Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga Don’t Actually Have a Jellyfish Haircut — an Expert Explains the Actual Style

Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga Embrace a Unique Haircut Style – Unveiling the Hime Cut

Celebrity powerhouses Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga turned heads at the 2025 Grammys with their stunning new hairstyles. Sporting sleek, long hair parted down the middle, both artists showcased bangs and short side pieces cut to chin length. While Gaga opted for jet black locks, Cyrus showcased light brown hair with blonde highlights. Their striking resemblance sparked a viral social media frenzy, with many dubbing the style as the “jellyfish haircut.”

Contrary to popular belief, their haircut is not the jellyfish cut but rather the “hime haircut,” a style dating back to ancient Japan. Even Billie Eilish sported a variation of this style at the Grammys, with her black hair tied back in a ponytail and featuring choppy face-framing side pieces. The jellyfish cut involves a significantly shorter layer cut all around the head, while the hime cut focuses on trimming only the front pieces.

Cher, a fashion icon, popularised the hime haircut in the 1960s, flaunting long, straight black hair with blunt bangs and choppy side pieces. This style resurfaced in the early 2020s, gaining traction on platforms like TikTok. According to Japanese hairstylist Taka Tokuyama, the hime cut originated during the Heian period (794-1185) when noblewomen would grow their hair long and maintain specific trims as part of ritualistic practices. Hime translates to princess, reflecting its association with noblewomen.

The hime cut has evolved over the years, with its current resurgence attributed to K-pop idols like Lisa from Blackpink and various fashion subcultures embracing the look. Tokuyama emphasises the style’s versatility, noting its compatibility with both straight and curly hair textures. Despite its deep cultural roots in Japan, the hime cut has transcended geographical boundaries, evolving into a global fashion statement appreciated by diverse individuals.

Celebrity hairstylist Taka Tokuyama clarified the distinction between the hime cut and the jellyfish cut, highlighting the former’s blunt and face-framing characteristics. While the jellyfish cut offers a modern layered twist to the traditional hime style, both variations exude sophistication and elegance. Tokuyama encourages individuals to embrace this timeless haircut, emphasising the importance of understanding its cultural significance rather than viewing it as a fleeting trend.

In a rapidly changing fashion landscape influenced by diverse trends, the hime cut stands out as a symbol of cultural appreciation and self-expression. Tokuyama underscores the haircut’s evolution beyond its noble origins, underscoring its global appeal and acceptance by various subcultures. As the hime cut continues its upward trajectory in popularity, it serves as a testament to the enduring allure of traditional styles reimagined for contemporary fashion contexts.