In 1979 an 18-year-old Kansas born girl named Sally Hershburger showed up in L.A. to surf, listen to rock and roll and chase the dream of being a world class hairdresser. Just two years later she was on tour with Olivia Newton John and her career exploded. What she is most known for was razored, funky, and hyper textured shoulder-length style she created for actress Meg Ryan in the mid 90s called the “Sally Shag” and it became one of the popular haircuts of the era.
Now, in 2021 it has become one of the biggest haircut trends of summer and it started on TikTok with a new name the “wolf cut”. The TikTok hashtag alone has over 300 million views and Pinterest searches are up 75% as Gen Z gals shared them cutting their own hair into the signature look.
From Miley Cyrus to Billie Eilish the wolf cut is essentially a convergence of two trends that have been dominant for years now: the traditional shag and the mullet. It’s bold and fun, incorporating a lot of volume on top, tapering to the bottom with heavy bangs or side bangs.
But even TikTokers are warning their followers this look ONLY works if you actually use styling product.
@yagirll_sienna I did it, and I love it#greenscreen #greenscreenvideo #fyp #fypシ #hair#wolfcut#mullet
♬ good 4 u - Olivia Rodrigo
Start with our Perfect Locks wavy hair extensions in the color of your choice which will hold a nice wave pattern once textured.
This is a great hairstyle if you want a subtle change to your look without compromising too much length, adding long, choppy layers with clip-in hair extensions and keep the length just past the collarbone.
@daniellemarcan had a breakdown so i got a wolf cut #wolfcut #mullet #haircut
♬ good 4 u - Olivia Rodrigo
To style, you just focus on bringing out your texture with a hefty misting of beach spray on damp hair. (No matter how you plan on styling your hair, it will deliver major grit for a cooler effect.)
How to Get the Wolf Cut with Extensions
The wolf cut - that shaggy, layered, high-volume hybrid of the 70s shag and the 90s mullet - became one of the most requested salon cuts for good reason. It has movement, texture, and edge in a way that most cuts don't. Here's how extensions fit into the picture.
"The wolf cut looks effortlessly undone but it's actually a very precise haircut - the layers have to be placed correctly to get that signature volume at the crown and the curtain fringe effect. What extensions add is the length in the back that gives the cut its dramatic silhouette. Without the length, the layering reads as just a shag rather than a wolf cut."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
Wolf Cut + Extensions: What Actually Works
The wolf cut is a layered style that relies on different lengths throughout - shorter at the crown for volume, longer at the back for drama. Extensions contribute most effectively at the back length. Clip-in extensions placed in the mid-length layers add the back length while your natural hair provides the shorter crown layers that create the distinctive silhouette.
For the most natural integration with a wolf cut: ask your stylist to blend the extensions into the cut's existing layers when installing rather than placing them as a separate length. The extensions should fall within the cut's layering system, not hang below it as an obvious addition.
Styling a Wolf Cut
Rough dry for volume
Flip your head upside down and rough dry at the roots until about 80% dry. This builds the crown volume that's central to the wolf cut silhouette. Don't comb or smooth at this stage.
Add texture spray at the roots
Apply a texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots while the hair is still slightly damp. This locks in the volume and creates the intentional grittiness that makes a wolf cut look authentic rather than accidental.
Scrunch the ends
Apply a curl cream or wave spray to the mid-lengths and ends and scrunch upward. The wolf cut's ends have a natural bend and wave from the layering - enhancing this rather than smoothing it is the right approach.
Define the curtain fringe
The curtain fringe - center-parted pieces that frame the face - is the signature element of the wolf cut. Use a round brush or your fingers to direct these pieces to fall on either side of the face. A tiny amount of pomade on the fingertips helps define without stiffening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the wolf cut hairstyle?
The wolf cut is a layered haircut that combines the volume and shaggy texture of the 70s shag cut with the longer back length of the 90s mullet. It's characterized by high crown volume, curtain fringe, and dramatic length variation between the short crown layers and longer back sections. It works on most hair textures and became widely popular through TikTok in 2021-2022.
Can you get a wolf cut with hair extensions?
Yes - extensions add the back length that defines the wolf cut's silhouette. The most natural approach is having your stylist blend clip-in extensions into the cut's existing layering system rather than placing them as a separate block of length. The extensions fall within the layers, not below them.
What hair type is best for a wolf cut?
The wolf cut works on most hair types but looks particularly good on wavy and curly textures where the natural bends enhance the shaggy, textured look. On straight hair, it requires more styling product to create the lived-in texture that makes the cut look intentional. Extensions of any texture can be incorporated - wavy extensions tend to blend most naturally into the style's aesthetic.
Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC
Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality.
Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide.
