This article was reviewed by Jasmin Todd
and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA
. Jasmin Todd is a Master Stylist and the Owner of Austin Curls in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in cutting and styling naturally curly hair. Jasmin trained at the world-famous Ouidad salon and is Ouidad certified. In 2022, Mane Addicts named Austin Curls as one of the Top U.S. Salons for Curly Hair.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Wolf cuts are a modern mix between mullets and shag haircuts. Known for their versatility, wolf cuts are the perfect style for any hair length or texture. While wolf cuts look great on any gender, we’ve gathered a list of the best masculine styles for you. Keep reading to discover all the differences between wolf cuts, which one is best for you, and styling tips to keep your hair looking its best.
Steps
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The classic wolf cut is a blend of a mullet and a shag. This look is known for its heavy layers and volume. Ask for short layers at the crown of your head that gradually lengthen on the lower parts of your hair.
- Styling Tip: Use a round brush to detangle and add volume to your hair. [1] X Research source
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Curtain bangs give your wolf cut a romantic look. Curtain bangs are a great option if you like the overall look of a wolf cut but want something a little less edgy. Ask for wispy layers and soft curtain bangs for a look inspired by Prince Charming.
- Styling Tip: Choose bangs based on your face shape. Curtain bangs help balance the angles on rectangular and square faces. [2] X Research source
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A curly wolf cut brings attention to your hair’s natural texture. Wolf cuts are great for wavy or curly hair because they give extra bounce to your curls. Ask for layers to create a blended look that will flatter and soften your features.
- Styling Tip: Apply a leave-in conditioner to the damp ends of curly hair. This protects hair follicles from the products needed to style wolf cuts. [3] X Research source
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A full wolf cut uses layers of different lengths to add volume to your hair. Ask for long layers at the top of your hair and short layers at the bottom. Add face-framing curtain bangs for a chic look, and style the cut with a texturizing cream .
- Styling Tip: Make your wolf cut more unique with a side part. Apply pomade and part your hair using a comb. [4] X Research source
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This style keeps the texture of a wolf cut without the length of a mullet. If you’re not a fan of mullets, this may be a good option for you. Ask for long layers, but keep your hair about the same length all around. You can also add curtain bangs to keep the shaggy look associated with wolf cuts.
- Styling Tip: If you want to give your wolf cut a little extra volume, try using a thickening hair spray in your daily routine. [5] X Research source
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This wolf cut uses bangs and sideburns to add definition to straight hair. Inspired by popular anime characters, this cut adds a fantasy element to your style and is great for those with fine, straight hair. To really nail the look, ask for straight-across bangs and keep your sideburns long and wispy.
- Styling Tip: Put your hair up in a half-ponytail to look and feel like the main character in your favorite anime.
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This wolf cut features soft, face-framing layers perfect for thin hair. Inspired by styles worn by K-pop stars, this version of the wolf cut adds a soft finish to straight hair. It’s less choppy than some other wolf cuts and gives your hair texture and depth. Ask for long, face-framing curtain bangs for a less edgy look. [6] X Research source
- Fun fact: men’s wolf cuts first became popular in South Korea before being adopted by Western cultures.
- Styling Tip: For a polished look, blow-dry your hair so it's smooth and shiny.
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The textured wolf cut uses many layers to add volume to your hair. Ask for short layers at the top of your hair that thin out toward the ends. This gives your hair a lot of movement while making it look fuller on top. This cut is a great option for straight hair because of the added texture.
- Styling Tip: Use both blow drying and air drying techniques to dry your wolf cut . Allow your hair to air dry until it’s slightly damp, then attach a diffuser to your blow dryer to add volume to your hair. [7] X Research source
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Long wolf cuts show off your hair’s texture. Wolf cuts are extremely versatile, and they can be worn with almost any hair length. Keeping your hair long is a great way to draw attention to the volume created by the wolf cut.
- Styling Tip: Wolf cuts need routine trims to preserve your hair’s layers. Trim long hair every 8 to 10 weeks. [8] X Research source
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This style is intentionally messy and unstructured. If you want a laid-back look, this is the cut for you. The messy wolf cut is achieved using heavy layers at the crown of your head and is a great option for wavy or curly hair.
