20 ways to rock the octopus haircut

Editorial Staff

» Home / Blog

It’s a mix between a shag and a mullet, with short, choppy layers on top and longer, sleeker layers underneath.

You can then style it in various ways, like a textured bob for a casual look or long waves for a more glamorous appearance.

If you prefer a softer style, go for a layered octopus shag or a boho octopus style with loose, messy waves.

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into 20 ways to rock the octopus haircut.

Classic Octopus Cut

It combines shorter layers on top with longer strands below, which gives the hair a bouncy and full appearance. This cut is great for adding volume and texture, especially if you want to stand out without going for a drastic change.

This contrast creates a shape that resembles octopus tentacles, which is where the name comes from.

A little bit of mousse or texturizing spray can help maintain the volume and keep the layers looking fresh. Remember, this cut works well with various hair types, so you can customize it to fit your personal style and preferences.

Textured Octopus Bob

To achieve this look, start by getting a haircut with lots of layers, especially around the crown of your head. This gives the style its signature fullness and shape.

Once your hair is dry, use a curling wand or flat iron to create loose waves or curls. This adds movement and enhances the layered look.

Whether you go for bold colors or subtle highlights, they can add depth to your hairstyle. Remember, the key to mastering this look is to keep it playful and relaxed, allowing the natural texture of your hair to shine through.

Asymmetrical Octopus

This haircut features layers that create a look similar to octopus tentacles, giving it a fun and dynamic shape. It can be customized to suit different hair types and face shapes, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking to try something new.

You can also play with bangs or face-framing layers to enhance your look. Make sure to communicate with your stylist about the specific style you want, as there are many variations of the octopus cut.

You can also experiment with different styling tools, like curling wands or straighteners, to create waves or sleek looks. Remember, the goal is to have fun and let your personality shine through your hairstyle!

Long Octopus Waves

This style features shorter, choppy layers on top that gradually cascade down, resembling the tentacles of an octopus. It’s perfect for those with straight or wavy hair, as it enhances natural texture while maintaining a fun and edgy appearance.

Bringing reference photos can help your stylist understand exactly what you’re looking for.

For added texture, a dry texture spray can be applied, followed by scrunching your hair lightly. Regular use of volumizing shampoo and conditioner will keep your hair looking fresh and full, making it easy to rock those long octopus waves every day.

Octopus with Bangs

This unique cut features short, choppy layers at the top that cascade down, resembling octopus tentacles. The style is often paired with bangs, which can vary from blunt to curtain styles, making it versatile for different looks.

Make sure to mention that you want the layers to be top-heavy, similar to a mullet, but without a drastic difference in length from the front to the back. Bringing photos of the style can help your stylist understand exactly what you want.

If you want more texture, try using a dry texture spray and scrunch your hair lightly. For everyday care, using a volume shampoo and conditioner will help keep your hair looking full and lively. This hairstyle works best for straight or wavy hair, allowing the layers to stand out beautifully.

Curly Octopus Cut

This cut is great for curly hair because it enhances the natural bounce and definition of your curls. The style features shorter layers on top that gradually blend into longer, wavier layers below, resembling the tentacles of an octopus.

You can also consider adding bangs, which can frame your face nicely and add to the overall look. Using products like mousse or texturizing spray can help maintain the style and keep your curls looking lively.

You can let your hair air dry or use a diffuser for added volume. Remember, the goal is to achieve a fun, messy look that highlights your natural curls while keeping it low-maintenance.

Layered Octopus Shag

This style features shorter layers at the top that cascade down, resembling the tentacles of an octopus. It’s a fun and edgy look that can give your hair a lot of movement and texture, making it perfect for those who want something unique.

Make sure to mention that you want the layers to be top-heavy, similar to a mullet, but without a dramatic length difference between the front and back. Bringing a few pictures for reference can help your stylist understand exactly what you want.

For added volume and a messy look, a texture spray can be used. Regularly using volume shampoo and conditioner will also help keep your hair looking full and lively. This low-maintenance style is perfect for anyone looking to switch up their look without too much fuss.

Pixie Octopus

This style features lots of layers that start at the base of the neck and fan out, resembling the tentacles of an octopus. To achieve this look, you need to focus on getting the right cut and texture.

You can also add some face-framing layers to enhance your features and give the style more movement. Make sure to communicate clearly with your stylist about the look you want.

