Every few years, a haircut comes along that dominates Instagram feeds, red carpets and street style alike—and right now, it’s the octopus haircut. Edgy, effortless and all about movement, this style has everyone talking.
Think of it as a modern-day twist on classic layered cuts like “The Rachel,” coined by the iconic hair rocked by Jennifer Aniston in the ’90s. It’s all about choppy, face-framing layers cascade like tentacles (hence the name) that create texture, volume and a slightly rebellious, lived-in look.
The octopus cut has been spotted on celebrities who aren’t afraid to experiment with their hair, from runway models to pop stars like Billie Eilish, giving the cut instant street cred. Its charm is in its versatility, working just as well on straight hair nor does it on wavy and curly textures. Plus, it can be styled sleek or messy, and has a natural way of softening features while adding a youthful, dynamic bounce. Fans of the cut say it’s flattering because it doesn’t sit flat—instead, it moves gracefully and gives hair life, making it perfect for anyone looking for a cut that feels fresh and stylish.
Ready to get inspired? Keep scrolling for 7 celebrity hairstylist-approved octopus cut looks that show just how versatile, fun and flattering this cut can be.
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What Is an Octopus Haircut?
So, what exactly is an octopus cut? Celebrity hairstylist Marcos Diaz—who has styled the likes of Giovanna Engelbert, Sienna Miller and Poppy Delevingne— explains that it’s “one of the most-requested styles in salons right now.”
The name comes from its signature look with short, voluminous layers at the crown that flow into longer lengths in the back, giving hair a tentacle-like movement. Unique a shag or a mullet, the octopus cut lets you keep your length while still delivering that edgy, lived-in vibe. It’s all about instant shape, effortless texture and a haircut that feels playful and full of personality.
Related: 7 Best ‘Butterfly Haircut’ Styles, According to Celebrity Hairstylists
What Is the Difference Between an Octopus Cut and a Wolf Cut?
While both the octopus cut and the wolf cut are layered, statement-making styles, they serve slightly different vibes. “The wolf cut is wilder, with shorter layers throughout that create an intentionally messy look,” explains Diaz.
The octopus cut, by contrast, feels more polished and wearable day to day and “balances drama at the crown” with longer, flowing lengths at the bottom. It’s perfect for anyone craving texture and edge without committing to a full-on rocker style.
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What Face Shape Looks Best With an Octopus Cut?
Diaz says the octopus cut “flatters oval and heart-shaped faces most naturally, but it’s customizable for just about everyone.” He explains that for round faces, “keeping the crown layers longer and adding face-framing pieces elongates the silhouette,” while for square faces, “softer, cascading layers help diffuse strong angles.”
The beauty of this cut, he adds, is in “tailoring the layers to your individual features,” which is one of the reasons it’s such a versatile, stylist-approved trend. Whether you’re looking to add height, soften angles, or create movement, the octopus cut can be shaped to complement your unique face shape while still delivering that edgy, lived-in texture that makes it so fun to wear.
How To Ask for an Octopus Cut
When it’s time to chop your locks, Diaz suggests coming prepared with visuals for reference, and recommends asking your stylist for “weight at the crown, plenty of blended layers around the face and length left through the back.”
He adds that it’s important to decide whether you want a subtle version (more wearable, with softer layers) or a bolder take, featuring heavier contrasts and a more disconnected feel.
“Always discuss your lifestyle,” Diaz emphasizes. “If you prefer low-maintenance air-drying, your stylist can adjust the layering to keep styling easy.”
Following these tips ensures you walk out of the salon with a cut that’s perfectly tailored to your face, your vibe and your routine.
Related: 7 Cutest Curly Hair Styles for Women Over 50, According to Celeb Hairstylists
7 Best ‘Octopus Cut’ Looks, According to a Celebrity Hairstylist
1. Platinum Octopus Cut
“Billie’s icy platinum Octopus Cut shows how well the shape pairs with bold color,” says Diaz. Layers that cascade like tentacles pop even more in this striking shade, creating movement and drama that’s impossible to ignore.
