How to Straighten a Cowlick

How to Straighten a Cowlick
Written By
Celeigh O'Neil
Celeigh O'Neil
Published: Jan 13, 2014
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
1 minute read
Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Cowlicks have an agenda that is entirely their own. They love pushing their way through freshly washed and styled hair and standing on ends, usually just at the moment that you walk into work. The hair that grows in a direction opposite to the rest of your hair growth can also be more discreet, creating unexpected parts and creases. While you and your cowlick may work on opposing schedules, a happy coexistence is possible with the right blow-drying technique.

Step 1

Wash and gently towel dry your hair.

Step 2

Place a natural-bristle brush under the cowlick and any other hair that you'd like to blend it with. Cowlicks need to be styled when damp, as they set as soon as they dry.

Step 3

Pull the brush tightly through your hair in the opposite direction of the cowlick, using your thumb to hold the hair in place on the brush.

Step 4

Turn on the blow-dryer and aim the nozzle down the hair shaft as you brush. Continue brushing and blow-drying until your hair is dry.

Step 5

Brush and blow-dry your hair in the other direction keeping the brush pulled taut. This prevents the cowlick from setting in one direction, making it easier for you to style.

Step 6

Allow your hair to cool for one minute, then brush it into the desired position.

Step 7

Hold a can of firm-hold hairspray 8 inches away from your head and spritz the cowlick.

Photo Credits

Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Celeigh O'Neil

Celeigh O'Neil has been writing professionally since 2008. She has a Bachelor of fine arts from the University of Ottawa, as well as degrees in fashion illustration/design, digital arts and certification in hair and makeup artistry. O'Neil…

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