The moment the wolf cut started trending, I knew I was in for an adventure. It’s not every day that you get to blend the rebellious spirit of a mullet with the retro charm of a shag. Let’s dive into what makes this cut a favorite.
Why The Wolf Cut?
From the first snip, I fell in love with how the wolf cut just commands attention. It’s a delightful blend of shaggy layers on top and wavy, playful strands in the back. It isn’t just a haircut; it’s a statement—a flirtation with one’s wilder side.
What Makes The Wolf Cut Pop?
Texture and Volume: The hairstyle’s lifeblood! Shorter around the crown to create that signature volume, it cascades into longer layers that flatter the face. A dash of texturizing product, a blow dry, and voilà—an effortlessly tousled look.
Layers: The soul of this haircut. Depending on your features, these can range from delicate wisps to bolder, choppier segments, often contouring the face to accentuate cheekbones and jawline.
Bangs: Ah, the cherry on top! Be it dramatic curtain bangs or subtle wisps, they can truly transform the wolf cut, adding a touch of personality.
Wolf Cut: A Style for Every Hair Type
Having crafted this look on various hair types, let me give you the inside scoop:
Straight Hair: It’s about introducing movement. Some intentional layering and a spritz of texturizing spray, and you’ve got that chic, windswept style.
Curly Hair: The wolf cut and curls? A match made in heaven. Dry cutting helps in ensuring the natural pattern stands out. A dollop of curl-enhancing cream, and those curls will sing!
Thin or Fine Hair: It’s a volume game. Strategic layering can introduce depth and movement, making your hair look fuller.
Thick or Textured Hair: Here, it’s about harnessing that volume. A bit of layering and thinning can create a sleeker yet voluminous look.
Black Hair: On black hair, the wolf cut is sheer magic. The contrast, the layers—it’s a bold statement.
Wavy Hair: Waves add a romantic flair to the wolf cut. Dry cutting ensures the waves find their rhythm.
Platinum Blonde or Brown Hair: Both these colors lend a contemporary flair to the cut. To maintain the vibrancy, a good color-protecting shampoo is your best ally.
Fun Fact: Did you know the wolf cut gets its name because it mirrors the rugged, wild mane of a wolf? It's nature meeting style!
Tailoring the Wolf Cut for Every Length
Short: It’s about edgy volume. The layers infuse a spontaneous vibe, perfect for those who love a snazzy, low-fuss look.
Shoulder-Length: Here, drama meets sophistication. The layers bring volume, and you can experiment—a classic chop or even some avant-garde bangs.
Long: It introduces a daring edge. With the layers adding volume, you could keep it classic or introduce face-framing layers for a more elegant touch.
Lob and Mid-Length: Edgy yet refined. Whether you keep it classic with layers or add bangs, it’s bound to turn heads.
Pro Tip: While styling the wolf cut, let your hair's natural texture shine. For those with wavy or curly hair, diffusing while blow-drying accentuates the style. If you have straight hair, a round brush will introduce the desired flair.
How I Style the Wolf Cut
The Wolf Cut is like a canvas waiting for an artist’s touch. Here’s how I love to style it:
Embracing Natural Texture: Tousled, messy vibes are this cut’s best friend. When I’m feeling this look, I grab my trusty diffuser while blow-drying. A good volumizing mousse at the roots, and a little scrunching, and voila! Shaggy perfection.
Face Framing: Side-swept bangs with the Wolf Cut? A match made in hair heaven! They add that touch of drama and frame the face so beautifully. And on days my clients wanttheir hair out of the way, a chic ponytail or a half-up, half-down style becomes their go-to.
Beachy Waves: Fun fact: The Wolf Cut and the beach are secret lovers. A quick spritz of salt spray, and you’ve got yourself those desirable beach waves. For a sleeker approach, I sometimes grab my round brush, followed by a flat iron for some elegant loose waves.
Keeping Frizz at Bay: I can’t stress this enough – a good hair serum or oil is like a magic potion. Just a small amount helps combat those pesky flyaways.
Coloring and Highlights: Adding the Oomph!
Choosing a color for your Wolf Cut is like selecting the right accessory for an outfit. It needs to resonate with your personality and enhance the haircut’s essence. Here’s a sneak peek into my color palette:
Blonde: The classic shaggy Wolf Cut in blonde has an effortless charm.
Red: Oh, the drama! Fiery red brings out the boldness of the cut.
Brunette: The warm shades with perhaps some highlights or lowlights? A favorite in my salon.
Pastels: Lavender, pink, or even a soft blue? Adds a touch of whimsy to the fierce Wolf Cut.
Let’s Talk Highlights
Highlights can redefine the Wolf Cut’s texture and shape. Over the years, I’ve grown fond of:
Balayage: Those sun-kissed streaks? Courtesy of the freehand magic of balayage.
