Mike Faist. Photography: Getty Images

IT’S BEEN A STRONG couple of years for shaggy hairdos, first kicked off by the revival of the ’80s mullet, which then evolved into a contemporary take on the sixties mod cut (very Liam Gallagher).

But now, it seems that hair cut trends are leaning towards a more romantic style, one that bounces gracefully in the wind if you happen to be travelling on the back of your noble steed. That’s right, the layered look of Prince Charming stereotypes has forced its way out of fairy tales and into reality.

First, Mike Faist debuted the look at Jonathan Anderson’s Dior debut. Loose curls left long in the back while shorter strands framed his face, the look quite contrasting to that of his The Bikeriders press-run hair.

Then at Wimbledon, Ben Whishaw sat in the Royal Box tucking the similar cut behind his ears.

With such an ample amount of charm between them, it’s hardly surprising they’re pulling it off.

Still, you needn’t be the voice of Britain’s most beloved bear or star in a Guadagnino blockbuster to adopt the look. But what you will need is a bit of hair to work with, says barber and owner of Idris Barbering Co., Matt Hughes.

“This is a great choice if your looking to grow out a mullet,” he explains. “There’s a little less hair in the front of your face than a modern mullet and it can almost look like a classic style. It’s easy to dress up smart or keep it real messy and casual. Think: Orlando Bloom’s hair between 2013 and 2015 or Leonardo DiCaprio in The Basketball Diaries for straighter hair. (I know we’re aiming high with these as reference points . . .)”

Find more about how to get it right below.

Ben Whishaw at Wimbledon. Photography: Getty Images

What should you ask your barber?

“Bring plenty of pictures and mention to your barber that your thinking of something like a ‘wolf cut’,” says Hughes. “It’s really popular at the moment, mostly off the back of the rise of the mullet, people are now looking to change up there style. With the weight at the back and potentially a fringe grown (or growing) out, it’s a natural progression to move towards.”

What hair type is this best for?

Unsurprisingly, it’s best for those who don’t have poker straight hair – but there’s options for those who do.

“If your lucky enough to have a bit of curl or even a wave its a bloody lovely choice for you,” says Hughes. “It’s easy to style, relatively easy to maintain, and having the right products will get you a long way.”

“With straighter hair, there are ways to get texture, via both the cut and the styling. But if I’m being honest, I’d recommend other styles if you have longer hair which lacks movement.”

What face shape suits this haircut best?

Layers will always accentuate angular features, and so naturally it’s best suited to heart-shaped and triangular faces. Despite that, the weight of it is flattering for round face shapes as the length helps elongate.

What are the best products for this haircut?

Styling products are going to be your knight in shining armour for this style, as unruly, curly hair will need products to define your twirls and weigh them down. Our curly hair guide has all the products you need to assist with such.

But for wavy to straighter hair types, Hughes suggests aiding your styling products by really working them in.

“If you don’t have glorious curls in your hair, go in hard with a spritz of sea salt spring into damp hair (use it like a primer), then cream – Malin + Goetz Sage Styling Cream. If you’ve got a diffuser, angle the head forward so the hair hangs down and diffuse till 99% dry. You’ll lock volume in at the root, while still having enough product in the hair ends to weigh it down and control it.”

“Alternatively, work the product in when damp and let it air dry. It’s a bit quicker, and will still hold decent shape (depending on the trim).”

A version of this story originally appeared on Esquire UK.

Related:

How to get Josh Heuston’s messy, cover-ready curls

The 7 best spicy aftershaves for men (from best-sellers to old classics)