The Wolf Cut Is The Coolest Way To Rock Shaggy Layers

Social media is great for keeping tabs on friends, following brands you care about, and, without a doubt, learning about new beauty trends. This season’s social media buzz is all about bold looks like boyfriend blush, chocolate chrome nails, and layered haircuts like the jellyfish cut and the wolf cut hair.

The viral wolf haircut is leading hair trends—countless celebrities, models, and influencers are embracing this undone style. If you’re not familiar, think of the wolf cut as a modern take on the ‘70s shag cut, prioritizing texture, movement, and volume with lots of layers. Because of this, the wolf cut suits hair types and lengths of all kinds and is a great way to refresh your style for the spring season—or, honestly, year-round. Keep scrolling to learn more about the viral wolf cut, including inspo pics to show your hairdresser and tips on how to style one yourself.

What Is a Wolf Cut?

The wolf haircut gets its name from its untamed, textured style that resembles the fur of its namesake. Some people say the wolf cut is a modern-day mullet, while others argue it’s more of a shag haircut. But what we know for sure is that this edgy style is a current iteration of hairstyles dating back to the ‘70s and ‘80s. It has tons of layers with shorter ones in the front and longer pieces in the back. It also features face-framing layers or side-swept bangs to give the style even more body. It’s tousled, fierce, textured and a bit wild, just like its name suggests.

What is the difference between a butterfly cut and a wolf cut?

The wolf cut is not to be confused with the jellyfish cut, another trendy layered style right now. The two are similar, but the jellyfish cut has a much sharper shape. Instead of the blended layers of the wolf cut, the jellyfish cut has two distinct sections: short, choppy layers around the crown and long, sleek lengths underneath. This creates a striking, two-tiered effect that’s dramatic and structured, while the wolf cut focuses more on volume and texture.

What Face Shape Suits a Wolf Cut?

A layered haircut is great for adding texture, but does wolf cut hair look good on everyone? With the right adjustments for your features, a wolf haircut can suit every face shape. The choppy, short layers around the face make the wolf cut a flattering choice for a round face shape. If you have an angled jaw or sharper features, a wolf cut can help to soften those. If you have an oblong face shape, opt for a shorter wolf cut that won’t elogate your face.

Those with oval and heart-shaped faces have the most options because their face shape can flatter a number of different hairstyles, and the wolf cut is no different.

13 Wolf Cut Hairstyle Ideas to Update Your Look

Now that you know what wolf cut hair is, keep reading for some unique takes on the style—from the pixie wolf cut to a wolf cut with bangs—to inspire your next salon appointment.

1. Pixie wolf cut

A pixie wolf cut is a shorter, more compact version of the classic wolf cut, blending the choppy, layered style of a wolf cut with the length and structure of a pixie haircut. It typically features lots of textured layers on top, creating a tousled and voluminous look, while maintaining a neat shorter length around the sides and back. The result is an edgy, modern haircut that combines the boldness of a striking pixie cut with the shaggy, lived-in feel of a wolf cut.

This style works well for those who want something low-maintenance with lots of personality. Plus, it’s great for showcasing natural hair texture—whether it’s straight, wavy, or curly. You can also customize this style with face-framing pieces or a soft fringe if you feel like adding extra movement or dimension.

2. Short wolf cut

A short wolf cut is a cropped version of the classic wolf haircut, typically ending around the chin or above the shoulders. It also trends to feature shorter, face-framing layers and textured bangs, resulting in a look that’s edgy yet playful. A short wolf cut retains the signature choppy layers, texture, and shaggy look of traditional wolf cut hair, but the shorter length gives it a bouncier, more lightweight feel. That makes it ideal for adding volume and movement to fine or thin hair.

3. Long wolf cut

A long wolf cut extends the length of shaggy, layered wolf cut hair down past the shoulders, sometimes reaching mid-back. With long layers throughout and more dramatic length differences, this version has a softer, more fluid appearance compared to the short wolf cut. The longer length allows for more styling versatility and can create a more dramatic, face-framing effect, blending the boldness of the wolf cut with a relaxed, bohemian vibe. It’s perfect for those wanting to keep their length and the ability to flick their hair while embracing the edgy, undone look of a wolf cut.

4. Auburn wolf cut

Auburn is one of the hottest hair color trends and it shows no signs of slowing down. An auburn wolf cut is a rich, fiery take on the classic wolf cut style—and one that’s going to be especially popular during the cooler months. An enchanting combination of auburn and the wolf cut’s wild, layered structure delivers a moody, mystical feel, perfect for those who want to channel a witchy vibe.

5. Wolf cut with bangs

Adding any type of bangs to your wolf haircut is a great way to play up the nostalgic shaggy texture. With blunt bangs in the mix, this hairdo is super flattering for a round or oblong face shape.

6. Wolf Cut lob

Lob hairstyles are great for any hair type and length, and a wolf cut lob is an edgy, modern take on the timeless style. It adds movement and body while giving the hair a more lived-in appearance.