Foil Highlights: For those who desire a more contrasting, dramatic flair.
Babylights: Ah, the finesse of adding fine, delicate streaks. Subtle, yet transformative.
Elevating Dimension
Dimension brings life to the Wolf Cut. Some techniques I swear by:
Ombre: The dramatic gradient from dark to light is always an eye-catcher.
Sombre: Think of it as Ombre’s subtler cousin, giving a gentle color transition.
Color Melt: Seamlessly blending colors together? It’s like painting a masterpiece.
Hint: The Wolf Cut is all about finding what resonates with you. Play around, experiment, and remember, it's not just about following the trend but making it uniquely yours.
In the world of hairstyling, trends come and go, but the wolf cut? It’s a tale of rebellion and elegance—a cut that I’ve loved crafting and watching clients flaunt with panache. So, if you’re itching for a change, why not let out your inner wolf?
#1 Textured Ash-Brown Wolf Cut with Wispy Fringe and Choppy Layers
This trendy ‘wolf cut’ rocks a textured, voluminous look, sporting a seamless blend of choppy layers that give off a carefree yet stylish vibe. The hair flaunts a cool ash-brown hue with subtle highlights cascading into a wispy fringe that softly frames the face, perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of edge and movement to their style.
#2 SunKissed Balayage Wolf Cut with Playful Fringe and Bouncy Layers
Do you have a thing for a bit of drama in your locks? This wolf cut is the way to go, with its flowy layers that add a bouncy feel, perfect for that just-got-out-of-bed look but still super chic. It features a sun-kissed balayage that melts from deep brown roots to lighter tips and a cheeky fringe that playfully skims the eyes, giving off a soft yet wild charm. If you're craving a fresh 'do that's low maintenance with a high impact, this is your call to jump on the wolf cut bandwagon.
#3 Feathered Curtain Bangs with Tousled Layers in Honeyed Blonde Wolf Cut
This hairstyle breathes new life into the classic wolf cut, softening it with feathered curtain bangs that flirt around the eyes and cheekbones. The cut cascades in gentle layers that fall effortlessly, adding volume and a tousled elegance to the overall shape. Its hue is a melody of warm, honeyed blonde with darker undertones that create a rich, multi-dimensional look, catching the light with every movement. The layers are styled to sweep away from the face, inviting a relaxed yet put-together appearance that's versatile for both a casual day out or a chic evening event. For those looking to blend the laid-back vibe of curtain bangs with the dynamic texture of a wolf cut, this style strikes the perfect balance.
#4 Polished Black Wolf Cut with Subtle Brown Highlights and Side-Swept Bangs
This wolf cut plays with the rules, showing off a shorter, more polished version that's all about subtle edge. It has a rich, natural black that shines with a hint of soft browns when caught in the light, cut into gentle layers that give the hair a light, airy feel. The side-swept bangs blend right into the tousled layers, making it a fantastic choice for someone who loves a bit of mystery in their style and a perfect mix of tame and wild.
#5 Fiery Copper Wolf Cut with Bold Red Streaks and Precision Layers
This sassy wolf cut is all about making a statement with its fiery copper tones highlighted by bold streaks of bright red, giving a dimensional look that's full of life. The haircut boasts layers that are snipped with precision to create that signature wolf cut volume and bounce, especially noticeable at the ends. Its bangs are cut in a soft, rounded manner that skims the eyebrows, blending flawlessly into the face-framing layers, making this a top pick for anyone eager to turn heads with a bold color and an equally bold cut.
#6 Tousled Layered Shag in Natural Deep Black with Jagged Bangs
This look brings a relaxed and laid-back edge with its tousled layers that add a rebellious twist to the classic shag. The deep black color is all-natural, giving a sleek and shiny backdrop for the light and shadow to play across the uneven lengths. Soft, jagged bangs fall effortlessly around the face, not too thick, keeping the vibe casual and cool. For someone on the lookout for a low-maintenance cut with an attitude, this textured take on the wolf cut is a real winner.
#7 Sandy Blonde Wolf Cut with Subtle Choppy Layers and Natural Part
This fresh take on the wolf cut keeps it simple with subtle, choppy layers that fall just right to frame the face, giving off an effortlessly cool vibe. The hair is styled with a natural part, letting the warm, sandy blonde highlights add depth and texture, which is perfect for someone who loves a bit of character without the fuss. The soft, piecey bangs lightly graze the eyebrows, blending into the sides, making it a perfect match for those wanting to dip their toes into the wolf cut trend with a more understated look.
#8 Muted Blonde Shaggy Wolf Cut with Choppy Fringe and Dark Roots
Here's a playful twist on the wolf cut with a choppy, uneven fringe that makes a bold statement and layers that create a bit of shaggy attitude. The color is a cool, muted blonde with darker roots showing through, giving it an edgy, grown-out look that’s totally in right now. It’s perfect for someone who’s not afraid to show off their unique style and wants a cut that’s a little bit messy, a little bit sleek, and a whole lot of cool.
