40 Octopus Haircut Ideas: Short, Long, Curly & With Bangs
The octopus haircut gets its name from its shape. A short, rounded crown sits on top like the head, and long, thin layers fall below it like tentacles. The cut became popular through Korean salons and K-pop styling, and it now works on every hair type, from sleek straight hair to loose curls.
It is often confused with two close relatives. A wolf cut is choppier and heavier at the crown, and a jellyfish cut has a sharp, blunt line between its top and bottom sections. The octopus sits between them, with layers that blend gradually from short to long.
The cut flatters most face shapes because the short top adds volume while the face-framing pieces soften the jaw and cheekbones. It works best on medium to thick hair. Fine hair can wear it too, as long as the layers are fewer and longer so the ends don’t look thin.
Every photo below is a real salon result, credited to the stylist who cut it. Each one was chosen to show a specific length, texture, or bang style, so you can find a version close to your own hair and save it for your next appointment.
40 Octopus Haircut Ideas to Show Your Stylist
1. Short Two-Tone Octopus Cut with Blunt Bangs
A short octopus haircut with a rounded black top, blunt bangs, and wispy blonde pieces falling at the neck. The two-tone color makes the tentacle ends stand out clearly. Ideal for straight, thick hair and anyone wanting a bold, edgy short look.
2. Long Straight Octopus Cut with Wispy Bangs
Long brunette hair with soft wispy bangs and face-framing layers that start around the cheekbones. The layers stay light and airy, so length is kept while the hair gets movement. A good starter octopus cut if you are nervous about going short.
3. Voluminous Long Octopus Cut with Curtain Bangs
Long copper-brown hair with plenty of volume at the crown, sweeping curtain bangs, and feathery ends that fall well past the shoulders. Heavy layering keeps long hair from looking flat. Style with a round brush and a little texture spray for this lifted finish.
4. Soft Korean Octopus Cut with See-Through Bangs
A soft Korean-style layered cut with airy see-through bangs and face-framing pieces that curve inward. The ends are flipped out gently for a polished, feminine finish. Perfect for fine to medium straight hair and anyone who loves a subtle K-beauty look.
5. Medium Octopus Shag with Blunt Bangs
A medium-length octopus cut with blunt bangs, choppy layers, and thin tentacle-like ends that fall to the chest. The bright green color highlights every layer. Works best on straight hair and looks great with a messy, piecey finish.
6. Classic Medium Octopus Cut with Full Bangs
A textbook octopus haircut with full bangs, a rounded top section, and separated wispy ends below the chin. The contrast between the short crown and long pieces is very clear. A great reference photo to show your stylist.
7. Long Layered Octopus Cut with Curtain Bangs
Long auburn hair with fluffy curtain bangs and layers that begin at the cheekbones and cascade down. The blowout adds bounce and soft movement. Ideal for thick, long hair that needs shape without losing length.
8. Long Straight Face-Framing Layers
Long, sleek hair with face-framing layers and brunette balayage. The layers are subtle and concentrated around the face rather than the crown. A softer alternative for anyone who wants a hint of the octopus shape with minimal commitment.
9. Wavy Copper Octopus Shag with Bangs
A wavy octopus shag with short choppy bangs, lots of crown texture, and tapered ends. Natural waves make the layers look effortless and lived-in. Scrunch in a curl cream or sea salt spray to enhance this style.
10. Bouncy Layered Cut with Brunette Balayage
A back view of long, bouncy layers with a smooth blowout and soft brunette balayage. The layers curl outward in rounded sections for lots of movement. Great inspiration for adding volume to thick, medium-to-long hair.
11. Shaggy Octopus Cut with Heavy Bangs
A dark shaggy octopus cut with heavy, blunt bangs and choppy layers throughout. The texture gives an edgy, rock-inspired feel. Best on straight or slightly wavy hair and easy to air-dry with a little texture paste.
12. Long Wavy Auburn Hair with Soft Layers
Long auburn hair styled in loose waves with light, blended layers. The look is soft and polished rather than choppy. A good choice if you want gentle movement and plan to grow into a fuller octopus cut later.
13. Octopus Shag with Curtain Bangs
A medium octopus shag with fluffy curtain bangs, crown volume, and thin, tapered ends at the back. The honey-blonde tones add dimension to each layer. Blow-dry the crown upward for extra lift.
14. Short Choppy Octopus Cut with Wispy Bangs
A short, choppy cut with wispy bangs and longer tapered pieces at the nape. It leans toward a mullet but keeps the octopus-style separation. Perfect for fine hair and anyone who loves a textured, undone look.
15. Layered Octopus Cut with Flicked Ends
A medium layered octopus cut with full bangs and ends flicked outward. Warm brown tips highlight the layered structure. Use a flat iron or round brush to flip the ends for this retro-inspired finish.
16. Medium Octopus Cut with Rounded Bangs
Dark hair with rounded full bangs, a shaped crown, and flipped layers below the chin. The face-framing pieces soften the overall shape. A flattering option for oval and heart-shaped faces.
17. Soft Medium Octopus Cut with Wispy Bangs
Shoulder-length dirty blonde hair with wispy bangs and soft face-framing layers. The layering is gentle, giving a natural, low-maintenance look. Great for anyone wanting a subtle, everyday version of the octopus cut.
