Step Aside, Wolf Cut — the "Octopus" Haircut Is Trending

While some hairstyles like curtain bangs and the shag have cemented themselves as two of the styles of the moment, there's something new — albeit interestingly named — on the horizon. Meet the "octopus" haircut. In fact, it's the latest animal-inspired cut to reach the masses, on it's a little more wearable than the decidedly edgy "jellyfish" haircut and the "wolf cut" that dominated TikTok in 2022.

Here's what to know about the haircut trend, including what the look entails, how to ask for it at the salon, and how to make it work no matter your hair length.

The octopus hairstyle isn't as outlandish as it seems: you could even think of it as a reinvention of the iconic "Rachel" haircut from the '90s that was made famous by Jennifer Aniston's character on "Friends." "The cut is less sea-creature and more stylish shag, and is quickly making its way around the internet as the latest trend, being seen all over Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok," hairstylist Darren Bain, tells PS. "Popular in Japan and Korea, the style has recently arrived in the West as a modern alternative to traditional longer layered hair."

Translation: the octopus haircut is yet another iteration of the shag, but with a modern twist. "The cut is a heavily textured look that uses shorter layers on the top of the head, critically maintaining length and volume, while thinner, longer lengths of hair are styled from underneath," Bain says.

While those top-heavy layers may remind you of the mullet, it's not quite the same. According to Bain, "With an octopus haircut, the two layered sections are much more blended than the mullet, which is more visibly disconnected." The octopus cut incorporates long, face-framing curtain bangs that hit below the ears, whereas a mullet typically features shorter, eyebrow-grazing bangs.

Darren Bain is a London-based hairstylist.

If you're looking for a flattering haircut on short- to medium-length hair, the octopus hairstyle may be for you. "[It's] perfect for someone that enjoys volume and unstructured hair, as heavy layers create lots of volume that make the hair look thicker internally, leaving the length quite soft," Bain says. It can be styled with a blowout for a slightly sleeker finish or left rougher and more "undone" for a more casual look. "Generally speaking, however, the octopus cut does need daily styling using smoothing and styling products, and a round brush."

As for hair textures, the octopus haircut is best suited for those with straight or wavy hair. "Most people with these types of cuts tend to wear their hair straight with flicks at the end of the hair to accentuate the shaping nature of the style," Bain says. "Those with naturally voluminous curls can end up with an overly disconnected, almost wedge-type look."

Don't be shy: you won't be looked at weirdly if you request this haircut trend at the salon. "Many stylists will be aware of the octopus haircut, especially as it rises in popularity," Bain says. "However, regardless, it's always a good idea to find some reference photos to show your hairdresser." Keep scrolling for exactly that — no matter your hair length.