#9 Earthy Brown Medium-Length Wolf Cut with Piecey Texture and Full Bangs
Rocking a medium-length wolf cut, this 'do offers a playful take on texture with its piecey layers that give the hair plenty of body and an edgy feel. The earthy brown shade is rich and full of depth, creating a natural canvas for the shaggy layers to do their thing. The fringe is cut thick and straight across, just skimming the eyelashes, contributing to the overall boldness of the style. There's a subtle side part that allows some of the bangs to sweep slightly to the side, softening the frame around the face. For someone craving a mix of modern sass and retro vibes, this medium wolf cut is a trendy choice that won't disappoint.
#10 Adventurous Wolf Cut with Choppy Pixie Bangs and Platinum Highlights
This haircut is an adventurous spin on the wolf cut, featuring textured layers that create a playful, edgy silhouette with plenty of movements. The pixie bangs add a whimsical touch, cut choppy and short to frame the face with a modern flair. Platinum panels weave through the natural dark base, offering a striking contrast and showcasing the multi-layered cut. For those seeking a hairstyle that's bold and expressive, this combination of a wolf cut with pixie bangs and statement platinum highlights is a head-turning choice.
#11 Chocolate Brown Wolf Cut with Sun-Kissed Highlights and Choppy Layers
This wolf cut is a fusion of sass and sweetness, featuring choppy layers that bring a wild, untamed look, with the softness of the fringe adding a touch of innocence. The layers are cut to enhance the natural wave and volume of the hair, creating that perfectly imperfect bedhead look. The color is a deep chocolate brown with subtle sun-kissed highlights that frame the face and highlight the eyes. This cut is ideal for someone who's looking for a hairstyle that's low-maintenance yet stylish, with a fringe that can be rocked straight or swept to the side for a playful vibe.
#12 Edgy Mullet-Shag Hybrid with Textured Layers and Tousled Finish
This dynamic hairstyle is where the mullet, shag, and long bob intersect, offering an edgy, textured look with plenty of personality. The back is kept slightly longer in true mullet fashion, while the shaggy layers throughout inject that wild, carefree vibe. It's styled in a tousled manner, with the dark, natural color adding depth and an air of mystery to the overall aesthetic. Perfect for someone craving a bold, statement look that's still versatile, this cut combines retro flair with modern edginess — ideal for those ready to rock a playful yet sophisticated 'do.
#13 Luxurious Long Wolf Cut with Voluminous Soft Layers and Rich Color
This hairstyle is a long-haired version of the wolf cut, offering a cascade of soft, flowing layers that give the hair volume and a gentle, billowing shape. The rich, dark color adds a lustrous depth that enhances the curl and wave of each layer, giving off a luxurious and healthy sheen. There's no fringe here, but the way the front layers are cut and styled frames the face beautifully, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. For someone with long locks looking to add some life and movement to their hair while keeping the length, this long wolf cut is an effortlessly chic choice that won’t disappoint.
#14 Soft Auburn Wolf Cut with Flowing Layers and Sleek Fringe
This take on the wolf cut softens the edgy style into a more subtle, wearable look with long, flowing layers that give off an airy feel. The warm auburn hue enriches the hair, creating a stunning canvas that makes the layers pop, giving the style dimension and movement. A straight-across fringe adds a classic touch, skimming the eyebrows to accentuate the eyes, while the rest of the hair is swept smoothly to maintain an effortlessly sleek appearance. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to retain length and play with color, while the fringe and layers introduce that wolf haircut attitude in a more understated manner.
#15 Electrified Wolf Cut with Baby Blue Highlights and Choppy Fringe
This haircut puts a vibrant twist on the wolf cut with its choppy layers and textured edges, creating a look that's as wild as it is styled. The natural dark base is electrified with panels of baby blue, adding a pop of unexpected color that peeks through with every movement. The fringe is cut to fall just above the eyes, adding an air of mystery and framing the face beautifully, while the rest of the hair is swept in different directions to emphasize the pieciness of the cut. For someone who's all about expressing their individuality and daring to stand out, this wolf cut with baby blue accents is a perfect blend of attitude and artistry.
#16 Subtle Layered Brunette Wolf Cut with Soft Wispy Fringe
This haircut is a softened version of the wolf cut, showing off subtle layers that add body and movement without being too drastic. The natural, rich brunette color gives it a timeless look, while the soft, wispy fringe gently curves around the eyes, offering a sweet, face-framing effect. The hair is styled to enhance its natural wave, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated silhouette that's effortlessly chic. Perfect for someone who's looking for a hairstyle with a hint of edge but still wants to keep things simple and elegant, this cut offers the best of both worlds.
