20 Best Butterfly Haircuts 2025 + Tips & Care

The butterfly haircut is one of the hottest hair trends today. It’s loved by people of all ages because of its soft, layered look that adds movement and volume. Whether you have long or medium-length hair, this haircut can give you a fresh and stylish appearance without losing too much length.
In this article, we’ll explore everything about the butterfly haircut — from what it is, how it works, who it suits best, styling tips, and answers to the most common questions. Let’s dive in!

What Is a Butterfly Haircut?

A Stylish Blend of Layers

The butterfly haircut is a type of layered haircut that gives your hair the appearance of being short and long at the same time. It was made popular by hairstylist Sunnie Brook and has since become a favorite on TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Why It’s Called the “Butterfly”

The name comes from the way the layers are styled. The shorter layers frame the face, just like butterfly wings spreading out. These layers blend into longer ones at the back, creating a soft and flowy effect.

20 Butterfly Haircut Ideas by Hair Type & Length

Let’s explore 20 butterfly haircut ideas categorized by hair length and type, each with clear description, styling tips, and maintenance advice.

Short Hair Butterfly Haircuts

1. Butterfly Haircut for Short Hair

Description:
A voluminous layered cut that gives thin or limp hair an instant lift.

Styling Tips:

Use a texturizing spray for extra volume.
Blow-dry with a round brush for lift at the crown.
Use light wax to separate layers.

Maintenance:

Trim every 5–6 weeks.
Use volumizing shampoo and conditioner.

2. Butterfly Haircut with Fringe for Short Hair

Description:
Retro shag-inspired with curtain bangs for a bold, yet soft look.

Styling Tips:

Style bangs with a straightener or small round brush.
Add mousse for lift.
Lightly curl the ends for texture.

Maintenance:

Fringe needs trimming every 3–4 weeks.
Use anti-frizz serum around bangs.

3. Butterfly Haircut with Light Layers

Description:
Subtle, feathered layers create a natural flow and movement.

Styling Tips:

Air-dry for a laid-back look.
Use leave-in conditioner to keep layers smooth.
Scrunch with mousse for volume.

Maintenance:

Low-maintenance, trim every 2 months.
Regular deep-conditioning treatments.

4. Short Butterfly Haircut with Highlights

Description:
Brightens short hair with highlights that emphasize texture and depth.

Styling Tips:

Use color-protect shampoo.
Highlight layers with shine spray.
Add curl cream to accentuate streaks.

Maintenance:

Touch up highlights every 6–8 weeks.
Use purple shampoo for blonde tones.

5. Pixie Butterfly Haircut

Description:
A playful and modern pixie enhanced with layered volume.

Styling Tips:

Use hair gel for spiky or tousled looks.
Try finger-styling for a natural effect.
Use light wax to define layers.

Maintenance:

Needs trimming every 3–4 weeks.
Use a lightweight styling product daily.

Medium Hair Butterfly Haircuts

6. Butterfly Haircut for Medium Hair with Highlights

Description:
Blends soft layers with dimensional color, giving an effortless vibe.

Styling Tips:

Curl the ends to highlight layers.
Use a heat protectant before styling.
Use glossing spray for shine.

Maintenance:

Recolor every 6–8 weeks.
Use hydrating masks weekly.

7. Butterfly Haircut with Curtain Bangs

Description:
Romantic layers paired with parted bangs that frame the face perfectly.

Styling Tips:

Blow-dry bangs outward using a round brush.
Use a smoothing serum for flyaways.
Add texture spray for bounce.

Maintenance:

Bangs require frequent trims.
Keep layers fresh with a trim every 6 weeks.

8. Straight Butterfly Haircut

Description:
A structured version of the butterfly cut tailored for sleek, straight hair.

Styling Tips:

Use a flat iron for a polished finish.
Apply anti-frizz serum for shine.
Add lift at the crown with volumizing spray.

Maintenance:

Flat iron touch-ups.
Deep conditioning to avoid split ends.

9. Side-Swept Butterfly Haircut for Medium Hair

Description:
Layers swept to one side give this style a graceful, dynamic flow.

Styling Tips:

Side part your hair for dramatic flair.
Use a curling wand for soft waves.
Finish with hairspray to hold shape.

