The jellyfish haircut is one of the boldest hair trends of 2025. The style combines short voluminous layers on top with longer sections underneath to give a dramatic contrasting shape. Inspired by its marine namesake, as the name suggests, the look is styled to mimic the ‘bell’ and trailing tentacles of a jellyfish and gives a great balance between structured and whimsical.
The jellyfish haircut is extremely versatile and is suitable for straight, wavy and curly hair, and can be tailored for personal preference. For example, it can be adapted to create a polished and structured look, or a more relaxed, tousled appearance, offering lots of room for personal expression and experimentation.
What Is the Jellyfish Haircut?
The jellyfish haircut is a daring, multi-layered cut that features shorter layers on the crown, typically cut into a bob or shag style, with longer flowing hair underneath. These layers are styled to mimic the silhouette of a jellyfish and offer a unique layered look that is both bold and striking.
It’s a great choice for anyone looking to experiment away from traditional cuts and embrace a look that’s fun and sure to stand out from the crowd.
Key Considerations for a Jellyfish Haircut
Hair Type
Whether your hair is straight, wavy or curly, the jellyfish cut can be customised to best suit your hair’s texture, and different hair types will impact the movement and volume of the jellyfish haircut. For example, wavy or curly textured hair will create a more voluminous shape, while straighter hair will highlight the contrasts between the layers.
The cut can be adjusted to complement different hair types, which will give a balanced look.
Face Shapes
Due to the versatile nature of the jellyfish haircut, it can enhance various face shapes, especially with shorter top layers. For example, for rounder face shapes, shorter layers at the front and longer layers at the back can help to create the illusion of a longer, more defined jawline. For square face shapes, layered pieces can help to soften the jawline. For heart-shaped faces, shorter layers at the front can help to soften the width of the forehead to balance the face shape.
Length Customisation
The top and bottom layers can be tailored depending on how bold or subtle you want the look. Shorter top sections are a good option to further emphasise the contrast if you prefer a bold look. A more blended effect is a great choice if you prefer a more subtle variation.
Lifestyle and Maintenance
It is always important to consider personal styling habits and maintenance preferences when choosing a style.
The jellyfish cut does require some maintenance, however, this depends on how dramatic the layers are. As the cut features a sharp contrast between short layers on top and sleek, longer layers on the bottom, it is important to get regular trims to keep the structure intact. Without regular upkeep, shorter layers may lose their impact by blending too much into the longer sections. Those who prefer low-maintenance styling should opt for softer, more blended layers.
Colour and Highlights
Adding colour and highlights can enhance layers and add dimension and contrast to the haircut. A balayage or colour blocking is a good choice for adding depth. Highlights are great for emphasising the separation between the upper and lower sections, enhancing the overall shape.
Best Jellyfish Haircut Inspirations
Celebrities known for their unique style and avant-garde looks, such as Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga, have embraced the jellyfish haircut, showcasing its statement-making potential.
How to Achieve the Jellyfish Haircut
A consultation will be carried out by your Rush stylist beforehand, discussing factors such as texture, length and any personal preferences.
Step 1: Prepare the hair by sectioning it into top and bottom layers.
Step 2: Cut the bottom layers (tentacles). Decide how long you want the bottom section to be.
Step 3: Cut the top layer into the desired silhouette.
Step 4: Blend the layers as necessary, depending on the desired look.
Step 5: Style the hair; different hair types may require different styling techniques.
How to Style the Jellyfish Haircut
Textured and Tousled
Use a sea salt spray or a texturising spray to enhance movement and volume. Let natural waves shine or create a soft, undone finish with minimal heat.
Sleek and Polished
Straighten the top layers and smooth the lower section with serum for a modern, editorial-style finish.
Adding Volume
Apply a volumising mousse or a root lifting spray before blow-drying with a round brush to accentuate the haircut’s unique shape.
Tips for Maintaining the Jellyfish Haircut
Regular Trims
To keep the structure of the haircut intact, schedule trims every 4-6 weeks, which will help to maintain the contrast between the layers.
Use the Right Styling Products
Using styling products such as light-hold styling creams and texturising sprays will help to maintain shape and volume without weighing down the hair.
Experiment with Accessories
Adding accessories such as hairclips, headbands, or barrettes can add a personal touch to the jellyfish cut and give it some personal flair.
Book Your Jellyfish Haircut at Rush
Ready to embrace a bold look? Book your jellyfish haircut at your nearest Rush Hair & Beauty and let our expert stylists bring this look to life.
FAQ's
What is the jellyfish haircut?
The jellyfish haircut is a multi-layered style that features short layers on top and long layers underneath. It creates a bold, structured shape that resembles the body and tentacles of a jellyfish. It is a great choice for someone looking to experiment with a bold, fashion-forward look.
What is the difference between a jellyfish cut and a wolf cut?
While both styles are layered, the jellyfish haircut is more structured with a stronger contrast, short, rounded top layers with long, straight, lower sections. By comparison, the wolf cut is more blended and shaggy, and features heavier layering throughout, giving a more tousled rock-inspired look.
What face shape fits a jellyfish haircut?
The jellyfish cut is extremely versatile and can be tailored to suit different face shapes. A Rush stylist can personalise the cut to flatter your individual face shape.
Is the jellyfish haircut suitable for all hair types?
Yes, the jellyfish cut works on most hair types, including straight, wavy and curly hair. The key is adjusting the cut structure to work with your hair’s texture.
Is a jellyfish haircut high maintenance?
A more sculpted variation of the cut may need more regular trims to maintain the contrast and the structure, while a more relaxed version can grow out more naturally and be lower maintenance.
How long does the jellyfish haircut last?
With regular trims every 4-6 weeks to maintain the shape of the top layers, the jellyfish cut can last several months. The longer layer tends to grow out gracefully, making this a versatile style long-term.
