The octopus haircut is the evolution of shags and mullets. Pieces of layers are cut into various lengths, creating a silhouette of the octopus’ tentacles. This layered cut is starting to share the limelight with the other hair trends, and we’re here for it!
April Christina Taylor is the owner of SHAG! Salon in London. She describes the octopus cut as the one with “lots of layers, texture and wispy ends, but no blunt lines.”
Ask your stylist for shorter layers, lots of shaping around the face, and weight removal to get the octopus haircut you’re after.
A layered cut is versatile to all hair types and textures. Taylor assures that “it works on straight to wavy hair as the cut encourages movement. It can also add curl and texture to the shape.”
However, these layers may not be ideal for curly to coily hair if the goal is to reduce volume rather than add it.
It’s paramount to choose a haircut that’s tailored to your face shape. “Small alterations will depend on any feature you want to expose or hide,” Taylor points out.
For instance, bangs can reduce an appearance of a large forehead. Meanwhile, layers around the cheekbones create an illusion of an elongated face shape.
The maintenance of an octopus hairstyle is effortless. It’s a scrunch-and-go type of cut that won’t demand trims every six weeks.
This is the trend you shouldn’t disregard. Here are the images of the hottest and most popular ways to rock octopus haircut and hairstyle ideas.
#1: Octopus Cut with Peek-A-Boo Highlights
Tried the octopus cut but want something to spice it up? Add peek-a-boo highlights. The layering in this cut makes peek-a-boo highlights stand out tremendously in a beautifully blended way.
#2: Octopus Shag with Lavender Highlights
We are obsessed with this octopus shag with lavender highlights. The shape of this cut is unmatched and extremely flattering. This style works best on thick, straight hair but can work on many other textures as well.
#3: Trendy Octopus Cut with See-Through Bangs
There’s a slew of trendy styles and the octopus cut with see-through bangs is one of them. It’s a style that gives you movement, while at the same time, keeping length. Try to find a stylist that has done this cut.
#4: Medium-Length Octopus Hair with Wispy Bangs
Medium-length octopus hair combined with wispy bangs is stylish and appealing. Great for keeping length but taking out weight, an octopus haircut gives great texture and soft-looking bangs.
#5: Shoulder-Length Octopus Hair with Flipped Ends
If you are low-maintenance but want to try something new, try shoulder-length octopus hair with flipped ends. This version of octopus hair doesn’t have a lot of layers which means you can go longer between appointments. This style works best on straight, fine hair.
#6: Layered Octopus Hair with Pink Underlights
Layered octopus hair with pink under lights is all the rage lately. The natural color on top and the fun pink color underneath mesh together perfectly for a fun but semi-natural look. Make sure to ask your stylist if they think this style can work with your hair type.
#7: Two-Toned Octopus Hair with Bangs
Two-toned octopus hair with bangs can be a hit or miss. If you’re looking for something funky and different, this is the style for you. If you are more conservative and low-maintenance, this might be too severe of a jump for you to take. One of the cool things about an octopus cut is it makes the color look almost like an ombre because of the length of the layers.
#8: Octopus Cut with Short Tousled Layers
An octopus cut with short tousled layers is good for women who are used to short hair. If your hair is long and you’re considering this, keep in mind it will be very difficult to put most of your hair up with this style. On the other hand, it takes half of the amount of time to style!
#9: Textured Octopus Cut with Long Bardot Bangs
A textured octopus cut with long Bardot bangs is one of the most flattering cuts there is. The look might be difficult to get used to if you haven’t had bangs in a long time, but it’s worth a try. This cut is amazing for women who’d like to have longer hair but with still tons of volume.
#10: Heavy Bangs on Long Shaggy Octopus Hair
Heavy bangs on long shaggy octopus hair can take a while to get used to, but then you’ll love them. Full bangs can be a bit high maintenance, taking you back to the salon every few weeks, but the frame of the face is unmatched. Try spritzing a bit of Kenra Shine Spray after styling for this beautiful shine.
Related: Long shaggy hairstyle ideas.
#11: Green Octopus Hair with a Wispy Fringe
For something way outside the box, try green octopus hair with a wispy fringe. This look will have heads turning wherever you go, so get ready for the attention! Green fades quickly so make sure to ask your stylist what the upkeep is for this color and cut.
#12: Shagged Octopus Hair with Soft Layers
The style to try this season is shagged octopus hair with soft layers. The softness that the shaggy layers create is unmatched and extremely flattering to most face shapes. Make sure to mention to your stylist that you don’t want your longest layer to end up being too thin.
Related: Hottest medium-length layered hairstyles.
#13: Middle Part Style for Face-Framing Octopus Hair
While a middle part style for face-framing octopus hair won’t work for everyone, it could be the perfect style for you. This low-maintenance style could cut your styling time in half. Make sure to ask your stylist if they think this style is doable with your hair texture.
#14: Octopus Cut with Textured, Crown Layers
If you love short hair but want to keep your length, try an octopus cut with textured, crown layers. The short layers in this style give tons of volume while the length stays long and sleek. This is a disconnected cut, so make sure to find someone who specializes in cuts like this one before making the change.
#15: Layered Octopus Style on Blonde Hair
A layered octopus style on blonde hair is very flattering and feminine. The softness of the layers makes for the perfect face frame while still being able to put your hair up. Also, dimensional blonde like this is flattering on most skin tones!
#16: Mullet Octopus Cut with Face-Framing Layers
While being a bit high-maintenance because of how fast it grows out, a shaggy mullet octopus cut with face-framing layers can be a fun style to try. Octopus cuts are disconnected and funky, so make sure to find someone who specializes in looks like this before making an appointment. Before blow-drying, spray the hair with Kenra Blow Dry Spray to protect your hair from the heat and help with frizz.
#17: Mid-Length Octopus Hair with a Fringe
Mid-length octopus hair with a fringe can work for almost everyone. The layers in this style make it easy to bump up the volume and fun. Ask your stylist what they think about an octopus cut before you before taking the plunge.
#18: Pink Octopus Hair with Brow-Length Bangs
If you’re thinking about getting pink octopus hair with brow-length bangs, go for it. This fun look will be turning heads before you know it! Keep in mind that having bangs this length can mean frequent visits to the salon for trims and layers this short can be difficult to put up.
#19: Wolf Cut with Shaggy Layers
Try a wolf cut with shaggy layers if you’re looking for a grungy yet modern new look. The style is super low-maintenance and looks great when you throw a few curls into it. Ask your stylist if they think this cut could work with your hair texture.
#20: Long Octopus Haircut with Soft Curtain Bangs
For long but fun and movable hair, try a long octopus haircut with soft curtain bangs. The cut gives you the best of both long and short hair! The shorter layers in this style make it so much easier to get volume while still having some length.
#21: Red Highlights for Black Octopus Hair
Red highlights for black octopus hair are super dramatic and eye-catching. Not only is this cut unique but the vibrant color turns it into even more of a work of art. Ask your stylist about the maintenance involved in keeping up with this color and cut before taking the plunge.