Maintenance:

Medium upkeep; trims every 6–8 weeks.
Maintain volume with regular blowouts.

10. The Punk Butterfly Haircut

Description:
Bold and edgy with sharp layers and optional vibrant colors.

Styling Tips:

Use pomade or gel for texture.
Spike or tousle hair for dramatic effect.
Go wild with color chalk or temporary dye.

Maintenance:

Frequent trims for sharp edges.
Color touch-ups as needed.

Curly & Wavy Hair Butterfly Haircuts

11. Curly Butterfly Cut Hair

Description:
Enhances natural curls with layers that add shape and bounce.

Styling Tips:

Use curl-defining cream.
Diffuse hair upside-down for volume.
Apply leave-in conditioner on wet curls.

Maintenance:

Trim every 2–3 months to prevent frizz.
Use sulfate-free shampoo.

12. Long Butterfly Layers for Wavy Hair

Description:
Elongated layers perfect for naturally wavy hair needing definition.

Styling Tips:

Apply sea salt spray for beachy texture.
Finger-comb curls when dry.
Use a wide-tooth comb to avoid breakage.

Maintenance:

Moisturize regularly to combat dryness.
Trim every 8 weeks.

13. Soft Messy Butterfly Long Haircut

Description:
Undone, boho-inspired waves make this relaxed look effortlessly cool.

Styling Tips:

Use a soft curl cream.
Let hair air-dry or use a diffuser.
Tousle hair with dry shampoo.

Maintenance:

Minimal trims every 10–12 weeks.
Moisturize ends to avoid frizz.

Long Hair Butterfly Haircuts

14. Butterfly Haircut for Long Hair

Description:
Long, flowing layers with top volume for a luxurious and full look.

Styling Tips:

Blow-dry with a round brush.
Use shine spray for a healthy glow.
Curl ends with a large barrel wand.

Maintenance:

Trim split ends every 8 weeks.
Weekly hair masks for hydration.

15. Long Butterfly Haircut with a Fringe

Description:
Dense fringe adds drama and frames the face with a chic twist.

Styling Tips:

Use a flat iron for fringe styling.
Add dry shampoo to prevent oiliness.
Use a thickening mousse for volume.

Maintenance:

Fringe trims every 2–3 weeks.
Use texture spray to avoid flatness.

16. Long Butterfly Haircut with Ombre

Description:
This color-gradient style enhances layers and adds dimension to long hair.

Styling Tips:

Use a heat protectant before styling.
Ombre pops best when curled or waved.
Use gloss treatment to enhance color.

Maintenance:

Touch-up ombre every 3–4 months.
Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner.

17. Long Layers with Butterfly Haircut

Description:
Great for thick hair, this layered cut adds shape without bulk.

Styling Tips:

Blow-dry ends for soft volume.
Use texturizing cream for styling.
Part hair in the middle for symmetry.

Maintenance:

Trim every 6–8 weeks.
Use a smoothing serum.

18. Butterfly Haircut on Bright Ginger Hair

Description:
Layering intensifies vibrant shades and makes color pop.

Styling Tips:

Highlight layers with curling wand.
Apply serum to show off shine.
Use colored hair wax for added pop.

Maintenance:

Use color-safe and sulfate-free products.
Protect hair from sun exposure.

19. Sleek Black Butterfly Haircut

Description:
Smooth, layered black hair ideal for a professional, elegant look.

Styling Tips:

Straighten hair for shine and structure.
Use light hair oil on ends.
Finish with glossing spray.

Maintenance:

Regular trims to maintain sleekness.
Deep condition once a week.

20. V-Shaped Butterfly Haircut

Description:
Combines V-shape cutting with butterfly layering for volume and shape.

Styling Tips:

Use a volumizing mousse before blow-drying.
Curl ends outward for definition.
Use light hairspray to hold shape.

Maintenance:

Trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain V-shape.
Use lightweight leave-in conditioner.

Key Features of the Butterfly Haircut

Short Face-Framing Layers

The front part of the hair has shorter layers, usually around chin or collarbone length. These pieces fall like “wings” around your face.

