The jellyfish haircut has emerged as one of the most captivating and avant-garde hair trends of 2024 and 2025, taking the beauty world by storm with its bold, unconventional silhouette. Drawing inspiration from the timeless Japanese hime cut, the jellyfish haircut seamlessly blends two iconic styles – a chic blunt bob and a playful mullet, creating a unique hairstyle that’s both edgy and versatile.
This revolutionary cut gets its name from its resemblance to the graceful, flowing tentacles of a jellyfish, featuring two different lengths into one unexpected silhouette, bringing a futuristic twist to classic cuts like the bob and the mullet. The distinctive structure consists of a short, blunt upper layer that frames the face like a traditional bob, while longer, wispy layers cascade down the back and sides, mimicking the ethereal movement of jellyfish tentacles underwater.
What Makes the Jellyfish Haircut Special?
The jellyfish haircut represents a perfect marriage between structure and fluidity. The upper portion is cut short and blunt, creating a clean, geometric shape around the crown and face, while the lower sections feature longer, flowing layers that can be styled in various ways. This contrast creates a striking visual effect that’s both modern and timeless.
The cut has gained massive popularity among celebrities and influencers, with stars like Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and Lady Gaga embracing this bold trend. Its versatility allows for countless styling possibilities, from sleek and polished to tousled and textured, making it suitable for various occasions and personal aesthetics.
Popular Jellyfish Haircut Variations
Layered Jellyfish Haircut
The layered jellyfish haircut incorporates multiple tiers throughout the hair, creating depth and movement. For a softer approach, the layered jellyfish haircut incorporates gentle curls into the longer sections. The rounded top creates a natural lift, while the flowing, curled layers add movement and volume. This variation works exceptionally well for those who want to add texture and dimension to their hair while maintaining the characteristic jellyfish silhouette. The layers help distribute weight evenly, preventing the longer sections from appearing too heavy or overwhelming.
Jellyfish Haircut Curly Hair
Curly-haired individuals can absolutely rock the jellyfish cut, though it requires specific techniques to achieve the desired look. The natural texture of curly hair adds an organic, voluminous quality to the longer sections, creating a more dramatic contrast with the shorter top layer. Stylists often use specialized cutting techniques to ensure the curls fall beautifully while maintaining the cut’s structural integrity. The key is to work with the hair’s natural curl pattern rather than fighting against it.
Jellyfish Haircut Short
The short jellyfish haircut offers a more subtle take on the trend, perfect for those who want to experiment without committing to extreme length differences. This version features a shorter overall length while still maintaining the characteristic contrast between the upper bob and lower flowing sections. It’s ideal for individuals with fine hair or those who prefer low-maintenance styling routines.
Jellyfish Haircut Male
Men embracing the jellyfish haircut often opt for more angular, geometric interpretations of the style. The male version typically features sharper lines and more defined contrasts between the short and long sections. This masculine take on the trend has gained popularity among fashion-forward men who want to make a bold style statement while maintaining a structured appearance.
Jellyfish Haircut Female
The female version of the jellyfish haircut tends to emphasize softness and movement, with more flowing transitions between the different lengths. Women often incorporate face-framing layers and subtle texturing to enhance femininity while maintaining the cut’s edgy appeal. This version allows for more styling versatility, from sleek and straight to tousled and beachy.
Octopus Layered Jellyfish Haircut
The octopus layered jellyfish haircut represents an extreme interpretation of the trend, featuring even more dramatic length variations and multiple layer levels. This avant-garde style creates an almost sculpture-like appearance, with numerous “tentacles” of varying lengths. It’s perfect for those who want maximum impact and aren’t afraid to make a bold fashion statement.
Long Jellyfish Haircut
For those who love lengthy locks, the long jellyfish haircut extends the lower sections significantly while keeping the upper portion short and structured. This creates a dramatic contrast that’s both striking and elegant. The longer sections can reach shoulder length or beyond, offering endless styling possibilities from braids to updos.
