A cowlick is a section of human hair that stands straight up or lies at an angle at odds with the style in which the rest of an individual's hair is worn.^[1][2]

The most common site of a human cowlick is in the crown, but they can appear anywhere. They also sometimes occur in the front and back of the head.^{[citation needed]}

The term "cowlick" dates from the late 16th century, when physician Richard Haydock used it in his translation of Gian Paolo Lomazzo: "The lockes or plaine feakes of haire called cow-lickes, are made turning upwards."^[3]

For people who are more concerned about cowlick management, more drastic measures may be used. Electrology, waxing, and even cosmetic surgery can be used to permanently alter the cowlick.^{[citation needed]}

• Ahoge
• Hair whorl
• Hairy ball theorem