THEand searches for “wolf cut man” they have reached 35,000 in the last month with a 30% increase, as more and more men turn away from stark shades to choose longer cuts, scaled and impactful.
Men’s haircuts: the return of the “wolf cut”
A new research analysis conducted by Fresha, a global platform for booking beauty and wellness services, highlights constant growth over the last five years for what was once considered a niche style, signaling a broader shift in male grooming trends towards texture, movement and individuality.
According to Danielle Louise, hair & beauty expert on the Fresha platform, crThe wolf cut’s release is fueled by celebrity influence and social media visibility. «We are seeing more and more men abandoning the look barber ultra clean to embrace more expressive and scaled shapes”, says Danielle.
«The wolf cut represents the perfect balance: it maintains structure at the top of the head but allows movement and length at the back. It’s relaxed, but at the same time refined.”
From niche hair style to mainstream phenomenon
The wolf cut combines the attitude of the 70s shag with the profile of a modern mullet. It is characterized by marked scaling on the top of the head, a clear texture and a softer length on the nape of the neck. Creates volume at the roots while maintaining movement on the back, for a disheveled but studied effect.
The “wolf cut” on Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elord and Hyunjin (GettyImages)
The look began to spread in South Korea and Japan, pushed by K-pop stars who chose longer, layered silhouettes in place of narrow shades. Subsequently it also established itself in Western pop culture, with artists and actors increasingly inclined to experiment with shag-inspired cuts.
Artists like Jungkook and Hyunjin have contributed to normalize more expressive and layered male styles globallywhile actors like Jacob Elordi and Timothée Chalamet sported longer, more textured cuts that echoed the same shape and movement.
“Celebrity influence plays a huge role in how quickly a style goes from niche to mainstream,” explains Danielle. «When high-profile artists and actors choose layered and longer shapes, they question the dominance of the skin fade. The wolf cut is fashion-driven, slightly rebellious and more individual, and that’s exactly what makes it so current.”
Who is fine with it
«Particularly suitable for those who have smooth or slightly wavyit is particularly flattering for those with a natural texture. Layers eliminate excess volume but create lift on top, giving that natural, effortless volume effect. For very thick hair, internal layering is essential to prevent the cut from looking heavy. For fine hair, more gentle layering can create the illusion of greater density» explains the hairstylist.
What to ask the hairdresser? «Ask for a marked layering on the top, a softer perimeter line and texture on the fringe. The balance between shag and mullet is what makes the cut modern and not retro.
Be careful though: «It’s not a buzz cut to dry and go», adds the expert. «To make the most of it, use one light texturizing spray or a sea salt spray and dry with your hands to emphasize the natural movement” he concludes.