Long Layers in the Back

The longer layers in the back help maintain the length of your hair. This gives you the feel of having long hair while still enjoying the benefits of a layered style.

Voluminous and Bouncy Look

One of the best things about the butterfly haircut is that it makes your hair look fuller. The layers add volume, bounce, and movement to even fine or flat hair.

Who Should Try the Butterfly Haircut?

Perfect for Long to Medium Hair

A stylish butterfly haircut for long to medium hair, featuring soft, face-framing layers and feathered ends. The model is shown in a salon setting with natural lighting, highlighting the volume and movement of the haircut. The hair is smooth, glossy, and well-styled, with subtle brown balayage tones. Side and back views included for full haircut display, realistic photo style.

The butterfly haircut works best on long or medium-length hair. You need enough length for the layers to flow naturally and show off the “butterfly” shape.

Great for All Face Shapes

A collage of four realistic salon-style images showing a butterfly haircut on different face shapes.
1st image: A woman with a round face wearing a butterfly haircut with soft, layered waves that slim the face.
2nd image: A woman with an oval face styled with a butterfly haircut that enhances natural symmetry with long feathered layers.
3rd image: A woman with a square face having a butterfly haircut with layers starting below the jawline to soften strong angles.
4th image: A woman with a heart-shaped face featuring a butterfly haircut with chin-length face-framing layers that balance a wider forehead.
Each model has glossy brown balayage hair, natural lighting, and a modern salon background. Realistic photo quality.

Thanks to the face-framing layers, this haircut flatters round, oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. A hairstylist can adjust the length of the front layers to suit your face shape perfectly.

Best for Straight to Wavy Hair Types

A side-by-side collage of two different cute, smiling girls, each showcasing a butterfly haircut in different hair textures.
In the 1st image: A cheerful girl with straight, glossy brown hair styled in soft, face-framing butterfly layers, sitting in a salon chair with natural lighting.
In the 2nd image: A different happy girl with medium-length wavy hair, featuring bouncy feathered butterfly layers that enhance the haircut’s volume and texture.
Both are in modern salon settings with a bright, warm atmosphere. Realistic, high-quality photography.

The butterfly haircut works especially well on straight and wavy hair types. It can be done on curly hair too, but the curls might hide some of the layer details unless styled carefully.

How to Ask for a Butterfly Haircut at the Salon

A young woman with long, straight hair, wearing black jeans and a white shirt, is talking to a professional hair stylist in a modern salon. She is smiling and explaining that she wants a butterfly haircut. The stylist is attentively listening. The salon has large mirrors, soft lighting, and shelves with hair products in the background. The atmosphere is friendly and stylish.

If you’re planning to get this trendy haircut, it’s helpful to know what to ask your hairstylist.

Here’s what you can say:

“I’d like a butterfly haircut with short layers that frame my face and longer layers in the back.”
“Please keep the overall length but add soft, blended layers starting from my chin or collarbone.”
“I want a haircut that makes my hair look voluminous and flowy.”

It’s also a good idea to show your stylist some pictures from Pinterest or Instagram.

Styling Tips for the Butterfly Haircut

Blow Dry for Volume

A young girl with a freshly done butterfly haircut is blow-drying her hair to add volume. She's standing in front of a mirror in a well-lit, modern bedroom or bathroom. Her hair is layered and bouncy, slightly lifted at the roots from the blow-dry. She’s using a round brush and a blow dryer, with a focused yet relaxed expression. The scene is warm and stylish, capturing a casual self-care moment.

Use a round brush and blow dryer to curl the layers away from your face. This adds bounce and helps shape the “butterfly wings.”

Use a Volumizing Mousse or Spray

A young girl with a fresh butterfly haircut is smiling while spraying her hair with a styling spray. She's standing in a bright, cozy room, holding the spray bottle up near her voluminous, layered hair. Her expression is cheerful and confident, with her glossy hair catching the light. The background shows a clean vanity or mirror setup, creating a lively and self-care vibe.

If your hair is thin or flat, apply some volumizing products to give it more body.

