Hair stylist Jarrod Shinn explained to Real Simple that the octopus hairstyle is a "more modern take on the shag, with shorter layers throughout the front and concave, short to long layers throughout the back." The look, which resembles the wispy tentacles of an octopus (and its voluminous top portion), is generally completed with bangs, for which the length is customizable. You can choose to keep your bangs framing your jawline, cheeks, or go really short too.
We all know how growing out your hair to the long length you've always wanted can be a labor of love, and one of the downsides to visiting a stylist and opting for a completely different look is having to compromise on that length. But with the octopus cut, there's no need to worry about that. You can keep your length and still go for a style that's going to turn heads.
The cut is perfect for most hair types, although according to London-based stylist April Christina Taylor (via Latest Hairstyles), people with straight to wavy hair can particularly benefit from this style that adds "lots of layers, texture and wispy ends, but no blunt lines." If you've got thick hair and want to thin down its appearance, especially at the bottom, this haircut is perfect for you too. So you've chosen the octopus cut. What next?
