How to Grow a Wolf Cut: A Complete Guide

The wolf cut is one of the most popular edgy short hairstyles right now. With its choppy layers and shaggy texture, the wolf cut creates amazing movement and dimension. But growing out a wolf cut can be tricky. The graduated interior lengths can look messy and awkward as your hair transitions.

Don’t worry – with strategic trims and styling, you can gracefully grow out your wolf cut into a longer style Here is a complete guide on how to grow out a wolf cut beautifully

Understanding the Wolf Cut Grow-Out Stages

Wolf cuts feature short choppy layers at the crown that increase in length towards the front and sides This graduated shaggy look is part of the appeal But as your hair grows, those short layers at the back can start to look uneven and shaggy compared to the longer pieces framing your face.

There are three main awkward in-between stages to work through:

• The Mullet Phase: The short crown and longer face-framing pieces start to look like an unflattering mullet shape.

• The Shag Phase: As the crown catches up in length, the interior layers look stringy, overgrown and shaggy.

• The Shapeless Phase: When lengths even out, you lose all shape, movement and framing.

Targeted trims and strategic styling will help minimize the awkward stages and maintain a cute cut as your wolf cut grows out.

Getting Regular Maintenance Trims

Regular trims are crucial when growing out any layered hairstyle. “Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to prevent the interior layers from getting too bulky as the haircut grows out,” advises stylist Lauren Bailey-Chaidez.

Ask your hairstylist to trim just enough to reduce bulk while maintaining as much length as possible. “Keep perimeter lengths long but be diligent about slimming the layers near the crown and sides,” says Bailey-Chaidez.

Resist any urge to chop it all off into a short style. Letting your lengths grow out will give you more styling options. “The longer your grow-out, the more gorgeous styles you can create,” explains celebrity stylist Andrew Fitzsimons.

Styling Tips for Each Awkward Stage

Adjust your styling techniques as your wolf cut transitions. Here are tips to make each grow-out phase look chic:

Mullet Phase

• Part hair deeply off-center to create asymmetry and avoid a blunt mullet line.

• Scrunch the crown with mousse for volume. Allow longer front pieces to air dry naturally wavy.

• Braid or twist front sections away from the face to minimize mullet-like length in back.

• Use barrettes, scarves, or headbands to camouflage uneven crown length.

Shag Phase

• Add soft bends, not tight curls. Loose waves help blend shaggy layers.

• Try a half up style, leaving the top and fringe down to disguise shagginess.

• Use a curling iron to add texture just to ends and frame the face.

• Finish with a texturizing spray for separation and movement.

Shapeless Phase

• Embrace headbands and scarves to add shape and show off new length.

• Ask for face-framing curtain bangs to restore dimension up front.

• Frequently trim dead ends to encourage movement and bouncing.

• Add layers only where you want targeted shape and volume.

Ideal Longer Styles to Transition to From a Wolf Cut

When you’re ready for a longer look, here are some flattering styles to consider:

• Lob (long bob): This collarbone-length cut 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 that 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: New length allows for fishtail braids, waterfall braids, and updos. Show off your new length.

• Shattered shag: A longer shag with bangs retains the wolf cut’s cool edge as it grows.

• Goddess layers: Long layers and trimmed face-framing pieces create gorgeous movement.

Making a Dramatic Chop Work If Needed

If your grown-out wolf cut has become too unruly, don’t despair. Sometimes it’s best to simply cut it into a short style and start fresh. Trendy short cuts to consider:

• Textured pixie
• Angled bob
• Asymmetrical bob
• Wispy bangs and undercut/shaved nape
• Choppy layers all over

A skilled stylist can reshape your grown-out wolf cut into any short style you want. Take the plunge and have fun with a bold transformation.

Consulting Stylists for Expert Advice

Don’t struggle alone trying to grow out your wolf cut. Book frequent appointments with experienced stylists.

“Consult a pro so they can maintain the wolf cut’s shape with trims every 6-8 weeks,” advises colorist Aura Friedman.

Hairstylists stay on top of 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 hair goals.

How Long Does It Take to Grow Out a Wolf Cut?

The wolf cut is essentially a shaggy mullet with longer sides and front. You’ll need patience, as growing out a wolf cut can take 6-8 months. “It’s a big commitment and requires diligent trims and styling adjustments,” notes stylist Chris Lordet.

Focus on getting regular trims to avoid overly shaggy or mullet-like stages. Use flattering styling tricks to disguise awkward phases. In about 8 months, you should be able to transition to a longer lob or layered look.

Tips for Growing Out a Wolf Cut on Short Hair

Wolf cuts can work on short hair too. But growing out a very short wolf pixie cut comes with challenges. “With short hair, the grow-out can be especially awkward as you lose the length that makes the wolf cut edgy and cool,” says Lordet.

Here are some tips:

• Get trims every 4 weeks to keep layers from getting bulky.

• Add wispy bangs to soften the look as short layers grow out.

• Rely on headbands, scarves and clips to add shape and style.

• Embrace the awkward stages and have fun switching up your look as it transforms.

• Add a fun color, like red or purple, for a pop of style.

Being Patient and Working With Stylists

Growing out any dramatic hairstyle requires patience. Don’t be afraid to chop it all off if the grow-out becomes too difficult. But strategic trims and styling adjustments can help you retain a great look as your wolf cut transitions to longer locks.

Consult talented stylists to help guide your grow-out journey. With their expertise, you can seamlessly go from a short, edgy wolf cut to a longer, gorgeous mane while still looking fabulous.