18. Layered Copper Octopus Cut with Bangs
A copper octopus cut with a rounded top, choppy bangs, and feathered layers flowing past the shoulders. It is one of the clearest examples of the style's short-to-long shape. Keep it glossy with a light shine serum.
19. Long Wavy Octopus Cut with Bangs
Long red hair with textured bangs, crown volume, and wavy layers ending in wispy pieces. The waves add softness and movement to the layered shape. Ideal for thick, naturally wavy hair.
20. Medium Octopus Cut with Curtain Bangs
Dark medium-length hair with curtain bangs and flipped face-framing layers that curve around the jaw. The shape is clean and easy to style daily. A flattering choice for round faces because the layers add definition.
21. Curly Octopus Shag with Wispy Bangs
A curly octopus shag with wispy bangs and long, stringy tentacle ends that fall past the chest. Natural curls give it a relaxed, effortless feel. Refresh with water and curl cream instead of brushing.
22. Long Straight Octopus Cut with Blunt Bangs
Sleek black hair with blunt bangs, short crown layers, and long straight ends. The layers are clearly visible without any curling. Perfect for thick, straight hair and a dramatic, bold style.
23. Long Layered Cut with Curtain Bangs
Long brunette hair with caramel highlights, curtain bangs, and bouncy layers styled with a blowout. The face-framing layers open up the face nicely. A soft, glamorous take on long layered hair.
24. Octopus Cut with Micro Bangs
Brunette hair with short, choppy micro bangs, a shorter crown, and long wispy layers. The contrast between the short bangs and long ends gives a modern, artsy look. Best on straight to slightly wavy hair.
25. Feathered Long Octopus Cut with Bangs
Long light-brown hair with full bangs and feathered layers that flow outward. The layers create lots of volume and movement around the face. Use a round brush during blow-drying to recreate this bouncy finish.
26. Shoulder-Length Cut with Full Bangs
Shoulder-length brunette hair with full bangs and light layering at the ends. It is a simple, low-maintenance style. A good base cut if you want to add more octopus layering later.
27. Long Wavy Octopus Cut with Curtain Bangs
Long wavy brown hair with curtain bangs and soft layers throughout. Natural waves add texture and make the layers look relaxed. Ideal for wavy hair types who want low-effort styling.
28. Short Curly Octopus Cut with Curly Bangs
A shoulder-length curly octopus cut with bouncy curly bangs and defined ringlets. The layers let each curl sit freely and add shape. Use a leave-in conditioner and diffuser to keep curls defined.
29. Long Octopus Cut with Swooping Curtain Bangs
Long dark hair with swooping curtain bangs and flipped, feathered layers. The layers frame the face and add big volume at the sides. Best suited for thick hair that holds a blowout well.
30. Feathered Octopus Cut with Curtain Bangs
Dark brown hair with curtain bangs, a feathered crown, and layered ends flicked outward. The layers add shape around the cheekbones and jaw. Style with a round brush for this soft, voluminous finish.
31. Layered Brunette Cut with Wispy Bangs
Medium-long brunette hair with wispy bangs and feathered, voluminous layers. The layering adds bounce and movement throughout. A good option for thick hair that needs lightening up.
32. Layered Octopus Cut with Curtain Bangs
Light brown hair with long curtain bangs, a rounded top section, and thin, choppy ends. It shows the classic octopus shape in a soft, wearable way. Perfect for fine to medium straight hair.
33. Medium Wavy Octopus Shag with Bangs
A medium wavy shag with wispy bangs and textured layers around the face and shoulders. The waves keep the look casual and natural. Easy to air-dry with a light mousse.
34. Wavy Octopus Shag Side View
A side view showing a short, wavy crown, blunt bangs, and long tapered layers at the back. It clearly displays the octopus structure from crown to ends. Great reference for your stylist when asking for this cut.
35. Long Curly Octopus Shag
Long red curly hair with curly bangs and layered volume at the crown. Long curly strands fall into the tentacle-like ends that define the style. Diffuse on low heat and avoid brushing to keep curls intact.
36. Retro Feathered Layers with Curtain Bangs
Golden blonde hair with long curtain bangs and 70s-inspired feathered layers flipped away from the face. The look is voluminous and glamorous. A bold alternative for anyone who loves retro styling.
37. Curly Octopus Cut with Bangs
Dark curly hair with textured bangs, a voluminous crown, and long curly layers. The shape keeps curls balanced instead of bulky. Use a curl cream and scrunch to define each layer.
38. Medium Wavy Octopus Cut with Curtain Bangs
Chestnut brown hair with curtain bangs and piecey, wavy layers ending around the shoulders. The layers add texture and a fresh, lived-in feel. Use a curling wand on random sections for this undone wave.
39. Choppy Copper Octopus Shag
A side view of a copper octopus shag with choppy bangs, a short textured crown, and long wispy ends. The layered structure is easy to see from this angle. Style with texture spray for a piecey, edgy finish.
40. Shaggy Copper Octopus Cut with Bangs
Bright copper hair with wispy bangs, a textured top, and long, wispy layers falling past the shoulders. The shaggy shape gives a fun, relaxed personality. Works well on straight to slightly wavy hair.