The ‘Jellyfish Haircut’ Frenzy: Unpacking the Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga Hair Trend That’s Left Everyone Stumped In the ever-changing world of celebrity hairstyles, sometimes a look can be so iconic, so daring, and so downright perplexing that it leaves us all scratching our heads. Such is the case with the enigmatic ‘jellyfish haircut’ that has been linked to none other than pop stars Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga. The term has been tossed around in the media, with fans and fashion enthusiasts alike trying to decipher what exactly this mystifying hairstyle entails. But, is the ‘jellyfish haircut’ really a thing, or has the media gotten it all wrong? Let’s dive into the truth behind this viral haircut and get to the bottom of the matter with experts who are ready to shed some light on this style that has left everyone stumped.
The Rise of the Hime Cut
When Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and Billie Eilish stepped out for the 2025 Grammys, they all had striking new hairstyles. These artists wore their long hair straight with a middle part, and all of them had bangs. They also had short side pieces that were cut right around chin length. Though Gaga’s hair was jet black and Cyrus’ was light brown with blonde highlights, their cuts were very similar. This new style made waves on social media with many people highlighting the style as a “jellyfish haircut.” However, they were actually rocking the “hime haircut,” which is a similar style to a jellyfish cut. The jellyfish cut also sees a drastically shorter layer, but it is cut all the way around the head, while the hime cut only has the front pieces cut. With the jellyfish style, the top layer is typically curled under with the bottom layer flipped out to mimic the look of a jellyfish. A hime cut is traditionally worn straight and blunt.
The Grammys Debut: Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and Billie Eilish’s similar hairstyles
At the 2025 Grammys, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, and Billie Eilish all had a similar hairstyle that quickly made waves on social media. This new style was referred to as the “jellyfish haircut,” but it was actually a variation of the hime cut. The hime cut is a traditional Japanese hairstyle that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). Noblewomen would grow their hair out and maintain specific, ritualistic trims during this time. The hime cut is derived from the hairstyle of noblewomen, and it is traditionally worn straight and blunt.
Defining the Hime Cut: Experts explain the traditional Japanese style
Taka Tokuyama, owner of the Tokuyama Salon in New York, explains that the hime cut is derived from the hairstyle of noblewomen in the Heian period. “Hime translates to princess, which is why this haircut is derived from that of noblewomen. One of these traditional cuts was the amasogi, a straight cut at shoulder length, and the binsogi, where side locks were trimmed around the age of 20 in a coming-of-age ceremony,” he says.
History of the Hime Cut
The hime cut has a rich history that dates back to the Heian period. During this time, noblewomen would grow their hair out and maintain specific, ritualistic trims. The hime cut was derived from these traditional cuts and is associated with aristocracy. Over time, the style became popularized through J-pop idols, anime characters, and Harajuku street fashion.
Origins in the Heian Period: Noblewomen’s ritualistic trims and the amasogi and binsogi styles
The hime cut dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), when noblewomen would grow their hair out and maintain specific, ritualistic trims. One of these traditional cuts was the amasogi, a straight cut at shoulder length, and the binsogi, where side locks were trimmed around the age of 20 in a coming-of-age ceremony. Over time, the style became associated with aristocracy, and in modern times, it’s been popularized through J-pop idols, anime characters, and Harajuku street fashion.
Popularization through J-Pop, Anime, and Harajuku Street Fashion
The hime cut has been popularized through J-pop idols, anime characters, and Harajuku street fashion. This style is associated with Japanese culture and is often seen on Japanese idols and in anime. The hime cut is a traditional Japanese hairstyle that has been worn by Japanese aristocracy for centuries. In modern times, it has been adapted and popularized through Japanese pop culture.
Distinguishing the Hime Cut from the Jellyfish Cut
The hime cut and the jellyfish cut are similar styles, but there are key differences between the two. Hairstylists highlight the key differences between these two styles, and the jellyfish cut has unique characteristics that set it apart from the hime cut.
Blunt, Face-Framing vs. Layered, Modern Take: Hairstylists highlight the key differences
Hairstylists highlight the key differences between the hime cut and the jellyfish cut. The hime cut is a traditional Japanese hairstyle that is worn straight and blunt, while the jellyfish cut is a modern, layered take on the hime cut. The jellyfish cut consists of a blunt, short bob or bowl-cut top layer, with long, flowing layers underneath, resembling the shape of a jellyfish. This style offers more movement and softness compared to the structured hime cut, making it feel more contemporary and versatile.
The Jellyfish Cut’s Unique Characteristics: A modern, contemporary style
The jellyfish cut is a modern, contemporary style that is a layered take on the hime cut. It consists of a blunt, short bob or bowl-cut top layer, with long, flowing layers underneath, resembling the shape of a jellyfish. This style offers more movement and softness compared to the structured hime cut, making it feel more contemporary and versatile. The jellyfish cut became a popular hairstyle in the 2000s, especially in street fashion and in the unique Harajuku scene.
The Hime Cut’s Enduring Appeal
The hime cut has enduring appeal for several reasons. It is a versatile hairstyle that works well on straight, mid-to-thick hair. The hime cut is also associated with K-pop and alternative aesthetics, which has contributed to its rise in popularity.
Versatility and Softness: Why the hime cut works on straight, mid-to-thick hair
The hime cut is a versatile hairstyle that works well on straight, mid-to-thick hair. It is traditionally worn straight and blunt, but it can also be adapted to suit different hair textures and styles. The hime cut is a timeless hairstyle that has been worn by Japanese aristocracy for centuries, and it continues to be a popular choice for those who want a classic, elegant hairstyle.
K-Pop, Alternative Aesthetics, and the Mainstream: The hime cut’s current rise to fame
The hime cut is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks to K-pop and alternative aesthetics. K-pop idols like Lisa from Blackpink have been seen rocking the hime cut, and alternative aesthetics like goth, cyberpunk, and anime have contributed to the style’s popularity. The hime cut is a versatile hairstyle that can be adapted to suit different hair textures and styles, making it a popular choice for those who want a classic, elegant hairstyle with a modern twist.
Practical Tips and Inspiration
The hime cut is a versatile hairstyle that can be adapted to suit different hair textures and styles. It is a classic, elegant hairstyle that has been worn by Japanese aristocracy for centuries. Here are some practical tips and inspiration for those who are considering the hime cut:
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Finding Strength in Bald Beauty: Melissa Etheridge’s iconic 2005 Grammys look
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Conclusion
So, there you have it. The internet’s collective obsession with the “jellyfish haircut,” while undeniably catchy, seems to have been a case of mistaken identity. What we perceived as a new wave of aquatic-inspired cuts, championed by the likes of Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga, is actually a classic style with a contemporary twist. Experts explain that the similarity to jellyfish lies in the shape and texture, achieved through careful layering and styling techniques, rather than any literal aquatic inspiration. Understanding the real story behind this trend highlights the power of visual perception and the ever-evolving nature of fashion.
This seemingly simple phenomenon raises deeper questions about how trends evolve and spread in the digital age. Fueled by social media, viral images, and a thirst for the new, trends can morph and mutate rapidly, often losing their original context. While the “jellyfish haircut” may not be a revolutionary new style, its fleeting popularity serves as a reminder of the fluidity and often capricious nature of trends. It prompts us to critically engage with the information we consume, separating genuine innovation from fleeting fads, and ultimately recognizing the artistry and individuality behind every hairstyle.
Perhaps the most important takeaway is that true style transcends fleeting trends. It’s about personal expression, confidence, and individuality. Whether you’re rocking a classic bob or experimenting with a bold new cut, remember that the most important accessory is your own unique spark.