Meet the haircut of the year: the wolf cut. This 90s trend went viral online last year and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the men’s wolf cut is becoming more popular every day, thanks to all the styling options and maintenance tips.
Below, we’ll explain why the wolf cut is the trendiest haircut for men and show you 16 examples to try.
What is the Wolf Cut for Men?
If you’re still wondering what a wolf cut is, let’s get to it. This haircut is a modern mix of mullet and shag. A traditional wolf cut has short layers with volume on top and longer back left, creating a contrast. The wolf cut stands out in men’s trendy haircuts because of its retro vibe and modern edge. It’s a versatile cut that works on all textures and styles, from beachy waves to defined curls.
First popularized by K-pop artists, the wolf cut has branched out into many variations, making it a cut for all hair types and colors. Whether you want to make a statement or just a twist on classic styles, there’s a wolf cut for you.
16 Wolf Cut Styles for Men
1. Wolf Cut with Bangs and Highlights
A wolf cut is already a bold haircut, but add bangs and highlights, and it’s a whole new level. This wolf, cut with bangs and highlights, features face-framing layers and bleached ends, which takes its edginess to the next level. The bangs add another style element, making it more dramatic and fashionable.
What makes this one stand out is the highlights against the base color; they add extra pop and dimension. With the layered structure and bangs, this style takes the wolf cut to the next level and makes you turn heads wherever you go.
2. Beachy Wolf Cut
The beachy wolf cut brings a laid-back, sun-kissed feel to this trend. With tousled, bleach-blonde hair and lots of texture, this wolf cut is beach-ready. Keep a sea salt spray on hand to enhance the tousled look and add that perfect grit.
This style is a modern take on the classic mullet, with a layered cut that goes from volume on top to feathery texture at the ends. For best results, ask your barber for layers that add volume and movement so you get that effortless beachy vibe.
To keep the beachy look, use light hair wax to hold it without disrupting the natural flow of your hair. Pair it with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your bleached blonde hair healthy and strong and prevent dryness and damage. This way, your beachy wolf cut will stay vibrant and resilient.
3. Side Swept Short Wolf Cut
If you don’t want to go for the middle part, the side-swept wolf cut is a great alternative. This version still has the edginess of the wolf cut but with a more subtle side part.
The side-swept short wolf cut has the same volume on top and longer sections at the back but with the added bonus of a side part. This changes the overall shape and flatters different face shapes and styles. It’s a versatile option for those who want the boldness of a wolf cut but with a more classic, side-swept approach.
4. Textured Wolf Cut
For the wolf cut, embracing the messy texture is key to making it work. This style lives for a lived-in, undone look that adds character and dimension. To enhance this effect, go for a cut with lots of texture throughout and let the natural movement and layers shine.
Add subtle highlights to emphasize the texture of your hair and create a play of light and shadow that highlights the layers and adds visual interest. The combination of textured cut and highlights takes the wolf cut to a new level of ruggedness and gives it a fresh, modern twist that’s stylish and effortless.
5. Wavy Wolf Cut
The wavy wolf cut is for those with wavy hair who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look. This cut works with your natural waves, so they define the style with minimal effort. Just apply styling cream to damp hair, scrunch it, and you’re good to go!
The wavy wolf cut showcases your natural texture through expertly cut layers that enhance the waves for a chic and effortless look. Regular trims are a must to keep the cut sharp and the waves vibrant. For an extra boost, a light mousse or texturizing spray can enhance the waves and add volume and definition to the layers of your cut.
6. Pastel Wolf Cut
Take your wolf cut to the next level with pastel colors. Go for cotton candy shades like pastel pinks, baby blues, or soft peach tones to give your style a fun twist.
These pastel colors add a pop of color yet a subtle touch, turning the classic wolf cut into a stylish and eye-catching look. The soft colors highlight the texture and layers of the cut for a visual contrast that’s modern and whimsical. Whether you go for one pastel shade or a combination of colors, the pastel wolf cut is a fun and trendy way to update your style.
7. Full Wolf Cut
The full or “flow” wolf cut is a showstopper that combines multiple short layers on top with face-framing, almost curtain-like bangs. This cut has long layers on top and shorter layers underneath for a balanced and dynamic shape.
This style is great for those with fine hair, as the layered structure adds volume and movement for an effortless chic look. To enhance the texture and keep the cut looking stylish, use AXE Texturizing Cream. This cream will define the layers and give you a bit of hold without weighing your hair down, so your full wolf cut stays fresh and fashionable.
8. Classic Wolf Cut with Long Layers
The classic wolf cut for men is a mullet with modern layers and bangs for a versatile and stylish look. This cut has long layers, so you can wear your hair down for a relaxed, casual look or pull it back into a ponytail or bun for a more polished one. The layers and bangs add depth and texture so that you can style it for different occasions and moods. Whether you like it laid back or more refined, the classic wolf cut with long layers lets you switch it up.
