All The Ways to Style Your Trendy Butterfly Haircut

Layered haircuts are having a moment right now, from ‘70s shags to ‘90s blowouts.

What is a Butterfly Haircut?

The butterfly haircut is a new take that’s buzzing on social media. Unlike standard layered cuts, the butterfly haircut features soft, cascading layers that add volume and movement, resembling butterfly wings. It's versatile and works with any hair type or length.

A butterfly haircut blends short and long layers to create dimension, movement, and volume in your hair. The shorter, airy layers frame your face around the chin, enhancing your features and even slimming down a round face. The longer layers cascade below the shoulders, maintaining the illusion of long hair. This mix of layers gives you the fullness of a shorter style without losing length. It also helps to shed excess weight and remove damaged ends, leaving you with a bouncy, voluminous look that holds its shape beautifully.

Here’s your guide to the butterfly haircut and how to style it.

Types of Butterfly Haircuts

Think the butterfly haircut is just for long hair? Think again. This trendy style can be adapted to suit all hair types, textures, and lengths with the right adjustments. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, the butterfly haircut can give you that coveted volume and movement. With tailored layering techniques, anyone can rock this versatile and flattering look.

1. Short Butterfly Haircut

Image: @johanaglam_

If your short hair lacks volume, a butterfly haircut can create the illusion of fullness. For added texture, consider incorporating choppy bangs for a shaggy, layered look.

2. Mid-Length Butterfly Haircut

Image: @hair.by.gabby.g

For those who prefer low-maintenance styling, a mid-length butterfly haircut offers longer, face-framing layers. This style is perfect for easy air-drying and simple upkeep.

3. Butterfly Haircut with Side Bangs

Image: @ziquesalonspa

We know Gen Z has cancelled the side part, but if you still love a good side part - here’s something for you. The butterfly cut doesn’t require a middle part. If you like side-swept bangs, let your stylist know. Side-swept bangs can soften angular face shapes and blend beautifully with the fluffy butterfly layers.

4. Curly Butterfly Haircut

Butterfly layers aren’t just for straight hair. With the right approach, this cut works for any hair texture. For curly hair, a long butterfly haircut can make your mane more manageable while adding shape. Ask your stylist for long, internal layers to remove weight while keeping your curls looking uniform in length.

Ways to Style Your Cut

A butterfly haircut offers several styling options, depending on your desired look. While some styles may require heat tools for those voluminous, sweeping layers, there are also plenty of heatless methods to achieve a chic finish. Here are three different ways to style your butterfly layers.

• Blowout for Volume

To achieve a sleek and polished look, start by applying a heat protectant to your damp hair. Then, use a round brush and blow-dryer to dry your hair in sections. Lift each section at the roots to create volume, and for added texture, flick the ends of your hair outwards with the brush as you dry. To enhance the volume further, apply a volumizing mousse before blow-drying, ensuring each section gets the lift and body needed for those sweeping, voluminous layers

• Curling Iron

To style your butterfly haircut with a curling iron, start by applying a heat protectant to your dry hair and section it into manageable pieces. Use a medium-sized curling iron to wrap small sections of hair around the barrel, holding each for a few seconds before releasing. Alternate the direction of the curls for a more natural look. Once all sections are curled, gently run your fingers through your hair to loosen the curls and create a soft, tousled effect. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the curls in place without weighing them down.

• Leave-in Curl Enhancer

Lucky for our curly haired girls - they can go heat free! You can boost your curls with a leave-in curl activator. Apply the product to your damp hair, gently scrunching to define the curls. Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat setting to preserve the curl shape, giving you a beautiful, bouncy finish.

The butterfly haircut is a versatile choice that can give you a fresh and stylish look. Whether you go for a smooth, polished finish or a more textured, airy style, the butterfly cut offers plenty of options. With the right styling tips and a bit of creativity, you can easily achieve a stunning look that stands out. Ready for a change? Try the butterfly haircut and enjoy the compliments that come your way!