The Men’s Wolf Cut Is the Coolest Haircut To Try This Year

You may have noticed a specific hair trend taking over your TikTok and Instagram feeds lately—namely, the wolf cut. It’s become popular among women, but the men’s wolf cut is steadily becoming a favorite hairstyle for guys, too. The wolf cut for men re-envisions the popular mullet of the ’80s and early ’90s, but ups the edgy style a notch with the tousled texture of a ’70s shag.

While there are plenty of ways to change up your hairstyle—from embracing a new hair color to trying a new cut—the men’s wolf cut is one of our favorite ways to try a new look. Here, learn how to care for and style a wolf cut for men and find inspiration to show your barber at your next cut.

What Is a Wolf Cut for Guys?

A men’s wolf cut is a trendy hairstyle that’s a cross between a mullet and a shag haircut. The increasingly sought-after style is the same regardless of gender, so it works for men, women, and non-binary folks.

To create a wolf cut for men, your barber will cut short, choppy layers around the top and sides of your head. The hair on the back of your head, meanwhile, will be left longer, typically with more (albeit, slightly longer) choppy layers placed throughout. That being said, the men’s wolf cut is highly customizable—you can play around with the length, amount of layers, and color to create a look that’s all your own. One of our favorite ways to wear the cut is with lots of messy texture. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, ask for a wolf cut men’s style that shears hair in fringed layers for a tousled, voluminous look.

Why you should try a wolf haircut for men

If you’re on the fence about whether a wolf cut is right for you, there are multiple reasons to give it a try. First of all, the men’s wolf cut is very low maintenance—it’s easy to style and maintain without using too many hair products, so you can wash and go without sacrificing style. It’s also an ideal cut for those with thinning hair since the choppy layers add volume and texture to your hair. Plus, if you’ve been curious about trying a hairstyle from another era, this is definitely the one for you. The wolf cut combines modern style with a retro, ’70s-meets-’80s vibe—the effect is laid-back and effortlessly cool.

7 Men’s Wolf Cut Hairstyles to Try

If you’re interested in trying a wolf cut for men, grab inspiration from these seven styles for different lengths and textures.

Curly wolf cut for men

As a great way to spotlight your natural texture, style your curly hair with a wolf cut that keeps some length near the back of your head. This look is similar to a mullet; the choppy length of a wolf cut will help shape your curls to give them more movement.

Short wolf cut for men

Wolf cuts don’t have to be long to make a statement. For an even lower-maintenance take on the look, try a cropped version of the style, with short, face-framing fringe and slightly more length toward the back of your head. This shorter take on the style is akin to a '60s-inspired mod cut—but with slightly more texture.

High fade men’s wolf cut

Customize your men’s wolf cut by having your stylist shave the sides of your head to create either a low fade or a high fade. This take on the classic wolf cut is perfect for those who want less hair on the sides, but still want that shaggy wolf cut look that offers length in the back and short pieces in front. This trendy choice allows you to play around with your wolf cut for men, finding a length that works for you.

Men’s wolf cut with bangs

Add dimension to your men’s wolf cut by asking your barber or stylist to cut bangs. Keep them on the shorter, choppier side to bring even more movement and texture to your look. Just keep in mind that if you do opt for bangs, you’ll have to commit to regular trims to keep them at your desired length.

Shaggy men’s wolf cut

If you love the look of a ’70s shag but want to embrace a more modern take on the retro look, try this shaggy version of a men’s wolf cut. This style is ideal for those with thicker hair—just ask your barber to use a razor to cut your layers, which will help remove unneeded bulk and help add body and texture.

Long wolf cut for men

If you like your hair with a bit more length, consider a shoulder-grazing men’s wolf cut. This laid-back style works well with wavy hair and looks particularly cool when paired with low-maintenance curtain bangs.

Platinum wolf cut for men

Embrace a complete hair makeover with a short wolf cut men’s style combined with a bright platinum hair color. If you don’t want to commit to monthly root touchups, you can ask your colorist for a root shadow, a technique that involves gradually blending your natural root color with the lightened strands for a lived-in effect.

Whichever approach you choose, it’s important to adjust your haircare routine, as bleached hair has the tendency to get brassy. Once weekly, swap out your go-to products for a purple shampoo and conditioner, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Toning Purple Conditioner. They’ll help neutralize unwanted yellow tones to keep your platinum hue bright and cool-toned.

How to Care for a Wolf Cut for Men

Now that you’ve got some inspiration for your next haircut, learn how to take care of and style your men’s wolf cut in four easy steps.

1. Wash away impurities

All haircare routines should start with a good shampoo that cleans hair without stripping it of essential moisture. If you’re not sure which shampoo to use, we suggest trying a moisturizing option, such as the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and helps replenish moisture while removing dirt, oil, and other buildup. On wash day, add a dime-sized amount (use more if you have more hair) to your hands. Gently lather the creamy shampoo directly onto your scalp before massaging the suds through your strands, then rinse thoroughly.

2. Moisturize hair with conditioner

After washing your hair, add more moisture with a hydrating conditioner like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free. The lightweight formula for all hair types instantly replumps, detangles, and moisturizes dry hair without a heavy or weighty feel. To use it, apply a quarter-sized amount of conditioner to the mid-length and ends of your hair before finger-combing it through your strands. Then, rinse with lukewarm water and squeeze any excess moisture out of your hair before exiting the shower.

3. Apply a leave-in treatment

If your hair regularly feels dry or lacks shine, reach for a leave-in conditioner or hair serum post-shower. We love the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Moisture Plump Serum, Paraben-Free, which adds lightweight moisture and helps promote fuller-looking hair. Plus, you can use this leave-in on wet or dry hair for a quick boost of moisture. Simply spritz the hyaluronic acid-infused formula onto your lengths and ends to revitalize strands without weighing hair down.

4. Style your men’s wolf cut

Complete your haircare routine for your wolf cut hair men’s style with a product that provides hold to help keep your tousled texture intact. Reach for the medium-hold L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty and rub a dime-sized amount between your palms before working the product through wet or dry hair. The texturizing, thickening styler helps you shape tresses in any direction you want and builds volume for an intentionally undone look. For maximum hold, swap the hair putty for a strong-hold hair gel, such as the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel, and apply it on damp hair.

Next Up: 75 Short Men’s Hairstyles to Inspire Your Next Chop

Header Image Credit: IG/@chicks_hair