A cowlick's spiral pattern is likely caused because hair gets confused about whether it needs to go forward, backward, or to the side, and some hairs get caught in between creating that characteristic whorl, explains Barak. ... Longer styles often camouflages a cowlick because the weight of the hair covers it up.

Can you get rid of a cowlick?

You can't get rid of a cowlick permanently, but you can temporarily hide it, smooth it, or disguise it.

What does a cowlick mean about your genes?

Scientists who have studied cowlicks believe your genes play a big role in determining how many cowlicks you have and where they are on your head. ... Scientists have found an interesting connection between cowlicks and handedness. Right-handed people tend to have cowlicks that have a clockwise spiral pattern.