Top 10 Best Butterfly Haircuts: Styles That Elevate Your Hair Game
15 min read1. Classic Butterfly Cut with Long Layers
The classic butterfly cut with long layers is a timeless hairstyle that exudes elegance and grace. Its defining feature is the wing-like layered structure, which creates beautiful movement and volume in the hair. The key to achieving this look lies in the placement of the layers, which are designed to be longer at the back while gradually tapering towards the front. The result is a highly versatile style that suits a variety of face shapes and hair textures, making it a go-to option for many people.
The butterfly cut gets its name from its resemblance to a butterfly’s wings, with the layers fluttering gently as the wearer moves. This haircut is especially flattering on those with medium to long hair, as it allows the layers to drape beautifully. The long layers frame the face delicately and create a slimming effect, which is perfect for enhancing facial features.
One of the biggest advantages of the classic butterfly cut with long layers is its versatility. It can be worn straight for a sleek, polished look, or styled with loose waves or curls to add more texture and volume. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or looking for an everyday style, this haircut offers the flexibility to suit any mood or setting.
Maintenance for the classic butterfly cut is relatively simple. Regular trims every six to eight weeks will keep the layers looking fresh and prevent the ends from becoming too thin or straggly. In terms of styling, a good heat protectant and volumizing mousse can help achieve the desired look. For those who want a more tousled, natural appearance, a texturizing spray can add definition to the layers and enhance the overall shape of the haircut.
This haircut works well with various hair textures, from straight to wavy. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals with fine hair, as the layers add depth and dimension, making the hair appear fuller. For those with thicker hair, the long layers help to reduce weight while maintaining volume and movement.
Ultimately, the classic butterfly cut with long layers is a versatile, chic, and low-maintenance option that suits a wide range of personal styles. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to add volume, movement, and a touch of elegance to their look.
2. Shaggy Butterfly Cut with Curtain Bangs
The shaggy butterfly cut with curtain bangs is a modern take on the classic butterfly style, offering a more relaxed, lived-in appearance. The combination of shaggy layers and soft curtain bangs gives this cut a playful yet effortless vibe, making it a favorite among those who love a more casual, undone look.
The shaggy butterfly cut features layers that are more choppy and textured, creating a voluminous and tousled appearance. These layers are often cut at varying lengths to achieve a more dynamic, shaggy effect. When paired with curtain bangs, which softly frame the face, this hairstyle becomes even more flattering, enhancing facial features while maintaining a sense of softness.
This haircut is particularly well-suited for those with wavy or slightly textured hair, as the layers naturally enhance the movement and body of the hair. However, it can also be adapted for those with straight hair by using styling tools to create soft waves and volume. The curtain bangs add an extra touch of elegance to the look, seamlessly blending into the rest of the layers.
One of the main benefits of the shaggy butterfly cut with curtain bangs is its low-maintenance nature. Because the style is intentionally undone and messy, it requires less effort in terms of styling. A bit of texturizing spray or sea salt spray can help to emphasize the natural movement of the layers, while a quick blow-dry can bring out the volume and texture. Additionally, the curtain bangs are incredibly versatile, as they can be swept to the side or parted in the middle for different looks.
This haircut is perfect for individuals who want a style that’s both trendy and easy to manage. The shaggy layers give the hair a relaxed, effortless feel, while the curtain bangs add a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re going for a beachy, boho vibe or something more modern and chic, the shaggy butterfly cut with curtain bangs is a versatile option that can be adapted to suit your personal style.
3. Butterfly Cut with Soft Curls
The butterfly cut with soft curls is a stunning variation of the popular butterfly haircut, designed to enhance the natural texture and volume of curly or wavy hair. This haircut offers a beautifully romantic and feminine look by blending layered, wing-like structures with soft, cascading curls. The result is a hairstyle full of movement, volume, and definition.
The key feature of this style is the strategic placement of layers, which help to lift and separate the curls, preventing them from clumping together and losing their shape. The layers in the butterfly cut create a delicate, winged effect, with the curls cascading down the sides of the face and back. This style works particularly well for individuals with naturally curly or wavy hair, as the layers add depth and dimension, allowing the curls to bounce and move freely.
One of the main advantages of the butterfly cut with soft curls is its ability to give the hair a more structured yet free-flowing appearance. The layers are designed to enhance the natural curl pattern, making the curls look more defined and voluminous. The butterfly cut also helps to manage frizz, as the layers reduce the overall bulk of the hair while maintaining its natural texture.
