25 Best Octopus Cut Hairstyles for Women
Looking for a fresh, voluminous hairstyle that combines the best of shags and mullets? The octopus cut might be your perfect match!
This trendy style features shorter layers on top that create a round shape, with longer, “tentacle-like” pieces falling below—hence the aquatic nickname.
Ready to make waves with this distinctive look? Dive into these 25 stunning octopus cut variations that will transform your hair game!
1: Classic Mid-Length Octopus Cut
The quintessential octopus cut features choppy layers around the crown with longer, thinner pieces that frame your face and neck.
This balanced version works with most hair textures and face shapes.
Ask your stylist for disconnected layers with substantial length difference between the top and bottom sections.
Style with texturizing spray and rough-dry for that perfect lived-in finish.
2: Curly Octopus Cut
Embrace your natural curls with this bouncy, voluminous variation.
The layered top creates a beautiful round shape while the longer curly tendrils add movement and dimension.
Apply curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and diffuse or air-dry. This style celebrates texture while keeping your curls manageable and defined.
3: Octopus Cut with Curtain Bangs
Combine two trending styles by adding face-framing curtain bangs to your octopus cut.
The bangs blend seamlessly with the shorter crown layers, creating a soft frame around your face.
Blow-dry your bangs away from your face using a round brush for that perfect swooping effect.
This flattering combination works especially well for heart-shaped and oval faces.
4: Vibrant Color Octopus Cut
Take your octopus cut to the next level with bold, multi-dimensional color.
Think vivid blues, purples, or even sunset hues that highlight the distinct layers of this unique cut.
The contrasting layers create the perfect canvas for creative color placement. Consider darker shades on top with vibrant ends for a truly head-turning effect.
5: Short Octopus Cut
This shorter variation maintains the octopus silhouette but with less dramatic length difference.
The crown still has volume and texture, while the tentacle pieces hit around chin-length.
This version offers easier maintenance while preserving the distinctive shape. Style with a flat iron for piece-y definition or embrace your natural texture for effortless cool.
6: Long Octopus Cut
For those who can’t bear to part with length, this variation keeps the characteristic octopus shape but extends the tentacle pieces to mid-back or longer.
The dramatic contrast creates a stunning silhouette. Apply volumizing mousse to the crown and texturizing cream to the longer sections.
This style works particularly well for those with naturally straight or slightly wavy hair.
7: Octopus Cut with Micro Bangs
Add edge to your octopus cut with super-short, straight-across bangs.
The contrast between the blunt fringe and the soft, layered cut creates an interesting visual dynamic.
Keep your micro bangs dry when styling the rest of your hair to maintain their precision.
This bold combination makes a fashion-forward statement while remaining surprisingly wearable.
8: Octopus Cut for Fine Hair
Fine-haired folks rejoice! This variation creates the illusion of thickness through strategic layering.
The shorter top layers add volume at the crown, while the wispy ends maintain movement.
Use volumizing products at the roots and lightweight texturizing spray through the ends. This cut can double the appearance of thickness in fine hair.
9: Octopus Cut with Undercut
For the boldest style seekers, add an undercut to your octopus cut. The hidden undercut can be as subtle or dramatic as you choose.
The partially or fully shaved section beneath the longer layers creates an edgy contrast and reduces bulk.
Style the longer sections with pomade or wax for definition against the closely cropped undercut.
10: Wolf-Octopus Hybrid Cut
This fusion style combines elements of the trending wolf cut with the octopus silhouette.
It features more evenly distributed layers throughout while maintaining that distinctive tentacle effect.
Apply texturizing powder at the roots for added lift. This style bridges the gap between shag and octopus cuts for a versatile, rock-star vibe.
11: Wavy Octopus Cut
Embrace your natural waves with this textured variation. The waves add dimension to the layered top and create beautiful movement in the longer sections.
Enhance your waves with sea salt spray and scrunch gently.
This low-maintenance style looks even better on day two or three hair.
12: Asymmetrical Octopus Cut
Add drama to your octopus cut with asymmetrical length.
Keep one side slightly longer than the other for a modern edge that draws attention to your neck and jawline.
This unexpected twist on the classic octopus adds visual interest. Style with a flat iron for sleek definition or embrace waves for a more relaxed vibe.