Curling Iron or Rollers

A young girl with a fresh butterfly haircut is styling her hair using a curling iron and rollers. She stands in front of a mirror in a softly lit, modern room. Some sections of her voluminous, layered hair are already curled, while others are still wrapped in large rollers. She looks focused and content, with styling tools and products neatly arranged around her on a vanity table. The atmosphere is calm and elegant, capturing a personal hair styling moment.

To make the layers stand out, use a large-barrel curling iron or heated rollers. Curl the front layers outward for that signature butterfly shape.

Dry Shampoo for Texture

A girl is standing in front of her bedroom mirror. She has a fresh butterfly haircut with soft, layered waves that fall beautifully around her shoulders. She’s applying dry shampoo to her roots.

Dry shampoo isn’t just for oily hair. It can add texture and lift to the roots, helping your haircut look more styled and fresh.

Butterfly Haircut at Home: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

The butterfly haircut gives your hair natural volume, bounce, and flow with face-framing layers. While it’s often done by professionals, with a bit of care and the right technique, you can achieve this layered style at home. Here’s how to do it step by step.

What You’ll Need

A pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors
A fine-tooth comb
Hair ties or clips
A spray bottle (for dampening hair)
A mirror (preferably a handheld one too)

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

Start with clean, slightly damp hair. Use a spray bottle to mist your hair evenly. Comb it thoroughly to remove any tangles and part your hair down the middle.

Step 2: Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into two main sections:

Top Layer: From your temples up, make a horseshoe-shaped section across the crown of your head.
Bottom Layer: Everything beneath the top section.

Clip the top section out of the way.

Step 3: Cut the Bottom Section

Gather the bottom section into a low ponytail under your chin.
Decide how long you want the shortest layer to be (this will be the shortest point of the bottom section).
Cut straight across the ponytail.

Step 4: Cut the Top Section

Release the top section and gather it into a high ponytail at the front of your head (unicorn ponytail).
The higher the ponytail, the more dramatic the layers will be.
Cut the end of this ponytail in a straight line (or a slight curve for a softer look).

Step 5: Blend and Detail

Release both sections and shake your hair out.
Use your scissors to point-cut the ends for a feathered, natural finish.
Check both sides in the mirror to ensure evenness.

Step 6: Style Your Butterfly Cut

Blow-dry using a round brush for volume, or style with a curling iron for bouncy waves. Apply a lightweight serum or spray for shine.

Tips for Best Results

Always start conservatively—you can cut more, but you can’t reattach!
If you’re unsure, get a friend to help or film your angles.
Practice blending and trimming before committing to major changes.

Butterfly Haircut vs. Other Layered Cuts

Let’s compare the butterfly haircut with a few other popular styles.

Butterfly Haircut vs. Wolf Cut

A split-screen image with two separate portraits side by side, both set in a calm, sunny park with green trees and open grass in the background. On the left side, a young woman with a butterfly haircut stands confidently. Her hair is long, with soft, face-framing layers, neatly styled. She wears a light-colored top and smiles naturally. On the right side, a different young woman with a shag haircut stands with a relaxed expression. Her hair is shoulder-length with heavy textured layers and wispy bangs, styled perfectly. She wears a casual t-shirt and jeans. In the center of the image, the text 'VS' is clearly displayed in a bold, modern font.

The Wolf Cut and the Butterfly haircut are both layered, but they cater to very different styles. The Butterfly cut is polished and flowing, while the Wolf Cut is more rebellious with noticeable texture.

Feature	Butterfly Haircut	Wolf Cut
Layer Style	Long, soft, feathered layers	Choppy, edgy layers with shorter pieces on top
Overall Vibe	Feminine, airy, elegant	Bold, messy, and cool
Hair Length	Preserves overall hair length	Often shortens top and mid sections
Styling Needs	Easy to maintain, blowout-friendly	Requires more styling for volume and texture
Best For	Classic, voluminous look	Trendy, expressive styles

Butterfly Haircut vs. Shag Haircut

While both cuts are layered, the Shag haircut is more rock-n-roll with dramatic volume. The Butterfly haircut is subtler, offering a more elegant and polished finish.