#17 Relaxed Chestnut Brown Wolf Cut with Feathered Layers and Piecey Fringe
This hairstyle puts a tousled twist on the wolf cut, tailored for a softer, more relaxed vibe with its feathered layers giving a beautiful texture throughout. The cut includes a fringe that's left long and piecey, effortlessly blending into the side layers, creating a frame that's casual yet flirty around the face. The color is a natural, muted chestnut brown, which gives off an easy, low-maintenance look, perfect for those who prefer a subtler style. For someone looking to freshen up their look with a versatile cut that can be worn messy or sleek, this laid-back version of the wolf cut is a charming option.
#18 Ashy Blonde Wolf Cut with Choppy Layers and Darker Roots
This hairstyle is a chic take on the wolf cut, featuring a cool, ashy blonde hue with darker roots for a touch of edginess. The layers are choppy and plentiful, falling around the face in a way that's both haphazard and perfectly placed to enhance the hair's natural volume and texture. A long, side-swept fringe seamlessly integrates with the rest of the cut, offering a flirty curtain that peeks out just enough to accentuate the eyes. It's an ideal style for someone looking to make a statement with their hair, combining the effortless cool of a wolf cut with a color that turns heads and stands out in a crowd.
#19 Playful Chocolate Brown Wolf Cut with Wispy Layers and Curtain Fringe
This modern wolf cut is all about texture and movement, featuring long, wispy layers that give a playful bounce to the hair. The rich chocolate brown color is full of depth, adding warmth to the face and enhancing the natural shine. A curtain fringe is styled to fall casually around the face, adding a touch of softness and framing the eyes beautifully. It's the perfect cut for someone who's looking for a style with a bit of edge and lots of personality, easy to style, and versatile for both casual and formal looks.
#20 Shaggy Auburn Wolf Cut with Razored Layers and Full Blunt Fringe
This hairstyle boasts a textured wolf cut with added flair, featuring razored layers throughout for a shaggy yet structured look. The rich auburn shade adds an autumnal warmth, while the full, blunt fringe frames the face and brings attention to the eyes. It’s a versatile choice for someone who wants a mix of a modern and retro vibe, perfect for making a statement with both color and cut.
#21 Long Flowing Wolf Cut with Chocolate and Caramel Highlights
This hairstyle is a gorgeous blend of the wolf cut's signature layers, tailored into a longer, flowing form that adds volume and movement to the hair. The luxurious chocolate brown base melts into honeyed caramel highlights that catch the light and add dimension. Softly parted in the middle, the hair is styled with a slight outward flip at the ends, giving a nod to the vintage blowout while maintaining a modern twist. It's the ideal look for someone who wants the full-bodied spirit of the wolf cut but prefers a more classic, feminine length and style.
#22 Curly Espresso Wolf Cut with Volumizing Layers and Tousled Fringe
This layered wolf cut is perfectly adapted for curly hair, with strategic layering throughout to enhance the natural volume and bounce of the curls. The deep espresso hue complements the hair's texture, adding a sense of richness and depth to each individual curl. The cut includes a soft, tousled fringe that blends into the curly canopy, framing the face with a playful yet natural look. It's an ideal style for curly-haired individuals seeking to embrace their curls with a cut that's trendy and manageable, giving off an effortlessly chic vibe that's right on trend.
#23 Wild and Untamed Long Wolf Cut with Dark Chocolate Hue and Bold Fringe
This cut offers a daring take on the wolf cut with its long, sliced layers that cascade down, adding a wild, untamed texture to the hair. The sultry, dark-chocolate color is rich and deep, providing a stunning contrast to the fair complexion of the skin. The fringe is cut thick and straight, ending just above the eyelashes to frame the eyes boldly, while the rest of the hair is parted slightly off-center, allowing the layers to sweep across the face in a carefree manner. For someone who wants to embody the free spirit of the wolf cut while making a statement with a full, bold fringe, this style marries edginess with a touch of classic beauty.
#24 Brunette Wolf Cut Pixie with Rebellious Choppy Layers and Subtle Highlights
This wolf cut pixie presents an edgy yet whimsical charm, with choppy layers throughout that give it a rebellious texture and plenty of movements. The color is a natural brunette sprinkled with subtle highlights that enhance the texture and depth of the cut. The fringe is kept playful and piecey, falling over the forehead in a way that complements the carefree styling of the layers. It's the perfect match for someone looking to sport a low-maintenance yet striking hairstyle that captures the essence of the wolf cut's wild spirit in a shorter, pixie-like form.
Amy is an hairstylist and the editor-in-chief at Snazzy Lair, where her expertise and leadership are instrumental in shaping the direction of the publication and ensuring its continued success. With over a decade of experience in the hairstyling industry, Amy has honed her craft to perfection. She possesses an innate talent for transforming hair into works of art, and her dedication to her clients' satisfaction knows no bounds.
