Here’s What You Need To Know About the Viral TikTok "Jellyfish" Haircut Trend
This gender-neutral style is setting social media ablaze.
Haircut trends always catch our eye when they’re edgy and daring. In the past few years, the mullet, the mixie and the bowl haircut styles have become beauty moments and inspiration in their own right. One style in particular has held up in virality from TikTok to salons: The jellyfish haircut.
When we first reported on the hairstyle in 2022, #Jellyfishhaircut had already amassed over 1.6 billion views on TikTok, and in 2024 it surpassed 3.7 billion.
The jellyfish haircut has two distinct lengths: a shorter, rounded upper section and longer hair underneath. Their contrast gives the style its name. The top layer is cut above the chin and directly across the face. The bottom is layered in a medium length, depending on the vibe you’re going for. As the jellyfish haircut is gender-neutral, it’s a perfect way for lovers of this trend to show off their unique personalities.
The cut can be adapted to different hair textures, but the result depends on your hair’s density and natural movement. Before committing, bring reference photos to a stylist. Agree on the length of the upper section and how sharply it should contrast with the longer hair underneath. Ask how the cut will look with your natural texture and as it grows out.
How to Style a Jellyfish Haircut
Drawing on guidance from Numi Hair Salon, Rush Hair & Beauty and L’Oréal Paris, continue reading for tips on how to style the haircut, decide between a sharp contrast or smooth finishes and more.
- Choose your finish. Bring photos to your stylist and ask for a styling demonstration suited to your hair. A sharp, rounded top and a softer, textured finish require different routines.
- Style the sections separately. For a smooth look, use a round brush to shape the upper section. Turn its ends slightly inward. Then dry the longer hair underneath as a separate section. Use a light finishing product so the shorter section keeps its volume.
- Add texture if you want it. For curls, try a curl cream or leave-in conditioner. For a heatless option, braid the longer section loosely or use foam rollers overnight. Keep the upper section’s shape separate from the longer lengths.
- Protect your hair when using heat. Apply heat protectant before hot styling tools. Follow the product and tool directions. You can also use the heatless option above when you want to avoid hot tools.
- Customize maintenance. Before you leave the salon, ask how often your version needs a trim. The answer depends on the cut and how sharply you want to keep the two lengths separated.
Below, discover a few #jellyfishhaircut clips to prepare your mood boards. If the style works out for you, tag Hypebae’s Beauty Instagram for a chance to be featured.
@sillyyerba Reply to @bondjonescreations im starting a jellyfish club with jelly themed events for those interested! I’m setting up the Discord for it today! Stay tuned for an offical announcement soon! It’s going to be so cute. If you don’t have the haircut you can be a baby jellyfish. Theyre called ephyrae 🥹 excuse the mess! We are in the middle of rearranging right now!💓💓 if you read this ur a qt #jellyfishhaircut #sorryitsmari #hair360 #hairquestions #jellyfishhair #diyhair ♬ Jellyfish – Declan DP & Kodomoi
@venusfrogtrapill style it better later and like yeah! i finished it the LAST day of pride month lol♬ original sound – Clu
@dear.tina I finally remembered to do a hair360 before my hair got too oily 🥴 #hair360 #hairstyleinspo #jellyfishhair #jellyfishhaircut #hairstylereference ♬ Love Maybe Secret Number – NIKO
