Introduction

Have you seen the latest hair trend taking over social media? The butterfly haircut is a stunning, 90s-inspired layered cut that gives your hair incredible volume and movement. If you want a fresh look without losing your precious length, this chic and versatile style might be perfect for you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this beautiful haircut, from what it is to how you can achieve and style it to match your personal style.

Understanding the Butterfly Cut Technique

The butterfly haircut gets its name from its shape, which resembles the graceful wings of a butterfly. This layered cut is specifically designed to create significant volume and body. It features a unique two-tiered structure with both short, feathery layers and longer layers that fall below the shoulders.

This clever combination gives you the bounce of a shorter style while keeping your hair long. Below, we’ll explore what sets this cut apart and the different ways you can wear it.

What Makes the Butterfly Cut Unique Compared to Other Layered Styles?

What truly sets the butterfly haircut apart from a standard layered style is its distinct two-section structure. A traditional layered cut usually involves blending layers gradually throughout the hair. The butterfly cut, however, creates two defined sections: short layers on top and long layers underneath.

The shorter layers are cut to frame the face, adding lift and volume right where you want it. This creates an illusion of shorter hair from the front, giving you a fresh look. Meanwhile, the longer layers flow down your back, preserving your hair’s overall length.

This “two-cuts-in-one” approach is what creates the signature butterfly wings effect. The shorter layers fan out like wings, giving your hair beautiful movement and a light, airy feel, all while removing split ends and damage without a major chop.

Popular Variations of the Butterfly Cut

One of the best things about the butterfly haircut is how easily you can customize it. While the classic version is polished and elegant, you can add your own twist. For instance, it’s often compared to the wolf cut, but they have different vibes. The wolf cut is a bolder, edgier style that blends a shag and a mullet for a rebellious look.

In contrast, the butterfly cut is softer and more refined. You can personalize it to better suit your style. Popular variations include:

  • Butterfly Cut with Bangs: Adding a fringe or curtain bangs can beautifully complement the shorter layers. Curtain bangs, in particular, blend seamlessly with the face-framing pieces, enhancing the flow of the style.
  • Sleek Butterfly Cut: For those with straight hair, this version focuses on clean, defined layers for a polished and smooth finish.
  • Wavy Butterfly Cut: This variation enhances natural waves, creating a bouncy and voluminous effect with beautifully flowing layers.

Who Should Try the Butterfly Cut?

Are you wondering if the butterfly haircut is the right choice for you? The good news is that this style is incredibly versatile and works for almost everyone. It can be tailored to flatter nearly any face shape and is a great choice for various hair types.

Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, this cut can be adapted to enhance your natural texture. Let’s look at the ideal face shapes and hair types to see how this cut can be customized for your personal style.

Ideal Face Shapes for a Butterfly Haircut

The butterfly haircut is celebrated for its ability to complement a wide range of face shapes. Your stylist can make small adjustments to the layers to perfectly frame your features. The layers can soften a strong jawline or add width to balance your proportions.

For example, longer, sweeping layers can help elongate a round face shape, while soft, face-framing layers can beautifully complement a square face. The key is how the layers are cut to highlight your best features, like your cheekbones.

Here’s a quick guide on how the butterfly haircut can be adapted for different face shapes:

Face Shape How the Butterfly Cut Complements It
Oval This versatile shape can pull off almost any variation of the butterfly haircut.
Round Longer layers will help to elongate the face and add definition.
Square Soft, feathered layers around the face can soften a strong jawline.
Heart Layers that add volume around the jawline can create a more balanced look.

Best Hair Types and Lengths for This Trendy Look

The butterfly haircut looks fantastic on many different hair types and lengths. While it’s often seen on long hair, it can be adapted for medium and even some shorter styles. The layers add volume to straight hair and enhance the natural bounce of wavy hair and curly hair.

