Difficulty or inability to sleep. Healthy hair requires regular periods of good, restful sleep. Chronic insomnia can, in some cases, lead to dull or lackluster hair.
To combat cowlicks apply pomade or setting gel to the spot & blow dry w/ nozzle aimed downwards. Longer hair helps weigh down cowlicks as will tiny barrettes or clips. Pulling hair into a ponytail or braids will tighten down the cowlick. Experiment until you get results.