- Styling Tip: If you have wavy or curly hair, try using a curl cream to add definition to your hair. [9] X Research source
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A straight wolf cut is flat on top and frames the face. This cut is layered but doesn’t have discernible texture on top. If you want to add volume to your hair, ask for some heavy layers. You can also add long or face-framing bangs to highlight your features. [10] X Research source
- Styling Tip: Straight hair often requires a bit more effort to maintain a wolf cut since it doesn’t have as much texture as curly hair. Try using a texturizing spray to create movement. [11] X Research source
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Shaggy wolf cuts have feathered layers inspired by the shag. While all wolf cuts are a mix of the shag and the mullet, this one leans more heavily into the shag than other styles. Ask for blended face-framing bangs and short layers around the top of your ears.
- Styling Tip: Ask your stylist to razor the ends of your hair so they flip up naturally. This adds more depth to the look. [12] X Research source
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Short wolf cuts are layered on top with neatly trimmed sides. These cuts are a subtle way to test out the style without fully committing. While many people choose to go for a medium-to-long wolf cut, a shorter version is great for those who are hesitant about trying an edgier look. This cut looks less choppy than longer wolf cuts, and it requires less maintenance and styling.
- Styling Tip: Scrunch your hair and let it air dry, or blow-dry it for a sleeker style.
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This style features long, shaggy hair with buzzed sides. A wolf cut with shaved sides has all the style of a standard cut without all the hassle. Keep the hair around the crown of your head textured and voluminous, and neatly trim the sides. This look works particularly well with curly hair.
- Styling Tip: Apply mousse to your hair to give it a healthy shine. [13] X Research source
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A blended wolf cut uses gradual layering for a subtle look. A wolf cut can be very attention-grabbing, so if that’s not really your style, go for a more subtle option. Ask for blended layers for a more gradual difference in length.
- Styling Tip: Add heavier layers to help hide a receding hairline. [14] X Research source
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The Oasis wolf cut is a choppy, 90s-inspired look. Unleash your inner rockstar with this wolf cut. Named after the band Oasis, this style is a perfect blend of vintage and modern. Ask for choppy layers to add movement to fine hair.
- Styling Tip: Add mousse to give this style some volume.
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Combine the volume of a wolf cut with the convenience of an undercut. It’s perfect for those with thin hair, as it focuses on maintaining volume on the top while reducing the need for maintenance along the sides and bottom. Ask for choppy bangs to complete the look. [15] X Research source
- Styling Tip: Slick your hair back to show off the shaved sides.
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Dye your wolf cut two different colors for a grunge look. You can choose any colors you want, but a great way to emphasize your cut is to choose one dark and one light color, like black and platinum blond. Add messy, wispy bangs to give the look even more personality. [16] X Research source
- Styling Tip: Use styling clay to add even more texture to your wolf cut. [17] X Research source
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A platinum blond wolf cut gives you a youthful, edgy look. A wolf cut’s layers are more noticeable on light hair. If you want to turn heads, bleach a long, layered wolf cut. See a professional stylist to ensure the bleach is applied correctly and safely.
- Styling Tip: Add lots of gel for a naturally wet look. [18] X Research source
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Adding colored tips to your wolf cut draws attention to your hair texture. If you don’t want to dye all of your hair, you can add some personality to your new cut by dyeing the tips. Go for some natural highlights or stand out with some bright colors like red or blue.
- Styling Tip: Use a sea salt spray to add more texture and dimension.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
- All wolf cuts require some maintenance to achieve the look. Be sure this is something you’re willing to do before asking for the cut!Thanks
- After styling your hair, lock the look into place with some hairspray.Thanks
- If you want to color your hair, consider going to a professional stylist rather than using box dye.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolf-cut-hair
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolf-cut-hair
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolf-cut-hair
- ↑ https://www.menshairstylestoday.com/wolf-cut-men/
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolf-cut-hair
- ↑ https://www.cnn.com/style/article/wolf-cut-culture-internet-trend/index.html
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolf-cut-hair
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolf-cut-hair
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolf-cut-hair
- ↑ https://www.menshairstylestoday.com/wolf-cut-men/
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wolf-cut-hair
- ↑ https://www.menshairstylestoday.com/wolf-cut-men/
- ↑ https://www.menshairstylestoday.com/wolf-cut-men/
- ↑ https://www.menshairstylestoday.com/wolf-cut-men/
- ↑ https://lovehairstyles.com/wolf-cut-mens/
- ↑ https://lovehairstyles.com/wolf-cut-mens/
- ↑ https://www.menshairstylestoday.com/wolf-cut-men/
- ↑ https://www.menshairstylestoday.com/wolf-cut-men/