We’ll be the first to admit we love our screen time, and that’s mainly because of the beauty inspo that comes across our social media feeds every single day. And lately, our feeds have been flooded with wolf cuts. This trendy haircut is absolutely stunning and is making us want to book a trip to the salon stat.
However, before we make any rash decisions, we wanted to make sure a wolf cut was the perfect fit, so we reached out to Asil Simsek, the owner of NYC Balayage, as well as a hair influencer and TRUSS Professional Ambassador.
Meet The Expert
Asil Simsek is the owner of NYC Balayage, as well as a hair influencer and TRUSS Professional Ambassador.
He spilled all the tea on wolf cuts, telling us, “The wolf cut is known for its edgy and effortlessly cool vibe, making it a popular choice among those seeking a modern and versatile haircut.”
On the fence about getting a wolf cut? Below, we go into detail about all things wolf cuts, from styling to maintenance, and more!
All About Wolf Cuts
Not sure exactly what a wolf cut entails? It’s been trending for the last few years and has recently had a resurgence. It’s a fun and trendy hairstyle that we think would look fab on all sorts of hair types and textures.
“It’s more of a shaggy, layered look and often features shorter layers on top that gradually blend into longer layers towards the bottom,” Simsek tells us.
“The cut typically has textured ends, giving it a slightly messy, undone look that resembles the shaggy appearance of a wolf. The style can vary in length, with some versions featuring shorter, chin-length layers, while others have longer layers that extend to the shoulders or beyond.”
How Do You Know If You Should Get a Wolf Cut?
If you’re not too sure if you should take the plunge and get a wolf cut, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. From your hair type to your face shape and even the time you want to put into styling your hair every day, these are just a few things to think about.
Hair Type
As far as hair type goes, Simsek shares, “The wolf cut tends to work best on thick, straight, or slightly wavy hair, as the layered texture enhances natural volume and movement. If your hair is very fine or curly, you may need to consider how well it will hold the style and whether the layers will enhance or detract from your natural texture.”
This isn’t to say you can’t try out a wolf cut if you have a different texture, just know that it might not turn out exactly as you’re picturing.
Face Shape
Face shape isn’t the most important factor to keep in mind when deciding to get a wolf cut, but it’s super interesting to think about, and we love Simsek’s take on it. “While the wolf cut can be adaptable to different face shapes, some styles may complement certain face shapes better than others,” he says.
“For example, longer layers can help soften angular features, while shorter layers can add volume to rounder faces. Your hairstylist can help you determine the best variation of the wolf cut for your face shape.”
Time
Perhaps the most important thing to consider is how much time you’re willing to dedicate to your hair…not only in regards to styling every day, but also how often you’re going to have to go into the salon for regular cuts.
“The wolf cut’s tousled, textured look often requires regular styling with products and possibly some heat styling to achieve the desired effect,” says Simsek. “If you prefer low-maintenance hairstyles, a wolf cut may not be the best choice for you.”
How to Maintain a Wolf Cut
If you’ve had the same easy-to-manage haircut for years that requires little to no maintenance, you might be in for quite the awakening for a wolf cut. So just prepare yourself and know you’ll need to invest in products and more time at the salon!
Simsek recommends going in for a regular trim every 6-8 weeks to “keep the layers and shape of the wolf cut intact and to help prevent split ends.” As far as products go, he says to stick with ones that are formulated for your specific hair type and texture.
For example, if you have oily hair, look for products that combat that! “Products that contain ingredients like keratin or argan oil are great because they help repair and strengthen the hair,” Simsek tells Timeless Hairstyles.
Additionally, you’ll want to avoid overwashing your hair, as Simsek says it can “strip it of natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz.” Instead, stick with a good, lightweight shampoo and conditioner, that way, your hair doesn’t get weighed down.
Simsek also adds, “Consider using products such as texturizing sprays, mousses, or styling creams to enhance the layers and add volume.”
How to Style a Wolf Cut
Curly/Coily
If you have curly or coily hair, you want to make sure you’re embracing your hair’s natural texture while also “maintaining the desired shape and volume,” according to Simsek. For shampoo and conditioner, he says to look for “nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil.”