This cut is an excellent option for thick hair because the layers remove weight, making your hair feel lighter and more manageable. For those with thinner hair, the shorter layers can create the illusion of fullness and body, especially when styled with volumizing products.

Here’s how it works with different textures:

  • Straight Hair: Shorter, thinned-out layers around the face add volume and dimension.
  • Wavy Hair: The layers define your natural waves, making them bouncier and healthier-looking.
  • Curly Hair: This cut can highlight the depth within your curls, creating gorgeous, layered ringlets.

While the butterfly cut works best on medium to long hair, it can be adapted for short hair that falls between the chin and shoulders, creating a chic faux bob.

Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started with a Butterfly Cut at Home

Feeling adventurous and considering a DIY butterfly haircut? While visiting a salon is always recommended for a precise cut, it is possible to try it at home if you’re careful. Achieving this layered look requires the right tools and a steady hand.

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, from sharp scissors to a good round brush for styling. Understanding your hair type will also help you tailor the cut to your personal style. Let’s go over the essential tools you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Materials You’ll Need

To attempt a butterfly haircut at home, gathering the right tools is the first step toward success. Using household scissors is a big no-no, as they can cause split ends and an uneven cut. It’s best to invest in proper hair-cutting shears for a clean result.

Beyond scissors, you’ll need a few other items for both the cutting and styling process. Having clips, a comb, and styling tools on hand will make the entire experience much smoother. If you want to replicate a salon-worthy blowout, a large round brush and a good hairdryer are essential.

Here are the key tools to have ready:

  • Hair-Cutting Shears: Professional-grade scissors for a precise and clean haircut.
  • Comb and Clips: For sectioning your hair accurately.
  • A Good Hairdryer and a Large Round Brush: For drying and achieving that voluminous, bouncy look.
  • Heat Tools: A curling wand or flat iron can help you add waves or a sleek finish to your new layers.

Step-by-Step Process for Achieving the Butterfly Cut

Now that you have your tools, it’s time to begin the DIY butterfly cut process. Remember to take your time and work carefully, as rushing can lead to mistakes. This step-by-step guide is designed to help you create the signature layers of this popular style on both long hair and short hair.

Keep in mind that achieving a salon-perfect look at home is challenging. Once you’re done, maintaining the style with the right products and regular trims will be key. Let’s break down the process into manageable steps.

Step 1: Sectioning and Preparing Your Hair

Proper sectioning is the foundation of a successful butterfly haircut. Start with clean, dry hair, as this allows you to see how your hair naturally falls. Your hair texture will influence how you handle this step, but the basic principle is to separate the front and back sections.

Create a clean part from the top of your head down to behind each ear. This will divide your hair into two main sections. The hair in front of your ears will become the shorter, face-framing layers, while the hair behind your ears will form the longer layers.

Use clips to secure the back section of your hair out of the way. You’ll want to focus entirely on the front of the hair first. This clean separation is crucial for creating the distinct two-tiered effect that defines the butterfly haircut.

Step 2: Cutting and Blending Layers Evenly

With your hair sectioned, you can now begin the cutting process. Start with the front section you’ve separated. Bring the hair forward and decide on the length for your shorter layers. A common technique is to gather the hair at your chin or nose level before making the first cut.

After cutting the shorter layers, unclip the back section. This will be your longer layers. Bring this hair forward over your shoulders and cut it a few inches longer than the front layers. The goal is to create a noticeable but blended difference between the two lengths.

The final part of this step is blending. You may need to use point cutting—snipping vertically into the ends—to soften the lines between the shorter and longer layers. This will create a more natural, flowing transition and avoid a blunt, blocky look.

Step 3: Checking for Symmetry and Making Final Touches

Once you’ve made your main cuts, it’s time to check for symmetry. This is one of the most important final touches. Let your hair fall naturally and look in the mirror to ensure both sides are even. Pull small sections from each side of your face forward to compare their lengths.

