Ever seen a haircut so full of movement it looks like it’s fluttering? That’s the butterfly haircut, a soft, bouncy, and versatile layered style that works on almost any hair type, length, or texture.

It’s one of the most requested cuts right now because it flatters nearly every face shape and stays low-maintenance. Whether your hair is fine and needs volume or thick and needs weight removed, there’s a variation for you.

This guide covers 35 ideas, how it differs from a wolf cut, plus practical styling and maintenance tips.

What is a butterfly haircut?

A butterfly haircut is a layered style with shorter, face-framing pieces up top and longer layers below, creating a wing-like effect. It adds crown volume while keeping length, softness, and movement at the ends.

It flatters round, oval, square, and heart-shaped faces and works on straight, wavy, and curly hair. The layers make it photogenic and versatile, whether styled with a sleek blowout or air-dried for an easy look.

Butterfly haircut vs Wolf cut

Both cuts use heavy layering, so people often mix them up. But their goals and finished looks are quite different.

Butterfly haircut

• Soft, rounded, blended layers
• Focuses on volume near the crown
• Longer length is usually preserved
• Suits sleek, polished, or wavy finishes
• Works well for formal and everyday looks

Wolf cut

• Choppy, textured, shaggy layers
• Combines shag and mullet influences
• Often includes shorter, edgier pieces
• Best with tousled, undone styling
• Leans into a grungy, rock-inspired vibe

Simply put, the butterfly haircut feels elegant and airy, while the wolf cut feels bold and rebellious.

If you’re unsure which one suits you, think about your daily styling routine. The butterfly cut rewards a bit of blow-drying, while the wolf cut thrives on undone, tousled texture.

Your stylist can also help you decide based on your hair’s natural density, since both cuts rely heavily on precise layering to look their best.

35 Butterfly Haircut Styles for Every Hair Type

Whether your hair is long, short, curly, or fine, there’s a butterfly haircut variation built for you. Here are 35 ideas to bring to your next salon visit.

1. Butterfly Haircut with Bangs

Bangs instantly change the personality of a butterfly cut, softening the face and adding a fresh, youthful edge.

1.1 Butterfly Haircut with Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs part naturally in the middle, framing the face without hiding it. They pair beautifully with the wing-like layers of a butterfly cut.

• Medium length with curtain bangs: Adds shape around the cheekbones while keeping length manageable.
• Short with curtain bangs: Creates a playful, face-framing look with lots of bounce.
• Curtain bangs on straight hair: Highlights sleek layers and gives a polished, camera-ready finish.
• Long with curtain bangs: Balances length with softness, ideal for oval and long face shapes.

1.2 90’s Butterfly Haircut with Bangs

Inspired by supermodel hair from the ’90s, this version pairs full bangs with heavily feathered layers for a nostalgic, glamorous feel.

1.3 Butterfly Haircut with Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs are thin and airy, adding softness without the commitment of a full fringe.

1.4 Butterfly Haircut with Bangs, Long Hair

Long layers combined with bangs create serious movement, especially when styled with a slight bend at the ends.

1.5 Short Butterfly Haircut with Bangs

A shorter version that keeps volume high near the crown while bangs draw attention to the eyes.

1.6 Butterfly Haircut with Bangs, Medium Length

A versatile in-between length that suits most face shapes and daily styling routines.

1.7 Butterfly Haircut Without Bangs

For those who want the layered volume without a fringe, this variation still delivers plenty of dimension.

1.8 Butterfly Haircut with Bangs, Straight Hair

Straight strands show off the crisp lines of both the bangs and layers, giving a sleek, editorial look.

2. Butterfly Haircut Long Hair

Long hair gives the Butterfly Haircut for Long Hair room to truly shine, with layers cascading dramatically from crown to tips.

2.1 Long Hair Layered Butterfly Haircut

Multiple layers built through the length add bounce without sacrificing overall length.

2.2 Long Layers Butterfly Haircut, Straight Hair

Straight hair shows off clean layer lines, especially when styled with a round brush.

2.3 Long Butterfly Haircut, Straight Hair

A minimalist take that keeps the silhouette smooth while still fluttering at the ends.

2.4 DIY Butterfly Haircut, Long Hair

A simplified version stylists recommend for at-home cutting, using fewer layer sections for easier results.

2.5 Butterfly Haircut, Long Curly Hair

Curls naturally enhance the wing-like layer effect, giving extra volume and spring.

3. Short Butterfly Haircut

This cut brings the layered, voluminous butterfly effect to shorter lengths, perfect for low-maintenance styling.

4. Medium Length Butterfly Haircut

A crowd favorite, this length balances manageability with dramatic layering.

5. Butterfly Haircut Straight Hair

Straight hair emphasizes clean, symmetrical layer lines for a polished finish.

6. Butterfly Haircut Curly Hair

Curls add natural texture that makes the layering pop even more.

