Animal-Inspired Hairstyles Are In—Here Are a Few to Look Out For 

09/07/2022

With a saturation of new hair trends all over platforms like Instagram and TikTok, it almost feels impossible to keep up with all of the new styles these days. However, one phenomenon that has been pretty hard to miss is the recent influx of hairstyles that take inspiration from animals. This naming trend serves as a fun and catchy way to keep up with the dozens of new looks surfacing on the Internet. Although it’s not necessary to know each and every animal-inspired hairstyle, there is certainly a look for everyone. 

While they may sound as though they belong in a zoo, these animal-inspired hair-dos  are some of the hottest hair trends of the year. From jellyfish cuts to skunk stripe hair, here are six popular hairstyles to have on your radar.

Wolf Cut

Arguably one of the biggest haircuts of the current moment, the wolf cut is pretty hard to escape right now. If you are looking for something a little edgier than your normal trim, but feel apprehensive about an overly alternative style, this look could be for you. Meshing the shag and mullet, the wolf cut allows for volume without necessarily sacrificing length. It also suits nearly all hair types.

Jellyfish Haircut 

Compared to the other animal- inspired styles, the jellyfish haircut is definitely on the bolder side. This rebellious style consists of a blunt bob in the front and around the side of the head, with longer locks in the back and underneath. The shape resembles a jellyfish, with an umbrella shaped body and long tentacles.

The jellyfish haircut becomes even cooler with a fun dyed color. Whether it’s a contrasting dip dye or rainbow highlights, this creative chop is naturally well complemented by creative color.  It can also be styled in numerous fun ways. One viral style is braiding the longer strands of hair to truly achieve that tentacle look. 

The Butterfly Haircut 

If Matilda Djerf is your favorite influencer, you will certainly find the butterfly haircut familiar. Meshing popular styles from the ‘70s and ‘90s, this look creates maximum volume through extreme layering. It’s a modern take on Jennifer Aniston’s popular Friends-era hair. This dramatic and feminine style is characterized by short layers on top of long layers. 

When it comes to styling the butterfly cut, in order to maximize the dramatic effect, you can blow it out and use rollers or volume spray. However, this cut doesn’t require too much effort in order to look good. Even just air drying will give you a subtly voluminous everyday style. 

Skunk Stripe Hair 

Taking inspiration from its animal namesake’s  contrasting fur shades, skunk stripe hair can be interpreted in many different ways. The look is certainly a modern spin on Christina Aguielra and Avril Levigne’s early 2000s locks. The style usually presents as dark hair with streaks of white-blonde. The streaks can be in the front, on top of your head, underneath, or anywhere else you feel like including a dramatic and playful pop. Blonde is not the limit for this style as well, as it also looks good with vibrants colors.

Octopus Haircut 

If you’re looking for a fun new look but do not have the time to commit to styling it each morning, the octopus haircut may be for you. This style is characterized by long choppy layers that resemble an octopus’ tentacles, hence the name. The best part of this style is that it looks the best air dried, making cool hair extremely low maintenance. 

The octopus haircut is certainly a close cousin to the shag. However, what makes it special is the emphasis on longer layers underneath the shorter layers that lay more in the front. The octopus haircut also includes bangs of course, ensuring it to be an effortlessly cool, it-girl look. 

Manta Ray Layers

If you find all of these styles a little too daunting, yet you’re still craving some sort of a hair change, the manta ray haircut could be your answer. Perfect for someone hoping to maintain long hair, this style includes face-framing pieces and subtle all around layering. Unlike many of the other animal inspired styles, the manta ray haircut steers clear of bangs, edgy layers, or dramatic color. 

Who would have thought animals could offer so much inspiration in the hair industry. Next time you find yourself in a salon chair, consider taking inspiration from National Geographic rather than limiting yourself to Pinterest.

Which animal-inspired hairstyle is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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Manon Bushong

Manon Bushong is currently an Editorial Intern at The Tease. Manon adores liquid eyeshadows, thrifting, and spontaneously changing her hair color. Manon loves experimenting with semi-permanent hair color, and her favorite brands for them are Overtone and Loreal Colorista.

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