If you’ve scrolled through TikTok recently, you’ve likely come across a video—or twenty—of someone transforming their mane into the edgy and effortlessly stylish wolf cut. This chic hybrid of a shag and a bob has caught the attention of both influencers and celebrities alike, making it the must-try hairstyle of the year. As Chris Appleton, a hairstylist to the stars, says, “The wolf cut is a blend of calculated rebellion. It’s got edge but doesn’t compromise on style.”
TikTok and the Celeb Factor
TikTok has played a pivotal role in making the wolf cut a global phenomenon, but the style has also found fans among A-listers. Billie Eilish gave her neon green locks a wolf cut makeover that wowed fans, while Zendaya showcased a red-carpet-ready version that left us all speechless.
What Makes a Wolf Cut?
What exactly is the anatomy of a Wolf Cut? Celebrity stylist Jen Atkin breaks it down: “Imagine a shaggy cut and a soft-layered bob having a baby—that’s a Wolf Cut. It’s rectangular, soft at the edges, but with plenty of texture.” And the best part? It’s a versatile look that’s as home on the TikTok screen as it is on the red carpet.
Ready for your own Wolf Cut transformation? Don’t miss our upcoming list of eye-catching Wolf Cut styles that are taking over TikTok and Hollywood alike.
1. Short Sleek Wolf Cut
Embodying a kawaii vibe that’s hard to resist, the Short Sleek Wolf Cut worn by a Japanese girl in our featured image oozes cuteness. The haircut features straight bangs, adding a dash of youthfulness to the mix. With its pin-straight finish, this look is the epitome of understated elegance. It’s not just cute; it’s culturally in tune with a more modern Japan, a far cry from the traditional notion that long, flowy hair is the gold standard for femininity.
2. Layered Wolf Cut
“This is your go-to if you have thick hair,” says renowned hairstylist Sally Hershberger. The Layered Wolf Cut comes with heavy bangs and rests just at shoulder length, offering a fuller look for those blessed with voluminous locks. It’s not just a hairstyle; it’s an ode to texture and dimension, a salute to the thickness of your hair.
3. Straight Wolf Cut with Blunt Bangs
Capture the essence of sleek sophistication with this Straight Wolf Cut with Blunt Bangs. Sported by a Japanese girl in our curated visuals, her brown hair offers a serene elegance, with ends that subtly flip upwards. It’s not just a haircut; it’s a statement—clean, crisp, and highly fashionable.
4. Short Messy Coper Wolf Cut
Ideal for young girls with a penchant for setting trends, the Short Messy Copper Wolf Cut is a showstopper. With its messy texture and striking copper color, it dares you to break the mold. “The playful bangs bring an extra layer of cute,” says TikTok influencer Jessy Taylor, who is known for her daring fashion choices.
5. Wolf – Mullet
Looking for something that screams edge and audacity? Say hello to the Wolf-Mullet. A blend of a mullet’s grit and a wolf cut’s chicness, this long-haired version flaunts thick bangs and even thicker body. Recommended for women who don’t just push boundaries but obliterate them, the copper hair color adds just the right amount of fire to this fearless look.
6. Wolf Hair with Wispy Bangs and Long Layers
Taking inspiration from the wild, this rendition of the wolf cut boasts of ethereal wispy bangs combined with luxuriously long layers. It’s like a gentle breeze met a fierce gust of wind. Delicate yet robust, the hairstyle captures the juxtaposition of fragility and strength, making it perfect for anyone wanting to walk the line between fierce and fairy-like.
7. Long Brunette Wolf Cut with Soft Curls
Channeling the spirit of a forest nymph, the Long Brunette Wolf Cut with Soft Curls effortlessly combines elegance with wild, untamed vibes. The brunette hues flow seamlessly, giving depth and dimension to each curl. It’s the ideal look for someone who wants to merge sophistication with a touch of bohemian free spirit.
