Over the past few years, the wolf cut hairstyle has gripped young men and women alike, emerging as one of the most in-demand haircut choices for the TikTok generation; and those straddling the awkward in-between space between Gen Z and millennial.
Here’s everything you need to know about the viral hair trend.
Jump To:
- What is a wolf cut?
- What face shape works well with the wolf cut?
- 1. Classic Wolf Cut
- 2. Long Wolf Cut
- 3. Short Wolf Cut
- 4. Full Wolf Cut
- 5. Wolf Cut with Curtain Bangs (AKA Middle Part Wolf Cut)
- 6. Wolf Cut with Side Burns
- 7. Straight Wolf Cut
- 8. Textured Wolf Cut (AKA Layered Wolf Cut)
- 9. Curly Wolf Cut
- 10. No-Mullet Wolf Cut
- 11. Korean Wolf Cut
- 12. Wolf Cut with Colour
- Men’s Wolf Cut Styling Tips
What is a wolf cut?
A wolf cut is essentially a modern hybrid of the mullet and shag haircuts, named as such due to the inspiration it draws from messy wolf’s fur, and renowned for its incredibly versatility.
Beyond its unisex appeal (being complementary to both masculine and feminine features), it’s suitable for any hair length and texture, as well as a variety of face shapes (more on this later). As long as you have the necessary volume and thickness, you’re good to go.
The hairstyle traces its origins to Asian pop culture during the 2010s, ranging from South Korean actors and South Korean singers in the K-pop scene to Chinese idols and even Japanese anime; and arguably to the statement cuts of the 90s before that.
Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and what have you — as well as the rise of e-boys and e-girls, who swiftly adopted this look — is how it broke into the Western mainstream.
In terms of what a wolf cut actually involves: you’re dealing with a combination of short choppy layers around the crown of the head, and longer layers that gradually lengthen down the sides.
The difference between a wolf cut & mullet
While both are throwback-inspired statements, the key distinction between a wolf cut and the mullet involves the former’s additional layers and the latter’s noticeable lack of sides.
And where the wolf cut (short on sides, long at the back) is intentionally messy with a contemporary alternative twist, the mullet (virtually non-existent on sides, long at back) feels more structured with a striking contrast.
A wolf cut also feels more casual and acceptable compared to the rebellious and somewhat unapologetic nature of a mullet.
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What face shape works well with the wolf cut?
As mentioned earlier, the wolf cut can be rocked by most men and women without an issue. Although there are certain face shapes that are more compatible with this hairstyle than others.
Standout face types include the following:
- Heart-Shaped Face
Widest at the forehead and cheekbones with a narrow, pointed chin. - Oval Face
Balanced proportions with a slightly wider forehead and gently rounded chin. - Rectangular/Oblong Face
Long and narrow with a straight forehead, cheeks, and jawline of similar width. - Triangular Face
Broad jawline and narrows at the forehead, giving it an inverted triangle appearance. - Round Faces In General
Moonface representation!
Umbrella explanation: the wolf cut’s cropped sides downplay the softer curves of a face, while the layers up top accentuate angular features.
Check out BH’s selection of the best wolf cut haircuts & hairstyles for men below.
1. Classic Wolf Cut
Mullet-shag blend; heavy layers and volume; short at the crown and, as outlined above, gradually lengthens on the lower parts of your hair.
2. Long Wolf Cut
A great way to showcase volume and texture by growing out the length; routine maintenance required for desired effect.
3. Short Wolf Cut
Less extreme than other kinds of men’s wolf cuts; not as choppy and more low maintenance.
4. Full Wolf Cut
Volume-centric variation of the men’s wolf cut; volume added through manipulation of layer lengths, blow-drying, and products (i.e. sea salt spray, hairspray).
5. Wolf Cut with Curtain Bangs (AKA Middle Part Wolf Cut)
Best-suited for rectangular and square faces; less edgy and more romantic; softens angular features.
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6. Wolf Cut with Side Burns
A more structured and intention-driven variety of the men’s wolf cut; keep the sides clean to emphasise said side burns.
7. Straight Wolf Cut
Layered but without much texture; frames the face nicely though can appear “flat” unless you intervene (products, blow-drying, etc.).
8. Textured Wolf Cut (AKA Layered Wolf Cut)
Ideal for those with straight hair and don’t want to alter the nature too much but also works for curlier hair; similar to the full wolf cut, volume is added through manipulation of layer lengths, blow-drying, and products (i.e. sea salt spray, hairspray)
9. Curly Wolf Cut
A wolf cut variation that embraces your natural hair texture and provides extra bounce; layers can create a blended look that softens your facial features.
10. No-Mullet Wolf Cut
Exactly what it sounds like; another volume-centric variation.
11. Korean Wolf Cut
As seen in K-pop and K-Drama heartthrobs (extremely youthful and playful); less choppy, more texture + depth, more flowy; can be bleached, coloured, or permed.
12. Wolf Cut with Colour
Think highlights, tips, and bleaching.
Men’s Wolf Cut Styling Tips
Styling a wolf cut is all about that natural, textured, and slightly messy aesthetic. Here’s a quick rundown on how to make it look effortlessly cool.
Add texture with a spray (sea salt or otherwise)
- Sea salt or texturising sprays help bring out your natural wave and give hair more body/volume.
- Spritz it onto damp hair, scrunch it up with your fingers, and let it air or blow dry.
Add definition with a matte pomade or wax
- Work small amounts throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends, which helps enhance the choppiness without that greasy sheen.
- Avoid using too much product — remember: wolf cuts are meant to look “effortless,” so keep it light.
Finish with a light hold hairspray
- Once you’ve achieved the level of texture and volume you want, a light-hold hairspray will subtly keep everything in place without making it stiff.
Embrace your natural texture
- Wavy, curly, or straight hair… the wolf cut works best when you lean into what you have. Avoid over-styling or straightening.
- If you have naturally straight hair, adding some light waves or curls for extra dimension and volume.
Blow-dry for volume
- Pretty self-explanatory — if you want more control when you set it, use a brush or wide-tooth comb for that salon-finished texture (without losing the cut’s rugged essence).
Regular Trims
- Keep those layers sharp by getting trimmed from time to time; even though the wolf cut is supposed to look a bit grown-out, maintenance is key to preserve the shape and prevent yourself from becoming unkempt.
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