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The wolf haircut is one of 2025's trendiest styles with both men and women. If you follow the hashtag on Instagram, you will find so many awesome cuts and styles to use as your source of inspiration.
But if you're new to this hairstyle and want to try it out for yourself, this article explains everything you need to know about the wolf haircut in 2025 and reveals some key tips to help you rock this classic style no matter the occasion.
What is a wolf haircut?
The wolf haircut, sometimes known as the wolf shag haircut, is a combination of two styles that are popular with both men and women in 2025 - the shag and the mullet.
This unruly, rockstar-inspired look allows you to wear your hair messy, giving off carefree vibes that help to showcase your personality.
There are lots of styles and variants of this look, ranging from the long wolf haircut to wolf haircuts for short hair. Ultimately, you can style this look in numerous ways to suit your personality.
If you're on the fence about this style, here are some pros and cons of the wolf haircut to think about before asking your stylist to go for this look:
✅ The wolf cut is a great style for both men and women.
✅ As it is unruly and messy, this hairstyle is particularly easy to maintain.
✅ The wolf cut is an iconic look inspired by rockers of the 1980s. It's a great style if you're a fan of the decade.
❌ You need medium-thick hair for a wolf cut, as it can make thinning hair look even thinner than it already is.
❌ If styled incorrectly, the wolf cut can look unruly. So, you need to use some hairspray to keep it in place.
The wolf haircut for men and the wolf haircut for women - suitable for both?
One of the best things about the wolf haircut is that it is suitable for both men and women. It takes elements of the 70s shag and the 80s mullet to create a unique, layered style that is hugely popular with men and women.
Choppiness is key to the wolf haircut, while a talented stylist will blend the layers to add a volumized, textured look to the style.
The resultant look is perfect for any man or woman looking for a tousled, shaggy style that is perfect for any occasion.
While the wolf haircut works for people with all hair lengths, it's a great look for people with medium-long hair. If you have shorter hair, the resultant style will likely be choppier, flowing less than you might like it to.
Still, if you're keen on rockstar glam with a low-maintenance style, the wolf haircut is a great option to consider in 2025.
6 best wolf haircut ideas for women
1. Shaggy wolf cut with micro bangs
This is the ultimate attention-grabber. The shaggy wolf cut with micro bangs screams edgy and fearless. The ultra-short fringe above the brows instantly sharpens your features, while the choppy layers throughout the crown create messy, rockstar volume. You can air dry it or style with a bit of wax for a tousled finish. This cut is made for those who want a major change with attitude.
2. Curly wolf cut
Curly hair + wolf cut = full, bouncy magic. This style enhances your natural curls with light, layered volume at the top and shape through the ends. It keeps the fun without the bulk, letting curls pop instead of puff. You can add curly bangs for a cute, face-framing moment. Great for medium to thick curls and totally beginner-safe.
3. Layered wolf cut for long hair
Want that wild wolf energy but not ready to part with length? This is your go-to. It keeps your hair long and flowy, but adds movement and texture up top with soft, blended layers. It lightens the load and brings a fresh shape without feeling drastic. Style it with beach waves or let it air dry, it looks full and lived-in. Add long curtain bangs or face-framing pieces for extra style points.
4. Soft wolf cut with curtain bangs
This is the beginner-friendly version of the trend. It takes the bold edges of the classic wolf cut and tones them down into something light, wearable, and super flattering. Curtain bangs blend right into the layers, giving your face a soft frame.Use a round brush for bounce or let it fall naturally for that chill, “barely tried” look.
5. Classic wolf cut
The original. Choppy layers at the crown, longer pieces through the back. It’s edgy, but still wearable enough for daily life. Best for thick or wavy hair, the classic wolf cut gives you built-in volume and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Style it textured for a punk vibe, or blow it out for a sleeker feel. This cut works best if you love movement and don’t mind a little tousle.
6. Short wolf cut (Pixie-wolf hybrid)
Think of it as the cool cousin of the pixie cut. The short wolf cut keeps the crown full and playful, while the sides and back are trimmed neat for easy styling. It’s bold, modern, and ideal for anyone wanting a fun, low-maintenance change. Works especially well on straight or fine hair. It's also a great option if you're growing out a pixie and want something stylish in between.
6 best wolf haircut ideas for men
1. Wolf cut with undercut fade
Bold on top, clean on the sides, this version adds a modern twist to the classic wolf cut. The undercut fade brings sharp contrast, while the layered top stays messy, wild, and full of texture. Use a little matte clay, tousle with your fingers, and boom. This is your go-to if you want to stand out without overstyling.
2. Curly wolf cut
For curly-haired guys, this is a total win. The curly wolf cut lets your natural texture shine while shaping it into something bold but wearable. Layers reduce bulk and give your curls lift and movement. Add short curly bangs or leave the front soft. Apply curl cream and let it air dry.
