A hair does not grow straight up out of the skin, but leaves the follicle at a definite and predetermined angle. This angle determines the direction along which the hair will lie, and determines the patterns or streams that the hairs make on the head. Often the streams spiral outwards from a central point (or points) on the crown of the head. Usually these spirals, or 'whorls', run in a clockwise direction.
The classical 'cowlick', seen in around 7% of children, is due to a particular hair stream on the forehead. Unruly hair in children may be the result of scalp hair patterning. Another possible reason is an unusual structure of the hair shaft.
The classical 'cowlick', seen in around 7% of children, is due to a particular hair stream on the forehead. Unruly hair in children may be the result of scalp hair patterning. Another possible reason is an unusual structure of the hair shaft.