Are you looking for a bold new hairstyle that’s equal parts edgy and chic? Look no further than the short wolf cut, the trendiest haircut of 2024 that’s been taking social media by storm. Originating in South Korea, this shaggy, layered style features shorter choppy layers on top that gradually get longer towards the bottom, resulting in a tousled, effortlessly cool look.
The wolf cut has been spotted on celebrities, influencers and fashionistas all over Instagram and TikTok. It’s a versatile, gender-neutral style that can be adapted for many different hair types and textures. Plus, it grows out beautifully, so you can keep your hair looking stylish even if you’re overdue for a trim.
Intrigued? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the short wolf cut – what it is, how to style it, and what to ask your hairstylist for to get the look. Get ready to unleash your inner wolf and embrace this fierce, fashionable haircut.
What Exactly Is a Wolf Cut?
The wolf cut is a modern remix of two classic haircuts: the shag and the mullet. It features shaggy, wavy layers that are shorter in the front and longer in the back. The top layers are cut with a razor or thinning shears to create a wispy, piecey texture and tons of volume around the crown. Meanwhile, the bottom layers are left longer, but are still textured and tapered to avoid a blocky look.When styled, the wolf cut has an untamed, bedhead vibe, like you just rolled out of b
ed looking effortlessly amazing. The layers can be tousled and messed up for a more undone look, or blow-dried with a round brush for a sleeker, more polished style. Curtain bangs are a popular addition to the wolf cut, but not mandatory.
Why Is It Called a “Wolf Cut”?
The name “wolf cut” refers to the wild, untamed look of the style, which is said to resemble the shaggy fur of a wolf. It also reflects the boldness of the cut – it takes a certain degree of confidence to rock a hairstyle this edgy and eye-catching.
The origins of the name are a bit murky, but it’s thought to have started in South Korea, where the style first went viral. In Korea, it’s sometimes called the “meori gareuk,” or “head carving,” due to the heavily layered cut.
What Face Shapes and Hair Types Work With a Short Wolf Cut?
One of the best things about the wolf cut is how versatile it is. While it looks amazing on oval faces, most face shapes can pull it off by adjusting the length and layering. Round faces can rock a wolf cut with longer layers that fall below the chin to elongate the face. Square faces can soften their angles with a wolf cut that has wispy bangs and face-framing pieces. Heart-shaped faces should keep layers long around the jawline to balance out a wider forehead.
As for hair type, the wolf cut works best on hair that has some natural texture or wave to it. The layers really enhance the hair’s natural movement and volume. However, people with very fine or thin hair may find that the choppy layers of a wolf cut can make their hair look stringy or flat. In that case, ask your stylist to go easy on the thinning shears and keep more length throughout.
Thick, coarse hair types can absolutely rock a wolf cut, but may need to have their hair thinned out more to avoid a puffy, triangular shape. Curly hair can also look amazing in a wolf cut, especially with the right styling products to define the curls and tame frizz.
How to Style a Short Wolf Cut
The beauty of the wolf cut is that it looks great with minimal styling. Most people can simply wash their hair, apply a texturizing product like sea salt spray or dry shampoo, scrunch, and go.
For a more polished look, start by applying a heat protectant spray and blow drying your hair until it’s about 90% dry. Then, use a round brush to lift the roots and create volume while drying your hair the rest of the way. You can also use a flat iron or curling wand to add some loose waves throughout.
Finish off the look with a pomade or wax to piece out the ends and add some shine. For a messier, grungier vibe, use a texturizing paste on the mid-lengths and ends. The key is to avoid anything too sleek or stiff-looking – you want the style to look effortless and tousled.
What to Ask Your Hairstylist For
When requesting a wolf cut, be sure to bring plenty of reference photos to your appointment so your stylist knows exactly what you’re going for. Discuss the length you want, especially in the back – some wolf cuts are cropped quite short in the back, while others are left longer for a more subtle mullet effect.
You’ll also want to talk about the level of layering and texturizing you want throughout. A more extreme wolf cut will have very short, choppy layers, while a softer version will have longer layers that are blended together more.
Finally, consider if you want to add curtain bangs or any face-framing pieces in the front. These can really complete the look and balance out the choppiness in the back.
Maintaining Your Short Wolf Cut
To keep your wolf cut looking its best between salon visits, be sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying out or frizzing up your hair. A leave-in conditioner can also help keep your ends looking healthy.
Avoid over-washing your hair, as the wolf cut looks best with a little natural grit and texture. Try to go 2-3 days between shampoos if you can. Dry shampoo will be your best friend for refreshing your hair and adding volume on non-wash days.
You may find you need to get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to maintain the choppy layers and prevent the mullet from getting too long in the back. However, one of the nice things about the wolf cut is that it grows out very nicely. Over time, it will start to look more like a long shag haircut, which is also very stylish and on-trend.
Unleash Your Inner Wolf
The short wolf cut is more than just a hairstyle – it’s an attitude. It’s about embracing your wild side, shaking up your look, and exuding confidence and coolness. While it may feel like a bold move, it’s a style that adapts well to most people.
So go ahead – book that salon appointment, take the plunge, and unleash your inner wolf. With the right cut and some styling tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be turning heads and setting trends wherever you go. Get ready to join the wolf pack and rock the hottest hairstyle of the year.
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