Diaz recommends asking your stylist for “soft razored layers,” and then style with texturizing spray for movement. It’s perfect for nights out or statement-making street style, pairing beautifully with sleek, minimalist outfits that let the hair do the talking.
2. Extra Shaggy Octopus Cut
Volume, texture and a little chaos—Miley’s extra shaggy take brings out the playful, rocker energy of the octopus cut. “Shorter, choppier layers on top with length in the back” give the hair a lived-in vibe that’s fun to tousle, says Diaz.
A mousse or volumizing spray at the roots makes this style come alive, making it ideal for concerts, festivals or casual weekends. Plus, it pairs naturally with denim, band tees and boots for maximum rocker-chic impact.
3. Straight & Glossy Octopus Cut
Sleek layers bring a refined, editorial twist to the octopus cut, showing that texture doesn’t have to be messy to be modern. Zendaya exemplifies this look “with glossy, styled straight hair,” which “balances red-carpet elegance with a modern edge,” Diaz explains.
Be sure to ask your stylist for blended crown layers, then style straight with a flat iron for shine and polish. Perfect for casual work meetings or dinner dates, this version pairs beautifully with tailored outfits, structured dresses or monochrome ensembles that let the hair’s clean lines take center stage.
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4. Natural Octopus Cut
“Keke’s cut shows how beautifully the octopus shape works with natural curls,” says Diaz, thanks to the loose waves and curls giving this version a playful, effortless energy. The octopus cut’s signature layers fall naturally around the face, creating bounce and movement that looks lively and fun.
At home, enhance your curls with a cream or diffuser and ask your stylist to cut the layers at the crown to “define texture” while adding long ends to “add bounce and movement” while following the hair’s natural pattern. From brunches to regal weddings, it’s a look that’s approachable, chic and ready for any occasion.
5. Soft, Layered Octopus Cut
Soft layers make this octopus cut feel flirty and approachable while still keeping the playful edge of the style. Jenna Ortega’s version channels a youthful energy with its “soft face-framing layers and tousled texture” that add movement without looking chaotic, says Diaz.
A sea salt spray or light styling cream helps keep it natural and undone, while a smoothing serum or light cream will add a gentle shine. The versatility makes it ideal for any occasion—from day meetings to evening cocktails—and it pairs effortlessly with dresses, blazers or even a casual tee-and-jeans combo.
Related: 7 Best ‘Wash and Wear’ Haircuts for Women Over 60, According to a Professional Stylist
6. Dramatically Disconnected Octopus Cut
The octopus cut takes a thrilling turn with dramatic disconnections, where layers at the crown sharply contrast with longer lengths below. Halsey has embraced this daring version, showing off the “short crown layers and striking length through the back,” says Diaz.
At home, enhance the separations with a light texturizing paste or sea salt spray, scrunching and shaping each section for maximum movement. It’s a cut that feels rebellious, playful and impossible to ignore.
7. Subtle Octopus Cut
For those who want the shape and movement without the drama, Hailey Bieber’s subtle version is all about soft, blended layers that whisper rather than shout. “Her subtle layering adds movement without taking away from her polished, minimal aesthetic,” says Diaz.
A shine serum or smoothing cream makes this version ultra-chic, and when air-dried, the texture feels lived-in yet sophisticated at the same time. It’s understated, modern and magnetic—a cut that moves effortlessly without demanding attention.
Octopus Haircut Styling Tips
Styling this ‘do is all about celebrating its movement and texture—you want it to be effortless and lived-in with a touch of drama. Marcos recommends working with your natural texture whenever possible, adding a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray at the crown to boost volume and scrunch or twist pieces for that signature tentacle effect.
For a sleeker finish, a flat iron or round brush can smooth the layers while still keeping them soft and bouncy. The key is balance, so be sure to highlight the crown layers without weighing down the ends and embrace a little imperfection—this cut is meant to feel dynamic and playful.
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This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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