- 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.
The wolf cut may have risen to popularity via social media (the power of TikTok, ey?), but the hairstyle is rooted in hairstyles over five decades old. Essentially, if the '70s shag haircut and '80s mullet had a baby, it would be the current wolf cut. (Side note: Who knew hairstyles could procreate...)
But what aspects of each make for the new style? Who is the wolf cut best suited to? And how is it best styled? Well, to get all the intel on the style, we spoke to hairstylist Jordanna Cobella, who shared everything there is to know.
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, but 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," Cobella says. Because of this, the wolf cut can vary in length—the longest layers could sit at the shoulders or at the hips—the possibilities are endless. Not to mention that 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 Billie Eilish, have all rocked the style. So, if that ain't your sign!
Who is best suited to the wolf haircut?
Cobella tells us that there are certain face shapes better suited to the wolf cut over others. Specifically, "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—inspo pics for all below!
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 poker-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. As it is a messy, undone textured look, fine hair and super straight hair are not intended for this haircut," Cobella says. Aka a straight wolf cut may require a lot of maintenance and styling. You have been warned!
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 curling cream to enhance natural texture and ensure hold.
Wolf haircut inspo
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on LinkedIn.
