The Wolf Cut Is Getting A Super Short Makeover
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4 months ago
The wolf is back
What were you doing in 2020? If it wasn’t baking banana bread, hosting a Zoom quiz night or making use of the ‘eat out to help out scheme’, we bet it was spent trying out the year’s most viral hairstyle. The wolf cut still has a steady hold on salons – and now, in 2024, it’s getting the bob treatment.
More Bob Hairstyles To Try Now
What Is A Wolf Cut Bob?
Taking its cues from the viral hairstyle, a wolf cut bob is a shaggy, layered bob with lots of texture. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, which first gained popularity in 2020, this hybrid cut is all about creating a grungy, rock star aesthetic.
‘The wolf cut itself is a hybrid cut that follows a similar pattern and shape to an 80s mullet, but with the softness and wearability of a 70s shag cut,’ explains Darren Bain, a stylist at Taylor Taylor London‘s Liberty Salon. ‘The wolf cut is super edgy with lots of texture and a heavy fringe that has plenty of movement. The face framing layers of this cut make it perfect for adding texture and volume while defining the face.
‘This is why a wolf cut translates into a bob,’ he continues. ‘It is a great way to add more texture and volume to a normal bob haircut. It relies on long and choppy layers to frame the face, which makes it stand apart from the classic, straight-cut bob.’
@coiffeurstory Your next straight haircut idea 📢 wolf bob haircut! 🤯 matching 2 iconic straight hair looks – the wolf cut and the bob *but make it edgy* with a deconstructed bangs ⚔️ that we love! Hope you enjoy this little tutorial of Axel latest look 💣 #wolfcut #bobcut #straighthair #razorhaircut #bobhaircut #texturedbob #fringebangs #wolfcuttutorial #wolfcuthair #hairtransformation #parishair #coiffeur #coiffeurparis #wolfhaircut #faceframinglayers #finehair #japanesehair #koreanhaircut #himecut #shorthairgirl #shortbob #haircuttingspecialist #haircuttutorial #wolfcutmullet #bixie #pixiebob #modhaircut #ウルフ #ウルフヘア #マッシュアップ #ウルフカット ♬ Oblivion – Grimes
Why Is It Trending (Again)?
To be honest, the hype for the wolf cut never really died down – and this new bob rendition is simply an extension of the original’s popularity. It’s also a haircut that’s fuelled by internet attention. A quick look on TikTok, for example, reveals there are over 87.3 million videos tagged under #wolfcutwithabob and another 79.8 million under #wolfcutbob.
But what makes this cut so attractive to begin with? ‘From wolf cuts to shags, clients are keen to embrace the texture of their hair,’ suggests Darren. ‘Layered styles are reigning supreme and are either being used to enhance the demand for illuminating face framing colours with carefully arched cutting to flatter the face or, alternatively, combined with fringes to add structure.
‘After lockdown, we have noticed that clients have been desperate for a complete change of hair styling. As such, more radical, shorter styles that are more rebellious and celebrate individual style have become popular. Hairstyles such as the wolf cut bob are a new form of self expression. The wolf cut in particular is a style that can be enjoyed by men and women alike due to its androgynous, edgy nature.’
Who Suits This Cut?
‘The wolf cut is so great because of its adaptability to the wearer,’ says Darren. ‘It’s an organic, layered style that will suit most people. I think part of the reason for its popularity is actually down to the fact that it is a highly versatile haircut.’
One thing to consider when asking for this hairstyle, however, is your face shape, as this might change the structure of the cut. ‘Your stylist might adapt your wolf cut bob depending on your hair texture and face shape,’ adds Darren. ‘If you have a long or oval face shape, they may opt for something shorter so you’re not elongating your face. Those with oval and heart-shaped faces have the most options, because their face shape can flatter a number of different hairstyles.’
How To Ask For A Wolf Cut Bob In The Salon (& What To Expect)
‘Ask for a choppy cut with plenty of layers that frame the face and create soft movement,’ recommends Darren. ‘However, if you’re worried about a drastic change, go for softer shapes and layers first.’
The stylist also recommends doing your research beforehand. ‘It is always helpful to bring a reference picture into the salon,’ he says. ‘Before going into the salon, decide on the length you want your hair to be. Consider whether you would rather opt for a lob so that you can still put your hair up, or if you prefer a choppier cut or softer layers. I would also recommend asking your stylist for their advice on the best length for your particular face shape, hair texture, and styling-needs.’
And what does the process entail? ‘With a wolf cut, it is all about the layers,’ says Darren. ‘Generally, a wolf cut bob is created with shorter choppy layers in the front and on the top of the head. There’s also longer choppy layers around the sides and back of the hair. The end result is a slightly messy and textured look that adds volume to your hair.’
@itslauraribeiro Styling my short wolfcut #shorthair #wolfcut #shortwolfcut #hairstyle #bobhaircut #hairtok ♬ Some Things Never Change – Laura Ribeiro & Chocoholic
How To Style A Wolf Cut Bob
This is a cut that thrives on natural, undone textures, so don’t be afraid of messy styling. Darren recommends experimenting with this cut until you find a style that’s right for you. ‘Styling the wolf cut is relatively easy, because it’s all about that messy, undone look,’ he emphasises. ‘This look works with any hair texture, and sea salt products can help give an effortless, freshly tousled finishing touch.’
What Next?
As for the future, we don’t see the wolf cut – or any of its renditions – disappearing anytime soon. ‘The best thing about the wolf cut is the versatility,’ muses Darren. ‘For example, at the moment, the wolf cut bob is incredibly popular. More people in the salon ask for this shorter version of the hairstyle. It’s a low maintenance hairdo that still embodies the effortlessly cool aesthetic.
‘Personally, I think the wolf cut is here to stay,’ he adds. ‘We are already seeing the influence of the wolf cut filtering down into more “mainstream” hairstyles. A soft wolf cut still preserves the layered aesthetic but with a more understated and less sharp look. This style has more subtle layering but still has the same movement and volume of the traditional wolf cut.’
Hair Inspiration
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Featured image: Berlin Fashion Week SS25 Streetstyle (c) Jeremy Moeller
