17 Octopus Haircut Ideas for a Trendy and Edgy Look

The octopus haircut is a distinctive layered hairstyle that has gained attention for its dramatic shape, lightweight ends, and voluminous crown. Inspired by the silhouette of an octopus, this haircut combines shorter, fuller layers around the top with longer, separated sections that create a flowing effect toward the ends.

It sits somewhere between a shag, wolf cut, and layered haircut, but its defining feature is the contrast between the rounded volume at the crown and the longer, wispy sections underneath.

The octopus haircut can be adapted for straight, wavy, and curly hair, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking for a hairstyle with movement and personality. Here are 17 octopus haircut ideas to inspire your next salon visit.

1. Classic Octopus Haircut

The classic octopus haircut features a rounded, voluminous crown combined with long, separated layers.

The upper sections create fullness around the head, while the longer pieces flow downward like tentacles. This contrast gives the hairstyle its recognizable shape.

2. Long Octopus Haircut

A long octopus haircut preserves significant length while adding shorter layers around the crown and sides.

This is an excellent choice if you love long hair but want considerably more movement and texture.

3. Medium Octopus Haircut

A medium-length version provides the distinctive layered shape without requiring extremely long hair.

The shorter crown layers create volume, while the lower sections maintain enough length for a soft, flowing finish.

4. Short Octopus Haircut

A short octopus cut brings the layered shape closer to the shoulders or above.

The crown remains voluminous while the ends are noticeably lighter and more separated. This version feels modern and edgy.

5. Octopus Haircut With Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs complement the rounded upper layers beautifully.

They frame the forehead and gradually blend into the shorter side layers, creating a softer appearance around the face.

6. Octopus Haircut With Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs create a lightweight and feminine variation.

The thin fringe blends naturally into the textured layers and prevents the haircut from appearing too heavy around the forehead.

7. Wavy Octopus Haircut

Natural waves enhance the movement of an octopus haircut.

The shorter layers create volume while the waves give the longer sections a relaxed, beachy appearance.

A lightweight wave-enhancing product can emphasize the natural texture.

8. Curly Octopus Haircut

Curly hair can make the octopus haircut especially voluminous.

The layers allow curls to form around the crown and sides while maintaining longer sections underneath. The cut should be customized carefully to account for curl shrinkage.

9. Shaggy Octopus Haircut

Combining shag-inspired layers with the octopus silhouette creates a heavily textured style.

The crown becomes fuller and messier, while the longer ends remain separated and lightweight.

10. Soft Octopus Haircut

A softer version uses blended layers and less dramatic separation between the top and bottom.

This creates a more wearable hairstyle while preserving the movement and overall silhouette.

11. Messy Octopus Haircut

The messy version embraces imperfect texture.

Use a texturizing spray and gently separate the layers with your fingers. The goal is to create natural-looking movement rather than a perfectly controlled finish.

12. Octopus Haircut for Fine Hair

The layered structure can make fine hair appear more voluminous around the crown.

However, too many layers can make the ends appear thinner, so ask your stylist to maintain enough density through the lower sections.

13. Octopus Haircut for Thick Hair

Thick hair can benefit from the lighter lower layers of this haircut.

Strategic layering removes excess weight while maintaining volume around the crown, creating a more balanced silhouette.

14. Blonde Octopus Haircut

Blonde shades can emphasize the different layers and create additional dimension.

Highlights placed around the crown and face can make the shorter sections appear even more textured.

15. Brunette Octopus Haircut

Brunette hair gives the octopus cut a rich and sophisticated appearance.

Chocolate, espresso, chestnut, and warm brown shades can emphasize the depth between the shorter and longer layers.

16. Octopus Haircut With Highlights

Dimensional highlights can make the individual layers easier to see.

Balayage, subtle ribbons of color, or face-framing highlights can emphasize the movement through the hairstyle.

17. Edgy Octopus Haircut

For a more dramatic interpretation, combine pronounced crown layers with choppy ends and highly separated longer sections.

A bold fringe or unconventional hair color can make the look even more distinctive.