The shag plus the mullet equals… the wolf cut?
The wolf cut is now trending on TikTok, and it’s been branded as Gen Z’s own version of the mullet. The cut features shaggy and choppy layers with a lot of texture, with some pegging it as a cross between the shag and the mullet. The hashtag #wolfcut has almost 300 million views on TikTok, and the new hair trend largely features users grabbing a pair of scissors and trying out the cut themselves at home.
Although it is slightly unclear where the trend originated from, some believe that it took its roots (haha, get it?) in South Korea. A user on Twitter wrote in a thread, “hair styles such as wispy bangs or wolf cut ( first pic ) was originated from korea and hime cut ( second pic ) originated from japan , and was once used by noblewomen during the heian period.”
Regardless of its origins, it isn’t much of a surprise that the wolf cut has taken Gen Z by storm. When looking at the wolf cut’s parents (the shag and the mullet), the trend taking place now actually makes a lot of sense. The shag became popular in the 1970s (and Miley Cyrus popularized the cut again this past year), while the mullet became wildly popular in the 1980s. Style and fashion trends have been heavily influenced by the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s the past few years, so it makes sense that hairstyles would follow suit.
To achieve the wolf cut, TikTok users put their hair in a ponytail and then chop off the ponytail horizontally, cutting off as much hair as they want. To get a less choppy look, some users have opted to only put half of their hair up in a ponytail and just cutting that portion off. Other users have a bit of a different and less risky approach, using a handheld razor to get the shaggy effect on their locks. Alternatively (and the option I would personally opt for, as I do not trust myself with my hair and a pair of scissors), some opt to go into the salon to get it done professionally.
Celebrities and TikTok users alike are putting their own spins on the wolf cut trend, too. Fans of Billie Eilish freaked out when the singer unveiled her new tousled blonde hair a few months ago, which can be considered a soft wolf cut. The wolf cut has a bunch of other sister and brother cuts besides the soft wolf cut, including the curly wolf cut and the extreme wolf cut.
The trend is also perfect for summer because the cut is ultimately very low-maintenance for most hair types. Most people just spray some texturizing or volumizing spray in their hair, rustle it up, and they’re good to go. However, if your hair is sleek and straight, you might need to work a little harder to achieve the perfect look. Some users also argue that the cut is a little more high-maintenance than it lets on. On TikTok user zhangkk’s video bemoaning the wolf cut’s awful bedhead, one user commented, “ITS SO HARD TO STYLE I LOWKEY REGRET IT.” Another wrote, “and when your hair gets straight and you end up looking like Spencer from iCarly 💔.”
Personally, I am all here for this haircut! I think it’s super cute for summer, especially if you’re feeling like your hair needs a little refresh. Right now I currently have some layers in my hair, so I think I’ll call that a soft wolf cut too, just to say I’m taking part in the trend — hopefully without the styling struggle that most people with the wolf cut have to reckon with.