8. Wavy Curly Wolf Cut with Choppy Bangs
There’s something utterly mesmerizing about the Wavy Curly Wolf Cut with Choppy Bangs. Resting just at the shoulder, this style speaks volumes of a fierce, untamed beauty. The waves give life and motion, while the choppy bangs lend a contemporary edginess. It’s the perfect embodiment of modern-day wild elegance, and it resonates loudly on platforms like TikTok where unconventional beauty is celebrated.
9. Short Curly Wxie Cut- wolf pixie
The audacious merge of a pixie and a wolf cut brings forth the Short Curly Wolf Pixie Cut. With curls that breathe life into the short cut, this hairstyle is for the brave-hearted, those unafraid of making bold style statements. Miley Cyrus, a pioneer in edgy hair transformations, would undoubtedly nod in approval at this avant-garde adaptation.
Read more: 20 Flattering Bixie Cuts to Try
10. Boyish Short Straight Wolf Cut
Daring, defiant, and distinctively dapper, the Boyish Short Straight Wolf Cut shuns traditional gender norms, appealing to those who wear their individuality with pride. With a sharp, straight finish, it has a minimalist vibe that contrasts with the rebellious spirit of the wolf cut. It’s more than just a hairstyle; it’s a movement, reminiscent of the likes of Tilda Swinton and her androgynous style statements.
11. Two Toned Wavy Wolf Cut
Commanding attention like a siren’s call, the Two Toned Wolf Cut boasts a duality that is impossible to ignore. One side is a sultry black, evoking mystery and depth, while the opposite flaunts a vibrant blonde, full of energy and light. The soft curls add a playful twist, making it an Instagram-worthy look. This hairstyle screams confidence and is a straight-off-the-runway fashion statement that could easily grace the likes of Billie Eilish.
12. Curly Wolf Cut Mullt with Dark and Ash Grey Color
For those who love duality, this Curly Wolf Cut Mullet features an enticing blend of dark and ash grey. The color gradation seamlessly blends, making the curls pop even more. It’s a masterful play of light and shadow, a chiaroscuro in hairstyle form. Celebrity stylist Chris Appleton could describe this as a “perfect harmony between the unconventional and the sophisticated.”
Read more: 20 Shaggy Mullet Hair Ideas: The Modern Take on the Shaggy Mullet
13. Ash Grey to Dark Ombre Wolf Cut
Finessed for those with thin hair, the Ash Grey to Dark Ombre Wolf Cut is a spectacle in its subtlety. The gradient transition from grey to black lends a mesmerizing allure that simultaneously adds volume and depth. It’s a visual feast that manages to be both sophisticated and avant-garde, setting the stage for an Instagrammable moment.
14. Shoulder Length Textured Mullet with Bangs
If you’ve got thick hair and an adventurous spirit, the Textured Mullet with Bangs is a hairstyle that can carry your audacity. The juxtaposition of texture and length embodies the rugged, untamed essence of the wolf cut. The shoulder-length allows for versatility, providing ample room for styling or letting it naturally flow. This cut would make even a fashion-forward star like Zendaya take notice.
15. Korean Pink and Ash Blue Straight Wolf Cut
In a beautiful confluence of East meets West, the Korean Pink and Ash Blue Wolf Cut brings K-beauty into the wolf pack. The front dazzles with a vivid pink that seamlessly transitions into an ash blue at the back, all laid over sleek, smooth hair. Perfect for the style-conscious Korean girl, or anyone inspired by global beauty trends. If ever there was a hairstyle ready to go viral on TikTok, this is it.
16. Fresh split dye & shag wolf cut
Here’s a cut that stops people in their tracks: the fresh split dye & shag wolf cut. The top layer sports a confident black, giving off a cool, edgy vibe, while a hidden layer of ash blonde underneath whispers a rebellious secret. The contrasting colors make this look as intriguing as it is stylish. Think of it as a sartorial nod to the punk-rock era, updated for the fashion-savvy woman of today. This is the look of someone who refuses to be categorized—stylish, daring, and not afraid to break the mold. Imagine Dua Lipa rocking this cut, and you get the idea of its cool-girl energy.