If you notice any unevenness, make small, careful snips to correct it. It’s always better to cut less and go back for more if needed. Take your time to ensure the layers on both sides match up and create a balanced look.

Finally, check the overall shape and flow of your locks. Do the layers fall the way you want them to? Make any minor adjustments needed to perfect the shape. This step ensures your new butterfly haircut looks polished and intentional.

Pro Tips for a Flawless DIY Butterfly Cut

Trying a butterfly cut at home can be rewarding, but it’s also tricky. To make your DIY haircut look as professional as possible, there are a few expert tips to keep in mind. From ensuring your short layers and long layers are even to avoiding common pitfalls, these pointers can make a huge difference.

While nothing replaces a stylist’s expertise, these suggestions will help you achieve a better result. You’ll also learn which mistakes to steer clear of to keep your hair looking its best.

Ensuring Both Sides Are Even

Achieving perfect symmetry is often the biggest challenge of a DIY haircut. An uneven cut can ruin the entire look of your butterfly haircut. To avoid this, it’s crucial to have a system for checking your work as you go.

A simple trick is to use a central guide. For example, use your nose or chin as a reference point when cutting the front layers. This helps ensure that the initial cut is centered. From there, you can compare the sides against each other.

Here are some more tips for evenness:

  • Use a mirror setup: Position mirrors so you can see the back and sides of your head.
  • Measure twice, cut once: Before you snip, double-check that the sections you’re holding are the same length.
  • Cut in small increments: Avoid chopping off large chunks of hair at once. Small snips are easier to control and correct.
  • Cross-check sections: Pull sections from corresponding sides together at the front or back to see if they match.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When attempting a butterfly haircut yourself, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Knowing what to watch out for can save you from a haircut disaster. The biggest error is often cutting the short layers too short right away.

Another frequent issue is creating layers that are too blunt or choppy. The butterfly cut is all about soft, blended movement, so harsh lines will disrupt the style. Uneven layers are also a common problem that can be difficult to fix without losing more length than intended.

To ensure your haircut goes smoothly, avoid these pitfalls:

  • Cutting layers too short: Always start longer than you think you want. You can always trim more off, but you can’t add hair back.
  • Using dull scissors: This will create frayed ends and an imprecise cut. Invest in proper hair shears.
  • Skipping the blending step: Forgetting to soften the edges between layers will result in a disconnected look rather than a flowing style.

Styling Ideas and Inspiration for the Butterfly Cut

One of the best parts about a butterfly haircut is the variety of hairstyles you can create. Whether you want a casual, everyday vibe or a look filled with glamour and elegance, this cut provides the perfect foundation. You can easily adapt your styling to match your mood and personal style.

From big, bouncy blowouts to soft, romantic waves, the options are endless. Let’s explore some daily styling techniques and trending looks that will help you make the most of your new layers.

Everyday Styling Techniques for Volume and Movement

To truly show off your butterfly haircut, focus on creating volume and movement. A classic blowout is one of the best ways to achieve this. Using a large round brush while drying your hair will help you lift the roots and shape the layers perfectly.

When styling, concentrate on lifting the hair at the crown and curling the ends away from your face. This technique enhances the fluttery, winged silhouette of the cut. A cool shot from your hairdryer at the end will help set the style in place.

Here are some simple daily styling tips:

  • Blow dry with a round brush: Lift at the roots and curl the ends for maximum bounce.
  • Use volumizing mousse: Apply to damp hair before drying to give your layers extra body and hold.
  • Try Velcro rollers: For even more volume, place rollers in the top sections after drying and let them set.

Trending Looks: Curtain Bangs, Waves, and More

The butterfly haircut pairs beautifully with several trending styles, allowing you to switch up your look easily. Curtain bangs are a particularly popular addition, as they blend seamlessly into the face-framing layers and enhance the soft, romantic feel of the cut.

