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Iconic and unapologetically bold, the jellyfish haircut is one of the most fashion-forward hair trends taking over salons and social feeds. In this blog, Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf shares exactly what a jellyfish cut is, why it's trending, and how to make the look wearable for every day.
What is a jellyfish haircut?
The jellyfish haircut is a layered hairstyle, named after the shape of a jellyfish. The top section of your hair is cut into a short, choppy bob, whilst the underneath layers are left long and flowing. This creates a dramatic look that puts you on the cutting edge of fashion.
The jellyfish haircut originated in Japan, derived from the traditional ‘princess’ cut used in the Heian period. Since then, it has had ties to pop-punk fashion, K-pop styling, and huge social media trends. The cut has even been seen on the likes of celebrities Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga. It embraces creativity, personality and individuality - guaranteed to turn heads.
What does a jellyfish cut look like?
The jellyfish cut has two sections - short upper layers and elongated lengths beneath. The contrast in these two layers makes the style stand out, but the dramatic look can be styled up with sharp cuts, and softened down with subtle blending.
Fringes are also a staple of the jellyfish haircut, whether you opt for blunt bangs or face-framing wispy layers. The beauty of this look is how versatile it is - it can feel edgy, or soft and sophisticated, depending on the way that it is styled.
Will I suit a jellyfish cut?
Jellyfish haircuts work best on people with straight or wavy hair, as these hair types allow the contrast in layers to be more clearly seen. The style also holds better on full or medium hair, which can retain the round appearance that the top hair needs.
The cut perfectly complements oval and heart face shapes, as the top of the cut accentuates cheek bones, whilst the longer layers soften strong jawlines. For more information on how hair can flatter face shape, read our blog: What is the Best Haircut For Your Face Shape?
What is the difference between a jellyfish cut and a wolf cut?
Although both styles are trend-led and rely heavily on layers, the jellyfish cut and the wolf cut both have very different finishes. The wolf cut is much more relaxed and shaggy, creating a tousled, textured and mullet-inspired appearance.
In comparison, the jellyfish cut focuses on structure and contrast. It intentionally separated sections for a bold effect, rather than blending soft layers. The wolf cut is more undone, but the jellyfish cut uses precision styling. For more information on wolf cuts, read our blog: What is a Wolf Cut? The Trend to Go Wild For
How do you cut a jellyfish haircut?
Cutting a jellyfish needs precision and careful sectioning, so creating this is best left in the hands of your hairdresser. Your stylist will start by separating the top portion of your hair from the bottom half, and neatly cut both sections.
You can opt for sharp separation or a softer more gradual finish, then fringes or other face-framing pieces can then be added to personalise the look further. Book in at your local salon today: Neäl & Wølf Salon Finder
Is a jellyfish cut high maintenance?
The jellyfish haircut is a more structured cut, so it needs regular upkeep to maintain its shape. The longer upper layers need to be trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the look staying sharp. A level of styling is also needed, with sleek finishes best showcasing the style - read on for our recommended products and solutions.
The level of maintenance can depend entirely on how dramatic your version of the cut is. Softer, more blended interpretations are generally easier to grow out and style every day.
How do you style a jellyfish cut?
After you’ve had the jellyfish cut in the salon, it’s time to maintain your style at home. The jellyfish haircut is best styled sleek to show the differentiation in layers, creating a stunning finish. Read our recommendations below:
1. Seek the straighteners
For the ultimate smooth finish, prep hair with our GUARD Heat Protection Spray before using straighteners. This helps protect the hair from heat damage whilst smoothing the cuticle for a glossy, polished result. Glide straighteners through the shorter top layers first to emphasise the sharp structure of the cut, before smoothing through the longer lengths underneath.
2. Add shine
To elevate the look even further, finish with our GLOW Super Shine Micro Mist. A light mist instantly enhances shine and helps define the contrast between the layers, leaving hair looking healthy, luminous and salon-fresh without feeling heavy.
Video Credit: @salonandco
3. Set in place
Keep your style perfectly in place throughout the day with our CONTROL Flexible Hold Hairspray. Lightly mist over the finished look to maintain the sleek shape whilst still allowing natural movement and softness.
Combining sharp structure with flowing lengths, the jellyfish cut embraces statement styling whilst allowing your individuality to shine through. With the right styling products and regular maintenance, the jellyfish cut can look effortlessly sleek and salon-fresh every day. View our full range: Styling & Finishing Products
