In the ever-changing world of hairstyling, some cuts endure while others make a timely return—like the Butterfly Haircut. This layered, textured look has captured the attention of the fashion world, turning heads on red carpets and street style alike. From its origins in the 70s to its resurgence on the heads of celebrities like Dua Lipa and Lily Collins, the Butterfly Haircut has come to symbolize a celebration of movement, volume, and individuality. For those looking to add dimension and edge to their styles, it’s often paired with fades such as the French Crop Haircut or a Taper Fade, creating a striking contrast between bold and soft lines. Whether you're going for a retro vibe or something more contemporary, the Butterfly Haircut can seamlessly blend with other trends, like the Drop Fade or Burst Fade, for a modern take on timeless looks. It’s the perfect balance between glamour and ease, allowing those who wear it to express their unique personalities while maintaining an effortlessly chic appearance.
What is a Butterfly Cut?
Butterfly Cut with Curtain Bangs
Butterfly Cut on Straight Hair
Butterfly Cut for Long Hair
Butterfly Cut for Curly Hair
Butterfly Cut for Short Hair
Butterfly Layers Cut
Butterfly Cut for Wavy Hair
Butterfly Cut for Thin Hair
DIY Butterfly Cut
FAQ
What is a Butterfly Cut?
The butterfly cut is a trendy, layered cut that creates a voluminous, airy effect. It features short layers around the face that frame it like wings, gradually blending into longer layers at the back. This style enhances texture and movement, offering a youthful, bouncy look without sacrificing length. It’s designed to remove weight from the hair, adding natural volume and a soft, feathered appearance. Perfect for various hair types and lengths, the butterfly cut is effortlessly chic and can be customized to suit different face shapes and personal preferences.
Butterfly cut with Curtain Bangs
Pairing a butterfly haircut with curtain bangs is a chic way to modernize the look. Curtain bangs are long, side-swept bangs that softly frame the face, blending seamlessly with the layers of the butterfly cut. This combination adds a touch of sophistication while maintaining a relaxed, bohemian vibe. Curtain bangs are especially flattering for oval or heart-shaped faces, softening angular features and giving an effortless yet polished look. This style is easy to maintain, and whether you wear it sleek or messy, it always looks fresh and on-trend.
Butterfly cut on Straight Hair
For those with straight hair, the butterfly haircut is a fantastic way to add volume and movement. The sharp, defined layers enhance the cut’s shape, creating a modern, airy effect. Straight hair naturally complements the clean lines of the cut, making it easier to achieve the voluminous, sleek look with minimal effort. To enhance the look, a blowout or curling iron can add extra body and texture, or you can leave it air-dried for a more casual, tousled finish. Either way, this cut works wonders for creating a chic, sophisticated appearance.
Unstyled Butterfly cut
One of the best features of the butterfly haircut is its low-maintenance appeal. Styled or not, it looks great. If you're someone who prefers effortless beauty, wearing the butterfly haircut unstyled is a perfect choice. Letting your natural texture shine through can showcase the layers’ soft volume without the need for heated styling tools. Simply air-dry your hair and let the layers fall naturally, embracing a fresh, lived-in look. It’s a great option for busy mornings or when you just want a break from styling while still looking put-together.
Butterfly cut for Long Hair
Long hair and the butterfly cut create a striking combination, balancing length with volume. The layers help reduce excess weight, giving the hair more bounce and body. Long butterfly layers allow for movement while maintaining a sleek, elongated appearance. This cut is ideal for those who want a fresh update without sacrificing length. Whether you prefer sleek and polished or messy and textured, the butterfly haircut adds a youthful vibe to long locks, making it a popular choice for those looking to refresh their long hair with minimal maintenance.
Butterfly cut for Curly Hair
Curly hair works beautifully with the butterfly cut, despite initial reservations that it might only suit straight hair. The key to making it work for curls is opting for internal layers that help reduce weight while keeping the natural curl pattern intact. This approach allows curly hair to maintain its volume and bounce without becoming too bulky or unmanageable. The butterfly cut for curls adds shape and definition, making it easier to style and maintain, whether you prefer heat styling or embracing your natural texture.
