The Wolf Cut is set to be one of the most requested styles in salons this summer, led by actress Mika Abdalla's character in the viral Amazon TV series: Off Campus.
Seen on the likes of Miley Cyrus, Cara Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse, and new It Girl, Mika Abdalla, it’s a cut that looks edgy and statement-making, but one of the reasons it’s gained such popularity is how wearable it actually is.
Part shag, part mullet, it combines choppy layers with movement and volume, making it adaptable to a wide range of hair types and client lifestyles. The style is defined by textured, unblended layers, with shorter pieces at the crown adding lift and longer lengths creating natural movement.
For stylists, it’s a cut that can be tailored to each client: fine or straight hair benefits from the added volume from carefully layered crown sections, wavy or curly hair is enhanced when the layers follow the natural curl pattern to encourage shape without adding bulk, and thicker hair can be shaped with longer layers to remove weight while keeping fullness and texture.
Subtle point-cutting and texturising at the ends are key to creating that lived-in, effortless movement that defines the look.
Here, experts weigh in on the trend and give their tips on layering, texturising and working with different hair types...
The "Allie-Cat" Long Wolf Cut
Expect a boom in client requests for the Long Wolf Cut (or "Allie-Cat" cut), inspired by Mika's Off Campus character, Allie Heyes.
Jude Taylor, OSMO Ambassador and curly hair expert, explains that this cut is "a perfect blend between looking super styled but also low maintenance.
"I’d class this as a 70s style shag cut, fringe, heavy face framing, keeping the length but adding some disconnected short layers for that ultimate shaggy look."
Cut in diamond, long graduation layers, Jude recommends using a point cutting technique to create a soft blend with the layers while maintaining the touseled, disconnected look and lived-in fringe.
Credit: @marisacuts/Instagram
How to achieve the Long Wolf Cut for different hair types?
For clients with thick or heavy hair, advises Diana Carson, Artistic Director of Rainbow Room International, the long Wolf Cut offers a softer, more textured option. Longer layers remove weight while keeping the cut full and dynamic, and pairing the style with shaggy bangs adds dimension.
On naturally curly or wavy hair, cutting according to the growth pattern prevents unnecessary bulk, and layering strategically through the mid-lengths and ends ensures movement while maintaining structure. This version gives clients a wearable look that still has personality, and it’s ideal for those who want a more flowing, adaptable style.
This cut is perfect for anyone with textured hair, says Jude. For at-home styling advice, he tells his clients to use a salt spray to create texture and enhance the waves and curls, then recommends diffusing on a medium heat and low speed to ensure frizz is kept as a minimum.
To finish the look, Jude advises serum for keeping frizz at bay and a spritz of hairspray to hold the style longer without that crispy feel.
The Mid-Length Wolf Cut
The mid-length version is the most versatile interpretation and will suit a wide range of clients, recommends Diana.
The layers are choppy but controlled, with slightly shorter crown sections to create subtle lift, and lengths typically fall around the collarbone. For wavy or curly hair, cutting in line with the natural pattern ensures the layers enhance the texture without adding bulk, while on straighter hair, point-cutting at the ends adds movement and body.
This is the version clients can experiment with, wearing it polished or tousled, and it’s approachable while still feeling modern and edgy. It’s the cut where stylists can really show their skill in blending texture and shape without overworking the hair.
Short Bixie Wolf Cut
The Short Bixie Wolf is a bolder take on the trend.
Diana explains that with shorter layers at the nape that gradually blend into longer, choppier pieces, it creates a strong, confident shape that works particularly well on fine or straight hair.
The crown is layered strategically to lift and prevent the cut from looking flat, while the ends are lightly texturised to enhance natural movement.
Styling is simple: a light texturising product or cream can be scrunched through the hair to define the layers and bring out the tousled effect. It’s a look that immediately gives attitude while remaining practical for clients and manageable in salon finishes.
Whether it’s a long look, Short Bixie, or mid-length, the Wolf Cut is a modern, versatile style becoming one of 2026’s most on-demand looks.
Read Next: How To Cut a Wolf Cut
Image Credits:
- Hair: Diana Carson
- Photography: Chris Bulezuik
- Make-up: Jak Morgan
- Styling: Clare Frith