Styling this haircut is relatively simple, especially for those with naturally curly hair. A good curl-defining cream or mousse can help to enhance the curls and keep them looking fresh throughout the day. For those who prefer a more tousled, beachy look, a sea salt spray can add texture and definition to the curls. Regular trims are essential to keep the layers looking clean and to prevent split ends from disrupting the overall shape of the haircut.
This version of the butterfly cut is perfect for those who want to embrace their natural curls while adding a touch of structure and sophistication. Whether styled for a formal event or worn casually, the butterfly cut with soft curls offers a versatile and glamorous look that enhances the natural beauty of curly hair.
4. Choppy Butterfly Cut with Textured Ends
The choppy butterfly cut with textured ends is a modern, edgy take on the classic butterfly hairstyle. This version features more pronounced, jagged layers and textured ends, giving the hair a deliberately messy and tousled appearance. It’s perfect for those who want a bold, statement look that still retains the feminine charm of the traditional butterfly cut.
The choppy layers in this haircut are cut at different lengths, creating a more dynamic and voluminous effect. The textured ends add a rugged feel, giving the haircut a bit of a rebellious edge. This look works exceptionally well for individuals who prefer a more casual, undone hairstyle that still offers structure and movement.
One of the defining features of the choppy butterfly cut is its ability to create an effortlessly cool vibe. The layers are designed to fall in a slightly irregular pattern, which adds volume and texture to the hair without the need for too much styling. The textured ends, in particular, contribute to the overall “lived-in” look, making this style perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet fashionable haircut.
This haircut is ideal for individuals with fine or medium-textured hair, as the choppy layers can add much-needed volume and lift. It can also work well for thicker hair, as the textured ends help to reduce bulk while still maintaining the overall structure of the hairstyle.
To style the choppy butterfly cut with textured ends, a bit of texturizing spray or pomade can be used to define the layers and add extra volume. This cut is also great for air-drying, as the layers naturally create movement and body without the need for excessive heat styling.
Ultimately, the choppy butterfly cut with textured ends is perfect for those who want a hairstyle that’s both stylish and easy to manage. It offers a fresh, modern take on the butterfly cut, with an edgy twist that’s sure to turn heads.
5. Layered Butterfly Cut with Face-Framing Bangs
The layered butterfly cut with face-framing bangs is a chic and flattering hairstyle that combines the classic layered structure of the butterfly cut with soft bangs that frame the face. This version of the butterfly cut is ideal for those who want to enhance their facial features while maintaining a feminine and voluminous look.
The face-framing bangs in this haircut are typically cut to follow the natural contours of the face, creating a soft and flattering effect. They blend seamlessly into the layers of the butterfly cut, creating a cohesive and balanced look. The layers themselves are designed to add volume and movement, with the bangs serving as a delicate accent that draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
This haircut is perfect for individuals with medium to long hair, as the layers can be customized to suit the length and texture of the hair. The face-framing bangs are particularly beneficial for those with round or square face shapes, as they help to elongate the face and create a more balanced appearance.
One of the key benefits of the layered butterfly cut with face-framing bangs is its versatility. The bangs can be styled in various ways, from being parted in the middle for a more casual look to being swept to the side for a more polished appearance. The layers also offer flexibility in styling, as they can be worn straight for a sleek look or curled for added volume and texture.
Maintenance for this haircut involves regular trims to keep the layers and bangs looking fresh. In terms of styling, a lightweight mousse or volumizing spray can help to enhance the layers, while a flat iron or curling wand can be used to style the bangs as desired.
The layered butterfly cut with face-framing bangs is a great option for those who want a stylish and flattering haircut that enhances their natural beauty. It’s a versatile and elegant style that works well for both everyday wear and special occasions.
6. Butterfly Cut for Thick Hair
The butterfly cut for thick hair is designed specifically to manage and enhance the volume and texture of thicker hair types. Thick hair often requires a more structured and thoughtful cut to prevent it from feeling too heavy or unmanageable. The butterfly cut provides the perfect solution, as its layers are tailored to reduce bulk while maintaining movement and body.
