A wolf cut has become a popular hairstyle trend recently. At first glance, a wolf cut may look similar to a layered haircut. However, there are some key differences between a wolf cut and traditional layers. In this article, we’ll explore what a wolf cut is, how it differs from layers, and provide tips for styling and maintaining a wolf cut.
What is a Wolf Cut?
A wolf cut is a layered shaggy hairstyle with bangs that is shorter in the back and longer in the front. Some key characteristics of a wolf cut include:
- Choppy, piecey layers throughout the hair
- Bangs that are cut straight across the forehead or tapered towards the face
- Shorter layers in the back that graduate to longer layers in the front
- Layers around the face to frame it softly
- A tousled, messy style with lots of texture
The wolf cut gets its name from its wild, untamed look that resembles a wolf’s fur. It creates the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. The wolf cut became popular in the 1970s and has made a major comeback recently, being sported by celebrities like Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and Demi Lovato.
How Does a Wolf Cut Differ From Layers?
While a wolf cut contains layers, it has some distinct differences from a traditional layered haircut:
Length: A wolf cut is longer in the front and tapers to shorter layers in the back. A layered cut is typically one length all around or only slightly shorter in the back.
Layering: A wolf cut has very choppy, heavily texturized layers cut throughout the head. Layers in a regular haircut are more subtle and blended.
Volume: The short layers stacked on top of longer layers create lots of volume and texture in a wolf cut. Layers add volume but not to the same dramatic effect.
Bang style: Wolf cuts have thick, blunt bangs while layered styles may have wispy or side-swept bangs.
Messy finish: Wolf cuts have an intentionally disheveled look while layered styles look more polished.
Face framing: A wolf cut softens features with layers around the face. Layered cuts don’t always incorporate face-framing layers.
So in summary, a wolf cut is a much edgier, daring version of a layered hairstyle. The heavy layering and choppy finish create a wild, untamed look you don’t get with subtle layers.
Who Does a Wolf Cut Work Best For?
A wolf cut is a bold look that not everyone can pull off. It generally works best for:
- Oval, heart, square or diamond face shapes
- Naturally straight or wavy hair textures
- Thick, dense hair
- Younger age groups
People with very fine or thin hair may not be able to achieve the same volume and texture. The layers can fall flat. Older women may want to opt for something more subtle and refined.
Round face shapes often look better with longer styles to add length versus the shorter layers of a wolf cut. Very curly hair also has a harder time holding the right shape. Have an honest talk with your stylist about whether a wolf cut will work with your hair type and face shape.
How to Style a Wolf Cut
One of the appeals of a wolf cut is that it looks great styled messy and undone. Here are some tips for styling it:
Air dry: Allow your hair to air dry naturally to bring out the texture.
Add waves: Use a curling iron to add soft waves, avoiding tight curls.
Texturizing spray: Mist hair with sea salt or texturizing spray for piecey finish. Ruffle hair with fingers.
Dry shampoo: Use dry shampoo at the roots to soak up oil and add grit to the layers.
Head upside down: Flip hair upside down and scrunch upwards to boost volume.
Mess it up: For maximum texture, run fingers through the layers to separate and mess them up.
The great thing about a wolf cut is you really can’t overstyle it. The messier the better! Avoid super sleek looks that will diminish the cut’s appeal.
Wolf Cut Maintenance Tips
While a wolf cut looks wild, it does require some upkeep to stay looking fresh, including:
Regular trims: Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain the layers and shape. Letting it grow out diminishes the effect.
Use clarifying shampoo: The shorter layers can get greasy so use a clarifying shampoo 1-2 times a week.
Condition well: Hydrate mid-lengths to ends to prevent dryness and damage from the layers.
Protect hair at night: Tie hair in a loose ponytail or braid at night to avoid tangles. Use a silk pillowcase.
Tame flyaways: Carry oil or styling balm to smooth frizzy pieces around the hairline.
Refresh with dry shampoo: Use dry shampoo to soak up oil at the roots between washes.
Get regular treatments: Do conditioning treatments and trims often to keep the ends healthy.
Putting some work into maintaining your wolf cut will ensure you get the most mileage out of the style before having to cut it off.
Conclusion
While a wolf cut is a layered hairstyle, the degree of layering as well as the volume, length, and finish differentiate it from a traditional layered haircut. It creates an edgy, disheveled style that looks best on younger age groups with straight or wavy hair. Though low-maintenance day to day, a wolf cut does require commitment to regular trims and conditioning to maintain its shape and texture. When cared for properly, a wolf cut is a cool way to add some wild flair to your locks.