hair with lots of movement can help disguise your cowlick.
5. Window Washing Technique
For this technique, start by applying a lightweight holding spray to the roots when your hair is very wet. Using a fine tooth comb, keep your hair flat to the scalp, and use a slight back-and-forth motion at the root (like windshield wipers) until your hair is 50 percent dry. Continue drying your hair, directing the way you want it to lay. As a finishing touch, add a dry finishing spray for added hold.
Styling your bangs with a cowlick can be frustrating, but we hope these tips help you get your cowlick under control!
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