At Hair Salon Barrie, also known as Fade Artist Barber Lounge and Hair Studio, we see them every day. The good news? With the right approach, a cowlick doesn’t have to ruin your style. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—what causes a cowlick, what not to do, and what actually works.
Related Article: Battling the Frizz: Men’s Hair Survival Guide for Wet Winters
What Is a Cowlick?
A cowlick is a section of hair that grows in a different direction than the surrounding hair, causing it to stick up or lay oddly. Most people have at least one, usually at the crown, forehead, or nape of the neck. Some are subtle. Others are more stubborn.
Cowlicks form due to genetics. You can’t change the direction your hair grows, but you can train it, cut it differently, or style around it. They’re not a flaw—just a feature that needs a little strategy.
Don’t Fight It Blindly
A lot of people try to “flatten” a cowlick with gel, water, or a hat. That might work for an hour—until the cowlick dries or the product wears off. What you need is a long-term approach that respects the hair’s natural behaviour.
The biggest mistake is ignoring the growth pattern. Cowlicks need to be worked with, not against. Once you understand the direction of growth, you can start working smarter—and looking sharper.
Option 1: Get the Right Haircut
This is the easiest fix—and the most effective.
At Hair Salon Barrie, we tailor every cut to your hair’s natural growth. Our barbers look at your cowlick’s position and behaviour before we even touch the clippers. Sometimes, the solution is to go shorter. Other times, you need more weight in the area to keep the hair in place.
Cuts That Help Tame Cowlicks:
- Fade or Taper Cuts: Gradual blending around the cowlick reduces contrast and helps it sit more naturally.
- Textured Styles: Adding texture with scissors can break up the cowlick and reduce bulk, making it less obvious.
- Buzz Cut or Crop: Going ultra-short can eliminate the problem altogether.
Pro tip: Don’t DIY this one. A pro barber can read your growth patterns and make adjustments that actually last.
Related Article: Curly Hair Care for Men: Tips & Tricks
Option 2: Train the Hair Over Time
Hair has memories. That means you can “train” a cowlick to behave differently with consistent styling.
Steps to Train a Cowlick:
- Wash and Dry Strategically: Towel-drying in the direction you want the hair to lay is key. Don’t rub—press and guide.
- Use a Blow Dryer: Heat is your best friend. Use a round brush or comb to guide the cowlick while drying. Always finish with a cool shot to lock in the direction.
- Apply Product the Right Way: Use a light pomade or clay while the hair is damp. Start at the cowlick and work outward.
- Be Consistent: Style the cowlick daily for a few weeks. Over time, it will start to follow the lead.
Pairing this method with regular trims keeps your progress on track.
Related Article: How to Style Male Curly Hair
Option 3: Use the Right Styling Products
Not all products are created equal. A heavy gel might weigh the hair down but will also make it stiff and flaky. Lightweight clays, pastes, or pomades with medium hold offer control without stiffness.
Best Products for Managing Cowlicks:
- Matte Clay: Offers grip and texture without shine.
- Light Cream: Adds softness and a touch of control.
- Pomade: For sleek styles that require hold and shine.
Look for products that are alcohol-free and suitable for your hair type. At Hair Salon Barrie, we use and recommend Canadian-made, salon-quality products that won’t damage your hair or scalp.
Option 4: Embrace It
Sometimes, the best option is to stop fighting your cowlick and incorporate it into your look. Some of the most iconic hairstyles—from the messy fringe to the tousled quiff—work because of a cowlick.
Let your natural growth add character. When your cut matches your pattern, it looks intentional—not rebellious. Our barbers can help you turn a stubborn spot into a feature.
Cowlick Solutions Based on Location
Every cowlick is different, but here’s how we approach them depending on where they show up:
Crown (Back of the Head):
- Best managed with short cuts (fades or crops)
- Blending with clippers helps avoid the “double swirl” effect
Front Hairline:
- Fringe cuts can cover it
- Pompadours and quiffs can work with it for lift
- Side parts may need adjusting based on the direction of the swirl
Related Article: How Can I Style My Hair to Embrace Its Natural Texture?
Nape (Neck Area):
- Use tapering to blend the growth
- Keep lines sharp for a cleaner finish
- Avoid cutting too high, which can make the cowlick stand out more
Tips to Avoid Making a Cowlick Worse
- Don’t cut it too short unless you’re committing to a full buzz
- Avoid heavy product buildup, which weighs hair unevenly
- Don’t overbrush or overstretch the cowlick—it’ll fight back harder
- Stay consistent with cuts—grow-out makes cowlicks more unruly
Can a Cowlick Go Away?
No. A cowlick is caused by the direction of your hair follicles, and that doesn’t change. But your approach can. With the right cut, tools, and products, a cowlick can go from an everyday annoyance to a non-issue.
The goal isn’t to erase the cowlick—it’s to manage it so well that no one notices.
Why Come to Hair Salon Barrie?
We don’t guess. We don’t wing it. At Fade Artist Barber Lounge and Hair Studio, we take time to understand your hair—its texture, patterns, challenges, and potential. That includes cowlicks.
Here’s what you get:
- Personalized consultations before we pick up the clippers
- Barbers trained in both classic and modern techniques
- Locally sourced, high-quality products that treat your hair right
- Real advice on how to style and manage your hair day-to-day
- A relaxed, clean, professional atmosphere where your look comes first
Whether you want to hide your cowlick or own it, we’ve got your back (and your crown and your hairline).
Book Your Appointment
Ready to stop fighting your cowlick? Come see the pros at Hair Salon Barrie. We’ll give you a style that works with your hair, not against it.
Call or book online today. Your hair deserves it.
