Author: 
The wolf cut—a bold blend of shag and mullet—is taking over celebrity, model, and social media trends. Perfect for various face shapes and styles, this edgy haircut is a must-try if you're ready to switch things up.
Read on for styling tips, maintenance advice, and how to use the YouCam Makeup app to virtually try the wolf cut before your salon visit!
Source: Instagram @adina.fichios.hair
| Table of Contents |
|---|
What Is a Wolf Haircut?
The wolf cut has been turning heads since the '70s and '80s, inspired by icons like David Bowie and Mick Jagger with their shaggy styles, and Joan Jett with her iconic mullet. Combining the best of both looks, the wolf cut—originally from South Korea—has taken social media by storm, dominating TikTok and Instagram as a go-to trend for women seeking a bold, edgy hairstyle.
Source: Instagram @hairbytory
Today, everyone from celebrities and influencers to content creators and selfie lovers has embraced the wolf-cut trend:
Source: Instagram @mileycyrus
Miley Cyrus set the tone for the wolf-cut look when she wore it to a Los Angeles County Museum of Art gala in November 2021.
Source: Instagram @billieeilish
Billie Eilish has interpreted the wolf cut in adventurous ways, from bold colors to blunt-cut bangs.
Source: Instagram @barbieferreira
Barbie Ferreira juxtaposed straight bangs with curly ends at an Oscar party in 2020.
Who Can Rock a Wolf Cut?
The wolf cut, often called Gen Z’s answer to the mullet, is wild, carefree, and effortlessly chic—perfect for anyone ready to break free from their usual hairstyle.
With tapered ends and shaggy layers, it’s cut longer in the back and shorter at the crown for extra volume, blending retro vibes with a modern edge. Whether you're strolling the beach, hitting a street fair, or rocking out at a music festival, the wolf cut adds the perfect “undone” touch to your look.
Source: Instagram @hollygirldoeshair
How the Wolf Cut Complements Different Face Shapes
For Round Faces
The wolf cut’s layered structure adds height at the crown and frames the face with angled strands, creating a slimming and elongating effect that beautifully balances round face shapes.
For Oval Faces
Oval faces suit almost any hairstyle, and the wolf cut is no exception. Its versatile layers enhance natural proportions while adding texture and movement for a bold, stylish finish.
For Square Faces
The wolf cut softens sharp angles of square faces with its shaggy layers and tapered ends, providing a relaxed, undone look that complements strong jawlines.
For Heart-Shaped Faces
The shorter layers near the crown and longer pieces at the back balance the proportions of heart-shaped faces, drawing attention to the cheekbones and softening the jawline.
For Long Faces
The wolf cut adds volume on the sides and at the crown, breaking up the length of long faces while creating a fuller, more balanced appearance.
Read More: How To Find the Perfect Hairstyle for Your Face Shape
Wolf Cut Benefits for Various Hair Types
The wolf cut is a versatile hairstyle that works beautifully on a variety of hair types.
For Straight Hair
The wolf cut adds texture and volume to straight hair, transforming a flat look into a dynamic, lived-in style with shaggy, edgy layers.
For Wavy Hair
Wavy hair pairs perfectly with the wolf cut, enhancing its natural movement and creating effortlessly tousled vibes that exude casual chic.
For Curly and Coily Hair
Curly and coily hair benefit from the wolf cut’s layered structure, which defines curls, reduces bulk, and delivers a bold yet manageable look.
Read More: What Shape Is My Face: Best Free Face Shape Detectors & Apps
Reasons Why the Wolf Cut Might Not Be for You
Here are three reasons for not getting a wolf cut:
- Thin Hair: If you have very thin hair, the wolf cut’s layered, voluminous style might make your hair appear even thinner.
- Tight Curls: While the wolf cut suits some curl types, very tight curls may not achieve the desired effect.
- High Maintenance: If you prefer low-maintenance hairstyles, the wolf cut may not be ideal since it requires regular styling and salon visits to maintain its shape.
Wolf Cut vs. Butterfly Cut: What's the Difference?
