diff --git a/bar/bar.c b/bar/bar.c
index 8b19a43..4f1895f 100644
--- a/bar/bar.c
+++ b/bar/bar.c
@@ -293,6 +293,7 @@ run(struct bar *_bar)
     }
 
     set_cursor(_bar, "left_ptr");
+    expose(_bar);
 
     /* Start modules */
     thrd_t thrd_left[max(bar->left.count, 1)];
@@ -323,7 +324,6 @@ run(struct bar *_bar)
 
     LOG_DBG("all modules started");
 
-    refresh(_bar);
     bar->backend.iface->loop(_bar, &expose, &on_mouse);
 
     LOG_DBG("shutting down");