3. Textured wolf cut with bangs
This version turns up the volume with layered bangs that fall naturally across the forehead. It’s a K-pop-inspired look that blends sharpness with softness. Great for straight to wavy hair, this cut adds height and character up top while keeping things sleek around the face.
4. Long wolf cut with flow
If you’ve got longer hair and want that laid-back rocker vibe, this is it. Long layers throughout the back, feathered pieces around the face, and natural texture through the crown. Works best with wavy or thick hair. Keep it air-dried, or add a bit of sea salt spray to enhance the flow.
5. Layered wolf cut with tapered neckline
Want edgy without going full mullet? This one keeps the texture up top but finishes clean with a tapered neckline. The result is balanced and stylish for beginners who want a wolf cut that fits everyday life. Just finger-style with a bit of product, and you’re out the door.
6. Short wolf cut (Beginner-friendly)
This is the chill, entry-level wolf cut. Shorter layers, just a hint of texture, and a neat shape that’s easy to handle. Ideal for guys who want the wolf cut look without committing to the full length. A little styling cream is all you need. It’s subtle, low-key, and grows out without fuss.
Butterfly haircut vs wolf cut - what's the difference?
Though they can be confused, the butterfly cut and the wolf haircut are notably different styles. The wolf haircut is a bold fusion between the shag and the mullet, while the butterfly cut is a soft, heavily layered style that is more elegant than the wolf.
What's more, given its unruly and messy nature, the wolf cut requires very little maintenance and is a top option for wavy or curly tresses. It gives off wild-child vibes and is a great look back to previous decades.
In contrast, the butterfly cut is designed to resemble the elegance of butterfly wings. It's more feminine and is much better suited to women with a least shoulder-length hair. It's extremely voluminous and consists of complex layers to showcase your waves.
So, while the butterfly cut and the wolf haircut both look great, they are very different and you need to think carefully about which style best matches your preferences.
How to maintain a wolf haircut
You might think that because the wolf haircut is messy and unruly, you don't need to maintain it. Well, you would be wrong. Maintenance is key for any hairstyle, and these tips will help you manage the growth and strength of your wolf cut:
☑️ Use an ionic hair dryer - like the Laifen Swift Special - to blow dry your wolf haircut. The main reason for this is that ionic dryers eliminate frizz, which is one of the biggest threats to the quality of your wolf haircut. Too much frizz causes your hair to look totally wild, which is something you should avoid!
☑️ Use a leave-in conditioner to keep your wolf haircut hydrated. We recommend avocado oil or argan oil, as these active ingredients are nourishing and add much-needed moisture to your wolf haircut to prevent it from drying out.
☑️ Ask your stylist to regularly trim your wolf haircut, as the ends can dry out. If you don't regularly cut it, the wolf cut can look damaged and unruly.
☑️ Hairspray is important for your wolfcut, as it helps to keep your waves in shape. But don't overuse it, as you will find that it can cause your hair to dry out.
☑️ Don't overwash your wolf haircut. We recommend washing your hair no more than 2-3 times per week to protect the natural oils that are key to the strength and growth of your natural hair.
Our verdict on the wolf haircut
At Laifen, we love the wolf shag haircut. It's daring, voluminous, and fun, and it's a great option for men and women. You can style your wolf haircut in various ways, opting for long or short hair with various unique features.
For the best and most fashionable style, we recommend asking your stylist to create a voluminous wolfcut on your behalf. You can then maintain it properly using the tips we have provided above for an effortless, messy hairstyle in 2025.
FAQs
Who should not get a wolf cut?
If you prefer neat, sleek, or low-layer styles, the wolf cut might not be for you. It’s choppy, wild, and thrives on volume, so if you don’t like texture or don’t want to style your hair often, skip it. Super fine or flat hair types may also struggle unless you’re ready to work with products or tools.
Is wolf cut good for a chubby face?
Yes, and it can actually be super flattering. Choose softer layers and curtain bangs that frame the face and add length visually. Avoid thick, short layers around the cheeks, they can make the face look rounder. Go for flowy and face-skimming instead.
How to get a wolf haircut at home?
Start with clean, damp hair. Section the top, sides, and back. Use sharp scissors to cut short layers on the top and longer layers underneath. Point-cut the ends to keep it soft and choppy. Go slow, watch a simple tutorial, and always cut less than you think—you can’t put it back!
Which is the best wolf haircut for male?
The wolf cut with an undercut fade is a standout. Clean on the sides, wild up top, which mixes structure with that messy, layered look.
Is a wolf haircut with bangs style in 2025?
Definitely! Bangs are still a major part of the wolf cut trend in 2025. Curtain bangs, choppy bangs, even micro bangs, they all add a cool, modern twist and help shape the face. Still trending, still easy to rock.
