How to Style a Wolf Cut: Shaggy, Sleek, & Straight Options

PDF download Download Article
Quick and easy steps to style a short wolf cut
PDF download Download Article

The wolf cut has become really popular for very good reasons—it's super low-maintenance and it looks fantastic! If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, you don't have to do much to style the wolf cut, especially if you're going for a shaggy look. If you've got fine or straight hair, a wolf cut is a flattering 'do that adds volume and looks sleek. Either way, we'll show you exactly how to rock the wolf cut in style.

This article is based on an interview with our master hair stylist, Nick Arrojo, founder of Arrojo NYC. Check out the full interview here.

Best Way to Style a Short Wolf Cut

Apply a dime-sized amount of mousse or curl cream into your hands, then scrunch the product into damp hair from the roots to the end. Let your hair air dry for natural volume, or blow dry with a diffuser for more defined waves. Use your fingers to break up your bangs and create a soft, shaggy look.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Styling a Curly or Wavy Shag

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Squeeze a dime-sized amount of body-building mousse or foam into your palm and rub your hands together. Scrunch the product into your hair from the roots to the ends. Then, do the same thing with a curl cream or leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated throughout the day.
    • These products add texture or volume to your fine hair and prevent flyaways that could make your hair look frizzy. If your hair is completely straight, choose products that say they're texturizing since these can help you achieve a shaggy look.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you've naturally wavy hair or lots of volume, focus on preventing frizz. Squirt a dime-sized amount of styling cream or gel into your palm and rub your hands together. Scrunch your hands into your hair from the roots to the ends to distribute the product. Then, repeat the process with an anti-frizz hair serum .
    • Serum keeps your hair smooth and manageable. Look for an anti-frizz product that contains nourishing oil like Argan oil . Argan oil adds shine and protects your hair from flyaways.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The wolf cut is truly one of the easiest cuts to style since it looks great when you air dry it. Once your hair is dry, just run your fingers through it to make it look a little messy or shaggy. Then, you're good to go! [1]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Push a diffuser attachment onto the end of your blowdryer and tilt your head to the side. Hold the blow dryer below your hair, so the tips of your hair fall into the diffuser. Continue to blowdry your hair until it's almost dry. [2]
    • A diffuser spreads the heat and air from the blowdryer, so your curls and waves stay intact.
    • If you've got fine hair, you'll get a boost of volume by blow drying it with a diffuser.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Bangs look amazing on a shaggy wolf cut. Run your fingers through your bangs as they dry, so they look messy and casual. Loose, choppy bangs soften the look.
    • If your hair is fine, rub a drop of texturing cream between your fingers and work it into your bangs before they dry.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Styling a Straight, Smooth Look

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Apply anti-frizz serum to your damp hair. Squeeze a dime-sized amount of anti-frizz serum or mousse into your palm and rub your hands together. Then, run your hands through your damp hair to evenly distribute the product. This keeps your hair smooth and manageable all day long.
    • Look for an anti-frizz product with a nourishing ingredient like Argan oil, which adds shine and prevents frizz.
    • If you frequently blow-dry your hair, spritz a heat protectant spray on your hair, too. Heat protectant spray prevents your hair from becoming damaged.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Begin brushing your damp hair from the roots to the tips while you point the blow dryer at the roots. Use a low-heat setting, so you don't damage your hair. Keep brushing and blow-drying until the hair next to your scalp is dry. [3]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To soften the look and add volume, switch to a round brush . Pull a section of hair onto the brush and direct the blow dryer at it while you slowly pull the brush down from the roots. Then, twist the round brush when you reach the ends, so they curl slightly away from your face. [4]
    • You can use a flat iron to get the same slight curl at the ends of your hair. Put a small section of hair between the flat iron near your roots and slowly pull it down to the tips. Twist the flat iron away from your face if you want the tips to flip out or turn the iron toward your face for tips that curl in softly.
    • If you want extra volume at the roots, go back and use the round brush on the hair near your scalp.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Style-Wolf-Cut-Hair-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Curl the bangs over your round brush and slowly rotate the brush while you blow-dry the hair. Then, tease the bangs with your fingers to break up the large curl. If you like, you can separate the bangs, so the hair falls on the sides of your face.
    • If you want a more dramatic effect, blow-dry your bangs without the round brush to create a straight, blunt look.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Should I do this in the morning when I wake up or at night when I'm about to go to bed?
    Community Answer
    The morning would be best unless you've been given instructions to the contrary.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Squeeze your wet hair with a T-shirt or microfiber towel instead of a towel to minimize frizz. [5]
        Thanks
        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      What is a Low Taper Fade? (Plus, How to Ask for One)
      The Two Block Haircut: What to Ask For, Styles, Maintenance & More
      Get Perfect Mini Twists at Home with This Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Do a French Twist Updo in a Few Simple Steps
      How to
      Determine Your Face Shape & Pick the Perfect Haircut (for Men)
      5 Easy Hair Buns for Beginners: Messy, Ballerina, & More
      How to
      Grow and Style a Flow Hairstyle
      How to
      Get Curtain Hair
      How to
      Liberty Spike Your Hair
      How to
      Do Half Up Half Down Hairstyles
      How to
      Spike Your Hair
      How to
      Style Middle Part Hair
      How to
      Style Your Hair
      How to
      Slick Your Hair Back (Short, Medium & Long Hair)
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/C3IPmnK_lhY?t=1042
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/ctiy2eMoY7I?t=1083
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/Urqiea6stDU?t=583
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Urqiea6stDU?t=594
      5. ↑ https://www.curlcentric.com/wolf-cut-hair/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 176,891 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Oz S.

        Mar 3, 2023

        "this is great advice! it completely works for my hair, and its a grown out wolf cut."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement