Everything You Need To Know About Getting A Wolf Cut
If you're clued up on celebrity hairstyles, the wolf cut should already be familiar to you. Regarded as the 'cool girl' cut of the season, the style has adorned the heads of Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus alike, and has been hailed as the ultimate trim for wavy and curly textures. Looking for a hairstyle that's grungier than a choppy bob, but retains that effortless finish? Call off the search.
'The wolf cut is a haircut that embodies Seventies style,' says The Loch Salon's curly hair specialist, Monica Liz. 'Think Joan Jett; a much softer and more palatable than the mullet but with just as much edge.'
While the look is coveted, to say the least (there are 180,600 videos about the cut on TikTok alone), when you factor in its snippy layers, short strands and the amount of styling time required (we'll get into that later), the wolf cut is also a bit of a commitment. So, we enlisted the advise of expert hairdressers, including tips on how to style the cut with heat and without. Not to mention, all the references you could need.
What Is A Wolf Cut?
The first thing to know about the wolf cut is that it's a heavily layered stying. While the look has many variations, it’s definitely an edgier look, bursting with vintage finesse. Not sure whether the shaggy 'do will work for you? We recommend looking up the celebrities co-signing the trend first.
'It’s a great choice for round or heart-shaped faces as the layers add height and balance,' says Hare & Bone's director, Sam Burnett. 'Oval faces can pull it off easily as well. The choppy layers break up any prominent angles, so it’s good for softening square and elongated face shapes too. Eilish and Cyrus are two standout examples—they’ve really embraced that rebellious, textured look. Doja Cat and Debby Ryan have also played with versions of it, proving how adaptable the wolf cut can be for different vibes and face shapes.'
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How To Cut A Wolf Cut
On a specific level, the wolf cut blends elements of a vintage shag and an edgy mullet. 'I start by introducing textured layers, focusing on adding volume at the crown, then work in choppy layers through the mid-lengths and ends,' explains Burnett. 'The key is making it look effortlessly undone with just enough polish.'
Celebrity hairstylist and GHD ambassador, Patrick Wilson adds: 'Getting bangs cut also look great with this style. I often use the razor to give it that lived in and softness to the haircut.'
How To Style A Wolf Cut
Without Heat
As previously mentioned, the wolf cut is ideal for hair textures with natural movement, so it's one of the few layered cuts that doesn't require much styling time, if you have curls and waves.
'Generally speaking, the wolf cut works better on curly or wavy textures as it is a looser style -that being said, if you are prepared to use plenty of product, there is a version out there for everyone,' says Liz. 'For the wavier textures, using products like Aveda’s Be Curly Curl Enhancer from wet hair (and either diffusing or leaving it to dry naturally) encourages the hair to sit a little more disheveled and enhance the shape. Alternatively, Aveda’s Texture Tonic gives a sea-salt finish, perfect to manipulate any hair textures.'
Her pro tip? 'Reference pictures are key during your consultation - and always look for a cutting specialist.'
Using Straighteners
If your texture is naturally straight, or requires a little finesse, a small hair straightener is our personal tool of choice.
'As a wolf cut has many short layers it’s easier to use a tool such as the GHD Mini to precisely sculpt the hair,' says Wilson. 'If your hair has movement or wave naturally, I love to manipulate the shape with my fingers and embrace the natural texture while using a diffuser attachment.'
The Best Wolf Cut Hair Inspiration
Curly Wolf Cut
This curly hairstyle has also been referred to as a 'mane cut' because of its flattering, face-framing shape. Best for voluminous waves and detailed ringlets, we'd pair this style with a glossing curl cream for definition and shine.
Short Wolf Cut
This shoulder-length trim is the edgy alternative to a French bob. It's textured and choppy, but retains the effortless movement associated with the cut. We'd recommend pairing it with curtain bangs, for the ultimate framing finish.
Medium Wolf Cut
Straighter hair types can also reap the benefits of this snippy styling, you just need to invest in a miniature straightener to add definition to unruly edges.
Long Wolf Cut
If you're looking for a weightless way to keep your hair long, a wolf cut will also work with trailing lengths. Just look at Yellowjackets star Sophie Thatcher's signature style.
Blonde Wolf Cut
Another benefit of the wolf cut is that it looks perfect paired alongside a bold, statement colour; this platinum blonde trim serves as a prime example.
Soft Wolf Cut
If you're not ready to commit to the full seventies hair fantasy, try asking for a softer, less layered version of the wolf cut.
Wolf Cut With Fringe
We can always get behind a statement fringe, but even we can admit it looks best alongside a stacked, textured style like this.
Curly Wolf Cut With Fringe
Complete your curly wolf cut with a short, eye-catching fringe. Ask for a razored finish as Wilson suggests for the ultimate lived-in softness.
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