Some trends feel inevitable. Others catch you completely off guard. The jellyfish haircut trend falls firmly into the latter. Inspired by (you guessed it) the shape of a jellyfish, this layered, high-contrast cut has taken over TikTok, popped up on red carpets, and landed in salons from Seoul to New York. It’s weird, bold, and unexpectedly chic.
The cut features a rounded, bowl-like top section paired with long, trailing layers underneath, mimicking the floating silhouette of its namesake sea creature. The result is a visual contrast that’s structured yet soft, dramatic but oddly wearable. Depending on how it’s cut and styled, it can lean high-fashion, punk, playful, or just quietly cool.
If the wolf cut was about texture and rebellion, jellyfish hair is about sculpted contrast. It’s not just a haircut—it’s a statement, and a true shift in how we think about layering. And while it may seem too editorial at first glance, it’s more adaptable than you’d expect.
Whether you're ready to book the appointment or just hair-stalking from afar, here's everything to know about the jellyfish haircut, including who it suits, how to style it, and how to fake the look before fully committing.
What is the jellyfish haircut trend?
The jellyfish haircut trend is defined by its dual-structure shape: a short, curved top section that hugs the head and a longer, disconnected layer that falls underneath. The top often resembles a bob or a bowl cut, while the lower layer mirrors long, trailing "tentacles."
The style originated in Japanese and Korean hair fashion scenes, where creative cuts with bold silhouettes have long been celebrated. It was later picked up by trendsetters across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where it quickly went viral. Now, stylists around the world are adapting the look to suit Western hair types, face shapes, and styling preferences.
Visually, the jellyfish haircut is all about contrast. It pairs clean lines with softness and structure with flow. Some versions are extremely graphic and disconnected, while others use layering and texturizing to blur the lines for a more wearable take. It can be done with or without bangs, on straight or wavy hair, and adapted to both bold and subtle aesthetics.
What makes it so unique is that it challenges how we typically think about balance. The two distinct sections shouldn’t necessarily flow into each other. Instead, they exist side by side, creating visual tension, and that’s the magic.
Who does the jellyfish haircut work for
Despite its dramatic appearance, jellyfish hair is surprisingly versatile. It can work on a wide range of hair types and lengths with a few thoughtful adjustments.
- Hair texture: The cut works best on straight to wavy hair, where the top section can be shaped cleanly and the lower layers hang freely. That said, curly and coily hair types can absolutely wear a jellyfish-inspired look with more graduated blending and volume-focused styling.
- Hair length: Medium to long hair is ideal, as the look depends on contrast between shorter and longer layers. The more length on the bottom, the more dramatic the tentacle effect.
- Face shape: Jellyfish cuts can be tailored with different fringe shapes, top volumes, or layer lengths to flatter various face shapes. A shorter top can elongate a round face, while a longer fringe can soften a strong jawline.
- Personal style: If you lean toward bold, fashion-forward, or editorial looks, this cut will feel right at home. But even if your style is more minimalist or casual, a softened version of the jellyfish haircut can still offer something fresh without feeling like a full-on transformation.
Ultimately, it comes down to how you wear it. The cut is just the foundation—styling and attitude make it your own.
How to style jellyfish hair
The jellyfish haircut trend thrives on contrast, and the styling should reflect that. The top section is usually sleek, polished, or softly rounded, while the bottom half is left looser and more textured.
Prep for structure
Start by applying a lightweight volumizing mousse, like this one from Moroccanoil, to damp hair. This will give the top layer shape and structure without stiffness.
Blow-dry the crown using a round brush or paddle brush to create a smooth silhouette. Focus on building lift at the roots and turning the ends under or out, depending on the shape you want.
Define the ends
The lower layer is where you can play. Use a curling wand, flat iron, or diffuser to add bend, wave, or slight curl to the longer pieces. Then spray a dry texture spray, like this one, through the bottom layers to build separation and light hold.
Flip or flare
If you want a throwback edge, flip the bottom ends outward for a look that feels half-mod, half-space age. For a more relaxed finish, keep the ends soft and air-dried.
Add accessories
Headbands, ribbons, or statement clips can add a playful, styled touch to the otherwise sculptural shape. Jellyfish hair pairs surprisingly well with minimalist styling accessories for a clean, editorial finish.
Jellyfish haircut vs wolf cut vs octopus cut
All three cuts have similar roots in alternative, edgy layering, but each has its own distinct identity. And so, understanding the differences can help you decide which one suits your vibe, routine, and styling preferences.
Jellyfish haircut:
The most structured and high-contrast of the three. It features a clear disconnection between the shorter top and longer bottom layers, mimicking the round top and flowing tentacles of a jellyfish. The top layer can resemble a bob or bowl cut, while the lower section flows freely and can be styled with flips, waves, or curls. It’s the most editorial and intentionally sculpted, making it a favorite for bold, fashion-forward individuals who like their haircut to feel like a statement piece.
