cowlick in back of hair

I'm 63 and have thick fine hair. I have developed a cowlick in the back. Never had a problem before, is this something that happens to older women?


Actually, age can be responsible - by: zoothair

Answers and Comments for cowlick in back of hair

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Mar 01, 2024
 Cowlick
by: Anonymous

Thank you everyone I am sitting in front of my computer reading the comments. I am coming up 67 this year and have noticed my crown parting has got worse.over the past ew months . My husband asked me if I was loosing hair. Yikes this freaked me out. I managed in the past to go 6 days without the parting crown happening. Now on day 2 becomes noticeable . My hair is totally white (started this process several years ago) so the texture has changed. I wear it long and layered. It is considered thick and wavy hair but of course finer now. I never mastered the art of blowdrying because it was always manageable without it. I'm going to have a heart to heart with my hairdresser this week. I'm still working so maybe treat myself to getting it smoothed out every week. My hair has always been my best physical asset . I am obviously a vain woman I realize I am spending too much time thinking about it !
Feb 04, 2022
 Age matters due to hair thinning
by: Anonymous

I was researching cowlicks and all said age wasn't a factor. Wrong! Although it's. not aging, it's thinning hair. I always had thick, coarse hair that covered a mini Cowlick so it didn't show. Now, at 80, there is a distinct whorl that lies flat with a few strands that stick straight up, uncontrollable. My hair isn't heavy and thick enough to cover it anymore. I noticed that the same thing happened to my mother when she was older, a perfect whorl around the back of her head. She had thick beautiful hair when younger. I don't think anything can help. I have to wear a sunhat which covers it. I so took my thick hair for granted.
Dec 23, 2018
 Cowlick
by: Padtricia

I think some cow licks are inherited. In my family some of us have the same cowlick. I'm 67 and mine is now giving me trouble. It's on the back of my head opposite side of my part. I thought it started when I wasn't feeling well and spent a lot of time in my recliner. At first I thought it was a bald spot then I realized it was a separation. I also think my crown needs to be longer. So frustrating! It looks like a part on the back right side of my head.

I have another cowlick on the left crown area ,doesn't bother me much and then one right front in the hairline not a problem either. This is what I get for not really looking at my moms hair when she'd say" is my hole covered" ,I'd say yes and she'd say "you didn't even look", she was right! Shame on me!
Oct 27, 2018
 Cowlick in back of hair
by: Rae

Thank you Nancy...I’ll share your comment with my daughter!
Oct 27, 2018
 RE: Cowlick appearing as a bald spot
by: Nancy

I know a friend of my friend did Scalp Micropigmentation on her bold spot and she was very happy with the result. I don't know if it works with cowlick. In general it does work for small bold spots.
Oct 23, 2018
 Cowlick appearing as a bald spot
by: Rae

My daughter is self conscious of a spot, high in back of her head, where her thick, dark hair always parts and her cowlick creates a swirl that looks like a bald spot.o I suggested looking in to getting strands tattooed on the spot so she can relax. I wonder if anyone has tried this or has feedback?
Jan 08, 2018
 LADIES- THINNING HAIR !!!!
by: Anonymous

For the crown cowlick or any cowlick...."a litte dab will do ya" YUP ! Brillcreem. Anything you put on your hair for coverage,, start at root. Less is more, you can always add on. When drying mess the heck out of that cowlick, show it who is the boss. Re-teach it how to grow. NOW-for thining hair. COME ON-----HORMONES. NOT pharmaceuticals !!!!!! Do not go there with me. I am into plant medicine. Research. I take DIM all natural based. Hey, if you think that is going to harm you, what has your Dr. prescribed to you your last visit. Has he taken it for 10 years. Many women in Peru, China, Amazon, have taken this. Good Luck....I got my hair back, double fold. Still have the cowlick....and went all white. I call it Arctic White. Sassy at 60 !
Dec 28, 2017
 Try a large waver
by: Anonymous

It holds very well and completely covers the area well . Adds tons of volume. Fast and easy to use.
Dec 19, 2017
 Cowlick
by: Anonymous