17. Curly Shag Wolf Cut
Age is but a number, especially when it comes to the curly shag wolf cut with bangs. This style breaks the stereotype that adventurous haircuts are only for the young. Designed to be both shaggy and manageable, this wolf cut is a refreshing option for women over 50. One top stylist notes, “the shag cut adds layers and depth, making it the perfect low-maintenance option for women at any age.”
18. Messy Curly Wolf Cut for Girls
Capturing the essence of untamed beauty, the messy curly wolf cut for medium-length hair is a celebration of natural curls and volume. It’s a cut that manages to be both whimsical and sophisticated, transforming even a mundane day into a style showcase. A great cut for those days when you want your hair to speak volumes, quite literally.
19. Grey Blue Wolf Bob Cut with Bangs
Sleek, eye-catching, and downright futuristic, the grey blue wolf bob cut with bangs is a delightful blend of hues. It’s essentially a bob cut but has the audacity to incorporate wolf-like long straight bangs. The ash grey and blue mix is not just a color choice, but a style statement, making it an instant standout in any crowd.
20. Pink Wolf Haircut with Wispy Ends
Embracing body positivity and breaking beauty norms, the pink wolf haircut with wispy ends proves that style knows no size. The haircut works amazingly well on an overweight woman, amplifying her natural beauty. Featuring a lush pink color, shoulder-length strands, and blunt bangs, this wolf cut is empowering and stylish, making it a win-win option for women of all shapes and sizes. The model, a confident plus-size woman, showcases how the hairstyle, with its shoulder length and thick strands, could be empowering for women of all sizes. If there’s a cut ready to trend on TikTok, it’s this one.
Tips to Ace Your Wolf Cut
- Texture Matters: A texturizing spray can give your hair that extra lift and volume essential for a perfect Wolf Cut.
- Bangs Galore: Whether you opt for wispy or blunt, bangs are a crucial element of this style.
- Straight or Wavy: This cut plays well with all hair textures, offering something for everyone.
- Lift It Up: A root-lifting product will maintain that signature rectangular shape, adding a professional touch to your TikTok videos.
- Maintenance: This hairstyle is relatively low-key, but a monthly trim will keep you looking your best.
Both the butterfly cut and wolf cut are modern, edgy styles, but they are distinct in their characteristics:
Butterfly Cut: This cut is often characterized by dramatic layering and volume that can resemble the wings of a butterfly. The layering usually starts at the crown of the head, cascading down to the sides to create a voluminous, wing-like effect. It’s typically a longer hairstyle that offers a lot of movement and flow.
Wolf Cut: A blend of a traditional shag cut and a mullet, the wolf cut is edgier and offers a more disheveled look. It often incorporates heavy bangs and lots of texturing, creating an almost “wild” appearance. This cut can be short, medium, or long but often aims for a rougher, more textured look compared to the smoother cascades of the butterfly cut.
The wolf cut is versatile and can suit a range of face shapes and hair types, but it may not be for everyone:
Thin Hair: Those with very thin or fine hair may find that the wolf cut lacks volume and looks limp, given that the cut thrives on textured, voluminous layers.
Strict Work Environments: If you work in a conservative setting, the edgy nature of a wolf cut may not align with workplace grooming standards.
High Maintenance: If you’re not into spending time on styling, be aware that a wolf cut can require some work, including regular trims and styling products to maintain its wild look.
Health Conditions: Those with certain scalp or hair conditions that cause hair loss or sensitivity might want to avoid the wolf cut, as the layering could exacerbate the issue.
Personal Style: Lastly, if you prefer a more classic and polished look, this edgy, almost disheveled style may not be in line with your aesthetic.
From TikTok to Hollywood, the Wolf Cut is more than just a trend—it’s a declaration of style and independence. If you’re scrolling through TikTok thinking about your next hairstyle, let this be your sign. The Wolf Cut could be the edgy, sophisticated change you’ve been waiting for.