Next, go in with a leave-in conditioner of your choice that will define your locks, and finish off with a curl-enhancing cream, gel, or mousse. To finish off, Simsek shares, “Scrunch your hair gently with your hands and allow your hair to air-dry whenever possible to minimize heat damage and preserve the natural texture of your curls/coils. You can also use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to enhance volume.”
Straight
For those with straight hair, you’re going to want to rely on products to give you the volume that wolf cuts are known to have. After all, the last thing you want to deal with is dull and flat hair with such a killer cut!
Simsek suggests using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, and even a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray. Why? Trust us when we say your straight hair is going to need all the help it can get.
As far as drying and styling go, Simsek says, “Use a round brush while blow-drying your hair to add volume and movement. To enhance the shaggy texture of the wolf cut, apply a dry shampoo or texturizing spray to the roots and mid-lengths of your hair. This will add grip and volume, making it easier to tousle and style. Use a flat iron or curling wand to create loose waves in your hair, alternating the direction of the curls for a natural, undone look.”
Thick
Have hair on the thicker side? When you get your wolf cut, speak with your stylist about potentially thinning or layering your hair in a manageable way. Simsek says this is a great way to “reduce bulk and enhance manageability.”
Next, he tells us all about styling, sharing, “Use lightweight styling products such as mousses, foams, or serums designed for thick hair to help add definition and control without weighing down your hair or making it feel greasy. When drying your hair, divide your hair into manageable sections and blow-dry each section individually using a round brush or a paddle brush.
Spray a small amount of texturizing spray onto your hands and work it through your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends to create a tousled, lived-in look. Try to keep your styling routine simple by opting for minimalist hairstyles that showcase your hair’s natural volume and texture. Loose waves, tousled updos, or half-up half-down styles are great options for thick-haired wolf cuts.”
Wolf Cuts to Try Out
Textured Shaggy Wolf Cut
One of the most popular variations of the wolf cut is a textured and shaggy look. It’s likely the one you’ve seen all over your social media feed! “This features choppy, textured layers with a shaggy, lived-in look,” says Simsek. “It’s characterized by its tousled appearance and effortless vibe.”
Chin-Length Layered Wolf Cut
Another wolf cut we think you should consider is the chin-length cut, which is perfect for those who want shorter layers. “This has shorter layers that graze the chin, creating a modern and edgy look,” Simsek shares with us. “It’s a versatile style that can be styled sleek and straight or with tousled waves for added texture.”
Long-Layered Wolf Cut
If you want to keep your length but still want the edge a wolf cut offers, go for this long-layered look. “The long-layered wolf cut has longer layers that extend beyond the shoulders, creating a soft and feminine look with added movement and volume,” shares Simsek.
Our Favorite Products to Use for Wolf Cuts
TRUSS Professional Frizz-Zero Shampoo ($32) and Frizz-Zero Conditioner ($34)
If you’re in the market for a new shampoo and conditioner, Simsek highly recommends this duo, stating, “Look for a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated to add volume and body to your hair,” he says.
“I like to use TRUSS Professional’s Frizz-Zero Shampoo and Frizz-Zero Conditioner for enhanced volume and frizz reduction, leaving your hair light, with a lot of movement, and free of split ends.”
TRUSS Professional Body Volume Mousse ($34)
A volumizing mousse is going to become your best friend when dealing with a wolf cut, so be on the hunt for a lightweight option, like this one from TRUSS Professional.
“I like to use TRUSS Professional’s Body Volume Mousse for added volume, texture, and body,” Simsek says of the product.
BondiBoost Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray with Aloe + Rosemary ($20)
If you plan on using any heat-styling tools while managing your wolf cut, it’s absolutely key to invest in a good heat protectant. We’re big fans of this one from BondiBoost because of the good-for-you ingredients like aloe and rosemary.
Drybar Seltzer Spritz Flexible Hold Hairspray ($32)
Drybar has some of our favorite hair products of all time, and this new hairspray is no different! The flexible hold is fab for wolf cuts, as it won’t make your hair seem sticky, crunchy, or weighed down.
Crafted without parabens, this hairspray uses ama leaf and rosemary extract to add a level of softness to hair that’s truly unmatched.