Another popular layered trend to consider is the butterfly cut. It features longer layers that look like a pair of butterfly wings from the back, paired with wispier layers framing the face.
However, the difference is that the butterfly cut is more feathered, while the wolf cut has more texture and heavier, sharper layers.
Source: Pinterest
If you’re looking for more rock ‘n’ roll rebellion and less length, the wolf cut might be your jam. However, the butterfly could be a perfect fit if you prefer to hang on to some of your long locks while adding movement and definition.
Is the Wolf Cut High Maintenance?
Source: Instagram @nunziosavianosalon
The wolf cut is a high-maintenance style that requires consistent effort to keep it looking sharp. The layered structure demands regular styling to avoid unruliness and maintain its iconic shape. Follow these tips to keep your wolf cut in top form:
- Visit the Salon Regularly: Schedule trims every 4–6 weeks to preserve the cut’s shape, volume, and avoid split ends.
- Use Styling Products: Experiment with mousse, texturizing spray, or pomade to create different looks, from tousled volume to sleek finishes.
- Master the Hairdryer: Dedicate 5–10 minutes for styling. Use a round brush to lift roots or dry upside down for untamed, high-volume vibes.
With a little extra care, your wolf cut will always be ready to make a statement!
Virtually Try On the Wolf Haircut With Your Photo
Making the switch from long, single-length hair to a choppier wolf cut is a big decision — one that might make you hesitant, especially if you’ve never had layered hair. But don't worry, I get it!
With the AI hairstyle feature in YouCam Makeup, you can try on the wolf cut virtually before committing to the big chop. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download YouCam Makeup
Get the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2: Upload a Photo
Take a selfie or upload a photo of yourself to the app.
Step 3: Explore Hairstyles
Use the AI Hairstyle feature to browse a variety of layered looks, including the wolf cut.
Step 4: Preview Your Look
See how the wolf cut will look on you in real-time and make sure it’s the perfect fit!
Wolf Cut for Women FAQs
What is a wolf cut haircut?
A wolf cut is a trendy hairstyle that combines elements of the shag and mullet. It features layers that are shorter at the top and longer at the back, with a textured, voluminous look. The style is edgy and bold, offering a carefree, messy vibe that's perfect for those looking to make a statement.
What is the difference between a butterfly cut and wolf cut?
A butterfly cut is a layered haircut with more structured, soft layers that create a "butterfly" effect with added volume at the ends. It's more feminine and refined compared to the wolf cut, which has a messier, more textured look with a combination of short and long layers, often with a rock-and-roll vibe.
Who should not get a wolf cut?
The wolf cut might not be suitable for those with very thin hair, as the voluminous layers can make it look even thinner. It's also less ideal for individuals with tight curls, as it may not deliver the desired effect. Those who prefer low-maintenance styles should also reconsider, as the wolf cut requires regular styling and trims.
Which face shape suits a wolf cut?
The wolf cut is versatile and flatters various face shapes. It works especially well for oval, round, heart-shaped, and square faces, as the layered texture helps balance proportions and soften sharp angles. It can also add volume and shape to long faces.
Is a wolf cut better than a butterfly cut?
Whether a wolf cut or butterfly cut is better depends on personal style preferences. The wolf cut offers a more edgy, dramatic look with textured layers, while the butterfly cut is softer and more feminine. Choose the wolf cut if you're after bold and voluminous layers, or the butterfly cut for a more subtle, polished appearance.
Which is better, wolf cut or layer cut?
Both the wolf cut and layer cut are popular, but they offer different looks. The wolf cut is more dramatic, with uneven, shaggy layers and volume at the crown and back. A traditional layer cut tends to be smoother and more structured. If you're looking for a bold, fashion-forward style, the wolf cut is ideal. If you prefer a more classic, versatile style, the layer cut is a better option.
What face shape is the wolf cut good for?
The wolf cut suits a variety of face shapes, including round, oval, heart-shaped, and square faces. It helps balance facial proportions and adds volume, making it especially flattering for faces that need added definition or volume.
