It’s Controversial, But Experts Think This Bob Style Is One of the Most Exciting Hair Trends of 2024

It’s Controversial, But Experts Think This Bob Style Is One of the Most Exciting Hair Trends of 2024

Keeping an eye on emerging trends is one of my favourite things to do as a beauty editor—especially when they move so fast. And while last year was all about nails, 2024 has undoubtedly been the year that we all got obsessed with hair again. Of course, the bob has definitely reigned supreme, but the streets have been awash with incredible micro trends and cool colours to inspire our many trips to the salon this year. And autumn is already delivering the goods too. Here in London, cowgirl cuts and curtain bangs are the order of the day, while glossy chocolate cherry hair and “old money” bobs are set to take off for winter—proving that expensive-looking hair isn’t going anywhere just yet.

However, if you’re a little tired of the classic bob, but aren’t entirely sure about a basic long, layered cut, then this lesser-known haircut might be right up your street. Enter: the jellyfish bob haircut.

An evolution of this year’s obsession with more textured, nostalgic hairstyles—think the bouncy kitty cut and the choppy ‘70s-inspired shag—the jellyfish bob is a more high contrast approach to playing with length and learning. And experts are obsessed with it. Intrigued? Keep scrolling as we break down exactly what a jellyfish haircut is and how you can embrace the trend at your next salon appointment—if you’re feeling brave enough.

What is the Jellyfish Bob Haircut?

Jellyfish haircut

“The jellyfish bob haircut is a daring, structured style that combines a sleek, short bob on top with longer layers underneath, creating a dramatic contrast that’s reminiscent of the shape of a jellyfish,” explains hair stylist Edward James, Founder of Edward James Salons and The Hair Consult. “It’s a very high-fashion cut that plays with sharp lines and bold shapes, but there are ways to make it more wearable with subtle adjustments.”

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Personally, while I love how playful and dramatic the jellyfish bob looks on other people, I’m not sure how brave I’d be to ask for the haircut in salon. James suggests that a few tweaks can make it feel like less editorial and more everyday.

Jellyfish haircut showing bob layer and longer layers beneath on copper brunette hair

“Opting for face-framing layers or curtain bangs instead of the dramatic blunt bangs gives the style more versatility without the need for frequent maintenance,” he suggests. Plus, asking your stylist for more blending and softer layers between the bob and the longer lengths can give it a more relaxed feel.

Jellyfish Haircut Inspiration:

There’s no denying that the jellyfish haircut can feel like a bold choice at first, but a quick scroll through Instagram actually reveals that celebrities have been embracing this unusual trend for a while now. “Kerry Washington rocked a stunning version of this style, while Maisie Williams wore shorter bold version, Hoyeon Jung has tried slightly more textured version with longer bangs, and Úrsula Corberó embraced a slightly ’70s version of the cut, with more texture in the fringe,” explains James.