Hello All!
I have read thru all the comments on cowlicks and I appreciate all!
I am 63 and have had this horrendous cowlick(s) at the crown on my head for 4-5 years! It makes me crazy!!
If I could, I would have the hair of Tina Turner! BUT alas my hair is thin... (even tho I spend big $'s on product!!hairdressers...)
I read thru all the posts...I have done all = trust me! = I have teased my hair SO much that I was i jeopardy of losing it!
I have decided to relax and just pull that part of my hair up in a nice barret (my hair currently is short but I can get a curling on on the crown).
I will continue to watch for a solution ... I wish you all the best!
Sep 01, 2017
 Aging Does Not Help The Cowlick
by: Anonymous

I have had this dreadful cowlick for years and it was quite easy to cover up with spray or pushing it around (if the cut was short) but at 55, it is no longer cooperating! I despise it but I have to get used to it.

The best think I have found (which my hairdresser suggested & did) is to have longer hair over the cowlick and do what is called an "undercut" underneath the longer hair. That works well until my white hair starts growing back out but at least it lasts a month.

I really want to have a pixie again and let my white hair grow out. I plan to discuss with my hairdresser but it looks like that isn't a good idea. This cowlick is messing with my sassiness!!! Uh.
Apr 06, 2017
 Born with cowlick
by: Anonymous

I am 67 , have had this cowlick as long as I remember.
Tried keeping it longer, thought it would hide it. Wrong very visible. Hairdresser said the weight was causing it to thin out
On the top . I keep it short ,somewhat longer at the crown
Then tapered in to the neck. Styling now hides the cowlick
Jan 28, 2017
 Cowlick looks like the Nile river!
by: Anonymous

I'm 55 and decided to grow my hair and discovered then I have a crooked line on the crown of my hair! The line starts there and goes down to the back, crooked and resemble big the Nike river in a map! (Forgive me I'm a teacher!) It was interesting it was not visible until I grew out my hair for the first time. It's most visible when my hair needs to be washed or oily. I will try all of your suggestions. Teasing my hair seems to help the most, hairspray over teasing is better. I'm a side sleeper so that doesn't cause the problem. Cowlick or no cowlick, we're still beautiful in God's sight! Woot! :D
Dec 06, 2016
 Buzz it and wear a wig.
by: Anonymous

My cow licks were never a problem until I became allergic to hair dye. My hair was turning grey, so I cut it short and got rid of all the dyed hair. Then the battle began. After all the hair products I used to tame the cow licks, my scalp broke out. I kinda wanted my long hair back, but it was always a tangled mess at the back of my neck. I just got sick of my hair. So I buzzed it off. It was kinda cool to see the swirls of my cowlicks. I didn't think I could pull it off, but I get a lot of compliments. The wind doesn't blow it in my face, it doesn't tangle, no bed head. And if I want hair, I put on a wig.
Oct 22, 2016
 Dueling cowlicks
by: Anonymous

I also have a particularly pesky back of the head cowlick on my right side. Unfortunately I also have a less prominent but also pesky cowlick in the same place on the left side, there is a 2-3 inch space between them.

I've always had short hair and he just ignored the back of my head. ;) But with aging and a little thinning they have begun to look like bald spots.

Sooo, I am trying to grow my hair out a bit and hope the extra length & weight and the right haircut will help. (I hate to, and usually won't 'style' my hair so it better help, otherwise it's back to just ignoring it!
Oct 18, 2016
 Me too!
by: Anonymous

Holy cowlick! Who knew this problem is so common? I feel some relief knowing I am not alone. I have always had a cowlick at the back crown of my head, but now at 67 it seems so much more prominent, and is exacerbated by the fact that my hair is greying and thinning. I have always felt that a textured, layered hairstyle with a "messy" look works the best, but it's getting harder and harder to get any volume on the top of my head as my hair is determined to grow forward toward my face from that cowlick. Very frustrating. I have colored my hair for years, but am planning to transition to grey with lots of highlights and lowlights to help me get there. Hopefully that will help. Will look into the Joan Rivers product too. Good luck all!
Aug 06, 2016
 Cowlick
by: parisrae