Long Layered Jellyfish Haircut
Combining the drama of length with the movement of layers, this variation features extensive layering throughout the longer sections. The result is a highly textured, dimensional cut that moves beautifully with every step. This style works particularly well for special events or photoshoots where maximum impact is desired.
Soft Jellyfish Haircut
The soft jellyfish haircut tones down the stark contrast typical of the style, creating smoother transitions between lengths. This version uses subtle layering and gentle texturing to create a more wearable, everyday interpretation of the trend. It’s perfect for professional environments or those who prefer understated elegance.
Jellyfish Haircut Short Hair
Even those with naturally short hair can embrace this trend through strategic cutting and styling. The short hair jellyfish cut focuses on creating texture and movement within a condensed length range, using techniques like point cutting and razor texturing to achieve the characteristic flowing effect.
Jellyfish Haircut Men
The men’s jellyfish haircut often incorporates elements of modern barbering techniques, creating clean lines and precise angles. This masculine interpretation maintains the basic structure while adding contemporary touches like faded sides or undercut details. It’s become increasingly popular among male fashion enthusiasts and creative professionals.
Mullet Jellyfish Haircut
The mullet jellyfish haircut represents a fusion of two iconic hairstyles, combining the business-front-party-back philosophy of the mullet with the structured chaos of the jellyfish cut. This hybrid style features a neat, cropped front and sides with dramatically longer sections at the back and lower sides, creating a rebellious yet polished appearance.
Wispy Jellyfish Cut
The wispy jellyfish cut emphasizes texture and movement through feathery, delicate strands. A subtle take on the jellyfish haircut, Hoyeon Jung’s wispy layered cut plays with face-framing layers and different lengths for a low-maintenance nod to the trend. This softer interpretation creates an ethereal, romantic quality while maintaining the cut’s distinctive silhouette.
Textured Jellyfish Cut
Focusing on creating maximum texture and dimension, the textured jellyfish cut uses various cutting techniques like point cutting, slide cutting, and razor work to achieve a lived-in, effortless appearance. This version works exceptionally well for those with naturally straight hair who want to add movement and interest to their style.
Pixie Jellyfish Haircut
The pixie jellyfish haircut adapts the trend for very short hair, creating micro-variations in length and texture to achieve the jellyfish effect within a compact style. This ultra-modern interpretation requires precise cutting skills and regular maintenance but offers a striking, fashion-forward appearance.
Shaggy Jellyfish Haircut
Incorporating elements of the classic shag haircut, this variation features choppy, irregular layers throughout the style. The shaggy jellyfish cut creates a more rock-and-roll aesthetic, perfect for those who want to channel their inner rebel while embracing contemporary trends.
Blunt-Cut Jellyfish
The blunt-cut jellyfish emphasizes sharp, clean lines throughout the style, creating a more graphic and architectural appearance. This version requires regular maintenance to keep the edges crisp but offers a striking, editorial quality that’s perfect for fashion-forward individuals.
Bob & Tails Jellyfish
This playful interpretation features a classic bob cut on top with distinctive “tails” or longer sections strategically placed around the perimeter. The bob and tails jellyfish creates a whimsical, artistic appearance that’s both fun and sophisticated.
Inverted Jellyfish Haircut
The inverted jellyfish haircut flips the traditional concept, featuring longer sections on top with shorter, layered pieces underneath. This unique approach creates an unexpected silhouette that challenges conventional beauty standards while maintaining the style’s innovative spirit.
Feathered Jellyfish
The feathered jellyfish incorporates soft, feathery texturing throughout the cut, creating a light, airy appearance. Úrsula Corberó’s wet-look jellyfish cut is so striking—I love how the short feathery fringe contrasts with the longer length at the back. This technique adds movement and softness to the traditionally structured style.
Styling and Maintenance
Maintaining a jellyfish haircut requires commitment and regular salon visits. A regular trim every 6-8 weeks ensures the edges stay clean and polished. The unique structure of the cut means that as hair grows, the distinctive silhouette can quickly lose its impact without proper maintenance.
