A mesmerising fusion of the iconic mullet and the effortlessly cool shag haircut, the wolf cut has taken the haircare industry by storm, and for all the right reasons. The term has also seen a surge in monthly searches on TikTok, with an average of 110,000 searches per month.
With its unique blend of edgy charm and laid-back chic, the wolf cut is a head-turning trend that’s Instagram-worthy. However, knowing how to style a wolf cut can leave many scratching their heads. That’s why we’ve put together the perfect guide with all our styling tips, so you can achieve that salon-like finish every day.
What is a Wolf Cut?
The wolf cut is a blend of the iconic shag haircut from the 1970s and the infamous mullet from the 1980s. The inspiration for this distinctive style’s name comes from the tasselled, textured look that resembles a wolf’s fur.
The hairstyle boasts a multitude of layers, but all for different purposes. The shorter strands decorate the front and longer ones cascade down the back, creating a strong and stylish look. It’s usually finished with face-framing layers or a swept fringe, depending on your desired look, which gives this trendy haircut an additional dimension of volume and appeal.
What Face Shape Suits a Wolf Cut?
Hairstyles aren’t exclusive to specific face shapes; however, they can complement one face shape more than another. While the wolf cut can bring out many of your facial features, if you have a rounded face, the structure formed by the varied layers around the face can really serve to provide the appearance of more dimension. So, if you have a round face shape, this might be the hairstyle for you.
How to Style a Wolf Cut
Whether you’re sporting a short or long, curly or layered wolf cut, the aim of this look is to seem effortless and exude a carefree, yet stylish, vibe. However, if you’re looking for more of a bouncy blow-dry finish, these top styling tips work wonders across all hair types. What you’ll need:
- Heat protectant
- Blow drying spray
- Hair dryer or blow dryer brush
- Small round brush – depending on whether you’ve opted for a hair dryer
- Texturising spray
1. Start with Towel-Dried Hair
The key to mastering this hairstyle is allowing your hair to air dry, so it’s 90% dry. This could be freshly washed or spritzed with water – either way, this helps add more texture to your tresses and give off that ‘messy chic’ look. The slight dampness to your hair may help make styling easier, as it aids your brush to glide through any knots.
2. Prep Your Hair
As we’re going to be applying heat, protecting your strands is crucial. Grab your heat protection, like our shield anti-humidity spray, and spritz liberally to your hair.
After, you’ve distributed it evenly throughout your hair, use blow-drying spray and follow the same process – our brooklyn bombshell blowout spray is always our go-to. The lightweight formula primes your hair to provide it with ultimate body and volume.
3. Begin to Dry
To enhance the untamed look, it’s time to pull out your diffuser. Start by angling your diffuser and scrunch up sections of your hair while sweeping the diffuser over the damp areas. This will help add the iconic body and volume the style is known for and create subtle waves to your look.
However, if you’re looking to transform this look and achieve a more polished, structured wolf cut, get ready to work your magic with a round brush and your trusty hair dryer like our fave mighty mini dryer.
Divide your hair into manageable sections – no wider than an inch each. This precise approach guarantees that every strand enjoys its fair share of volume while minimising the risk of tangles.
Take a section of your hair, wrap it around the round brush, and aim the blow dryer with the attached airflow concentrator at your strands. Simultaneously, gently guide the round brush downward from the roots as the hair dryer is directed towards your strands. When you reach the ends, give the round brush a subtle twist to create a delicate outward curl away from your face.
If you’re using our round blow dryer brush, follow these instructions, just without the hairdryer!
Added Tip: If you’re wanting more of a straight wolf cut, follow with your straightener and begin to straighten the ends of your hair.
4. Flip out Your Fringe
The defining feature of this look is flipped-out bangs. To achieve this, you’ll need your round brush and hair dryer again.
Begin by gently brushing your fringe forward. Then, blast it with your hair dryer, sweeping your brush downwards. As you approach the ends, pivot the brush upward and continue drying from underneath. This technique is designed to help achieve that coveted feathered look, adding the perfect finishing touch to your hairstyle.
5. Finish with a Touch of Volume
To give your wolf cut that extra dose of flair, reach for a texturizing spray like our un.done volume and matte texture spray. This will be your secret weapon for amplifying the animalistic oomph of your wolf cut, ensuring that your hair doesn’t just make a statement, but shouts it.
Now you know our secrets on how to style a wolf cut, you can elevate your styling game with more of our tips. Check out our latest articles for a variety of trendy hairdos and expert advice on all things haircare.