The wolf cut is one of the trendiest edgy short hairstyles right now. Its choppy layers create amazing texture and movement But growing out a wolf cut can be tricky The inverted lengths can look awkward and shaggy during the grow-out.
Don’t despair – with strategic styling and cuts, you can transition your wolf cut into a longer style gracefully. Here is a guide to growing out your wolf cut beautifully.
Understanding Wolf Cut Grow-Out Stages
Wolf cuts feature short layers at the crown that increase in length toward the front and sides. This graduated look is half the appeal. But as your hair grows out those once-short layers at the back can start to look messy and uneven compared to the longer front pieces.
There are three main awkward stages to work through:
The Mullet Phase: The short crown and longer layers in front lengthen into an unflattering mullet.
The Shag Phase: The crown catches up but the interior layers look stringy and overgrown.
The Shapeless Phase Lengths even out but you lose all shape, movement, and framing.
Targeted trims and strategic styling will help you minimize the awkwardness and retain a cute cut during each phase.
Regular Maintenance Trims Are Crucial
Trims are vital when growing out any layered look. “Get a trim every 8 weeks to keep the interior layers from getting too heavy as the haircut grows out,” advises stylist Lauren Bailey-Chaidez.
Ask your stylist to trim just enough to reduce bulk while maintaining as much length as possible. “Keep perimeter lengths long but be vigilant about tightening up the layers around the crown and sides,” says Bailey-Chaidez.
Resist the urge to get a major chop. Letting lengths grow preserves your options. “The longer your grow-out, the more styles you can create,” explains stylist Andrew Fitzsimons.
Styling Tips for Each Awkward Stage
Adjust your styling as your wolf cut evolves. Here are tips for making each grow-out phase look great:
Mullet Phase
- Part hair deeply off-center to create asymmetry and avoid a blunt mullet line.
- Scrunch crown with mousse for volume. Let longer front dry naturally wavy.
- Braid or twist front pieces away from the face to minimize mullet-ish length in back.
- Use barrettes or headbands to camouflage uneven crown length.
Shag Phase
- Add bends, not curls. Soft waves blend shaggy layers.
- Try a half up style, leaving top and fringe down to disguise shagginess.
- Use a curling iron to add texture just to ends and frame the face.
- Finish with texturizing spray for separation and movement.
Shapeless Phase
- Embrace headband styles to add shape and showcase new length.
- Ask for face-framing curtain bangs to restore dimension up front.
- Frequently trim dead ends to encourage movement and bouncing.
- Add layers strategically only where you want shape and volume.
Ideal Longer Styles to Transition to From a Wolf Cut
If you’re ready for a longer look, here are some flattering styles to consider:
Lob (long bob): This collarbone-grazing length is chic and sophisticated. Add choppy ends.
Soft layers: Long layers flatter all hair types. Ask for face-framing and subtle volume.
Curtain bangs: Blunt fringe softens as it reaches the cheekbones. Pairs perfectly with long layers.
Beach waves: With sufficient length, embrace bombshell texture with sea salt spray and waves.
Braid styles: Length allows for braids, fishtail braids, and updos. Show off new length.
Shattered shag: A longer shag with bangs retains the wolf’s edgy attitude as it grows.
Goddess layers: Long layers and trimmed face-framing pieces create gorgeous movement.
Make the Big Chop Work If Needed
If your wolf cut has become too unruly, don’t despair. Sometimes it’s best to simply cut it into a short style and start fresh. Here are hot short cuts to consider:
- Textured pixie
- Angled bob
- Asymmetrical bob
- Curtain fringe with shaved nape
- Wispy bangs and stacked back
- Choppy layers all over
A skilled stylist can reshape your grown-out wolf cut into any short style you want. Take the leap and have fun with a dramatic transformation.
Consult Stylists for Expert Advice
Don’t struggle alone trying to grow out your wolf cut. Book frequent appointments with experienced stylists.
“Consult a professional so they can keep the integrity of the wolf cut as it grows by cutting into it every 8 weeks,” advises colorist Aura Friedman.
Hairstylists stay up on the latest techniques and trends. They can assess your hair’s condition and growth patterns. Explain your desired end goal and timeline. Then let them advise you on the smartest salon services and home styling to achieve your mane goals.
Growing out a bold wolf cut requires patience and creativity. But with strategic trims and adaptive styling, you can rock chic, flowing locks. Embrace the journey and have fun surprising people as your wild wolf cut transforms into a beautiful new style.
How to Grow Out Your Hair #shorts
FAQ
How long would it take to grow a wolf cut?
Are wolf cuts hard to grow out?
How to get a wolf cut?
What length do you need for a wolf cut?
How do you style a wolf cut?
Here are some tips for how to style a wolf cut if you have fine, thick, or short hair. For people with fine hair and a wolf cut, Lordet says to spritz a texturizing spray on damp hair so that it has a tousled texture once dry. The texturizing spray can add volume and body to your hair without weighing it down.
Should you get a wolf cut?
And, if you like the idea of increasing the look of hair volume, the wolf cut is a great option. Overall, wolf cuts are low-maintenance. Korab says that most people with a wolf cut can simply add a texturizing product to their hair before blow drying for that undone, tousled effect.
What is a wolf cut?
Though the wolf cut is, at its heart, a blend of shag and mullet, the chop is all about mutating to suit your hair’s needs. “Achieving the perfect wolf cut is all about strategic placement of layers and taking into account the length of your hair and bounce of your hair,” says Giannetos.
Does a wolf cut work on short hair?
The wolf cut works on all hair lengths, whether you want it long and witchy, or we’ve seen wolf cut styles on short hair with more of a pixie cut influence. How to style a wolf cut?
Can a wolf cut be texturized?
For people with fine hair and a wolf cut, Lordet says to spritz a texturizing spray on damp hair so that it has a tousled texture once dry. The texturizing spray can add volume and body to your hair without weighing it down. This can also help to highlight the cut more.
What does a wolf cut look like?
“The wolf cut is all about layering and styling, adding dynamic volume to the hair for an effortlessly cool look,” he says. Wolf cuts tend to feature short, choppy layers at the crown, those extending into longer layers around the head and face. Bangs also feature heavily in the wolf cut, with shapes shifting depending on the overall style.