Styling options are virtually limitless with the jellyfish cut. The shorter upper sections can be sleek and straight, tousled for texture, or even curled for added volume. The longer sections can be left natural, braided, twisted, or styled in various updos. Many enthusiasts experiment with bold colors and highlights to enhance the cut’s dramatic appeal.
Daily styling typically involves working with the cut’s natural movement rather than fighting against it. Quality styling products like texturizing sprays, lightweight mousses, and flexible hold gels can help enhance the cut’s unique characteristics while providing necessary hold and definition.
Who Should Consider the Jellyfish Haircut?
The jellyfish haircut works best for individuals with straight to slightly wavy hair textures, though skilled stylists can adapt it for various hair types. While the jellyfish bob can technically work on different hair types, it’s best suited for straight hair that can showcase the clean lines and structural elements of the cut.
This style is perfect for fashion-forward individuals who aren’t afraid to make a statement. It’s ideal for creative professionals, artists, and anyone who enjoys experimenting with their appearance. However, it’s important to consider lifestyle factors, as the cut requires regular maintenance and may not be suitable for conservative work environments.
Conclusion
The jellyfish haircut represents more than just a hairstyle trend—it’s a form of artistic self-expression that challenges traditional beauty norms. Layered, unapologetic, and unmistakably cool, the jellyfish haircut is making waves as one of the boldest hair trends of the year. Whether you choose a subtle variation like the soft jellyfish cut or go all-out with an octopus layered version, this trend offers endless possibilities for personalization.
The versatility of the jellyfish haircut ensures its continued popularity, with new variations and interpretations constantly emerging. From the classic bob and tails approach to innovative inverted styles, there’s a jellyfish cut variation suitable for every personality and hair type.
As we move through 2025, the jellyfish haircut continues to evolve, incorporating new techniques and styling approaches while maintaining its core identity as a bold, unconventional choice. For those ready to embrace change and make a striking style statement, the jellyfish haircut offers the perfect opportunity to showcase creativity and individuality.
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💇♀️ Jellyfish Haircut FAQ
❓ What is a jellyfish haircut?
The jellyfish haircut is a bold, layered hairstyle that mimics the shape of a jellyfish. It features a short, blunt bob on the top layer (like a jellyfish’s bell) with long, flowing layers underneath (like tentacles). It combines structure and flow for a unique, eye-catching look.
❓ What is the jellyfish haircut?
The jellyfish haircut refers specifically to this dramatic, two-tiered style where the upper section is cut short and uniform, and the lower section is left long and often textured. It’s a standout trend, often seen in fashion-forward or alternative style circles.
👀 What does a jellyfish haircut look like?
Visually, it looks like two distinct haircuts in one:
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The top layer is a blunt, rounded bob that sits around the ears or jawline.
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The bottom layer is much longer, hanging freely beneath the bob like jellyfish tentacles.
This contrast gives it a layered, “floating” appearance—sometimes sleek, sometimes edgy, depending on how it’s styled.
💁♀️ How to style a jellyfish haircut?
Styling a jellyfish haircut depends on your vibe. Here are a few ideas:
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Sleek & Straight: Use a flat iron to smooth both layers for a clean, futuristic look.
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Textured & Tousled: Add waves or curls to the bottom layer to create movement and volume.
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Play with Contrast: Add color blocking (e.g., dye the top and bottom layers different colors) for an extra bold statement.
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Use Styling Products: Pomade or styling wax can add definition to the blunt top layer; mousse or curl cream can enhance the lower layer’s flow.
✂️ How to do a jellyfish haircut?
Cutting a jellyfish haircut should ideally be done by a professional, but here’s the basic method:
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Section the Hair: Divide the hair horizontally into two parts—top and bottom.
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Cut the Top Layer: Trim the upper section into a blunt bob, usually just below the ears or jawline.
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Trim the Bottom Layer: Leave the bottom layer long. It can be straight cut or slightly layered depending on desired texture.
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Refine and Blend (if needed): Some prefer a stark contrast, while others lightly blend the junction for a softer look.
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Style Accordingly: Finish by styling as desired to enhance the shape.