The Octopus Haircut: A Modern Twist on the Shag

When Jennifer Aniston’s character on Friends introduced us to the famous “Rachel” haircut, it quickly became an iconic style of the ’90s. Now, The Rachel is back with a modern twist, known as the octopus haircut.

Dubbed for its abundance of choppy layers reminiscent of octopus tentacles, this hairstyle blends elements of the shag and the mullet. “It’s a more modern take on the shag, with shorter layers throughout the front and concave, short to long layers throughout the back,” explains hairstylist and colorist Jarrod Shinn.

Described as edgy, shaggy, and effortlessly cool, the octopus cut features bangs, either curtain style or cheek-grazing, to complete the look.

Best Candidates for This Look Ideal Hair Types According to hair artist Gina Rivera, the octopus cut can be customized to flatter most face shapes and offers plenty of styling versatility. While it works well for various hair types, those with naturally smooth or slightly wavy hair may find it easier to achieve. Curly hair can also rock this look, but it may require more styling effort.

Ideal Hair Length Rivera notes that longer hair is easier to style, but shorter lengths can also pull off the octopus cut with finesse. Styling techniques remain similar, with adjustments made for the crown volume.

How to Ask for the Octopus Haircut To achieve the octopus cut, Rivera suggests emphasizing volume at the crown and discussing styling techniques tailored to your hair type with your stylist. Visual inspiration is key, so bring photos to your appointment to communicate your desired bang length and overall look.

Your stylist will connect shorter fringe layers with face-framing layers and determine the length based on your preferences. Shinn recommends incorporating shaggier face-framing pieces, longer round layers, and shorter layers in the back for dimension. Textured ends add to the overall piecey effect.

How to Style the Octopus Haircut Styling the octopus haircut is both effortless and versatile, offering options for air-drying or using heat tools depending on your preference.

Without Heat For an edgy, effortless vibe, air-drying is ideal. Follow these steps:

Allow hair to air dry about 90 percent post-wash. Apply a leave-in product to smooth frizz and enhance natural texture. Scrunch the hair at the root as it air dries to add volume. Texturize the mid-shaft ends for dimension. With Heat For a polished finish, add volume to the crown with mousse and a blow dryer:

Air dry hair about 40 to 50 percent. Apply a quarter-sized amount of mousse to the palms and distribute evenly through the crown. Using a round brush, dry small sections of hair at the crown, lifting and rotating the brush to add volume. Apply lightweight gel from mid-shaft to ends, using fingers to diffuse and maintain wispy ends. Finish by spraying fingertips with hairspray and twisting the ends for added texture.