What Is a Wolf Cut? This Trendy Haircut Is Becoming a Classic
Plus, wolf cut inspiration and maintenance tips.
This trendy wolf cut screams cool girl. It’s effortless, low-key, and perfectly undone. You might have assumed it’d fade out of favor like so many other hair trends before it. This shaggy ‘do seems to have some stealthy lasting power, though, so if you’ve been contemplating the style then this is your sign to pencil in a chop. We asked stylists everything you might be curious about the wolf cut, why it’s trending, and whether it’ll work for your hair texture and lifestyle.
Meet the Experts
Jennifer Korab is a celebrity and editorial stylist.
Jerome Lordet is a style director at Pierre Michel Salon in New York City.
Kieron Justin is a celebrity stylist who caters to an exclusive clientele.
Glenn Ellis is a Los Angeles-based celebrity hair stylist.
Wolf Cut Origins
A wolf cut is a mashup of two iconic looks from the ‘70s and ‘80s: the shag and the mullet. While it draws inspiration from the past, it doesn’t feel dated at all. “This cut combines and mixes the inspiration and feeling of both techniques, but has been modernized and has become more fashionable and wearable,” notes celebrity and editorial stylist Jennifer Korab.
Korab says that it varies in look and feel depending on your hair texture and how you approach the cut. Generally speaking, though, it’s characterized by short, face-framing layers and then shorter layers through the surface and top. These melt into longer layers throughout the mid-lengths and ends. The result is a choppy cut with lots of texture and versatility when it comes to styling.
Does the Wolf Cut Work for Everyone?
It’s no wonder the wolf cut remains popular well beyond its original rise to fame. From Billie Eilish to Doja Cat to Miley Cyrus to Lizzo, so many of Hollywood’s unbothered cool girls are wearing it. But do wolf cuts work for everyone? According to Jerome Lordet, style director at Pierre Michel Salon in New York City, the answer is an enthusiastic yes.
“The best thing about the wolf cut is that it works for everyone,” says Lordet. “This is because the layers are meant to frame your face while working with your hair’s natural texture, which compliments everyone.” In other words, it’s super customizable and actually works overtime to flatter the natural texture and density of your hair. Different lengths and amounts of layers can even be incorporated to flatter a specific face and hair type.
Celebrity stylist Kieron Justin agrees, but adds that you should be mindful about your personal style since it’s very much a vibe. To maintain all those layers and the shaggy volume, you might also find yourself heading to the salon for more frequent cuts, as well. Justin says, “I would recommend having a good consultation with your chosen professional who will be able to advise, adapt, and tailor the look.” Bring in pictures to help capture your vision.
Related: The Best Hairbrushes for Thin Hair and Hair Loss
How to Ask Your Stylist For a Wolf Cut
It's always a good idea to know what you're looking for before you walk into the salon. Having visuals on hand can help. Find some pictures of celebrities with wolf cuts or some photos of the style on Instagram or TikTok to show your stylist what you want. If you're not sure what you want, communicate to your stylist about your thoughts and concerns, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Be sure to identify specifics that you want (or don't want) regarding length, layers, and texture. If you have hard no's, share them—but also be open to feedback. Your stylist will likely have a professional opinion about your hair length, texture, face shape, and other factors that may affect the look.
Pros and Cons of the Wolf Cut
Along with scheduling a consult with your stylist before getting the wolf cut, consider some of these pros and cons.
Benefits
Wolf cuts are really versatile, lending themselves to different updos, accessories, and styling approaches. "The layers add a lot of movement to the hair," notes Glenn Ellis, a celebrity hairstylist. And, if you like the idea of increasing the look of hair volume, the wolf cut is a great option.
Overall, wolf cuts are low-maintenance. Korab says that most people with a wolf cut can simply add a texturizing product to their hair before blow drying for that undone, tousled effect.
Considerations
While the wolf cut is an easy and effortless look, it's not for everyone. While a well-skilled stylist can make this cut work on anyone, Justin notes that it can be a trickier style for those with curly hair, as well as for those with thick, coarse, or dense hair texture. On the other hand, those with very thin hair may also have difficulty with it. Justin says, “Finer textures of hair can create too much weight removal if over-layered, making the hair feel finer and too serrated.”
While some people may enjoy the added volume, those who don't may not love this look. The added layers can also translate to an uptick in frizz. Healthy hair and styling products that tame flyaways can help, but be aware.
Lastly, the grow-out period from a wolf cut can be awkward. “The grow out period can be annoying, and in order to maintain the shape you will have to get regular trims, especially for the face-framing,” Ellis says.
Related: The 14 Best Conditioners for Curly Hair of 2024
How to Style a Wolf Cut
Styling wolf cuts is pretty easy since the layers end up doing most of the work for you. Here are some tips for how to style a wolf cut if you have fine, thick, or short hair.
Fine Hair
For people with fine hair and a wolf cut, Lordet says to spritz a texturizing spray on damp hair so that it has a tousled texture once dry. The texturizing spray can add volume and body to your hair without weighing it down. This can also help to highlight the cut more.
Thick or Textured Hair
Those with more weight or texture to your mane should use a curl cream on damp hair instead, says Lordet. A curl cream can help define your curls and decrease frizz. Depending on the curl cream, it can also help give your hair some added shine.
Short Hair
If you have a short wolf cut, use a pomade or dry paste to define the layers and ends. This can help make your hair look fuller and healthier, as well. Make sure to really work the product into all the layers so you can capture that classic shaggy, wild, and free aesthetic.
Related: The Kitty Cut Is the Latest Layered Hairstyle You Need to Try
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