I am 64 and have always had thick hair but the strands have always been straight and thin. Now my hair is not thick anymore due to hair loss as I am aging. What I think it is, is that the cowlick has always been there but now with the hair loss it is more exposed and prominent. Along with the texture, volume and shine, that too is all gone. I'm trying to thicken my hair by taking hair, skin and nail supplements. I don't know if it will help but I'm trying it. What do I have to lose? More hair...
I too was hoping for a solution here but haven't found one yet. But I'm glad for these posts because now I don't have to feel like this is just my problem. I have all you sistas that are feeling it as well. Glad I landed here!
Dec 10, 2015
 Unsightly cowlick
by: Kim

I've read several comments by people who feel their back of the head cowlick is caused by sleeping on their back. I have that same unsightly cowlick starting at the top of my head and traveling down the back about 5 inches in length parting my hair into a definite 'left and right.' But I don't sleep on my back, so mine's not caused by that. I don't remember having it when I was younger, but now I'm 57. I color my hair, and the cowlick is especially noticeable when I've got grey roots because the roots don't stick up or out like some cowlicks do but they are plastered flat against my head. I wash my hair at night and let it air dry before I go to bed. I've tried combing against the cowlick, which isn't very effective. I'm going to try braiding my hair while it's still damp to see if it will minimize the cowlick when my hair dries.
Nov 11, 2015
 importance of the right haircut
by: Anonymous

For many people, this problem is solved by the right haircut. I have dealt with this situation several times throughout my life only to have my hair normal again with just one cut. I have learned that the weight of hair needs to be at the top half of the head falling down into a slimmer line near the bottom half. I am no expert on cutting but when I ask this of a knowledgeable stylist, I get a better result.
Nov 09, 2015
 So helpful!
by: Anonymous

This thread is a godsend! All my life, I've had a cowlick that's basically a crooked extension of my part running down the back of my head. So many of y'all describe the same thing. I'm not alone after all! ^_^ I had thick hair when I was young, but at 46, I'm finding out that I drew the short straw when it comes to age-related female pattern baldness. Look it up -- it starts with a widening of your natural part. In my case, that includes a ~serious~ widening of my ugly cowlick! It's been going on for about a year, and at this point is really does look like a bald spot. (To me. My husband says it looks fine. I love that man!)

I'm going to try generic Minoxidil (OTC - 5%) once per day, with a .3 derma roller. I did a ton of research, and scientific studies have shown that this is the best way to get Minoxidil to work. I bought the men's formula. It says "not for use by women" on the front, but that's RIDICULOUS. It's the exact same product! The ONLY difference is that the dosage on the men's box is twice than the dosage on the women's box. Men are told to put it on twice a day. Women only once. The main reason is that the higher dose can make you grow hair elsewhere on your body. No big deal for men, but not okay for women...! Oh, and if you're not past baby-making, I'd talk to a doctor before using Minoxidil ~at all~. Lastly, I've read studies showing that 5% is fine for women. (Older studies said women should use 2%.)

For styling, I've been growing out my hair lately, and have started playing with updos. I am SO GLAD I found this thread, because my first instinct was to chop all of my hair off. I can see, after reading what everyone else said, why that is the WRONG thing to do.

So, I'm going to try the upside-down braid someone suggested. I've already gotten pretty good at a very simple style that's a lot like a "front poof" -- but I grab more hair along my part and back to the ugly spot. I don't "poof" nearly as high as a lot of people. (LOL!) But once I get it gathered, I can almost always arrange it to cover my ugly spot using a little ponytail holder or a clip, plus bobby pins sometimes.

I also found a style where you make a two-later ponytail -- one "inside" ponytail, then an "outside" one covering it. So, gather your hair into a normal ponytail (high on the crown), but leave out the hair all around every edge of your hair growth. Put it the gathered hair into a tight ponytail. Then gather that outer hair over the top of the interior ponytail and make an exterior ponytail. I have no idea whether it will work....

I also saw a type of "boho braid" where you make a small ponytail at the crown of your head, flip it by pushing the tail up through the center and pulling it back down. then move down to make another ponytail below that incorporating the first ponytail, flip it (or do another "inside out" ponytail) and so on. If done loosely, I think it might look good and -- if you start high enough on the crown -- cover the spot.

My hair is fine but gets wavier all the time as I get more gray. (The gray is nice -- it is thick!) So I've started "plopping." It sounds ridiculous, but google "hair plopping." It's so gentle on your hair. You just put your favorite product on towel-dry hair (I use a curl-defining gel that doesn't get "hard" when dry), then wrap it up in a cotton towel or t-shirt (in my opinion the latter works best), and let it dry. It makes beautiful, soft waves -- and I find it easier to arrange and spray my hair to cover my spot when it's a bit curly.

