Unruly facial hair is one of the challenges faced in caring for a beard. 

A beard cowlick is one of the most difficult types of beard growth to manage - but it can be tamed with the right care (and persistence). If you have a patch of facial hair that refuses to cooperate with your styling efforts, we're here to help.

What Is A Beard Cowlick?

A beard cowlick is a spot of facial hair that grows in a different direction from the rest of the beard. Beard cowlicks usually grow in a circular or spiral shape, but a cowlick can also appear as patches that do not follow the overall shape of your beard. Depending on where the beard cowlick develops, it can make styling your beard difficult and frustrating. 

How to Tell if You Have a Beard Cowlick

Beard hair that consistently grows in an awkward direction, even after repeated shaving and regrowth, is likely to be a beard cowlick. 

A beard hair in a cowlick will see hair spring back into place no matter how many times it is brushed. 

Beard cowlicks can appear anywhere in the beard, but most commonly develop at the lower cheek area, jawline, and chin. There are also rare cases where cowlicks develop in the moustache area, but are usually less noticeable. 

What Causes A Beard Cowlick to Develop? 

A beard cowlick is caused by genetics. How your facial hair will grow out will come down to DNA. 

This means that if someone else in your family has a cowlick in their beard, it’s more likely that you’ll develop one too. 

While genetics is the primary cause of a beard cowlick, there are also other factors like hair length, beard twisting, or a general lack of beard care. 

• The shorter the beard hair is, the more obvious its direction of growth will appear - this is why a beard cowlick sticks out more on a five-o'clock shadow than a thicker mane.  

• Beard hairs can also be shaped by regular twisting habits. While it’s unlikely that swirling your fingers in your beard hair will create a cowlick, it can certainly contribute to the stubbornness of an existing one. 

• Without proper care, facial hair becomes dry, wiry, and more likely to grow out awkwardly.

Can a Beard Cowlick Be Straightened Out?

Sadly, there is no way to permanently straighten out a beard cowlick - the position of your facial hair follicles is determined by your genetics. 

Some beard straightening products claim to get rid of beard cowlicks, but there is no definitive evidence that a beard straightener will work to overturn a beard cowlick.

Styling Tips for Managing A Beard Cowlick 

Having a beard cowlick doesn’t spell the end of your dream for a majestic beard. It will take time and diligence on your part, but there are many ways to manage a beard cowlick, whether by taming it, concealing it, or embracing it. 

1. Style Around It

Instead of forcing the hair in a beard cowlick to grow out in the opposite direction, you can avoid the issue entirely by shaping your beard elsewhere. For example, if you have a cowlick on your upper cheek, you can choose to start your beard lower down on the face and leave the cowlick area clean-shaven. A beard cowlick on the chin can be avoided by opting for a goatee. 

Obviously, this only works if the cowlick is not in the middle of your beard and is small enough to be avoided. If a cowlick bothers you that much, it’s time to experiment with different beard styles to see what works well. 

2. Grow A Longer Beard

A cowlick is more obvious on short beards. Try growing out your beard over a period of at least 6 months - when they’re long enough, the hairs in the cowlick will be easier to comb downwards with the rest of your beard. A fuller beard can also help to completely hide the cowlick. 

 

3. Moisturise Your Beard

Dry and wiry beard hairs are more resistant to combing. To keep your beard (and the stubborn cowlick hair) well hydrated and moisturised, use high-quality beard shampoos, beard conditioners, and beard oils. 

Unlike regular hair and body lotion, beard shampoos and conditioners are specially formulated to be gentle on facial hair and the skin around your beard. Wash your beard daily and apply beard oil after drying to keep your beard hair easier to comb, shape, and style. 

 

4. Use Beard Balm  

There may be days when your beard cowlick sticks out defiantly, even after washing and applying beard oil. 

On such days, beard balm is your best friend. Beard balm can help to keep stubborn beard hairs under control while helping your beard smell great. Some beard balms can achieve a firm hold (similar to hair wax), allowing your beard to stay styled for the rest of the day. 

5. Embrace The Cowlick

Sometimes, it’s better to work with what you have rather than trying to change or hide it. A beard cowlick doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad look - it can be a unique feature that makes your beard stand out. 

Going for a rugged or messy-style beard can make a beard cowlick look more natural as opposed to sticking out like a sore thumb. 

Ultimately, your beard should make you feel good and more confident about your appearance, so it’s completely up to you on how you want to manage a beard cowlick.