7. Butterfly Haircut for Thin Hair

Strategic layering creates the illusion of thickness and body.

8. Shoulder-Length Butterfly cut

A flattering, easy-to-style length that suits nearly every face shape.

9. Layered Butterfly Haircut

The classic version, focused purely on soft, blended layering throughout.

10. Butterfly Haircut Wavy Hair

Waves enhance the movement layers are designed to create.

11. Butterfly cut Side Part

A deep side part adds asymmetry and extra volume on one side.

12. Butterfly cut 90s Layers

Heavier, more feathered layers reminiscent of throwback red carpet looks.

13. Butterfly for Thick Hair

Layering removes bulk while keeping the style full and shapely.

14. Butterfly cut Bob

A shorter, chin-to-shoulder length version with subtle internal layers.

15. Shaggy Butterfly cut

Choppier, more textured layers give this variation an effortless edge.

16. Classic Butterfly

The timeless, universally flattering original silhouette.

17. Invisible Layers

Layers blended so seamlessly they’re barely noticeable, just soft movement.

18. 90s Supermodel Butterfly

Big, glossy, voluminous layers styled with a classic blowout.

19. Textured Butterfly

Point-cut ends add grit and texture to the layered shape.

20. Butterfly with Baby Bangs

Micro bangs paired with soft layers for a bold, statement look.

21. Butterfly with Full Fringe

A heavier, blunt fringe contrasts nicely with feathered layers.

22. Retro Butterfly

Vintage-inspired curls and flips add old-Hollywood glamour.

23. Pixie Butterfly

A cropped take that brings butterfly-style layering to very short hair.

24. V-Shaped Butterfly

Ends are cut into a V to enhance the fluttering effect at the back.

25. Low Layers Butterfly

Layers start lower down, keeping more weight and length up top.

26. Butterfly Lob

A long-bob hybrid with soft, face-framing layers throughout.

27. Multi-Level Front Layers

Several shorter layers stacked around the face for maximum dimension.

28. Golden Sunlit Butterfly

Warm, golden highlights woven through the layers for a sun-kissed glow.

29. Icy Butterfly with Dark Roots

Cool-toned ends paired with a deeper root for striking contrast.

30. Butterfly with Pastel Tips

Soft pastel color dipped only at the ends of each layer.

31. Balayage Butterfly

Hand-painted highlights that follow the layer pattern for natural depth.

32. Butterfly with Money Piece

Bright face-framing highlights placed right where the shortest layers fall.

33. Butterfly Mullet Fusion

Combines shorter crown layers with a slightly longer, mullet-inspired back.

34. Voluminous Blowout Butterfly

Styled with a round brush for maximum lift and a glossy finish.

35. Air-Dried Natural Butterfly

Left to dry naturally, this version highlights raw texture and low-maintenance charm.

Butterfly Haircut for Different Face Shapes

Not every version suits every face. Here’s how to choose the right fit based on where you carry width and length.

Butterfly cut for Round Face

Longer layers starting below the chin help elongate a round face. Avoid heavy layers right at the cheekbones, since they can widen the appearance.

Butterfly cut for Chubby Face

Side-swept bangs and layers that hit past the jawline create a slimming effect. Keep volume at the crown rather than the sides.

Butterfly cut Square Face

Soft, wispy layers around the temples help soften strong jawlines. Curtain bangs work especially well here.

How to Style a Butterfly Haircut

Different tools give this cut very different finishes. Here’s how to work with what you have.

The key with any method is to style layer by layer rather than the whole head at once. This keeps the wing-like shape intact and avoids flattening the volume at the crown.

How to style with a straightener

Flat iron each layer section individually, flicking the ends outward slightly to enhance the wing effect.

How to style without heat

Braid damp hair overnight or twist small sections for natural waves by morning.

How to style with a blow dryer

Use a round brush and dry layers upward at the roots for lift and volume.

How to style with a curling iron

Curl alternating sections away from the face to create dimension and bounce.

How to style with a leave-in curl enhancer

Apply to damp hair, scrunch gently, and let curls form naturally as it dries.

How to style with air-drying methods

Apply a lightweight mousse, then let hair dry undisturbed for soft, natural texture.

Step-by-Step Butterfly Haircut Tutorial

Step 1: Section the Hair

• Part the hair down the center.
• Create a horizontal part from ear to ear around the head to separate the top and bottom sections.
• Secure each section with clips.
• You should have four sections in total (top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right).

Why it matters: Separating the top from the bottom allows you to create soft layers while preserving the overall length.

Step 2: Create the Face-Framing Guide

• Take a small triangular section at the center front (about finger-width).
• Cut it into a soft A-line shape:
  • Shortest in the center.
  • Gradually longer toward the sides.

Tip: This first section becomes the guide for the rest of the haircut.

