A jellyfish haircut is a two-tier cut: the top layer is cut into a short, blunt bob, and the hair underneath is left long and thin. The bob is the jellyfish's bell and the long strands are its tentacles. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your stylist for and how to style it.
Jellyfish haircut at a glance
- Length: Bob length on top, long underneath
- Shape: Blunt top tier over long, thinned lengths
- Maintenance: Medium to high
- Trim every: 6 to 8 weeks
What makes it different
It's a bold, graphic style with roots in the Japanese hime cut. The two lengths are deliberately disconnected.
Jellyfish haircut vs hime cut
A hime cut has blunt cheek-length sidelocks at the front with long hair behind. A jellyfish cut carries the short tier all the way around the head.
Who it suits
Straight, smooth hair, which shows the sharp line best. Oval and heart-shaped faces carry the bob section most easily.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to face shapes.
How to ask your stylist for a jellyfish haircut
- Bring photos, and go to a stylist comfortable with disconnected cuts.
- Say where the bob tier should end: chin or jaw.
- Say how much hair to leave in the long section.
- Bring a photo. Stylists use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
Blow dry or flat iron both tiers straight. Some people color the two sections differently for contrast.
Variations
- Jellyfish cut with bangs: a blunt fringe on the top tier.
- Soft jellyfish cut: a more blended step between the tiers.
- Curly jellyfish cut: a rounder top with curly lengths.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes months to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see a jellyfish haircut on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
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FAQ
What is a jellyfish haircut?
A jellyfish haircut is a two-tier cut: the top layer is cut into a short, blunt bob, and the hair underneath is left long and thin.
Who suits a jellyfish haircut?
Straight, smooth hair, which shows the sharp line best. Oval and heart-shaped faces carry the bob section most easily.
How often does it need a trim?
About every 6 to 8 weeks.