I'm ordering some of the Joan Rivers product someone mentioned. It sounds great!! God bless Joan Rivers. I've also decided to try wearing a nightcap. Someone else mentioned that they think their back cowlick gets worse because they sleep on their back. I have to agree. So I'll see if a soft little nightcap might help. I do plan to continue washing my hair every other day (max), so the nightcap might help keep it fresh, I hope.

Lastly, I'm going to look into recipes for natural sprays (essential oils, a bit of alcohol, and water) for spritzing my hair on no-wash days. Misting with that after a bit of dry shampoo (if needed) might work well. AND, I'm looking into products or home recipes I can use occasionally to really cleanse my scalp. No idea yet if that's a good idea or bad, though.

Thank you so much to the people who run this site, and to the great commentators on this thread!
Aug 25, 2015
 Shocked so many have this issue
by: Anonymous

I am amazed at how many people have my same problem. I have just noticed it over the past year and it is getting worse and worse. There are almost 3 parts at my crown looking like bald spots. I stink at doing hair and can't figure out how to cover it, except by wearing it up.
Aug 01, 2015
 Guaranteed solution
by: Anonymous

Coconut oil messaged on the scalp. Let stand about 10-20 min and then wash hair. You can add a dab to the area every night before bed and take a comb across the area and place a small barett to hold hair in place. In the morning you will notice you have tamed your cowlick!, a little dab is all it takes
Mar 13, 2015
 RE: Joni
by: Anonymous

Good question. Keratin smoother might help! Patterns and shapes of cowlicks are different from person to person and on some it might help to straight them. I guess you will never know until try it!
Mar 12, 2015
 Back cowlick
by: Joni

I do not want to disguise my cowlick ...I want make it go away. Will. Keratin smoother do that?
Dec 29, 2014
 cow lick
by: Anonymous

These comments do not tell me how to style the hair to help cover up the situation.
Dec 15, 2014
 So happy I'm not alone
by: Chris

Like many of you I have straight fine hair, which was thicker when I was younger. I am 56 and now the one thing I have to do before I go outside the house is look at the back of my head with a hand mirror and....I use a magic marker to cover the bald spot from the cowlick! I have naturally dark brown hair which I dye the same color and a dark marker covers the vertical line from my crown. I have also used dark brown eye shadow. My mother used the spray from years ago, she had the same problem. I've looked at various remedies online, but the marker is the fastest and easiest. It truly sucks to know I can't (or won't) go out of my house without taking care of this problem.
I'm divorced (4 times) by the way, and always was careful to not let my husbands see this. How sad!
Dec 05, 2014
 Annoying cowlick
by: Anonymous

I keep reading that cowlick has nothing to do with age. I completely disagree. I believe that some are with you all of your life but others develop as you age. I am 72 and never had a cowlick. After leaving my hairdresser for some months and trying someone else, when I went back to him, he said "I see that you have developed a cowlick in the back of your head". It has become worse over time. Since this happened to me, I have taken notice of friends and acquaintances. Most older friends have developed a cowlick.
Nov 30, 2014
 All in the same boat
by: Anonymous

I just colored my hair, I'm cooking as I type. The big swirl in the back gets done first, it's so easy to see! I think this hair loss and cowlick problem is so much more common that I originally thought. Many of my friends in the 60s are complaining. My opinion is it's just in an individuals DNA. We're not young and perfect anymore, and things could be worse.
Nov 30, 2014
 two cowlicks and hair growing to the front
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem one of the other ladies has in that my hair has a cowlick in the back as well as one on the right side of my bangs. My hair is much thinner on the right side as well as being fine all around. I have been extremely disappointed with hairdressers. Even though I wear my hair short they always had a problem getting the correct length to begin with and I ended up with wayyy too short hair.

