5 Top Hairstylists Explain How to Style a Wolf Cut

In the recent sea of mullets and shags, a unique hybrid has emerged: the wolf cut. The wolf cut melds multiple aesthetic eras, varied lengths, and aspirational textures to create a style that’s seriously idiosyncratic, regardless of its ever-growing popularity. 

“The wolf cut is a modern twist on a combination of classic decade haircuts from the ‘70s and ‘80s,” says hairstylist Dimistris Giannetos, noting that the ‘70s were all about a bouncy-versatile-voluminous layered look, while the ‘80s favored the messy dimensionality of the mullet. “The wolf cut is all about layering and styling, adding dynamic volume to the hair for an effortlessly cool look,” he says. Wolf cuts tend to feature short, choppy layers at the crown, those extending into longer layers around the head and face. Bangs also feature heavily in the wolf cut, with shapes shifting depending on the overall style. 

The cut has evolved over the past few years, making the cut and subsequent styling endeavors particular to your tastes, texture, and features. Read on to learn how to select and shape your ideal wolf cut. 

What to Ask for at the Salon

Though the wolf cut is, at its heart, a blend of shag and mullet, the chop is all about mutating to suit your hair’s needs. “Achieving the perfect wolf cut is all about strategic placement of layers and taking into account the length of your hair and bounce of your hair,” says Giannetos. “I recommend showing your stylist pictures of the length and placement you’d prefer and you can create the look to fit your face shape perfectly.”

Hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons agrees. “Let them know how long or how short you are willing to go, and allow them to assess your natural hair texture to make an informed decision on how to best cut your hair.” Your wolf cut should be crafted to showcase your texture rather than buck against it; stylists may use scissors, a razor, or both to achieve the final look. “If your cut is done with a straight razor, it can actually enhance your natural wave or help encourage it,” says hairstylist Lauren Bailey-Chaidez, owner of Los Angeles’ Feverfew Salon.

And though you may have a wealth of ideas, if this is your first encounter with the wolf, let the stylist be your guide. “When you’re doing a styled haircut like a wolf cut, I recommend following your stylist's recommendations,” says hairstylist Cameron Raisic. “These cuts have a lot of small quirks that your stylist is already aware of, and they can help find the perfect version for you.”

How to Style the Wolf Cut

The wolf cut is designed to be tousled, texturized, and raked through with your fingers, its cool factor born of its seemingly unfinished nature. 

“For the most part these are a wake-up-and-go type of look, as keeping natural texture in the hair shows off the layers nicely,” says Raisic. “These cuts are extremely specific to the hair you have, definitely pay attention to your stylist’s approach and recommendations.” That said, the wolf cut calls for messy movement. “Texture is everything!,” says hairstylist Jenn Lagron of the cut. “The wolf haircut is full of life, so volume and body are key.”

Both stylists recommend air-drying or diffusing hair for an undone look, while Lagron suggests blowing the shag out and adding ironed curls back in if you’re seeking polish. “A favorite go-to of mine for blowout prep is Raw Sugar Living’s Multi-Miracle Hair Mist,” says Giannetos. “It has an impressive clean formula that really protects your hair from the heat, while conditioning the strands, too.”

While Bailey-Chaidez is a fan of the air-dry, there are certain styles that further the cut’s natural oomph. “I love a big voluminous blow dry on the longer crown layers, or an effortless French twist with all the face-framing tendrils left out,” she says. “It’s very romantic and elongates the neck.” Finish your chosen style with a texture spray or even a spritz of dry shampoo for extra volume and texture. And, finally, remember that off-kilter is the point. 

“Whether worn up or down, this style is meant to be perfectly imperfect,” says Lagron.