9. Curtain Bangs with a Wolf Cut
Meet the wolf cut with a prince-like twist: curtain bangs with delicate, wispy layers. This style is perfect for men with thick hair who want a softer, more romantic look.
The curtain bangs frame the face nicely, a nice contrast to the wolf cut’s edgy roots. The wispy layers add a touch of elegance and flow for a more refined and less aggressive look than the classic wolf cut. This one balances the boldness of the wolf cut with a more gentle look, which is great for those who want a sophisticated yet modern haircut.
10. Curly Wolf Cut
Are you looking for a wolf cut that works with curly hair? You found it. This style looks great on straight and curly hair but truly shines on natural curls or waves.
The curly wolf cut amplifies your curls’ natural bounce and dimension for a dynamic and textured look. The layers of the wolf cut define and separate the curls, giving them more volume and movement. Whether you have tight curls or loose waves, this cut will highlight your hair’s texture and give you a stylish finish.
11. Dual Color Wolf Cut
For those who like the grunge look, the dual-color wolf cut is the way to go. This style has dark roots and bleached ends for a bold contrast that adds depth to the haircut.
The bleached tips of the mullet section pop out nicely, and the long, messy, wispy bangs add a bit of personality and flair. The bleach is strategically placed on the most critical areas to enhance the overall impact of the haircut and give it a bold, defined look. The dual-color approach not only highlights the layers of the wolf cut but also gives it a rebellious, fashion-forward feel.
12. Pulled-Back Wolf Cut with Long Hair
Use wax or pomade to add texture and dimension to your wolf cut with long hair. For a polished look, try Dove Men+Care Polishing Pomade. Apply a small amount to the ends of your hair to get a sharp, defined look.
Style by pulling back your hair to show off the layers and get a sleek, refined look. Adding defined sideburns will also take it up a notch, give your haircut an extra bit of flair, and make it attention-grabbing. This combination gives the wolf cut an edgy look with a more controlled and sophisticated style.
13. Platinum Wolf Cut
Ready for a major transformation? The platinum wolf cut is the way to go. This style has a long layered mullet with wispy strands that already make a statement, but the platinum color takes it to a whole new level.
The platinum wolf cut combines the boldness of the wolf cut with the high impact of platinum hair color. This fashion-forward look is often seen on TikTok and celebrities. It’s a statement look that merges edgy style with a bold color, perfect for those who want to make a bold and memorable impression.
14. No Mullet Wolf Cut
One of the best things about the wolf cut is its versatility. You can customize the style to your liking. This version has long layers of wolf cut but without the mullet.
This style is more refined and sleek, keeping the long textured layers and no mullet. It still has the edgy and dynamic feel of the wolf cut but a cleaner and more classic look. It is perfect for those who like the wolf cut but don’t want the mullet.
15. Short Wolf Cut with Shaved Sides
This edgy version of the wolf cut is like a mullet but with a modern spin. It has a short, messy fringe and shaved sides for a sharp contrast.
The textured top and shaved sides create a great visual effect, highlight the layers of the wolf cut, and add a bit of boldness. It’s perfect for those who want to be wolf-cut rebellious but with a sleek modern twist.
16. Anime Wolf Cut
This long wolf cut has enough length to style a half ponytail, which is practical and stylish. The hairstyle has long sideburns and full bangs, which adds a unique and dramatic element to the cut.
This anime-inspired version adds a bit of fantasy and creativity, which is perfect for those who want to add a bit of whimsy and individuality to their appearance.
How to Style Wolf Cut for Guys?
To get the best look for your wolf cut, add texture. Here’s how:
Add Natural Texture
Curly or Wavy Hair: Use sea salt spray to enhance your natural curls or waves and add definition and volume.
Straight Hair: Use a blow dryer to add waves and movement. This will add the texture that defines the wolf cut.
Blow Dry Technique
Dry the face-framing sections of your hair away from your face to look more flattering and structured.
Use a round brush with your hairdryer to add volume, especially at the roots. This will give you the full-bodied look of the wolf cut.
Add Extra Volume
If you need more volume, use a volumizing mousse. Scrunch it in before you dry it to add lift and texture.
Set the Style
Finish with a light spritz of hairspray to hold your style in place and to keep your wolf cut fresh all day.
With these steps, you can rock your wolf cut with style.
Suitability and Considerations
The wolf cut is a versatile hairstyle that can work for many face shapes and hair textures. But before you do, consider a few things. Your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle will play a big role in how well the wolf cut will work for you.
For example, if you have a round face shape, you might want to avoid a wolf cut with too much volume on top, as it will make your face look even rounder. Instead, go for a style that adds height and elongates your face. If you have thin hair, be careful with too much layering, as it will make your hair look even thinner. A balanced approach with subtle layering will add volume without sacrificing the overall look.
So, the secret to the wolf cut is to customize it to your features and yourself. Talk to your stylist to find the right version that suits your face shape and hair texture.
