8 Jellyfish Cut Ideas To Take With You To The Salon
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2 days ago
It was a quiet fad in 2024, but now the jellyfish cut is set to become the next viral hair trend. From the red carpet to the salon (thank you, Miley Cyrus), we're seeing this cut everywhere. Our only question? How to style it.
Looking to make your mark on 2025’s next big hair trend? We asked professional stylists to share their tips, tricks and ideas for wearing a jellyfish cut this season.
What Is A Jellyfish Cut?
‘A jellyfish cut is a hairstyle that features two distinct layers: one sitting on top, creating a bob-like effect, and one below that’s typically quite a bit longer than the first length,’ explains Charlie Illi, Top Stylist and Advanced Technician at Brooks & Brooks. ‘The resulting shape resembles a jellyfish, hence the name.’
The playfully sculpted hairdo has become a hit on TikTok – with searches for ‘jellyfish haircut’ amassing over 3.7 billion views on the platform – as well as on the red carpet, where celebs have been putting their own spin on the cut. (Some notable names include Miley Cyrus and Billie Eilish, who wore deconstructed variations of jellyfish and hime cuts at The Grammys.)
‘This haircut has a very distinct look,’ adds Charlie, speaking on the reasons behind the hairstyle’s growing popularity. ‘It makes a statement and can sometimes require a little more styling. But what’s unique about the jellyfish cut is that it can be cut at different lengths and coloured in a way to enhance the dimensions. This truly makes it an eye catcher.’
@glendakemal (FAQ) my haircut is called jellyfish cut but i specifically asked the hairstylist for no disconnection between the top and the bottom layer, and for the bangs i asked for it to be round and choppy <3 #hairstyle #haircut #hairtutorial #hairstyling #jellyfishcut ♬ Jealousy – RUBII
Who Suits This Hairstyle?
Considering the cut? Depending on your natural texture, you might have an advantage when it comes to making this cut look its best. ‘The jellyfish cut will sit best on fine and straight or slightly wavy hair due to the blunt edges,’ notes Charlie. ‘If the hair is super thick, it requires more maintenance and styling.
‘In terms of face shapes, this trend best suits square or oval shapes,’ she adds. ‘The top layer is very prominent so depending on your face shape, let your stylist decide which length is best suitable for your face.’
How To Ask For A Jellyfish Cut In The Salon
In the salon, ask for a jellyfish-inspired cut with shorter lengths on the top layer of hair. ‘An in-depth consultation is absolutely necessary,’ says Charlie. ‘There’s lots of options when it comes to length and layers, and this will change how prominent the style is. It is also helpful to have some reference pictures so your stylist knows exactly what you like.
‘To prepare, it’s a good idea to turn up to the salon with your hair styled as you would on a day-to-day basis, so the stylist can determine the best cut for you.’
@lizzie.kaya Styling my jellyfish haircut!! So obsessed with this look 🌞 #jellyfishhaircut #bobhaircut #hairtok #hairstyle #pinkhair #hairinspo #partyseason #rattails ♬ Messy – Lola Young
How To Style A Jellyfish Cut
The finish will depend on whether you’re after a sleek or relaxed jellyfish cut. For the former, Charlie recommends ‘using a cream heat protector with a Denman brush for fine, straight hair. For wavy hair, use a round brush to smooth it down in a circular direction. Then finish it off with some dry spray wax or classic wax to get rid of the fly always and add some texture if needed.’
What Next?
As 2025’s burgeoning hair trend, expect to see plenty more of the jellyfish cut going forward. ‘At the moment this feels like it’s a style for people who want to make a statement,’ says Charlie. ‘But I think it could also evolve into a softer, more “wearable” styles.’
Below, we asked Charlie (and a few other haircare professionals) to share her top jellyfish cut ideas for 2025:
Jellyfish Cut Ideas To Take To Your Next Salon Appointment
1. Classic Jellyfish Cut
The original version of the jellyfish cut keeps its signature disjointed look and feel. Think blunt edges and a clear ‘jellyfish’ 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,’ Jas Kadio, a senior stylist at Whip Hackney, told C&TH for our previous guide to the cut. ‘The upper hair is trimmed short and blunt like a bob, while the lower layer remains long and textured, creating a jellyfish-like effect.’
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2. Shaggy Jellyfish Cut
More recent versions, however, have really leaned into a more relaxed aesthetic. ‘Billie Eilish recently wore the jellyfish cut and totally pulled it off,’ notes Charlie. ‘She always has had a massive impact on hair trends.’
Billie’s take incorporates a shaggier texture, with layers slightly less disjointed (but still visible). ‘This look works really well on her as the jet black hair softens the distinct edges.’
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3. Wearable Jellyfish Cut
For everyday wear, Charlie predicts the cut will take on an even softer look – with layers that are much less disconnected. ‘I think we’ll see more of this softer, “wearable” take on the jellyfish,’ she says. ‘This will make it more appealing in the salon, as it doesn’t make that hugely transformational jumper into a full jellyfish cut.’
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4. Bold & Colourful
You have the cut, you might as well have the colour too. As Charlie mentioned, the hairstyle is often teamed up with bright colours to help define the layers and make a more dramatic look. ‘This is a bold and bright look which is enhanced with the vibrant colours,’ she says. ‘I think you could achieve this type of style by clipping some of the layers up, creating a playful version of the jellyfish. This type of thing could be really popular for festival season.’
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5. Soft-Cropped Jellyfish Cut
The jellyfish cut also makes an playful unisex cut, with Charlie having spotted a soft, cropped version becoming popular amongst men. ‘Here we can see a version on a male model,’ she says, referencing the below image. ‘This is also super cool for someone that has fine hair and wants to wear it a bit longer.’
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6. Jellyfish & Bangs
Taking more inspiration from the hime cut, this jellyfish cut idea combines it with a full fringe for added face framing. ‘It’s cool and edgy and adds an extra dimension to the original two-layer jellyfish cut,’ adds Charlie. ‘The colour also shows the definition in the layers and makes the most of the cut.’
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7. Jellyfish Bob
Again, if you want to take the cut shorter, you can. ‘The jellyfish bob offers a short take on the dual-layered cut,’ Jason Crozier, Art Director at Neville Hair & Beauty, told C&TH in this bob guide. ‘The upper layer is a blunt bob, while the under layer is longer and more textured. This cut embraces bold contrasts and edgy aesthetics, setting it apart from more traditional styles.’
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8. Curly Cut
Who said you couldn’t try the trend with curly hair? It might take a little more maintenance, but a curly jellyfish cut is great for highlighting your natural texture and creating volume. It also give you more room to sculpt hair into the desired silhouette.
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Featured image: Berlin Fashion Week SS25 (c) Denis Grigorev
