The wolf cut popularity among men and owmen has taken over TikTok and Instagram feeds, becoming a popular choice for both women and men. The men’s wolf cut in particular is a fresh spin on the classic mullet from the ’80s and early ’90s, but with a more edgy and tousled finish, giving it that signature texture.
It merges the best parts of the ’70s shag with a modern twist, making it a favorite hairstyle among guys. Whether you’re going for a bold hair color or just want a new cut, the wolf cut for men gives you the chance to experiment with different looks, making it one of the favorite ways to achieve a new look.
One of the greatest things about the wolf cut is its gender-neutral appeal. It works across all hair types, whether your locks are wavy, straight, or even curly hair. In fact, for curly hair, the cut only helps to emphasize the natural texture. For those unsure, the wolf cut is low-maintenance and easy to style.
While bangs are often a key feature, there’s no strict requirement to have them. You can go for curtain bangs for a softer look, or opt for the appearance of no bangs at all. No matter what, the wolf cut is all about versatility and embracing your natural style.
What Is a Wolf Cut for Guys?
The men’s wolf cut is a trendy hairstyle that’s a cool cross between a mullet and a shag haircut. It’s an increasingly sought-after style for all genders, including men, women, and non-binary people. When you ask your barber for a wolf cut, expect short, choppy layers on the top and sides of your head, with the hair at the back left longer or just slightly longer.
This look is highly customizable—you can play with the length, add more layers, or even change the color. The signature messy texture and fringed layers give it that perfect mix of tousled and voluminous, making the wolf cut men’s style both bold and versatile.
What is the difference between Men’s and Women’s Wolf Cut?
The wolf cut is a versatile hairstyle that can be adapted for both men and women, but there are some key differences between the two:
- Length and Layers:
- Men’s Wolf Cut: Typically features shorter layers on top and longer hair in the back. This creates a more structured look that may resemble a modern mullet.
- Women’s Wolf Cut: Often includes longer layers throughout, giving it a more flowing and softer appearance. Women may also choose to keep the back longer and more blended.
- Styling:
- Men often style their wolf cuts to appear edgy and messy, emphasizing texture with products like pomade or sea salt spray.
- Women may lean toward a more polished look, incorporating softer waves and curls, often using tools like curling irons or styling creams.
- Bangs:
- Men’s wolf cuts might have more choppy or blunt bangs, or none at all, while
- women’s wolf cuts often feature curtain bangs or softer fringe styles that add to the overall softness of the cut.
- Color:
- Men might experiment with bold colors or highlights to enhance the edgy vibe of their wolf cut.
- Women often opt for balayage or softer hues that blend with their natural hair color, adding depth and dimension.
- Cultural Influences:
- The men’s wolf cut can be influenced by past styles like the mullet and shag, reflecting a more retro feel.
- The women’s wolf cut often draws inspiration from pop culture icons and trends, focusing on modern fashion and self-expression.
Overall, while both cuts share a common foundation, the differences in length, styling, and personal preference make each one unique to the individual’s style.
Why you should try a wolf haircut for men
If you’re looking for a fresh hairstyle, consider the wolf cut. This cut is great for anyone, especially with the men’s wolf cut becoming increasingly popular. One of the best things about it is that it’s low maintenance; you can easily wash and go without needing a lot of hair products or complicated styling.
It works wonders for those with thinning hair since the choppy layers add volume and enhance your texture. Plus, this hairstyle gives off a fun, retro feel with its mix of ’70s and ’80s vibes, making it a laid-back and effortlessly cool option for anyone wanting to switch up their look.
The Evolution of the Wolf Haircut
The wolf haircut has a rich history that reflects changing styles and cultural influences. Its journey began in the 1980s with Richard Dean Anderson, the fictional TV hero of the action series MacGyver, which aired from 1985 to 1992 in the U.S.
His signature mullet became a symbol of masculinity in South Korea, where it was affectionately called the MacGyver knife, similar to the Swiss army knives. This hairstyle gained a reputation for showcasing machismo, particularly among Korean men who embraced it as a badge of honor.
In the 1970s, the wolf cut drew inspiration from icons like David Bowie, who showcased his alter ego Ziggy Stardust with a bold copper high-low cut that challenged gender norms. This androgynous style was influenced by Kansai Yamamoto and featured spikey layers that blurred the lines of traditional hairstyles.
Similarly, actress Jane Fonda rocked a memorable look in her 1970 mugshot, where her hairstyle became synonymous with her role in the film Klute, earning her the Oscar for Best Actress in 1972.
The genderless appeal of the wolf cut grew throughout the years, particularly in the 1980s when rockstars and punks like Keith Richards and Paul McCartney embraced rebellious and bold styles. These hairstyles became a form of self-expression, resonating with those who chose to be non-conforming.
During this period, the avant-garde styles paved the way for the mullet’s resurgence, which gained global fame with Hollywood actors like Patrick Swayze and Kiefer Sutherland.
By the 1990s, the mullet fell out of favor in the West, only to become subversive and cool again. Meanwhile, in South Korea, the Kim Byungji cut evolved, transforming into something softer and more gradual. As men began to grow their hair longer, they discovered more styling options, leading to the eventual rise of the wolf cut as a fashionable choice for both genders.
The wolf cut truly roared back into style in the 2010s, inspired by pop princess BoA, whose 2005 hairstyle during the Girls on Top era highlighted the cut’s versatility. Idols like BIGBANG’s G-Dragon and WINNER’s Mino also sported the wolf cut, further cementing its popularity among fans and influencing modern trends.
Why the Wolf Cut is back
The wolf haircut is making a huge comeback, and it’s all thanks to its wild and rebellious vibe that has captured the attention of social media users, especially on Insta and TikTok. This edgy hairstyle has become a sensation among cool girls and celebs like Renée Rapp and Zendaya, blending the glam of the ’70s shag and the ’80s mullet for a truly fabulous look.
During quarantine, many tried versions of the wolf cut at home with scissors, leading to an unstoppable trend that moved from South Korean salons to living rooms worldwide. Its versatile nature allows for long, beachy waves or short, sharp layers, creating an effortlessly tousled yet chic style that feels both messy and put-together, making it the perfect IT-girl look for everyone.
How to style the wolf cut for guys
To get the best look from your wolf cut, you need to focus on texture. Here are some steps to help you style it perfectly:
- If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, use sea salt spray to enhance those waves.
- For those with straight hair, use a blow dryer to add some wave and movement.
- Start by blow-drying the face-framing section of your hair away from your face.
- Grab a round brush and a hairdryer to add extra volume, especially at the roots.
- If you want even more lift, apply a volumizing mousse and scrunch it into your hair while drying.
- Finally, finish off with some hairspray to help your style hold throughout the day.
How to ask your barber for a wolf cut
· Bring reference photos to show your barber. Choose images where the model has a similar hair texture to yours for a more accurate result.
· Clearly explain the length you want, whether you’re going for a long or short variation of the wolf cut.
· To get the classic wolf cut look, ask for curtain bangs or a fringe in the front, and a shaggy, mullet-style for the back. The fasion that matches with your hairstyles!