I am 72 years old and have been cutting my own hair for most of my adult life. I figure if it isn't perfect, I can keep correcting it myself. Also, I don't have to pay an arm and a leg for a lousy haircut. I usually "tease cut" my hair where I want it really short, like in the nape. That way I don't get any steps that are noticeable.The top is longer in the back covering that cowlick for a day or so and my bangs are combed to the right to fill in the cowlick as well as the very thin area. My part is also on the left for the same reason. The hair growing to the front is a pain because this likes to lie flat on top of my head where I really could use some height. Teasing doesn't last unless I spray afterwards and that means hair loss when I comb it out.
It's been a lifelong problem and I have learned to live with it though I am still not accepting.
Oct 25, 2014
 Tease Tease Tease ! ?
by: Anonymous

My cowlick is so bad on the back of my head that it looks like I've been hit in the head with a hatchet. There must be a remedy someone has that can get rid of this problem. :)
Oct 04, 2014
 My grandmother's hair style
by: Anonymous

Now I know why my grandmother always parted her hair in the center (front to back of head) and wore it braided in a bun. This way it looked like she wanted the part in the center of her head. Not very attractive, but at least she did not have to worry about the hair parting on her when she did not want it to.
I too have the dreaded cowlick. I am wondering if a perm would help. I think I saw some comments about perms not working however.
Sep 11, 2014
 hairstyle for cowlick at crown
by: Anonymous

I'm 55 years old and have just now started having this problem. To make matters worse, I'm allergic to hair dyes, so I have to let my hair go it's natural salt and pepper color which is actually not bad, but the hair on my cowlick is black and thinning. I try covering it by combing long white hair over it, but it's getting harder and harder. I've been making a pony tail high on the crown and it works, but my hair is thin, so I have to make it really tight and after a while my scalp becomes sore. Today I tried something new. It's an Upside Down Braid, and somehow it did hide the cowlick. You can look up different versions on YouTube. The one I had found was on MSN on January 8, 2013. It was titled 31 hair ideas for 2013 by Allure. And they did have a picture of an upside down braid and it looked really nice. Hope this helps, and let's get creative (considering).
Aug 07, 2014
 Cowlick camouflage
by: Anonymous

I have had a vertical cowlick from crown down the back of my head since I can remember. As I grew older and hair thinned, it became more noticeable. So far, I have let my hair grow longer, so the weight of the hair can lie down. Also, I found Great Hair Day by Joan Rivers Beauty products. It is a powder that you apply to your scalp so the thinner areas don't stand out so much. I love it, use it often, I have reddish brown hair, and I use her dark blonde shade. It's pretty dark, good for brown hair also.
This is how I have coped with fine, thinning hair. Hope this helps!
Jul 18, 2014
 Cowlick
by: Anonymous

I have a bad cowlick also, sure glad to hear others have the same problem. It has shown up more since my hair is thinning on the top and crown. I had thick hair when I was younger. I am now 81. It drives me nuts. I try to tease it, comb it over, spray it a lot and have left the crown a little longer and tapered at the neck. My hair seems to be thicker at the bottom and really gets to thick for the crown, doesn't look good. I tried kind of a bob and that didn't seems to work. I just keep trying.
Jun 15, 2014
 66 with ughly cowlicks
by: Anonymous

I was once told by a beautician, "You don't have curly hair - you just have a bunch of cowlicks - and not in cute places..." Never went back to her again. I had forgotten about them until my last hair cut - dumb idea to go to a barbershop...the woman didn't take into consideration my cowlicks and now they show terribly. Bad, bad, bad haircut. Above post is right - tell stylist about your cowlicks and make sure she knows how to cut with them in mind.I learned my lesson. Shorter hair is not the answer - tried that - cowlick more apparent then. Unless, of course, you shave your head.
Jun 12, 2014
 feeling a tad better
by: Anonymous

When i typed 'i have an unsightly cowlick at the back of my head that looks like a bald patch' into google, i didn't expect to find so many other women with similar problems.
I've had a good laugh too, thanks ladies for putting some humor into what really is an insignificant problem but still such a pain in the butt!!
Im only 32 and I've had a cowlick for most my adult life, which has gotten worse in the past few years. I don't even wear my hair out anymore because of it. I had one boyfriend once point out my 'bald patch'. Sheesh i nearly died!
I'm sick of wearing my hair in a ponytail every moment of my life. I was thinking about shaving it all off to 'start fresh' and wearing a beanie\hat till it grew out a bit but it sounds like that may not be a good idea.
its really ruined my hair-life. My self esteem suffers and I'm embarrassed and scared to date ever again.
Apr 13, 2014
 It's all in the cut!
by: Anonymous