Butterfly cut for Short Hair
Short hair can benefit from the butterfly cut by adding texture and volume. For those with shorter lengths, the layered cut can create the illusion of fuller hair. The shorter face-framing layers help to add softness around the face, while the longer back layers provide balance. If you’re looking for a way to refresh a bob or pixie cut, the butterfly haircut is an excellent option. It works especially well with choppy bangs or shaggy ends, giving your short hair a modern, playful twist that’s easy to style and maintain.
Butterfly Layers cut
The butterfly layers cut is all about the art of layering. With shorter layers around the face and longer layers at the back, the cut creates a dynamic, voluminous shape. These layers work together to give the hair a lighter, more textured appearance, allowing for natural movement. What’s great about the butterfly layers haircut is its adaptability—whether you have fine, thick, curly, or straight hair, the layers can be customized to suit your unique texture and face shape. It’s a timeless yet modern cut that works for anyone seeking volume and movement without a lot of fuss.
Butterfly cut for Wavy Hair
Wavy hair pairs effortlessly with the butterfly haircut, as the layers enhance natural waves and create a soft, flowing shape. The cut’s shorter, face-framing layers add definition and volume, while the longer sections help the waves cascade smoothly down. For wavy hair, the butterfly cut offers versatility, as it can be worn air-dried for a relaxed, beachy vibe or styled with a curling wand for added definition. The result is an airy, voluminous look that emphasizes the hair’s natural movement, making it a great option for those who prefer low-maintenance, lived-in styling.
Butterfly cut for Thin Hair
The butterfly cut is ideal for those with thin hair, as it adds body and creates the illusion of fullness. The strategically placed layers, particularly the shorter ones near the face, help frame features and make hair appear thicker. This cut reduces any heaviness that might weigh hair down, giving it a bouncier, more voluminous look. For those with fine hair, adding subtle waves with a curling iron can further enhance the shape, giving the style a lift without extensive styling. The butterfly cut provides an easy-to-maintain option that boosts volume and dimension.
DIY Butterfly cut
1
Prepare Your Tools and Hair
Start with clean, slightly damp hair and use sharp hair-cutting scissors for precision. Gather hair ties, a comb, and sectioning clips.
2
Section the Hair
Part your hair down the middle, creating two equal sections on each side. Clip one side to keep it secure.
3
Create Face-Framing Layers
Take a small section from the front of one side and decide where you want the shortest layer to start (usually around the cheekbone or chin). Hold the section between your fingers, angle your scissors slightly, and cut downward in small snips to keep it gradual. Repeat on the other side.
4
Add Layers to the Length
For the longer, cascading layers, gather the hair into a high ponytail positioned near the top of your head, as this allows for a gradual layered effect. Trim the ends of the ponytail to create subtle layers when the hair is let down.
5
Blend and Adjust
Once you've released the ponytail, check the layers and blend any sharp edges by point-cutting, which involves snipping into the ends at a slight angle to soften the look.
6
Finishing Touches
Dry and style your hair to assess the layering. You may need to make minor adjustments to ensure symmetry and flow. Texturizing shears can help thin out heavy areas if needed.
FAQ
How to Style a Butterfly Cut?
To style a butterfly haircut, start by applying a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray to damp hair to enhance the layers. Blow-dry with a round brush, focusing on lifting the roots for volume and curling the ends slightly to define the feathered layers. For added texture, use a large-barrel curling iron on the longer layers, creating soft waves that complement the cut’s shape. Finish with a light-hold hairspray for a natural, airy look.
How to Style a Butterfly Cut Without Heat?
Styling a butterfly cut without heat can be simple. Apply a lightweight mousse or salt spray to damp hair, then scrunch it to enhance natural texture. For added lift, twist small sections into loose buns or braids while hair is damp, and let it air-dry for soft waves. Once dry, release the twists or braids, gently finger-comb, and finish with a light mist of texturizing spray. This technique brings out the layers and volume without any heat damage.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Butterfly Cut?
The cost of a butterfly cut typically ranges from $75 to $200, depending on the salon, stylist experience, and location. High-end salons in urban areas may charge more, especially if the cut involves significant layering or customization for specific hair textures. Always consult with your stylist to get an accurate estimate based on your hair type and the level of detail you want for the cut.