Feature	Butterfly Haircut	Shag Haircut
Layer Style	Blended, long layers	Heavy, scattered layers throughout
Overall Vibe	Romantic, flowing	Retro, edgy, lived-in
Hair Length	Maintains most of the length	Reduces length depending on the amount of layering
Texture Level	Smooth and soft	Textured and tousled
Best For	Refined volume with shape	Carefree, undone texture

Butterfly Haircut vs. Face-Framing Layers Only

A side-by-side comparison of two stylish young women. On the left, a woman with a voluminous butterfly haircut — bouncy, layered, with feathered ends and a soft blowout, showcasing a glamorous and modern hairstyle. On the right, a woman with long, smooth hair styled with face-framing layers only — subtle, sleek, and natural, with minimal layering elsewhere. Between them, the word 'VS' in bold capital letters. Clean background, studio lighting, beauty-focused image, both women facing forward with confident expressions.

This is where the differences are most subtle. Face-framing layers are ideal for a minimal refresh, while the Butterfly haircut transforms the full length of your hair for all-over volume.

Feature	Butterfly Haircut	Face-Framing Layers Only
Layer Style	Full, long layers throughout	Subtle layers at the front only
Overall Vibe	Voluminous and bouncy	Softly frames the face, low-key
Hair Length	Preserved but enhanced with layers	Entire hair length unchanged except at the front
Styling Impact	Creates movement across full hairstyle	Focuses attention on facial features
Best For	Full transformation with volume	Minimal, low-maintenance change

Butterfly Haircut Maintenance Tips

Keeping your butterfly haircut in top shape doesn’t require too much effort, but regular care makes a big difference in how it looks and feels.

How Often Should You Trim It?

To maintain the soft, layered look of a butterfly haircut, you should trim it every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular trims help preserve the shape of the layers, prevent split ends, and keep your haircut looking fresh and voluminous. Skipping trims can lead to uneven layers and a less defined style over time.

Is the Butterfly Haircut High Maintenance?

On one side, a woman with a butterfly haircut is using blow dryer for a polished, voluminous look. On the other side, a young lady is casually air-drying her butterfly haircut with soft, tousled layers enhanced by texturizing spray.

The good news is: the butterfly haircut is not high maintenance. It’s designed to be versatile and easy to style. With just a bit of effort—like using a round brush, curling iron, or even air-drying with some texturizing spray—you can switch between a polished, fancy look or a laid-back, casual vibe effortlessly. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a stylish cut without spending hours in front of the mirror.

Benefits of the Butterfly Haircut

The butterfly haircut has become a go-to style for many because of its flattering shape and versatility. Here are some of the top reasons why it’s worth considering:

Volume Boost: Adds Fullness to Thin Hair

One of the biggest perks of the butterfly haircut is the volume boost it gives. The layers are cut in a way that adds body and movement, making thin or flat hair look fuller and more dynamic.

Face Flattering: Highlights Your Features

The strategically placed layers in a butterfly haircut can be shaped to enhance your natural face shape. Whether you want to soften a square jaw or draw attention to your cheekbones, this cut is designed to highlight your best features.

Keeps Length: Change Without Going Short

If you’re craving a fresh style but aren’t ready to say goodbye to your long locks, the butterfly haircut is perfect. It gives you the feeling of a big change while still keeping most of your length intact.

Styling Options: Flexible for Every Look

Whether you love using hot tools or prefer a low-maintenance routine, the styling options are endless. The butterfly cut looks great when curled, blown out, or even air-dried for a natural, effortless vibe.

Drawbacks of the Butterfly Haircut

While the butterfly haircut is trendy and flattering, it may not be for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Needs Styling: Layers Can Get Messy

To maintain the shape and flow of the cut, regular styling is needed. Without some attention—like brushing, curling, or product use—the layers can look uneven or messy.

Not for Very Short Hair

The butterfly haircut works best on medium to long hair. If your hair is too short, you won’t get the signature layered effect that defines the style. A certain length is necessary to make this cut work well.

Might Get Frizzy: Extra Care in Humid Weather

If you have thick or frizz-prone hair, the layers in a butterfly haircut might puff up or frizz in humid conditions. Using anti-frizz products or a light smoothing serum can help keep the style under control.

