The Wolf Cut Is Trending Now—Here’s How to Get the Look

The trendy wolf cut made a big splash in ‘22, and 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.

What Is a Wolf Cut? 

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. 

She 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. 

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

• Low maintenance styling: Korab says most people with a wolf cut can simply add a texturizing product to their hair before blow drying for that undone, tousled effect.  
• Looks cool: This trendy haircut screams cool girl. It’s effortless, low-key, and perfectly undone. 
• Versatile: Wolf cuts are really versatile, lending themselves to different updos, accessories, and styling approaches. 
• Effortless texture: “The layers add a lot of movement to the hair,” notes Glenn Ellis, a Los Angeles based celebrity hair stylist. 
• More volume: If you like the idea of increasing the look of hair volume, the wolf cut is a great option. 

Considerations 

• Trickier for curly/thick/dense hair textures: While a well-skilled stylist can make this cut work on anyone, Justin notes it’s a bit trickier to achieve if you have naturally coarse, thick, curly, or dense hair texture. 
• Also tricky for very thin hair texture: Justin says, “Finer textures of hair can create too much weight removal if over-layered, making the hair feel finer and too serrated.” 
• Adds more volume: If you’re not a fan of voluminous hair styles, this isn't the look for you. 
• Can increase frizz: Added layers can translate to an uptick in frizz. Healthy hair and styling products that tame flyaways can help, but be aware. 
• Awkward grow out: ​​“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. 

How to Style a Wolf Cut

Styling wolf cuts is pretty easy since the layers end up doing most of the work for you. 

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. 

Thick or Textured Hair

Those with more weight or texture to your mane should use a curl cream on damp hair instead, says Lordet. 

Short Hair 

If you have a short wolf cut, use a pomade or dry paste to define the layers and ends. 

In all three scenarios, make sure to really work the product into all the layers so you can capture that classic shaggy, wild, and free aesthetic.