Creating soft waves is another fantastic way to style your butterfly cut. Using a large-barrel curling wand, you can add loose waves that emphasize the movement of the layers. For those with natural curls, using a diffuser can help define your ringlets and showcase the cut’s dimension.

Consider these trending looks:

  • Butterfly Cut with Curtain Bangs: A perfect pairing that frames the face beautifully.
  • Big Bouncy Waves: Ideal for a glamorous, high-volume style, as seen on celebrities like Jennifer Lopez.
  • Sleek and Straight: A polished look that highlights the clean, defined lines of the layers.

Butterfly Cut Maintenance and Growing It Out

Maintaining your butterfly haircut is key to keeping it looking fresh and fabulous. Like any layered style, it requires a bit of care to maintain its shape. This includes getting regular trims and using the right products for your hair texture.

Eventually, you might want to grow out your layers or change your personal style. We’ll cover how to care for your tresses between appointments and what to do when you’re ready for a new look.

How to Care for Your Layers Between Trims

To keep your butterfly haircut looking its best, schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks. This will help maintain the shape of the layers and prevent split ends, which can make your hair look frizzy and unkempt.

Between salon visits, using the right products is crucial. Choose products that suit your hair type and enhance the style. For example, a lightweight volumizing mousse can add body to fine hair, while a smoothing cream can tame thicker tresses without weighing them down.

Keep your layers healthy with these tips:

  • Use a heat protectant: Always apply a heat protectant before using hot tools to minimize damage.
  • Incorporate a leave-in conditioner: This will keep your hair hydrated and smooth, helping the layers to lay nicely.
  • Choose layer-friendly products: Texturizing sprays and lightweight mousses can help define the layers and add movement.

What to Do If You Want to Change Your Style

If you decide the butterfly haircut is no longer for you or you simply want to try a new personal style, don’t worry. Growing out this haircut is a fairly straightforward process, though it requires some patience as the shorter layers catch up to the longer ones.

A great first step is to talk to your stylist. They can help you create a plan for transitioning to a new look. This might involve gradually trimming the longer layers to reduce the gap in length or blending the shorter layers into a different style, like a shag or a long bob.

Here are some options if you want a change:

  • Get regular trims: Gradually trim the bottom layers to allow the top layers to catch up.
  • Try new styles: Embrace updos, braids, or ponytails while you’re in the growing-out phase.
  • Consider a new haircut: Ask your stylist to blend the layers into a new shape that works with your current length and hair type.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the butterfly cut technique is not just a hairstyle; it’s a fun and trendy way to express your individuality. With its unique layers and versatility, this look can elevate your style while being relatively easy to achieve at home. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping our pro tips in mind, you can successfully create a flattering butterfly cut that suits your face shape and hair type. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and styling methods. If you want to take your hair game to the next level, reach out for a free consultation to explore how you can customize the butterfly cut to fit your personal style!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a butterfly cut to grow out?

Growing out a butterfly haircut typically takes a few months, depending on your hair’s growth rate and the initial length difference. With regular trims to even out the layered cut, you can smoothly transition as the shorter layers catch up to the longer layers. Your hair type will also influence the process.

Can I achieve a butterfly cut on curly or wavy hair?

Yes, a butterfly haircut works wonderfully on curly hair and wavy hair! The layers can enhance your natural hair texture, adding definition and reducing bulk. The short layers create beautiful volume at the crown, while the longer length allows your curls or waves to flow freely.

What should I do if I regret my butterfly cut?

If you regret your butterfly haircut, don’t panic. The best course of action is to visit your stylist. They can suggest styling tricks to manage the layers or trim your hair into a new, flattering shape that works with your hair type and current layered cut.

Are there professional tips for making a DIY butterfly cut look salon-worthy?

To make a DIY butterfly cut look more professional, use sharp hair shears, cut less than you think you need, and check for symmetry constantly. Focus on blending the short layers softly. Using the right products and styling tools afterward will also elevate the final look significantly.