Famous Celebrities with Butterfly Haircut

The butterfly haircut has become one of the most sought-after styles thanks to its effortless blend of volume, elegance, and face-framing layers. Celebrities across generations have adopted this versatile cut, each adding their unique flair. Here’s a closer look at some famous stars flaunting the butterfly haircut and how it enhances their personal style.

1. Billie Eilish

Known for her fearless fashion and ever-changing hairstyles, Billie Eilish has rocked a soft butterfly haircut with platinum blonde tones.
Style Impact:
Billie’s take on the butterfly cut adds a subtle softness to her edgy persona, blending rebellion with refinement. It gives her a light, airy vibe while staying true to her bold image.

2. Camila Cabello

Camila Cabello’s butterfly haircut works beautifully with her natural waves and dark hair color, giving her a romantic, free-spirited appearance.
Style Impact:
Camila’s version brings youthful energy and softness, perfectly complementing her boho-chic aesthetic. The layers enhance movement and make her curls pop.

3. Emmanuelle Béart

The French icon pairs elegance with modern layering through her butterfly haircut, featuring smooth transitions and refined ends.
Style Impact:
Emmanuelle’s look is effortlessly polished and timeless. The haircut adds volume and sophistication, embodying classic Parisian beauty.

4. Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega embraces the butterfly haircut with a sleek yet voluminous cut that frames her face and gives depth to her dark locks.
Style Impact:
Her hairstyle merges vintage glamour with modern edge, making her a trendsetter among Gen Z. It amplifies her natural drama and poise on the red carpet.

5. Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez’s butterfly haircut is full of bounce, body, and glamour—perfect for her dazzling stage presence and high-energy persona.
Style Impact:
J.Lo’s layers bring a luxurious feel that enhances her glowing, youthful appearance. The haircut gives her signature diva style a refreshed twist.

6. Matilda Djerf

Matilda Djerf’s version of the butterfly haircut is practically iconic. Her voluminous, fluffy layers have become a hair inspiration worldwide.
Style Impact:
This style defines Matilda’s brand: effortless, Scandi-chic, and timeless. It’s voluminous yet wearable, perfect for her minimal yet fashion-forward look.

7. Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez wears the butterfly haircut with soft, layered waves that add romantic movement and frame her face elegantly.
Style Impact:
Selena’s cut enhances her natural beauty and gives her a relaxed, approachable vibe while still being red carpet-ready. It’s a perfect blend of glam and grace.

8. Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney’s light, bouncy butterfly haircut adds elegance and youth to her blonde hair, making her look radiant at every appearance.
Style Impact:
Her haircut gives her a dreamy, feminine glow while maintaining a polished look. It enhances her star power with soft glamour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! The layers help add volume and movement, which can make thin hair appear thicker.

Yes, but the curls might hide some of the layers. Ask your stylist to adjust the cut for your curl pattern.

Yes, a butterfly cut is great for thin hair as it adds volume, movement, and the illusion of thickness through soft, layered styling.

No, but a quick blow-dry or curl will help show off the layers better.

If well maintained, the shape can last 6 to 8 weeks before needing a trim.

Yes. Because the layers are soft and blended, it grows out naturally without looking awkward.

Yes! Curtain bangs or wispy bangs work really well with this haircut.

Thicker hair works best, but it can be adapted for finer textures.

It suits those who want volume, layers, and styling flexibility.

Requires regular trims and might not suit very fine or curly hair.

In hair terms: over-thinning, infrequent trims, and poor styling.

No, it’s fairly low-maintenance with occasional trims and basic styling.

It flatters most, especially oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.

Ask for long layers, face-framing pieces, and a ‘90s blowout style.

Best for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.

The wolf cut, shag, or curtain layers offer similar vibes.

Yes, if you want a trendy, layered look with styling flexibility.

Conclusion

The butterfly haircut is more than just a trendy look — it’s a beautiful, versatile hairstyle that suits many face shapes, hair types, and personal styles. Whether you want volume, bounce, or a soft layered appearance, this haircut delivers all that without sacrificing your length.

It’s easy to style, simple to grow out, and perfect for those who want a fresh but manageable change. If you’ve been thinking of trying something new with your hair, the butterfly haircut might just be your perfect match.

So go ahead, show your stylist some inspo pics, and give your hair that lovely layered lift!