Home & Lifestyle

Wolf Cut Hair: How to Maintain and Style Wolf Cut Hair

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 14, 2022 • 3 min read

A cross between the mullet and shag cut, the wolf cut is a low-maintenance look known for its versatility. Learn more about this hair trend and tips to maintain and style wolf cut hair.

Learn From the Best

What Is a Wolf Cut?

A wolf cut is a hairstyle that features choppy layers on top and longer layers around the sides of your head. Inspired by the retro rock 'n' roll look popular throughout the 1970s, the wolf cut concentrates volume on the top half of the head, becoming thinner toward the hair ends. The signature fringe of the wolf cut ends around brow length; however, you can customize the length of your bangs according to your face shape.

Straight, wavy, and curly hair types can create the type of tousled, bouncy lift that defines the voluminous wolf haircut. If you have a naturally wavy or curly wolf cut, use a curl cream to add definition to your locks. For straight hair, add a texturizing spray to create body and movement. The wolf cut look also suits different hair lengths, so you can adapt this style into a long or short haircut.

How to Maintain a Wolf Cut: 3 Tips

To enhance the look of your wolf cut, focus on a hair care routine that adds volume and prevents frizz. Here are tips for maintaining short or long wolf cuts:

  1. 1. Brush your locks daily. Maintaining a wolf cut starts with smart hair habits. Prevent your strands from tangling by brushing your hair daily. Hairstylists recommend using a round brush, which detangles the hair while adding a volumizing effect. If you’re prone to knots, opt for a short hairstyle or apply a detangling spray to prep your hair and prevent breakage.
  2. 2. Use a leave-in conditioner. Thick hair types, especially those that are curly or wavy, should apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair ends. Packed with hydrating and moisturizing properties, a leave-in conditioner promotes healthy hair growth and protects the hair follicles from the products and tools used to create the tousled wolf cut hairstyle. If you have fine hair, skip this step in your hair routine, as leave-in conditioners can weigh your hair down.
  3. 3. Trim on a consistent basis. Like a pixie or shag haircut, a wolf hairdo requires routine trims; it’s essential to keep up with your haircuts to preserve the layers and shaggy bangs. Trim short hair every six to eight weeks and long hair every eight to ten weeks.

Products for Styling a Wolf Cut

The best hair products for styling a wolf cut enhance the natural texture of your hair while adding volume. Choose a texturizing spray that suits your hair type along with a gentle hair spray. These products are quick and easy to use when styling a bouncy wolf hairdo. If you have a short wolf cut, incorporate a lightweight pomade into your hair care routine to define your hair strands. Use a dime-sized amount of pomade to prevent weighing down shorter layers with the product.

4 Tips for Styling a Wolf Cut

Try this DIY tutorial to style your wolf cut:

  1. 1. Choose bangs according to your face shape. Bangs are a signature feature of the wolf cut, and hairdressers play with various styles to create different face-framing effects. While curtain bangs balance out the angles associated with rectangular and square faces, sideswept bangs create a wispy look that complements round faces.
  2. 2. Opt for a combo of air-drying and blow-drying. Instead of a blowout, this messy hairstyle benefits from a combination of air-drying and blow-drying. Attach a diffuser to the end of your blow-dryer and angle your head down when your hair is partially dry. Scrunch up sections of your hair as you move the diffuser over your damp ends. This blow-drying technique adds body and volume to thin hair types and creates the soft, wavy hair look associated with the wolf hair look.
  3. 3. Play with texture. The messier the look, the better when it comes to the wolf cut. Play with your natural hair texture to create a tousled, shaggy look. For wavy and curly hair types, use a styling cream or mousse to accentuate your natural curls and add volume. Styling creams designed for curly hair have the added benefit of preventing frizz throughout the day.
  4. 4. Secure the look with hair spray. To set your tousled look, add a quick spritz of hair spray to the top of your hair. Hold the spray bottle about six inches away from your head to prevent oversaturating the roots with the product. For extra volume, opt for a thickening hair spray.

Learn More

Get the MasterClass Annual Membership for exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Sir John, Bobbi Brown, RuPaul, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, and more.