I, too, have the cowlick that can separate from the top of my head downward. The trick is the hairdresser and the cut. S/he doesn't have to be an expensive one - just tell the person the problem and if s/he knows what they're doing, they can fix it just by cutting it the right way. I go to one of the chains that charges $15 and go to the same person all the time who knows how to cut them. If you "suddenly" got one, perhaps you went to a different hairdresser who didn't realize you had one and didn't cut it right. When you walk in or call for an appointment tell them "I have a bad cowlick. Do you have someone who can fix it?" And be sure to tell the hairdresser when you sit down that you have a cowlick you need fixed. Don't assume they will see it and know it's important to you. And if you find a hairdresser you like, go there all the time and remind them kindly each time "Remember I have that cowlick here?" They have many clients and may not remember each one's problem.
Mar 01, 2014
 cowlicks in back of hair
by: Anonymous

I'm came to this site hoping to find a solution to the cowlick problem. Not - but I can add that my hairdresser taught me to vigorously massage the cowlicks (circular motion) with the heel of my hand. This does help greatly with freshly washed hair after first applying a thickening foam (my hair is also ultra fine). After sitting in a recliner or sleeping in bed, the cowlick does return. I again vigorously rub the spot in a circular motion with my fingers and it helps somewhat; also sometimes use curling iron on the spot and back comb. All of it is a pain and I was hoping for further hints.
Jan 06, 2014
 Tip to keep hair from parting in back
by: Anonymous

FWIW: I started to sleep on my back after years of not doing so. I've come to the conclusion that this is what's causing my hair to part in the back. While it is finer and thinner, if I make a concerted effort not to sleep on my back, the crooked part on the back of my head goes away. Dry shampoo will add volume; it's worth a try. Worst case: there are half-wigs and headband wigs that will cover the crown and back of your head. Good luck.
Dec 09, 2013
 part down the back of my head
by: Anonymous

I just want to thank everyone who commented on this issue. While I'm not sure that what I have suddenly, at age almost 64, is a "cowlick", it certainly IS a long crooked part down the back of my head, which I HATE! Finding this site, if nothing else, reassured me that I'm not alone. I've always had fine hair but after menopause, it got finer as well as sparser. I might have to go the Joan Rivers powder route or maybe even the spray-on hair route, but in any case, it helps to know that I have company.
Oct 31, 2013
 cowlick part bald??
by: Anonymous

Now i feel better!!! I a not alone! I am 59 and just notice this about 4 weeks ago because i can feel it...i guess it's a cowlick...but I have a crooked part on the left side of the back of my head, very crooked, like a curve almost...but I think it's a balding spot too....i just had knee replacement end of June and know one can go bald from surgery traumatic to the body, but i was shocked none the less to see this!
Jun 29, 2013
 cowlick in back of hair
by: Anonymous

Mine is worse than any of you have described! I have a wide split in the back crown and my gray roots (which show up about a week after I color my hair light brown) make me look bald back there!! I try to keep it from splitting by pinning it with a bobbie pin or clip and then spraying it. At night I wear the bobbie pin to bed. But the split always comes back!!! It also causes my scalp to hurt where it splits when I try to force it a different direction than the hair wants to go. I guess it was always there somewhat, but I think a bad haircut made it worse!! It seems that on each side of where it is parting, the hair is shorter than in the center, causing the sides to go forward. Wish I could find a stylist who knows how to correct these issues!!!
May 08, 2013
 57 and cowlik in the back top left
by: Anonymous

I have a cowlick that looks like a cow licked me on the back of my head. its huge wide like an ugly scar. I tease my hair the best i can. Went from long hair to short that's where i messed up. I had sexy long shoulder length hair but got tired of the big curlers and sprays and straightening like i was 30.
As soon as i turned 55 i wanted a pixy. so i had my hair chopped and everyone hated it. The cow lick was so bad in the back i was embarrassed. so now i have not cut my hair. only 1 times at super cuts and they don't know how to cut hair sorry they only know one way. They don't POINT CUT the tips and that's what you need to help you cover the cowlick. I keep longer layers in the back to cover better. No small layers.
Apr 02, 2013
 I hate cowlicks!
by: Anonymous

I'm 70 and had thick fine hair when I was younger, but recently it is thinning and showing off the dreaded crown cowlicks. My cowlicks have cowlicks. I color my hair and have it permed. Both help if only for a short time. I have a medium cut but keep the scissors away from the top hair, especially the crown.

