Q: I have a distinct cowlick on each temple; what's the best hairstyle for me?
A: Before I tell you about hairstyles, wouldn't you like to know how cowlicks develop? As your brain grows and your skull enlarges in the womb, the hair follicles on your scalp are stretched this way and that, causing some of them to develop in little whorls. In fact, in infants, distinct hair growth patterns can reveal various neurological and other kinds of conditions (I'm just guessing here, but I think one of them might be called Prone to Bad Hair Days). The resourceful New York City stylist Lisa Chiccine says that long hair will work better for you, since length creates weight. (The shorter your hair, the more your cowlicks will get their own way.) If bangs are your thing, keep them heavy and cut either inside or outside the cowlicks (depending on how close they are to your hairline). If you don't want bangs, part your hair in the middle, away from both cowlicks. Always blow-dry the cowlick opposite the direction in which it grows; then on high heat, blow it straight down, holding the hair taut.

Keep in mind: A styling product that offers lots of hold, like a gel, will also help tame the unruly hair on your temples. Try René Furterer Vegetal Sculpting Gel ($23; Beauty.com).

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From the January 2011 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

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