The Wolf Cut Is This Season's Most Trending Haircut (2024)

As much as we love a razor-sharp blunt cut, there's something to be said of the opposite: a choppy,layered lookthat is equal parts edgy and effortless. Maybe that's why the season's most covetable hairstyle, the wolf cut, has been favored among celebrities, including Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, andKeke Palmer. It's a haircut that feels fresh yet familiar, giving us the nostalgia that we crave but with a modern twist.

Intrigued? We tapped a slew of experts to learn everything there is to know about this trendy haircut, from how to request it at the salon to pro styling tips and our favorite celeb-inspired looks.

Ahead, check out our complete guide to pulling off a wolf cut, regardless of your hair length, type, and texture.

What Is a Wolf Cut?

One of the signature parts of the wolf cut is its volume and layers — lots of layers.

"The wolf haircut is a mix between a vintage shag and a slightmullet," saidSarah Potempa, celebrity stylist and founder of The Beachwaver Co."Essentially, it's like taking two different periods (the '70s shag and '80s mullet) and smashing them together into a modern-day look."

According to Matrix artistic directorNick Stenson, choppiness and lack of blend in the layers are key to a wolf cut. Typically, this hairstyle will offer shorter layers at the top of the head to enhance volume and texture with longer layers in the back, suggested Potempa. The results offer an edgy, almost undone, messy, rocker vibe.

Who Is a Wolf Cut for?

If you're after a shaggy, tousled look with a boost of volume, this is the style for you.

"The wolf haircut is going to look better on someone who needs more volume and body, so most people with fine hair love this look on them, but really, it could be rocked by any hair type if you're looking for more volume for your hair," celebrity stylistLovette Candicetold us.

However, if you don't enjoy hair that moves and has a more "lived-in attitude," this may not be the cut for you, noted Stenson.

"If you are open to a more tousled hair vibe and looking for a great way to spice up your look, you should try it out," he said. Also, this haircut works on all hair lengths, but Pompeo added that if you have shorter hair, the results will look choppier and more piece-y.

What to Ask for When Getting a Wolf Cut

Thisgender-neutral haircutcan be customized in myriad ways depending on your preferences, says Los Angeles-based stylistSharon Spellman. "My top tip would be to make sure you're prepared on how exactly you want your haircut done and specify whether you want more or fewer layers and volume," Spellman advised.

Since everyone has their own interpretation of a wolf cut, be sure to bring pictures of the specific style you're going for to your salon appointment. Sharing inspiration and a reference with your stylist will help to avoid any miscommunication.

How to Style a Wolf Cut

Curly and Wavy Hair

When it comes to styling a wolf haircut, you've got options. Still, to minimize styling time, considering your natural hair texture is a smart move. For those with naturally curly or wavy hair, this cut is perfect for emphasizing your hair texture. Stenson says all you'll need is a leave-in conditioner and to let itair-dryfor a playful, tousled look. Because these hair types tend to be drier, you may want to apply a spray like theMatrix Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Treatment Spray($24) to help control any potential frizz.

Straight and Fine Hair

If you have straight and fine hair, you may need the help of some additional hair products and tools to get that tousled look.

"If you tend to have flat hair, use a heat tool, like theBeachwaver S1.25($149), for a slight bend that will give the hair added texture," suggested Pompeo. After you've created the waves, you can add dry shampoo to add volume and sea salt ortexturizing sprayto make it look more like beachy waves.

As there are no rules to styling a wolf haircut, you can also give yourself abig, bouncy blowoutif that's more your speed. It's all about enjoying yourself and experimenting with new ideas.

"Styling the wolf cut can be so much fun because you can change up the whole vibe by the way you style it," said Candice.

Our Favorite Wolf Cuts

Jennifer Lopez

If you don't want to give up your length, you don't have to with a wolf haircut. You can alsoadd some fringeto your shag for a more '70s-inspired style. If you prefer a more subtle take, ask your stylist to keep the layers on the bottom a bit longer than a typical wolf cut, like Lopez here.

Miley Cyrus

One of the most notable wolf haircuts seen today is Cyrus's iteration, which shows us that the choppier and messier the style, the better. It's contemporary '90s grunge, and we're obsessed.

Mica Argañaraz

The right haircut plus natural curls make the perfect recipe for a wispy, weightless wolf cut — just look at model Mica Argañaraz as proof. Work in a bit ofsea salt sprayto get some extra texture. The result will be visually effortless.

Billie Eilish

Take a page fromElish's book of styleand add curtain bangs to your medium-length wolf cut. Bleached blonde color works to brighten, but keep in mind that it will require more upkeep.