7. Balayage wolf cut

A balayage wolf cut combines the bold, textured layers of a wolf cut with the soft, blended color transitions of a balayage. Sunkissed-looking balayage highlights soften the edginess of this wild, untamed look. When paired with shaggy ‘70s layers, this style is a gorgeous upgrade for those who want to sport a wolf cut without chopping off any length. Already got the cut down but fancy doing your own balayage? Try using the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Balayage At-Home Highlighting Kit for effortless salon-inspired balayage highlights.

8. Gemini wolf cut

If you want to really rock a bold hair style, a Gemini wolf cut is the way to go. Gemini hair color—a nod to the Greek god’s infamous dual personalities—features two contrasting shades, like pink and brown, black and light blue, or blonde and lavender. This color-block effect creates a striking, eye-catching look, and the wolf haircut provides just the right amount of added edge. If you want to experiment with colors sans commitment, try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray. It provides a bold color that lasts until your next shampoo.

9. Curly Wolf Cut

A wolf cut on curly hair is always a good idea because the short layers will spotlight your natural texture and movement. Plus, the layers will help remove some bulk so your hair will have shape and volume without feeling heavy

10. Platinum blonde wolf cut

If you’re into bold hair colors and cuts, opting for a platinum blonde wolf cut is a great way to engage in both at the same time. This grungy color and cut combination adds edge while framing and brightening the face beautifully.

11. Mushroom brown wolf cut

Mushroom blonde and mushroom brown are this season’s ashy colors of choice. Pair either with an edgy wolf haircut to give your cool-toned hair color some love, texture and trendy style.

12. Wolf cut with bangs

A wolf cut with bangs takes the signature choppy, layered look of a wolf cut and pairs it with a bold fringe to enhance the edgy, face-framing effect. The addition of bangs draws even more attention to the eyes and cheekbones, creating a dynamic, youthful style. The bangs can be customized to suit different face shapes and personal styles, making this a wonderfully versatile look.

A wolf cut with blunt bangs has a more dramatic, rebellious feel and delivers structure to an otherwise tousled style. It’s great for oval, heart-shaped, and long face shapes because the straight-across fringe shortens the appearance of the forehead and adds width across the top of the face. In contrast, a wolf cut with curtain bangs has a softer, more romantic vibe that gently frames the face. It’s ideal for round, square, and diamond face shapes, opening up the face while softening strong features.

13. Black wolf cut

If you’re all about the grunge look, make a wolf cut with a shiny black hair color your next move. It’s sleek and polished while remaining a bit sultry and mysterious.

Are Wolf Cuts High Maintenance?

Wolf cut hair can be a more high-maintenance style depending on your hair type. Since the wolf cut is all about texture and movement, those with naturally wavy or curly hair are going to have the easiest time styling because they already have natural texture.

If you have naturally straight hair, that’s not to say a wolf cut won’t look on you, just that you’ll need to spend more time styling it to get the tousled, untamed look. Those with thin hair should stay away from a wolf cut simply because the layers, especially the longer ones in the back, can make your already thin hair look even thinner. If you still want to rock the style, try a lob length, add a curtain bang and keep the shorter layers around your face.

How to Style a Wolf Cut

Since the wolf haircut is all about texture, volume, and body, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your routines to truly honor the cut. Apply these simple tips to your hair care and styling regimen to maintain your wolf cut hair’s textured facade.

1. Wash with a volumizing system

To boost volume on wolf cut hair, use a shampoo and conditioner, like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free. This pair is formulated with hyaluronic acid to replump dry, dehydrated strands while adding bounce, body, and shine.

If your hair is on the curly or wavy side, use the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Push Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Moisture Seal Conditioner. This duo also includes hyaluronic acid, plus castor oil to shape curls and help the hair retain moisture without weighing it down.

2. Use a leave-in treatment

Because the wolf cut is all about texture, air-drying your hair is your best bet for achieving an easy style without relying on heat. A leave-in conditioner is a must for ensuring that your wolf haircut air-dries sans frizz. For curly hair and waves, we love a curl-enhancing leave-in like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner. It adds hydration and shape to your curls while keeping frizz under control.

If you have straight hair, try using a lightweight serum or leave-in conditioner that is designed to smooth flyaways and add shine. Straight hair can sometimes look flat and lack dimension, so this type of product can give your wolf cut a more dynamic appearance.

3. Apply heat protectant

Sometimes you can’t deny the call of your blow dryer or curling iron to perfect your wolf cut hair. The good news is that your hair should remain in healthy condition if you keep heat styling to a minimum and always apply heat protectant. If you’re on the hunt for a good heat protectant, try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer to smooth and protect your wet hair. Heat-styling your dry hair with L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In will help to reduce frizz and protect against heat damage up to 450 degrees.

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Photo Credit: Alexandra Clare, IG/@alexandraclare