The wolf haircut is a trendy blend of a shag and a mullet, featuring choppy layers, textured volume, and a lived-in look that’s both edgy and effortlessly stylish.
The wolf haircut is one of the most popular hairstyles for women in 2025, combining the textured volume of a shag with the bold shape of a mullet. Seen everywhere from TikTok to red carpet events, this layered haircut has become the ultimate choice for women who want a style that is full of movement and personality.
In this guide, you will find the best styling ideas, tips for keeping your layers fresh, and how to try the wolf haircut virtually before committing to the real thing.
What Is the Wolf Cut?
The wolf cut has been turning heads since the '70s and '80s, inspired by icons like David Bowie and Mick Jagger with their shaggy styles, and Joan Jett with her iconic mullet.
Combining the best of both looks, the wolf cut—originally from South Korea—has taken social media by storm, dominating TikTok and Instagram as a go-to trend for women seeking a bold, edgy hairstyle.
Today, everyone from celebrities and influencers to content creators and selfie lovers has embraced the wolf-cut trend. Micro influencer campaigns have also played a significant role in popularizing the look.
Miley Cyrus set the tone for the wolf-cut look when she wore it to a Los Angeles County Museum of Art gala in November 2021.
Billie Eilish has interpreted the wolf cut in adventurous ways, from bold colors to blunt-cut bangs.
Barbie Ferreira juxtaposed straight bangs with curly ends at an Oscar party in 2020.
Which Is Better, Butterfly Cut or Wolf Cut?
Another popular layered trend to consider is the butterfly cut. It features longer layers that look like a pair of butterfly wings from the back, paired with wispier layers framing the face.
However, the difference is that the butterfly cut is more feathered, while the wolf cut has more texture and heavier, sharper layers.
If you’re looking for more rock ‘n’ roll rebellion and less length, the wolf cut might be your jam.
However, the butterfly could be a perfect fit if you prefer to hang on to some of your long locks while adding movement and definition.
What Face Shape Suits the Wolf Cut?
The wolf cut, often called Gen Z’s answer to the mullet, is wild, carefree, and effortlessly chic—perfect for anyone ready to break free from their usual hairstyle. With tapered ends and shaggy layers, it’s cut longer in the back and shorter at the crown for extra volume, blending retro vibes with a modern edge.
Whether you're strolling the beach, hitting a street fair, or rocking out at a music festival, the wolf cut adds the perfect “undone” touch to your look.
Wolf Haircut for Different Face Shapes
For Round Faces
The wolf cut’s layered structure adds height at the crown and frames the face with angled strands, creating a slimming and elongating effect that beautifully balances round face shapes.
For Oval Faces
Oval faces suit almost any hairstyle, and the wolf cut is no exception. Its versatile layers enhance natural proportions while adding texture and movement for a bold, stylish finish.
For Square Faces
The wolf cut softens sharp angles of square faces with its shaggy layers and tapered ends, providing a relaxed, undone look that complements strong jawlines.
For Heart-Shaped Faces
The shorter layers near the crown and longer pieces at the back balance the proportions of heart-shaped faces, drawing attention to the cheekbones and softening the jawline.
For Long Faces
The wolf cut adds volume on the sides and at the crown, breaking up the length of long faces while creating a fuller, more balanced appearance.
Read More: How To Find the Perfect Hairstyle for Your Face Shape
Wolf Cuts for Various Hair Types
The wolf cut is a versatile hairstyle that works beautifully on a variety of hair types.
For Straight Hair
The wolf cut adds texture and volume to straight hair, transforming a flat look into a dynamic, lived-in style with shaggy, edgy layers.
For Wavy Hair
Wavy hair pairs perfectly with the wolf cut, enhancing its natural movement and creating effortlessly tousled vibes that exude casual chic.
For Curly and Coily Hair
Curly and coily hair benefit from the wolf cut’s layered structure, which defines curls, reduces bulk, and delivers a bold yet manageable look.
Read More: What Shape Is My Face: Best Free Face Shape Detectors & Apps
Who Should Not Get a Wolf Cut?
While the wolf cut for women is one of the most talked-about hairstyle trends, it is not the perfect match for everyone. Before booking a salon appointment, consider a few reasons why this layered haircut may not suit your hair type or lifestyle.
1. Fine or Thin Hair
The wolf haircut is designed to create volume and texture through heavy layering. However, if your hair is naturally very thin, those layers may remove too much bulk, making your hair appear even finer.
2. Very Tight Curls
While the wolf cut can look stunning on wavy hair or loose curls, extremely tight curls often respond differently to this haircut. The layers may cause the hair to shrink more than expected, altering the intended shape.
3. High Styling and Maintenance Needs
The wolf cut is not a wash-and-go hairstyle. Its signature shape relies on styling products, heat tools, and frequent trims to keep the layers defined and the silhouette balanced. If you prefer a truly low-maintenance haircut, you may find the upkeep of a wolf hair cut to be more demanding than expected.
How to Try the Wolf Haircut with Your Photo
Changing from long, uniform hair to the layered texture of a wolf cut can feel exciting but also a bit uncertain. The good news is you can see exactly how it will look before making the change.
With the AI hairstyle try-on feature in YouCam Makeup, you can see yourself with the wolf cut. Here is how:
Step 1: Download YouCam Makeup
Install the free hairstyle app from the App Store or Google Play to start your virtual hair makeover.
Step 2: Upload Your Photo
Take a selfie or upload a clear photo of yourself for an accurate wolf haircut preview.
Step 3: Try On Wolf Cut for Women
Open the AI Hairstyle feature and browse layered styles, including trending wolf cut looks for women.
Step 4: See the Wolf Cut on You
View your transformation instantly and decide if the wolf haircut is your perfect next look.
Wolf Cut for Women FAQs
What exactly is a wolf haircut?
A wolf cut is a trendy hairstyle that combines elements of the shag and mullet. It features layers that are shorter at the top and longer at the back, with a textured, voluminous look. The style is edgy and bold, offering a carefree, messy vibe that's perfect for those looking to make a statement.
What is the difference between a butterfly cut and wolf cut?
A butterfly cut is a layered haircut with more structured, soft layers that create a "butterfly" effect with added volume at the ends. It's more feminine and refined compared to the wolf cut, which has a messier, more textured look with a combination of short and long layers, often with a rock-and-roll vibe.
Who should not get a wolf cut?
The wolf cut might not be suitable for those with very thin hair, as the voluminous layers can make it look even thinner. It's also less ideal for individuals with tight curls, as it may not deliver the desired effect. Those who prefer low-maintenance styles should also reconsider, as the wolf cut requires regular styling and trims.
What face shape is best for the wolf cut?
The wolf cut is versatile and flatters various face shapes. It works especially well for oval, round, heart-shaped, and square faces, as the layered texture helps balance proportions and soften sharp angles. It can also add volume and shape to long faces.
Is wolf cut better or butterfly cut?
Whether a wolf cut or butterfly cut is better depends on personal style preferences. The wolf cut offers a more edgy, dramatic look with textured layers, while the butterfly cut is softer and more feminine. Choose the wolf cut if you're after bold and voluminous layers, or the butterfly cut for a more subtle, polished appearance.