To effectively get rid of a cowlick on your crown, the most effective approach involves combining the effects of heat, pressure, and strong-hold styling products to train the hair and make the cowlick less visible throughout the day.
Understanding Cowlicks
A cowlick is a section of hair that grows in a different direction than the rest, often creating a swirl or a stubborn lift. On the crown, it can be particularly challenging to style as it tends to stick up or part in an undesirable way. The key to taming it lies in manipulating the hair's natural growth pattern with specific styling techniques.
The Heat, Pressure, and Hold Method
This method utilizes the power of heat from styling tools, the pressure applied during styling, and the lasting hold of hair products to keep the cowlick flat and blended.
1. Preparation and Heat Application
Start with damp, towel-dried hair. This allows for better manipulation and heat distribution.
- Blow Drying: This is the primary tool for applying heat and pressure.
- Technique: Using a hair dryer, direct the airflow against the natural growth pattern of the cowlick. Use a brush (a flat or paddle brush works well for flattening, while a round brush can add volume if desired in other areas) to apply pressure, pushing the hair down and in the direction you want it to lie.
- Focus: Concentrate the heat and pressure on the cowlick area until it lies flat. You may need to dry the area completely to set the hair in place.
- Cool Shot: Finish with a blast of cool air on the cowlick after it's styled. This helps to "set" the hair by closing the hair cuticle and locking in the new shape.
- Flatiron (Optional): For very stubborn cowlicks, a flatiron can provide intense heat and pressure.
- Caution: Use on dry hair only and with a heat protectant.
- Technique: Gently clamp the hair at the cowlick's root and pull the flatiron downwards, encouraging the hair to lie flat. Do not hold the iron in one spot for too long to avoid damage.
2. Applying Styling Products for Hold
Once the hair is styled with heat and pressure, it's crucial to lock in the shape with strong-hold products.
- Product Selection: Choose from a range of strong hold products designed to keep hair in place:
- Pomade: Excellent for a slick, polished look with strong hold and often a bit of shine.
- Gel: Provides firm hold and can be good for creating definition, often with a wet look initially.
- Wax: Offers strong hold with a more natural, matte finish and allows for some restyling throughout the day.
- Other Strong Hold Products: Mousse or styling creams specifically labeled for strong hold can also be effective.
- Application:
- Take a small amount of product (start small, you can always add more).
- Emulsify it in your hands.
- Apply directly to the cowlick area, working it into the roots and through the hair strands you want to control.
- Style and mold the hair into the desired position, ensuring the cowlick is pressed down and blended with the surrounding hair.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tame Your Crown Cowlick
Here’s a practical breakdown of the process:
- Wash and Towel Dry Hair: Your hair should be damp, not dripping wet.
- Prep with Heat Protectant (Optional but Recommended): Especially if using a flatiron.
- Section the Hair: Isolate the cowlick area.
- Blow Dry Against the Grain: Using a hair dryer on a medium-high heat setting and a brush (like a paddle or flat brush), direct the hair at the cowlick against its natural growth pattern. Push it down and in the direction you want it to lay.
- Use Pressure: As you blow dry, apply firm pressure with your brush to flatten the cowlick.
- Switch to Cool Air: Once the cowlick is mostly dry and styled flat, switch your dryer to the cool shot setting and continue to press the hair down with your brush. This sets the style.
- Apply Styling Product: Take a pea-sized amount of a strong-hold pomade, gel, or wax. Warm it between your palms.
- Work into the Cowlick: Apply the product directly to the roots and through the hair strands of the cowlick.
- Mold and Style: Use your fingers or a comb to mold the hair, ensuring the cowlick is completely flattened and blended with the rest of your hair.
- Final Check: Ensure no strands are sticking up. If needed, a tiny bit more product can be applied for extra hold.
By consistently applying this combination of heat, pressure, and strong-hold products, you can significantly tame your cowlick and make it less visible for most of the day.
