There's something irresistibly intriguing about cowlick bangs, they're the rebellious younger sibling of traditional fringe, with a mind of their own. As someone who's battled (and learned to love) my own stubborn cowlick, I've come to see these quirky hair swirls not as flaws but as opportunities for creativity. If you're struggling with a front cowlick, follow me on how to embrace and style curly bangs like a pro.
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A cowlick is a natural hair growth pattern that causes strands to swirl or stand upright, often at the crown or hairline. When this phenomenon meets bangs, you get cowlick bangs, which make a section of fringe that seems determined to defy gravity or part in an unexpected direction. While they can feel frustrating, Nick Latham from a London-based salon team once noted, "A bang with a cowlick is actually more individual than any other." He added, "They have more volume and more of a bend, which can really open up an individual's eyes and compliment features like cheekbones."
Cutting bangs with a cowlick requires finesse. My rule of thumb over the years is to avoid blunt lines and opt for layered, piecey ends to mask uneven growth. The text explanation can be a bit difficult to understand, so I recommend you watch the video below. In the video, the professional hairstylist explains in detail the steps of trimming bangs on a cowlick.
Let's be real: cowlicks can be unpredictable. If trimming feels too risky, consider clip-in bang hair pieces.
The secret to styling cowlick bangs lies in collaboration, not domination. Here's how to make peace with your natural texture:
✨ Blow-Dry With the Cowlick
Grab a round brush and a hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle. I've found that directing heat downward while rolling the brush under the fringe helps train the hair to lie flat. For stubborn swirls, try a cool shot of air at the end to set the shape.
✨ Use Styling Products or Tools
Apply a pea-sized amount of matte cream to the roots for a subtle hold. For flyaways, use a clear brow gel to smooth split ends without looking stiff.
I also use a mini straightener on the inner layer of my bangs to keep them flat.
✨ Use a Zigzag Parting
A zigzag parting will soften the cowlick and pair with a "lived-in" side sweep
✨ When All Else Fails, Accessorize
On days when your bad cowlick bangs refuse to cooperate, channel your inner fashion editor. A silk scarf tied as a headband, a vintage claw clip, or even a statement hat can distract and delight.
Cowlicks shouldn’t be a limitation for you, instead, they can add personality to any look. Here’s why embracing them might be your best hair decision yet:
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Low-Maintenance Appeal
Unlike blunt bangs that demand daily trims, cowlick-friendly styles (like a curtain or wispy bangs) grow out gracefully. A little imperfection only adds to the allure.
Effortless Volume
That stubborn swirl at your roots? It’s nature’s free volumizer. While others backcomb or spray for lift, your cowlick serves up the instant body, although perhaps out of control
Directional Drama
A cowlick forces your bangs to part or flip in unique ways, creating dynamic shapes that flat-ironed fringe can’t replicate. Think of it as your hair’s artistic signature.
Have you embraced your cowlick bangs? With the right techniques and a dash of humor, you can transform what feels like a hair hurdle into your most memorable style feature. Now feel free to share your tricks (or disasters!) in the comments below.
How to Cut and Style Curly Bangs with Ease
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