- The wolf cut is a modern hybrid of the ’70s shag and ’80s mullet, defined by heavy layering—short, choppy volume around the crown and longer, softer layers that frame the face for an edgy, textured look.
- It's best for square and heart-shaped faces, and works particularly well on medium to thick, wavy, or curly hair.
- Minimal styling is needed for naturally wavy or curly hair—use a diffuser and curl cream to enhance texture and hold.
Maybe I just live in Brooklyn, but I’m convinced the coolest people have the wolf haircut. It’s like if a ’70s shag and an ’80s mullet had a baby. Lots of choppy layers just make you look like you dgaf (in the best way possible). And the possibilities are endless. It suits nearly every single hair length and texture, can be worn with or without bangs, and has a zillion hairstyle options. What’s not to love?
But if you don’t know if it’s right for you just yet, keep reading for the ins and outs of the trending haircut, including what makes it different from the cuts that inspired it, who it looks best on, and how to style it. And once you’ve decided, I’ve mapped out a ton of inspo to take to your hairstylist when the time comes.
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What is the wolf haircut?
As we now know, the wolf cut is a hybrid hairstyle that combines elements of the shag and the mullet. More specifically, "it’s heavily layered, with shorter, choppier pieces around the crown for volume and movement, and longer, softer layers that frame the face yet maintain some length on the ends," says hairstylist Jordanna Cobella. Because of this, the wolf cut can vary in length—the longest layers could sit at the shoulders or at the hips. Not to mention, bangs can be added for extra dimension too.
The features that define the wolf hairstyle give it a messy, lived-in look that feels edgy and effortless, as its name somewhat suggests.And not only that, but since it debuted a couple of years ago, many celebrities, including Miley Cyrus, Jenna Ortega, and Lizzo, have all rocked the style.
Who is best suited to the wolf haircut?
There are certain face shapes better suited to the wolf cut over others, says Cobella. “Square and heart-shaped faces work best because the softness of the fringe and volume around the crown balance stronger jawlines and cheekbones," she says. That said, here at Cosmo, we encourage anyone who wants to try out a new hairstyle (whether it be this one or not) to do it.
When it comes to texture and hair type, some work better with the wolf cut than others. "The layering of the wolf cut works well with medium to thick hair because it removes heaviness," Cobella says. And not only that, but "The shape of wavy and curly hair in a wolf cut allows for more curls and texture to bounce, which releases your natural curl pattern and makes the cut look effortless," she adds.
In terms of who the wolf cut is not suited to, Cobella says she wouldn't recommend it for those with super-straight hair. "I would say this cut is not for you unless you are committed to putting a wave or a bend in it with a heat tool to get that undone texture,” she says. It’s doable for fine hair, sure, but will likely require a bit of styling.
How to style the wolf haircut
Per Cobella's explanation, the wolf cut is best suited to wavy or curly hair types. The layering of the cut with natural curls creates the texture of the cut, essentially taking the work out of styling. So, with this look, you can go about your favourite curl routine and be done. Cobella recommends using either a diffuser and some curl cream to enhance natural texture and ensure hold.
Wolf haircut inspo:
Shoulder-Length Wolf Cut
Wolf Cut With Curtain Bangs
Wavy Wolf Cut
Wet Look Wolf Cut
Wolf Cut With Full Bangs
Long Wolf Cut
Wolf Cut Lob
Curly Wolf Cut
Pixie Wolf Cut
Meet the expert:
Jordanna Cobella is a hairstylist and owner of Cobella Salon in London.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Lia Mappoura is a beauty writer at Cosmopolitan UK, where she covers hair, makeup, nails, skincare, and more across print and digital.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