Step 3: Build the Face-Framing Layers

• Take diagonal subsections behind the guide.
• Comb each subsection forward into the guide.
• Cut using the same diagonal angle.
• Keep the hair elevated while cutting to maintain soft, feathered layers instead of blunt edges.
• Repeat on both sides until the front section is complete.

Step 4: Maintain Length with Overdirection

• Continue taking diagonal subsections toward the back.
• Pull each section forward to the front guide before cutting.

Why it works: Overdirecting the hair forward keeps more weight and length in the back while blending seamlessly into the shorter front layers.

Step 5: Cut the Crown Layers

• Take a center section from the top.
• Lift it straight upward.
• Cut a diagonal line from shorter near the front to longer toward the crown.
• Use this guide to cut the remaining top sections.

Customize the Layers

• More crown volume: Cut a flatter (more horizontal) line.
• Longer, softer layers: Keep the cutting line more diagonal.

Step 6: Blend the Top into the Bottom

• Release the bottom section.
• Take a small piece from the bottom edge of the top section as your guide.
• Work with vertical subsections.
• Comb the hair forward and cut to connect the guide with the longer lengths.

This creates a smooth transition between the shorter top layers and the longer bottom hair.

Step 7: Continue Layering the Back

• Keep taking vertical subsections.
• Pull each section forward before cutting.
• Use a soft diagonal cutting line to maintain length through the ends.

For Extra Volume
Use a more horizontal cutting angle if you want a fluffier, heavily layered butterfly cut.

Step 8: Finish the Back Layers

• Pull each back section toward the center back.
• Elevate it high.
• Connect the top layers smoothly to the ends with a soft cutting line.

This adds movement, bounce, and natural flips when the hair is styled.

Step 9: Apply Styling Product

• Work a volumizing mousse evenly through damp hair.
• Focus on the mid-lengths and ends.

Using mousse helps the hairstyle hold its shape longer and increases volume.

Step 10: Blow-Dry the Hair

• Blow-dry until the hair is about 80% dry.
• Leave a slight amount of moisture in the ends.
• Avoid using rollers on soaking wet hair.

Step 11: Create the Signature Butterfly Blowout

• Use a round brush while blow-drying to create soft bends.
• Roll each warm section onto a roller.
• Allow the rollers to cool completely before removing them.

This step creates the signature airy volume and flipped-out layers that define the butterfly cut.

Styling Tips

• Blow-drying with a round brush produces the best feathered effect.
• Roller setting helps the style last longer and adds extra bounce.
• Air-dried hair will show the layers more clearly and may appear more textured.
• Use a lightweight hairspray or texturizing spray to maintain movement without stiffness.

Tips for Different Hair Types

Thick Hair

• This haircut works exceptionally well because the layers remove bulk while keeping the overall length.

Thin Hair

• Use lower elevation while cutting to preserve weight.
• Avoid removing too much hair from the ends.
• Keep the perimeter blunt or slightly U-shaped instead of creating a deep V-shape for a fuller appearance.

Wavy Hair

• The layers enhance natural movement and texture.
• Style with a diffuser or round brush for extra definition.

Curly Hair

• Cut conservatively, as curls spring up after drying.
• Focus on blending the layers to avoid excessive bulk at the crown.

Maintenance and Upkeep for Butterfly Cuts

Get regular trims. Layers grow out unevenly, so a trim every six to eight weeks keeps the shape sharp.

Use a smoothing or shine-enhancing shampoo and conditioner. This keeps layers glossy and reduces frizz between salon visits.

Choose your styling aids wisely. Lightweight mousses and serums add texture without weighing down shorter layers.

Protect hair from heat damage. Always use a heat protectant spray before styling with hot tools.

Beyond these basics, it helps to sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. It reduces friction, which means less frizz and fewer split ends over time.

Deep conditioning treatments once a week also go a long way. Layered cuts expose more ends to damage, so extra moisture keeps the whole style looking healthy and full.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you braid a butterfly cut? 

Yes. Shorter layers can be pinned back or blended into braids for a textured, romantic look.

How to curl a butterfly cut? 

Section hair and curl each layer separately, alternating direction for natural-looking movement.

How to get a butterfly cut at home? 

Start with clean, dry hair, section it into top and bottom halves, and cut gradual layers from crown to ends. Work slowly and check both sides for symmetry as you go. It’s best attempted with basic cutting experience, so consider watching a few tutorials first.

How much does a butterfly cut cost? 

Prices typically range from $40 to $150, depending on your salon, location, and hair length.

How to get a butterfly cut with bangs? 

Ask your stylist to cut face-framing layers first, then add curtain or wispy bangs to match your face shape.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The butterfly cut has earned its popularity for good reason. It’s flexible, flattering, and works across nearly every hair type and length imaginable.

From bold curtain bangs to soft, invisible layers, there’s a version on this list for everyone. Try one of these 35 styles, and let your hair do the fluttering.