If you find yourself stuck in a bit of a rut as far as your hair’s concerned – maybe you’ve already tried a variation of the French bob or the heatwave-friendly slicked-back bun – then it could be time to try the viral wolf cut.

Inspired by the 70s shag cut and a ‘business at the front, party at the back’ 80s mullet, this choppy, hybrid hairstyle style has taken social media by storm. Celebrities including Lizzo, Miley Cyrus, Renee Rap and Jenna Ortega have been spotted rocking this edgy, grunge-glam look that combines these two nostalgic hair trends.

Long, short, coloured or natural, the soft, shaggy style is instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive tousled, laid-back appearance. But the best thing? It’s a style that, according to hairdressers, will suit every hair type. 

So, we know what a wolf cut looks like, but what is it? As celebrity and editorial hairstylist Neil Moodie explains: “A wolf haircut is a mix of the shag haircut and a mullet, but generally created on longer hair. It has shorter choppy layers on the top and longer choppy layers around the sides and back.”

Similar to the subtle shag, a wolf cut takes inspiration from 70s and 80s hairstyles, but it feels more wearable thanks to the multiple layers that add depth and texture.

“A wolf cut is a creative version of a mullet. It’s inspired by the choppy texture of a mullet and follows a similar pattern and shape but has the softness and wearability of a shag cut,” describes Nicholas Alexander Willis, master stylist at Charles Worthington Salon.

“Essentially, the wolf cut gives you more volume at the crown, less at the sides, with lots of movement and layers throughout, worn long or short.”

“The main thing to understand is that the shorter layers on the top will take longer to grow out,” warns Moodie. “It might be a good idea to cut off some of the length at the back when you decide to grow it out. This will allow the shorter layers to catch up with the length quicker.”

If you’re brand new to big chops, Willis suggests gradually introducing the new style to avoid any haircut regret.  

“Ask your hairdresser for longer, softer shapes and layers if you’re worried about a drastic change,” Willis advises. “A longer shaggy cut below your collarbone is very wearable or, alternatively, a shorter layered baby mullet or ‘wolf cub’ cut with shorter layers will give you a fun and fashion-forward look, too.”

“If your hairdresser seems unfamiliar with the wolf cut term, then creating a Pinterest board or preparing a screenshot will be useful,” says Willis. “The great thing about the immediacy of social media is that you can pull up an image in seconds and discuss your hair goals with your stylist.”

However, don’t be afraid to ask for a longer consultation if this is your first time trying a wolf haircut – and especially if this is also the first time you’re working with your hairstylist.

“I always have a consultation with my clients before we embark on a new look. We will discuss the density of your hair type and look at your face shape,” says Willis. “From here, we can create a wolf cut that will suit both you and your lifestyle. The beauty of this cut is its adaptability to the wearer – it’s an organic, layered style that will suit most people.”

Main image: Getty