If you’ve spent any time on the internet over the last decade, you know that Finn Wolfhard’s head of hair has basically been its own supporting character in Stranger Things. For years, the curly, raven-colored mane defined Mike Wheeler’s transition from a dorky kid in a basement to a moody teenager fighting interdimensional monsters. It was messy. It was shaggy. It was, honestly, the envy of every kid with a flat hair texture.
Then came the Tokyo reveal.
In May 2025, Finn walked onto the red carpet at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards and the internet collectively lost its mind. Why? Because the curls were gone. He debuted a strict, clean buzz cut that made him look less like a Hawkins middle-schooler and more like a high-fashion model or a young Natalie Portman in V for Vendetta. People were legitimately upset. But if you're looking to understand the evolution of Finn Wolfhard hair, you have to realize that this wasn't just a random trim. It was a statement of growth.
The Evolution from Mike Wheeler to High Fashion
When Finn first started filming Stranger Things back in 2016, his hair wasn't quite the powerhouse it became. He actually revealed to Kelly Clarkson that he wore hair extensions during that first season to get the right look. Can you imagine? One of the most famous heads of hair in Hollywood started with some clip-ins.
🔗 Read more: Ethan Slater and Frankie Grande: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
As the show progressed, his natural texture took over. By Season 4, we were seeing full-on 1980s volume. It wasn't just wavy; it was thick, curly, and purposely unkempt. This "grunge student" look became his signature. It felt authentic because it was imperfect. Sarah Hindsgaul, the hair designer for Stranger Things, has talked a lot about how she wanted the kids' hair to look real—meaning frizzy, uneven, and sometimes a bit of a mess. That’s exactly why people loved it.
But being the "kid with the curls" can be a bit of a cage for an actor. As Stranger Things Season 5 (the final season) approached, the buzz cut served as a hard reset. Finn mentioned in a 2025 interview with Variety that he didn't expect people to care so much, noting that his fan base of young women had a "collective 'No!'" reaction.
How to Get the Signature Finn Wolfhard Texture (Pre-Buzz)
If you aren't ready to shave your head and want to capture that iconic 2019-2024 curly shag, you need to understand that it’s not just a "wash and go" situation. Even though it looks effortless, curly hair like Finn's is actually pretty high maintenance.
💡 You might also like: Leonardo DiCaprio Met Gala: What Really Happened with His Secret Debut
First, let's talk about the cut. If you go to a barber, don't just ask for "short on the sides." Finn’s classic look is a medium-length scissor cut. You want length on the top and a sweeping fringe that hits just above the eyes. The back should be shaped into the neck but left long enough—around collar length—so the curls can actually form. If it’s too short, it just looks like a fuzzy cap.
The Routine for Natural Curls
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is washing their hair too much. If you want that Wolfhard volume, you have to let the natural oils do their thing.
- Ditch the daily shampoo. Wash maybe twice a week. Over-washing leads to frizz, and frizz is the enemy of the defined curl.
- The "Scrunch" Method. After the shower, do not—I repeat, do not—rub your head with a towel. You’ll look like a dandelion. Instead, use a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt to gently squeeze the water out.
- Product is non-negotiable. You need something with hold but no crunch. A volumizing mousse or a curl-defining cream works best.
- The Diffuser. If you use a hairdryer, you need the diffuser attachment. It spreads the air so you don't blow the curls apart. Move it around on a low heat setting and scrunch as you go.
Why the 2025 Buzz Cut Was Necessary
A lot of fans wondered if the buzz cut was for a specific role. While it coincided with the lead-up to the final Stranger Things season, it felt more like a personal bridge into adulthood. Finn is 23 now. The "shaggy indie kid" look is great, but a buzz cut highlights bone structure. It changes how a person is perceived in the industry.
📖 Related: Mia Khalifa New Sex Research: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessed With Her 2014 Career
He told Variety that hair grows back, and he seemed almost amused by the drama. It’s a classic move for actors who have been associated with a specific look since childhood. Think of it like a palate cleanser. By removing the signature feature everyone recognized him by, he forced people to look at his face and his acting rather than just his silhouette.
Maintaining Your Own "Finn" Style
Whether you’re going for the buzzed look or the long curls, the key is health. For the buzz cut, it's easy: keep the scalp hydrated. For the curls, you need to deep condition once a week.
If you're trying to grow your hair out into that shag, be prepared for the "awkward phase." There’s a period of about three to four months where it won't look like Finn Wolfhard; it’ll just look like you forgot to get a haircut. Stick with it. Use a little sea salt spray during this phase to give it some grit and keep it from looking flat.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Hair Appointment
If you're heading to the salon to emulate this look, here is how to handle it:
- For the Curly Shag: Show your stylist a photo from the Ghostbusters: Afterlife press tour or Stranger Things Season 4. Explicitly ask for a "layer-heavy scissor cut" that accounts for hair shrinkage. Remember, curls jump up when they dry, so tell them to cut it longer than you think you want it.
- For the Buzz Cut: Don't just do a #1 all over. Ask for a slight taper. It makes the grow-out process much cleaner and keeps you from looking like you’re heading to boot camp.
- The Product Mix: Invest in a high-quality curl cream (like something from Moroccanoil or The Inkey List) and a sea salt spray. Use the cream on wet hair for definition and the spray on dry hair for that "I just woke up in a 90s garage band" texture.
The most important takeaway from Finn’s hair journey is that it’s okay to change. Your "signature look" doesn't have to be your permanent look. If a guy who became a global icon based on his curls can shave it all off and still look cool, you can probably survive a risky haircut too.