Wolf cut:
This one draws from 70s shag and modern mullet influences. It’s the most relaxed and textured option, often cut with a razor to enhance feathering and movement. Layers are shorter around the crown with a messier, undone finish that feels lived-in and effortless. Unlike the jellyfish haircut, the wolf cut is all about blending—you won’t see a hard break between sections. It’s a go-to for anyone who wants rocker energy with low-maintenance styling.
Octopus cut:
As the name suggests, this cut has longer, flowing "tentacle" layers that stem from a rounded crown shape, giving it a slight resemblance to the jellyfish cut. However, the layering is more blended and the silhouette is more subtle. It combines the volume and rounded shape of a bob on top with longer, thinner lengths underneath. It works well for those who want directional shape and modern volume without going full jellyfish.
The jellyfish haircut stands out because it leans into asymmetry and separation instead of blending. It doesn’t aim for harmony between sections. Instead, it celebrates the difference, and that bold visual contrast is exactly what gives it so much style impact.
How to ask for the jellyfish haircut at the salon
If you’re ready to try the jellyfish haircut trend, clear communication with your stylist is key.
- Bring multiple reference photos showing both front and profile views. The more angles, the better.
- Be honest about how dramatic you want the contrast between the top and bottom sections. You can always start with a softer version and build from there.
- Discuss how you normally style your hair so your stylist can shape the layers around your routine.
- Talk about blending or disconnect. Some versions of the jellyfish cut have a very visible separation. Others are more subtle. Decide where you fall on that spectrum.
Most importantly, work with a stylist who understands editorial cuts or is comfortable experimenting with more creative shapes.
How to transition into the jellyfish haircut gradually
If you're drawn to the jellyfish haircut but not quite ready to commit to its full dramatic shape, there are ways to explore the style in a more subtle, gradual way—with the guidance of a skilled stylist.
Start by discussing your comfort level with contrast. A softened version of the jellyfish cut can involve longer top layers that taper more gently into the lower section, creating a slight difference in shape without the full disconnection. Your stylist can also use blending techniques that ease the transition between sections while still giving you that layered, structured feel.
Another way to approach it is by adjusting the overall length. Shorter jellyfish cuts tend to look more striking and editorial, while versions with longer lengths offer a softer, more wearable silhouette. Keeping the top section closer to shoulder length and allowing the bottom layer to fall at mid-back can achieve visual interest with less contrast.
You can also play with styling and parting to suggest the jellyfish shape without making a permanent change. For instance, a deep side part with a slight curve to the top layer can give the illusion of the cut’s rounded shape. Adding volume to the crown and separating the lower layers with a bit of texture or curl can mimic the movement of the tentacle-like ends.
Clip-in extensions are a great way to experiment with shape and length before going all in. Layered extensions placed below the crown can help create that bottom section of the jellyfish silhouette while keeping your natural cut intact. It's a low-commitment option that lets you try the proportions and play with styling first.
A stylist can help you test different placements, shapes, and finishes that align with your personal style and comfort level. Gradual transitions can help you get a feel for the cut while keeping things flexible—and still just as cool.
How to maintain the shape
The jellyfish haircut needs regular shaping to keep its definition. Otherwise, the structure starts to blur and the cut loses its impact.
- Trim every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain the distinction between layers.
- Use dry texture spray to refresh the ends between washes and preserve separation.
- Avoid over-layering elsewhere in the hair, which can dilute the strong silhouette of the jellyfish shape.
- Consider occasional blowouts or smoothing treatments for the top section if you prefer a polished finish.
At home, a minimal routine with the right products can go a long way. Focus on root volume, mid-length shape, and definition through the ends.
Can you fake the jellyfish haircut with extensions
Yes—and it can be a fun way to test the look without a full cut. The goal is to create the same visual contrast between the top and bottom sections.
Start by styling the top of your natural hair into a sleek bob-like shape. Then clip in longer extensions just underneath, keeping them disconnected and lightly styled. Blow them out, wave them, or flip the ends to create "tentacles" that trail beneath the top.
Use texture spray to break up the bottom section and define the shape. You can even layer your extensions strategically or trim them into different lengths for a more intentional finish.
The Lauren Ashtyn Collection offers clip-ins in a range of densities, so you can customize the fullness and length depending on how bold you want to go.
Cultural inspiration behind the jellyfish cut
While the cut has gone viral recently, it draws heavily from Japanese and Korean hair design. Harajuku street style, J-Beauty aesthetics, and K-Pop visuals have long pushed the boundaries of shape and proportion in haircuts. The jellyfish silhouette reflects the influence of these scenes, blending gender fluidity, fantasy, and artistic expression.
It’s not just about being edgy. It’s about creating a shape that feels different—otherworldly, almost. The style plays with balance, texture, and identity in a way that feels more like wearable art than a typical salon cut.
Why the jellyfish cut might be your next power move
The jellyfish haircut trend might look unusual at first glance, but its layered structure and surprising adaptability are exactly why it’s catching on. It’s a shape that invites play, reinvention, and individuality. Whether you go all-in or try a subtle version with extensions, jellyfish hair offers something most cuts don’t: a fresh perspective on what your hair can do.
It turns heads, frames the face, and doesn’t try to blend in. And in a world full of sameness, maybe that’s exactly the point.
