How To Fix A Beard Cowlick

Every beard has a mind of its own.

Some hairs lay exactly where you want them. Others curl, wave, swirl, or stick out like they’re trying to make a statement.

That weird patch of beard hair that refuses to follow the rest of the team? That’s a cowlick.

And if you’ve got one, don’t sweat it. Your beard isn’t broken. You just need to learn how to manage it.

What Causes A Beard Cowlick?

A cowlick happens when a section of hair naturally grows in a different direction than the surrounding hair.

You might notice it on your cheek, under your jaw, near your chin, or anywhere your beard kicks out instead of laying flat.

That’s usually just your natural growth pattern. Your follicles don’t all point the same way, so some areas may swirl, wave, or fight the shape you’re trying to create.

Annoying? Absolutely.

Fixable? Most of the time, yes.

Start With A Clean, Damp Beard

The best time to train a cowlick is after a shower, when your beard is clean, soft, and slightly damp.

Use Beard Wash and Beard Conditioner to clean and soften without stripping your beard dry. Then towel dry so it’s damp, not dripping.

Trying to fix a cowlick when your beard is bone dry is like arguing with a toddler. Technically possible, but nobody’s having a good time.

Use Heat And A Comb

A blow dryer and comb are usually your best first move.

Comb the cowlick in the direction you want it to lay, while using the blow dryer to guide the hair into place. (Make sure the air is blowing the direction you want your beard to lay) The heat helps soften and reshape the hair while the comb gives you control.

Once it’s laying right, hit it with cool air for a few seconds to help lock it in.

Heat moves it. Cool air sets it.

And if that doesn't do the trick, try a beard straightener.

Add Beard Product For Control

Once the hair is shaped, add product to help keep it there.

Start with Beard Oil to moisturize the skin and hair, then use Beard Butter for softness, control, and a more finished look. If the cowlick is stubborn, work a little extra butter into that area and comb it down.

*Pro Tip: mixing a little Stache Master with your beard butter on areas that need extra control works great, but don't use a lot, a little goes a long way.

You’re not trying to shellac your face. Just give the beard enough control to stop acting feral.

Trim Only If You Have To

Trimming should be the last move.

Sometimes a cowlick sticks out because one section is longer than the surrounding hair. In that case, a small trim with the MT-1 Beard Trimmer can help blend it back into shape.

But don’t go hacking at it right away.

Try washing, conditioning, blow drying, and styling first. Then, if it still sticks out like Prius at a biker bar, give it a trim, but just a little at a time.

You can always take more off. You can’t put it back on.

The Simple Cowlick Game Plan

Start with a clean, damp beard. Comb it in the direction you want it to lay. Use a blow dryer to train the hair, hit it with cool air to set it, then finish with Beard Oil and Beard Butter.

If it still won’t cooperate, use the MT-1 to carefully trim and blend.

Cowlicks are normal. A lot of guys have them. The difference between a beard that looks wild and a beard that looks dialed usually comes down to a little heat, the right products, and some patience.

Fun Fact: Spencer Was Dead On

In the video, Spencer asks if a cow actually licked someone, and honestly, he’s not far off.

The term “cowlick” dates back to the 1500s, and it comes from the way a stubborn patch of hair can look like the pattern cows left on their calves after licking them.

So yeah, the name basically means exactly what it sounds like.

Hair that looks like a cow got involved.

Got a beard cowlick that refuses to behave, or another beard problem you want us to break down next? Drop a comment and let us know what questions we should answer next.

As always, if you need anything, just hit us up. We’ve got your back.

Live Brave. Live Bold. Live Bearded.