You can style it with a blow dryer and a round brush for a smooth finish or use your fingers to create a more tousled, relaxed look. Experiment with different products to find what works best for your hair type, and don’t be afraid to play around with accessories or colors to make the style your own.

Undercut Octopus

To achieve this look, start by consulting with a stylist who understands your hair type and preferences. Bring pictures of the style you want, as this helps your stylist create a customized cut that suits your face shape and personal style.

When getting this haircut, discuss with your stylist how much weight you want to keep at the top and how much layering you prefer at the bottom. The right balance will give you that unique octopus shape, making your hair look lively and dynamic.

Your stylist can show you how to style it for a polished finish or a more relaxed, edgy vibe. With practice, you can master this hairstyle and make it your own!

Colored Octopus Highlights

This hairstyle features a unique cut that resembles an octopus, with layered pieces that create movement and volume. You can choose vibrant colors for the highlights, which can be applied to different sections of your hair, making it look dynamic and eye-catching.

Make sure to consult with a stylist who understands the octopus haircut and can help you choose colors that complement your skin tone. The highlights can be placed underneath or throughout the layers to create a playful contrast with your natural hair color.

Regular trims will help keep the layers defined and prevent split ends, ensuring your hairstyle remains stylish and healthy. With the right care, you can rock this fun look with confidence!

Octopus with Face-Framing Layers

This style is a modern twist on the classic shag haircut, focusing on creating a rounded shape at the crown while allowing the ends to taper off. It’s important to have a strong top layer to achieve this look, which can be customized to suit different face shapes and personal styles.

The stylist will typically create layers that are shorter around the face and longer in the back, ensuring the cut has movement and texture. This customization is key to making the style work for you, as it can look different based on your hair type and face shape.

It’s also helpful to blow-dry your hair with a round brush to add volume at the roots. Remember, the goal is to achieve a soft, effortless vibe, so avoid harsh lines and embrace the natural flow of your hair. With the right approach, you can rock this fun and edgy hairstyle confidently.

Blunt Octopus Ends

This cut is a mix of the shag and mullet styles, featuring lots of texture and movement. To achieve this look, you need to ask your stylist for shorter layers at the top and longer lengths at the bottom, ensuring the layers flow smoothly without harsh lines.

If you want to add more volume and definition, using a texture spray while scrunching your hair can help achieve that desired octopus effect.

This haircut can be flattering for various face shapes, but it’s crucial to customize the layers to highlight your features. Consulting with a skilled stylist can help you determine the best way to make this trendy cut work for you, ensuring you leave the salon feeling confident and stylish.

Octopus Lob (Long Bob)

This style is known for its versatility and can be tailored to suit different face shapes and hair types. The key to mastering the octopus lob is to create a layered look that adds texture and movement, making it both chic and effortless.

The layers should begin around the chin to frame the face nicely. It’s important to section your hair properly and use techniques like point cutting to ensure the ends are soft and not too heavy.

You can wear it straight for a sleek look or add waves for a more relaxed vibe. Using a curling iron or a flat iron can help create loose waves, and finishing with a texturizing spray will enhance the style’s volume and movement. Experiment with different partings and accessories to personalize your look and make the octopus lob uniquely yours.

Boho Octopus Style

To master this hairstyle, start by consulting with a stylist who understands your hair type and lifestyle. Bring pictures of the octopus cut you like to help your stylist visualize your desired outcome.

Discuss with your stylist whether you want a subtle or dramatic look, and decide how much curl or wave you want in your hair. If you have natural curls, consider incorporating them into the cut to enhance the overall appearance and make styling easier.

Before leaving the salon, ask your stylist for tips on how to style your hair at home. This might include using specific products or techniques to enhance the curls and layers. With practice, you’ll be able to recreate the playful look of the octopus cut and make it your own.

Sleek Straight Octopus

This unique cut features choppy layers that create a fun, flowing effect, resembling the tentacles of an octopus. To achieve this style, you want to keep the length of your hair while adding short, angled layers on top that cascade down, giving it a dynamic look.

Bringing a few photos for reference can help your stylist understand exactly what you’re looking for. It’s best suited for straight or wavy hair, as this allows the layers to stand out beautifully.

If you want to enhance the texture, a dry texture spray can add volume and a bit of messiness, which is part of the charm of this haircut. Regularly using a volume shampoo and conditioner can also help keep your hair looking fresh and full.