One of the best products I use when I see my gaping scalp show through is an Instant hair color touch-up stick. It's about a shade lighter then my own hair which is perfect.
Apr 01, 2013
 Multiple cowlicks
by: Anonymous

I have a big wavy split in my hair down the back of my head that originates at the crown. It's just a mess. In addition to this miserable cowlick, I also have one on the side of my bangs, and the entire underside of my hair at the neckline in the back grows up and around like a cup handle. My hair stylist has to go under the top layers and use the clippers to clean out the entire underlayer of this giant cowlick all the way up to the roots. Only then will my top layer of neckline hair cooperate and lay down. I used to have attractive hair, but not any more. I'm 62 and do not like long hair, so that's out of the question. My hair is extra thick, hot, and heavy. I have tried other hair stylists, but no one really has a clue how to cut my hair.
Jan 25, 2012
 3 inch crooked part at crown
by: tf21861

I don't think I was aware that I had this problem until about 5 years ago. It was to put it mildly a rude awakening. I've noticed my hair getting thinner and it's already so baby fine and straight as a frickin' board no matter what. I can deal with all that but the wierd part in the back of my head is driving me nuts. It's right in the center of my head and then each side grows towards the front as does the rest of my hair. It all kind of has this grow to the front and straight down deal if that makes any sense. No matter what I do within an hour, from the side it looks like i've been laying on my back and my hair is flattened. I've considered getting a perm, a loose one, but some of the stylist I talked to said it wouldn't do any good. My cousin had a root perm once and loved it. Anyone have any input on any of this?
Jan 24, 2012
 Fun to read
by: Anonymous

I am one of the ladies who posted on this site and I just checked in - it is a little comforting to see I am not alone in being annoyed by the hair battle. I even drew a picture of it to show the beautician, and he said it was what gave me height. Problem is, what he called "height" is a split that was teased by me into a "lump".
Sep 09, 2011
 Same problem
by: Anonymous

It has nothing to do with age.. As a lot of people have already said but for mine I just try to blow dry it as flat as possible and before I do any other part of my hair and then I tease up the hair all around it so it is less noticeable. Mostly this barely works...

My friend had the same problem but she grew her hair out and then weighed it down and the cowlick went away. The best you can do is wait it out and realize most other people don't really notice it.
Jul 01, 2011
 Born This Way
by: Anonymous

I'm 60 and have a nasty cowlick too. It HAS seemed to get worse as I aged, but I think actually it's because my hair has thinned as I aged. I remember as a little girl in 1st grade the kid in back of me traced my part down my head with her finger and said "your hair part goes straight down then it goes crooked" ..ahhh, my first memories of cowlick. The best I can do is wash my hair every day and use a curling iron on the bad spot. My hair is short and is easy to wash. Mom had the very same problem, she used to call it her bald spot, but it wasn't really bald. In retrospect, she noticed it more than I did. It's not a disease, just cosmetic.
Feb 28, 2010
 Actually, age can be responsible
by: zoothair

Actually aging can be the culprit... In that as we age we experience changes in hair density. These changes can reveal differences in the way hair will lay and move. If the crown has thinned an area that had laid flat in the past may now pop up a bit as less contributing hair in the general area will allow a cowlick to "pop".

The proper use of styling products can help to control this. Styling mousse or foam and a blow dryer and a vent brush will give you some control.

Visit my blog at www.zoothair.tumblr.com or www.zoothair.com for more info on me and my products.