13: Octopus Cut with Face-Framing Pieces
This variation adds strategic pieces around your face that highlight your best features.
The face-framing layers blend with the crown layers while drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones.
Blow-dry these sections with a round brush for a soft, flattering effect. This universally flattering style works for all face shapes and hair textures.
14: Octopus Cut with Blunt Ends
This modern interpretation combines the layered octopus shape with clean, blunt-cut ends.
The contrast between the textured crown and straight edges creates an interesting visual dynamic. This style works beautifully for those with thicker hair textures.
The blunt ends prevent the bottom from looking too wispy while maintaining the distinctive shape.
15: Platinum Blonde Octopus Cut
Make a statement with this high-impact color choice. The maintenance is higher, but the impact is worth it.
The bright blonde hue emphasizes the distinct layers and creates dimension even in the absence of multi-tonal color.
Use purple shampoo and deep conditioning treatments to keep your platinum looking fresh between salon visits.
16: Octopus Cut with Money Piece Highlights
Brighten your face with bold, face-framing highlights that accentuate the layered structure of your octopus cut.
These lighter pieces draw attention to your eyes and create dimension.
The strategic placement of lighter color enhances the cut’s natural movement. This technique works with any base color for a customizable look.
17: Textured Octopus Cut with Razor Finish
This technique creates ultra-light, feathery ends that move beautifully. Your stylist will use a razor rather than scissors to create soft, wispy layers throughout the cut.
The result is ethereal and feminine while maintaining the distinctive octopus silhouette.
This technique works especially well for medium to fine hair textures.
18: Octopus Lob (Long Bob)
This shorter variation hits just at or above the shoulders, offering the distinctive octopus shape in a more manageable length.
The crown still maintains volume while the lower layers create that tentacle effect.
This versatile length lets you wear your hair up or down. Apply styling cream to damp hair and rough-dry for natural-looking texture.
19: Octopus Cut with Choppy Layers
This edgier version features deliberately uneven, choppy layers throughout.
The imperfect cutting technique adds texture and movement while maintaining the overall octopus silhouette.
Style with fingers rather than a brush for the perfect undone finish. This cut perfectly balances structure and carefree vibes.
20: Octopus Cut for Thick Hair
Tame unruly thickness with this variation designed specifically for dense hair.
The interior layers remove bulk while the longer sections maintain enough weight to prevent poutiness.
This cut transforms unmanageable thickness into deliberate volume. Use anti-humidity products to keep frizz at bay while showcasing the cut’s gorgeous shape.
21: Octopus Shag Hybrid
This style blends elements of the classic 70s shag with the modern octopus cut.
It features more evenly distributed layers throughout while maintaining the distinctive top-heavy silhouette.
Use a small round brush to add soft flips at the ends. This nostalgic style looks incredible with highlights or balayage to emphasize the layers.
22: Octopus Cut with Side-Swept Bangs
Add softness to your octopus cut with longer, side-swept bangs that blend seamlessly with the crown layers.
The asymmetrical fringe adds visual interest while softening angular face shapes.
Style your bangs with a flat iron for a sleek look or embrace their natural texture. This versatile fringe option grows out beautifully into your layers.
23: Octopus Cut for Oval Faces
This perfectly balanced variation features moderate crown layers with medium-length tentacle pieces.
The proportions complement oval face shapes by maintaining volume at the crown without overwhelming your features.
The face-framing pieces hit at the most flattering points—cheekbones and jawline. This customized approach enhances your natural bone structure.
24: Octopus Cut with Flipped Ends
Channel retro vibes with slightly flipped ends on your octopus cut.
Using a round brush or flat iron, create subtle outward curves at the tips of your tentacle pieces.
This playful detail adds bounce and movement to the style. This technique works particularly well on shoulder-length variations of the cut.
25: Octopus Cut for Curly-Coyly Hair
Embrace your natural curly-coyly texture with this variation cut specifically for type 3 and 4 hair.
Your stylist will cut your hair dry to account for shrinkage and create the perfect shape.
The shorter crown maintains its round shape while the longer curly tendrils create gorgeous movement.
This celebration of natural texture requires minimal heat styling.
Conclusion
The octopus cut offers versatility, volume, and visual interest for all hair types.
Choose the variation that speaks to your personal style and embrace this trending cut that perfectly balances edgy and feminine energy!