Voluminous Octopus

This style features short, choppy layers at the top that give it a bouncy appearance, while longer strands cascade down, resembling octopus tentacles. It’s a fun and edgy haircut that can be customized with different types of bangs, making it suitable for various hair textures.

Bringing pictures of the style you want can help your stylist understand your vision better.

If you want more texture, a dry texture spray can enhance the messy, tousled effect. Regularly using a volume shampoo and conditioner will also help keep your hair looking full and vibrant, making it a low-maintenance choice for everyday wear.

Feathered Octopus Cut

To achieve this look, you need to create lots of layers that start short at the crown and gradually get longer towards the ends. This style is great for adding texture and movement to your hair, making it look lively and stylish. To master the feathered octopus cut, start by sectioning your hair.

As you move down, gradually increase the length of the layers, ensuring they blend well together. This technique will give your hair that signature layered look while keeping it full and bouncy.

For a casual look, let your hair air dry or use a blow dryer with a round brush to add some waves. Loose curls also work well, giving the hair a fun, playful vibe. With a little practice, you’ll be able to rock this chic hairstyle effortlessly!

Octopus with Undulating Layers

It features shorter, choppy layers on top that gradually get longer towards the bottom, creating a look that resembles octopus tentacles. This haircut works best for people with straight or wavy hair and can be customized with different types of bangs.

When styling at home, use an air-dry cream on damp hair for an effortless look, or apply a texturizing spray and scrunch your hair to enhance its natural texture.

For everyday styling, you can simply wash and go, or add some texture with styling products. Remember that this cut is meant to look a bit messy and edgy, so don’t worry about making it too perfect.

Graduated Octopus Cut

This style is inspired by the shag haircut but adds a modern twist with more volume and texture. It’s great for those who want to maintain some length while still having fun with their hair.

This cut works well with various hair types, but if you have thick hair, you might need some extra styling to achieve the desired look. Remember, this style can be high-maintenance, so be prepared for regular trims to keep it looking fresh.

Additionally, consider adding highlights or fun colors to make the layers pop even more. With the right care and styling, the graduated octopus cut can be a standout hairstyle that suits your personality and style.

Messy Octopus Texture

To achieve this look, start by asking your stylist for a cut that features short, layered sections on top, while keeping the length longer at the bottom. This creates a playful, edgy vibe that works well with straight or wavy hair.

For extra volume, you can lightly scrunch your hair after applying product.

Regular trims will keep the layers looking fresh, and using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner can help maintain body and lift. This hairstyle is perfect for anyone looking for a low-maintenance yet stylish option that showcases their natural hair texture while adding a bit of flair.

Q&As for the octopus haircut

Q: What makes the octopus haircut unique?

A: The octopus haircut has short, choppy layers on top and longer, thinner layers underneath. This creates a shape that looks like an octopus, with a full crown and tentacle-like ends.

Q: How can I style my octopus haircut for a casual look?

A: For a casual look, use texturizing mousse to enhance your hair’s natural waves. Let it air dry for a messy, effortless style that shows off the layered cut.

Q: What’s the best way to maintain an octopus haircut?

A: Regular trims every 6-8 weeks help maintain the shape. Use lightweight styling products to keep the layers defined and prevent the hair from looking flat.

Q: Can I get an octopus haircut if I have curly hair?

A: Yes, the octopus cut works well for curly hair. The layers will enhance your natural texture and create a fun, bouncy shape. Ask your stylist to adjust the cut to suit your curl pattern.

Q: How can I dress up my octopus haircut for a formal event?

A: For a formal look, use a round brush to blow-dry your hair smooth. Create loose waves with a curling iron, focusing on the longer layers. Finish with a shine spray for a polished appearance.

About Me

Meet Sara, the creative force and resident accessory artist behind this bridal wonderland. Armed with an array of sparkling crystals, delicate lace, and a sewing machine that's seen more action than a wedding DJ's playlist, Sara turned her accessory-making hobby into a full-fledged passion project. Her unhealthy obsession with finding the perfect pearl and mastering intricate beadwork has made her the go-to stylist for brides seeking that special touch.

Other Hairstyle Ideas

The content on our site is reader-supported. By clicking on some of our links, we may earn a commission. Find out how we're funded, why it matters, and how you can help. This post may contain affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate or Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.