Virtually everybody has a cowlick or two, with the most visible one found at the crown of the head and a second less obvious one, perhaps at the neck or on the front hairline by the part. They form early in life -- in utero -- and once you have a cowlick, you're stuck with it unless you lose your hair.

How common are cowlicks?

Cowlicks are very common. A study conducted in 1972 showed 94% of newborns in the US had them. ... Cowlicks near the front of the hairline can appear to be intentionally styled aspects of a hairdo, such as bangs. Short hair makes cowlicks very visible, especially those on the top of the head.

Are cowlicks genetic?

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. Usually, the most visible cowlick can be found at the top of the head. ... Right-handed people tend to have cowlicks that have a clockwise spiral pattern.