In the year of the bob, what if you just can’t commit to a full chop? The answer is the surprisingly bold jellyfish haircut—a bi-level cut with endless movement inspired by Japan’s trendiest beauty looks.
Featured Experts
- Gonn Kinoshita is a celebrity hairstylist and Balmain global ambassador
- Castillo Bataille is a Matrix celebrity stylist
- Ashley Gomila is a celebrity hairstylist
What Is the Jellyfish Haircut?
“The jellyfish cut is when the upper hair is cut short or blunt like a bob, while the lower layer remains long and textured, creating a jellyfish-like effect,” explains Balmain ambassador and celebrity stylist Gonn Kinoshita.
If you’re picking up on wolfcut or mullet vibes, that’s intentional. “The jellyfish haircut is all about making a bold statement,” explains Matrix celebrity stylist Castillo Bataille. “It combines short layers on top—think bob or mullet vibes—with long, sleek lengths underneath. The contrast is dramatic and edgy, just like a jellyfish floating in the water.”
In the most dramatic versions, layers are replaced with a blunt cut. “The top layer is cut short like a bowl cut, representing the body of a jellyfish,” explains celebrity hairstylist Ashley Gomila. “The bottom layer is left long, mimicking the tentacles. This striking contrast creates a dramatic, edgy look that’s perfect for those seeking a unique style.”
Japan-Inspired Beauty is Taking Off
There’s no denying that this look comes straight from anime and mange, the hugely popular worlds of Japanese animation and comics. The jellyfish haircut is cut directly from this cloth, where female characters are known to have extravagant and interesting hairstyles to stand out among large casts. It’s no surprise that this style frequently features bright colors and pastel shades, which are also staples of Japanese media.
Anime and manga are quickly becoming mainstream in the U.S., evidenced by Megan Thee Stallion’s recent release, “Otaku Hot Girl.” And as we fall in love with Japanese entertainment, we’re also picking up on their best beauty trends. The jellyfish haircut is just one example of Japanese beauty taking off. And after years of K-beauty dominance, it looks like J-beauty is officially picking up steam.
Who Should Get the Jellyfish Haircut?
We’re not saying this cut is for everyone, but if you want to make a splash, don’t be intimidated. “This cut is perfect for anyone who’s adventurous with their style and loves to stand out,” Bataille says. “It’s especially striking on straight hair, where the contrast really pops, but it can be adapted for other hair types too.”
“This cut works best on edgy, fashion forward types,” Gomila advises. “The jellyfish cut is not a typical hair style, its best suited for someone bold and open to making a statement with their look.” It also flatters a range of face shapes by framing the face with shorter layers. “It suits oval, heart, or square face shapes—basically, if you can rock a bold, angular cut, this one’s for you,” Bataille explains.
How to Get the Look
Unlike many trendy haircut names, this one should be familiar to your stylist. “All hairstylists should know what jellyfish hair is, so when requesting this style,” Kinoshita says. “I would make sure to ask for your preferred length and layering.”
If your stylist isn’t familiar with this trendy look, Bataille suggests bringing photo inspiration. “When asking for a jellyfish cut, tell your stylist you want short, blunt layers around the top, with long, sleek lengths underneath,” he advises. “Bringing in some pics can help nail down exactly what you’re envisioning.”