TY
Ivan
Feb 25, 2010
 Me too
by: Anonymous

I am 62 and for the last 8 years or so have had this problem with my hair "splitting from the crown, almost to about 2" from my neck. In 2006 I bit the bullet and grew my hair out. Longer hair was much easier to handle than short hair. When my hair was short, I had to wash it every day and by the end of the day the split was back. With longer hair I washed it about every 3 days. There are many longer styles(shoulder length) that a woman in her sixties can wear. I loved wearing an up-do in the summer! Then I got a brain fart one day and cut it all off :( Now I'm back to growing it out again and this time I'll never cut it short again. I've learned my lesson. Hope this helped anyone in this position.
Jan 23, 2010
 Enlightened hairdressers
by: Anonymous

Here's what happens - I wash my hair and let it fall naturally so they can see what the problem is - left side growing toward my face, right side opposite - I show them, ask them to remember the "shrinkage" issue when they cut, and ask them to please blow the hair with special emphasis on the roots - 9 times out of 10 they cut using some kind of formula (as others have stated) usually shorter at the crown, then proceed to blow in what seems to be the only way they know how - the result is that I end up with totally flat to my head hair, which within one hour is split at the crown, with the crown more unmanageable because there is no weight to keep it down.

Once, the hairdresser, after I explained my problem, grabbed the thinning shears and before I could stop her, clipped all around my crown and the result was hair the texture of goose down (what was left of it)that I couldn't even grab enough of to wrap around a brush.

Shopping for a hairdresser means starting from the beginning, including waiting for the damage to grow out. If any of this rings a bell please let me know that I am not OCD.
Jan 22, 2010
 Cowlicks & Older Women
by: Tucson

There are cowlicks and there are "other" cowlicks.
Where I live, I cannot get a decent haircut anywhere. I am 59 years old and not married, so they cut my hair like a:

a) Spinster - very short,1" bangs straight across
b) Dyke - very short very masculine
c) Punk Leftover - Oh let's give me a Mullet or
a Goth cut for a teenager with goth black
hair. From a distance, it looks like I
have a tattoo on my neck - NOT
Oct 31, 2009
 cow licks
by: Andy b

It is important to establish key factors in hair growth. As we get older our hair growth can fluctuate. Other things that can cause these problems are either side effects of medication or hormonal changes in the body. A good hairdresser would help distinguish your concerns by styling your hair in a way that will not draw notice to the areas that concern you. Cow licks are normally associated with us from birth. It is the natural growth pattern of the hair follicles. The same with a double crown. It could also be that your hair was not set correctly and the hair has just popped back into its natural growth path.

Next time you are in the salon tell the stylist your concerns she will rectify it straight away if she knows what she is doing if not try another salon till you get the right result. Always go by reputation and don't get fobbed off but always mention your medication if you are taking any, even antibiotics or flu-vaccination can have results on the hair. All the best
Oct 19, 2009
 cowlick (swirl, splitting hair)
by: Anonymous

It is a curse - get's worse by the minute - I can feel it splitting and swirling as the day goes on - I was looking at a photo of JFK the other day - check out his hairline - mine is the same - except I am female and the option of combing my hair flat to my head isn't appealing - my niece is a hairdresser - the first time she cut my hair - she said - Aunt B - you hair grows flat to your head! In the big scheme of things, it isn't important - but my swirling. splitting crown in the back of my head is the bain of my existence!
Feb 28, 2009
 Very pronounced cowlick now that I'm older.
by: Anonymous

I am also 63 and have had several cowlicks my whole life. However, the one on the back of my head (right side, just below the crown area) has really become more pronounced. I've tried the same things, back-combing, covering over it with the top layer of hair, etc. but it's still bad. I wonder, do you wash your hair every day? I don't - maybe every 3 days. The cowlick is always worse each day, until I wash it. Then for the first day it's somewhat better. My hair is what I would call short, so maybe letting the part where the cowlick is get longer would help. I'm open to any reasonable tips. Thanks.
Dec 24, 2008
 cowlick problem in older women's hair
by: Anonymous

Maybe cowlick isn't the right word, but I don't know what else to call it. My hair dresser called it a cowlick and added that if you have one, you were born with it. Well, mine is a small part in the back of my head that will not stay covered even though I try combing over it, ratting the hair around it and coming over, and spraying the daylights out of it. The problem is, I never was bothered by this problem until about 4 years ago.(I am now 61 years ago.)

If anyone has a solution, I would be eternally grateful.
Jun 08, 2008
 Nothing to do with age
by: Anonymous

Actually cowlick got nothing to do with age. Sometimes a dramatic change or illness can cause cowlick appear in front or nape area. Here you can find couple of good references about cowlick.

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