Shags and mullets are trendier than ever, but as the cuts grow out they transform into another look that’s rising in popularity — an octopus haircut.
What Is The Octopus Haircut?
Compared to the shag and mullet, the octopus has more weight carved out between the short and long layers. And that’s how it gets that octopus-like shape: the top layers hug the head shape for roundness and taper in at the bottom to form a flipping movement, like tentacles.
The octopus tends to be longer in length than the mullet. Mullets often have the sides cut off completely (or cut shorter) and are noticeably longer in the back. There’s also a lot of disconnection from the top layers to the length on the bottom in a mullet versus the octopus.
The octopus cut is most similar to the wolf cut, though it differs ever so slightly. The difference between a wolf cut and octopus cut is the octopus is heavy on the short top layers, creating a thinner longer length.
Though the octopus cut pulls from a handful of retro hairstyles, some stylists think it has the potential to actively replace them moving forward. The octopus haircut might take over for traditional mullets, ultimately rising in popularity alongside shags. Not only that, but the octopus is low-maintenance, which only adds to its appeal. This cut pairs well with fringe and is an excellent style for people who do not like to do a lot of blow drying to their hair.
a beautiful brown with a bit of ginger octopus hairstyle with soft layers and waves, with bottleneck bangs is great
a black medium-length octopus haircut with wispy bangs will keep the length but take out weight if your hair is too thick
a black octopus hairstyle with shorter and more voluminous upper tiers and longer lower tiers is bold
a blonde octopus hairstyle with accented bottleneck bangs is a cool idea for anyone who likes octopus but wants a softer look
a brown medium-length octopus hairstyle with wispy bangs and waves, with caramel highlights is super cool
a brown octopus haircut with textured crown layers that give tons of volume, and the length is sleek
a dark brown octopus haircut with wispy outgrown bangs and curved ends looks very bold and very unusual
What To Know Before Getting An Octopus Cut?
While the octopus cut works with all hair types and lengths, Evans notes that it’s best on straight to wavy strands. But stylists recommend that a professional should do the chopping as it requires lots of layering. This haircut involves very short and heavy layers, making the length long and thin, almost like a disconnected shag. When you’re talking to your hairstylist, ask them to cut the top layers short and round to remove maximum weight. Cut the main shape wet, then dry cut the remainder.
a dark brown octopus hairstyle with outgrown bangs and waves is a cool idea to rock, and the length is kept in place
a ginger octopus haircut with wispy bangs, this haircut gives movement keep length at the same time
a green octopus haircut with wispy bangs will have head turning wherever you go, here you can see lighter locks around the face
a layered octopus haircut on long blonde hair looks soft and beautiful and there are perfect face-framing locks
a long black octopus haircut with layered bangs is a beautiful idea with much texture and length kept in place
a long octopus haircut with curtain bangs, with a dark top and blonde locks for a stronger contrast
a mahogany octopus hairstyle with wispy bangs and layers is a catchy and bold idea to make a statement with both your haircut and color
a mullet octopus haircut with face-framing layers is a fun idea of a disconnected haircut that will catch an eye
How To Maintain And Style The Octopus Cut?
If low-maintenance hairstyles are your thing, you’re in luck. There’s almost no upkeep with an octopus cut — especially if you have thicker, textured hair. The more texture you have, the more disheveled it is, the better it looks. “It also lasts a long time as you remove so much weight from your crown ensuring you keep volume.
If you don’t have a ton of natural curl or simply want to amp it up, become friends with your curling iron or waving iron, even your mermaid iron. Texturizing products will also help you style our octopus cut.
a shagged octopus haircut with soft layers looks very flattering and the longest layer isn't too thing
a super long octopus haircut in brown, with highlights, curtain bangs is a cool and catchy idea for anyone who wants to keep the length
a textured octopus cut with long Bardot bangs is a very flattering haircut as it keeps all the volume
an ocotpus shag with lavender highlights, it works well on thick and straight hair
an octopus haircut with bangs and peek-a-boo highlights, done in ginger but with blonde touches that are beautifully blended
bold orange octopus hair with central part and face-framing locks plus wispy bangs is a low-maintenance idea for everyone
long tendrils cascading down the sides of your head make an octopus cut an outstanding choice