Move Over, "Wolf Cut" — the "Cub Cut" Is Taking Over This Year

Most of us have tried some iteration of the bob haircut at one point or another, whether that was two weeks ago or 20 years ago. However, if the past few months are any indication, it's proving to be the It style of the year — especially the latest take on the trend: the "cub cut."

The style, which is a shorter version of the viral "wolf" cut, is expected to be seen everywhere. Ahead, Sunnie Brook, celebrity hairstylist and Biolage global ambassador, breaks down everything to know about the popular haircut trend, including what it is, who it works best on, and how to style it at home.

First, a little background on the wolf cut, the cub cut's cousin. The wolf cut, a softer take on the mullet, originated in South Korea and typically features choppy, shaggy layers spread throughout the hair. The style has been seen on celebrities like Jenna Ortega, Lizzo, and even Sarah Michelle Gellar.

The cub cut is a shorter version of the wolf cut, hence the name. "Think of it as a bob with seamless layers that give loads of poetic play to the hair," Brook says. While both styles feature plenty of layers and shag, the wolf cut is shoulder length, and the cub cut is chin length.

The best part about this style is that it works for all hair types and textures, and it can be tailored to suit your specific needs. "You can customize the layers around the face depending on your face shape," Brook says. For example, if you have a longer face, you can opt for a long side-swiped bang and add lots of face-framing layers. If you have a rounder face, it would be more flattering to keep length toward the front which will help elongate your face.

If you're convinced that the cub cut is perfect for you and you're ready to book a trip to the salon, make sure you arrive with inspiration photos in hand. Pictures of exactly what you're looking for will ensure that your stylist achieves the look you're going for, and Brook also recommends bringing in photos of what you don't like as well. "Try and choose images that have someone with a similar face shape and hair texture to yours," she says. "Ask your hairdresser what they recommend for customizing this haircut for your face shape, lifestyle needs, and style routine."

Generally, you'd want to ask your stylist for a cut that is shorter to the chin, blunt, and with the edges around the face feathery and soft. Again, the best part about this style is that it's customizable, so you can also ask your stylist to add wispy bangs or longer curtain bangs, or opt to skip them altogether.

When it comes to styling this cut at home, it's a minimalist's dream. The short chop cuts down on styling time, and the artful layers mean it looks good with next to no effort. "I love diffusing or air drying the natural texture into the hair and letting the haircut do most of the work, then touching up with a little product and minimal iron work if needed," Brook says. "Most days this haircut is very much a wash-and-go look, but when you want to take it to the next level, use the Biolage Strength Recovery Strength Repair Spray ($24) as a heat protectant and a large barrel iron to add a few bends to the hair." To finish the look, hit it with some texture spray, like the Fekkai Full Blown Volume Dry Texturizer Spray ($27).

As for in-salon maintenance, Brook says how often you need to book a professional appointment depends on how much heat you're using and your hair's health. "I usually recommend every eight weeks, but if you want to keep this haircut strong and dynamic, you might want to see your hairdresser a week or two earlier to keep the shape."

Keep scrolling to check out inspiration photos you can bring with you to your next professional appointment.