The hallmark of the butterfly cut is its layered design, which, in the case of thick hair, focuses on creating lightweight, flowing layers. These layers start higher up on the head, removing weight from the mid-lengths and ends, which gives the hair a more breathable and voluminous appearance. For individuals with thick hair, this cut works wonders in preventing the hair from looking too dense or weighed down while allowing the natural texture to shine through.
This cut is especially beneficial for thick hair because it not only makes styling easier but also adds a sense of lightness and movement. The long, feathered layers help break up the heaviness that can sometimes overwhelm those with thick hair. Additionally, the butterfly shape of the cut—the wings formed by the upper layers—enhances the hair’s natural body, creating a more polished and defined look.
Styling the butterfly cut for thick hair requires minimal effort. A smoothing serum or leave-in conditioner can help manage any potential frizz while maintaining the hair’s natural shape. For those looking to add more texture, a curl-defining cream or mousse can be applied to enhance the natural movement of the hair. Thick hair often holds styles well, so once the butterfly layers are in place, they’re easy to maintain.
Regular trims every six to eight weeks are recommended to keep the layers fresh and to ensure that the haircut retains its intended shape. This will also prevent split ends from appearing, which can be more noticeable in thick hair.
Ultimately, the butterfly cut for thick hair is an excellent choice for those who want to enhance their natural volume while reducing weight. It offers a modern, layered look that’s both flattering and functional, allowing thick hair to look and feel lighter without sacrificing body or texture.
7. Butterfly Bob with Volume
The butterfly bob with volume is a stylish, modern take on the classic bob, incorporating the layered butterfly structure to add extra volume and movement to shorter hair. The bob is a timeless haircut that never goes out of style, but the butterfly version takes it to a new level by adding dynamic layers that create a fuller, more voluminous look.
This variation of the butterfly cut features shorter layers in the front, gradually tapering to longer layers at the back. The shorter layers in the front give the bob a wing-like effect, similar to the classic butterfly cut, while the longer layers in the back add volume and structure. The result is a playful and versatile bob that’s full of movement and dimension.
The butterfly bob with volume is perfect for individuals who want the convenience and ease of a shorter haircut while still maintaining some body and texture. It’s especially flattering for those with fine or medium hair, as the layers can help to create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. This cut works well for straight or wavy hair textures, as the layers naturally enhance the volume and movement of the hair.
One of the great things about the butterfly bob is its versatility. It can be styled in a variety of ways, from sleek and straight to tousled and wavy. A bit of volumizing mousse or texturizing spray can help to lift the layers and create a more voluminous look. The shorter length also makes it easy to manage and style, making it a great option for those with busy lifestyles.
Maintenance for the butterfly bob involves regular trims to keep the layers looking fresh and to prevent the ends from becoming too thin. The cut itself is low-maintenance, as the layers naturally add volume without the need for excessive styling. A quick blow-dry with a round brush can help to enhance the shape of the haircut, while a bit of texturizing spray can add definition to the layers.
The butterfly bob with volume is an excellent choice for those who want a modern, stylish haircut that’s both practical and flattering. It’s a fresh take on the classic bob, offering a fun and youthful look that’s easy to maintain.
8. Butterfly Cut with Subtle Highlights
The butterfly cut with subtle highlights is a beautiful and elegant style that combines the voluminous layers of the butterfly cut with soft, natural-looking highlights. This version of the butterfly cut is perfect for those who want to add a bit of dimension and depth to their hair without making a drastic color change.
The key feature of this style is the placement of the highlights. They are typically added to the upper layers of the butterfly cut, accentuating the winged, layered effect of the haircut. These highlights are often kept subtle and natural, blending seamlessly with the base color of the hair to create a sun-kissed, dimensional look. The highlights help to enhance the movement of the layers, giving the hair a more dynamic and textured appearance.
This haircut is ideal for individuals who want a fresh, updated look that’s still relatively low-maintenance. The highlights add a touch of brightness to the hair, making it look more vibrant and healthy. At the same time, the butterfly cut’s layered structure adds volume and movement, making the hair look fuller and more lively.
In terms of maintenance, the butterfly cut with subtle highlights requires regular trims to keep the layers looking fresh, as well as occasional touch-ups to maintain the color. The highlights themselves are typically placed in such a way that they grow out naturally, making this style relatively low-maintenance in terms of color upkeep. A good color-protecting shampoo and conditioner can help to keep the highlights looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
To style this cut, a bit of volumizing mousse or texturizing spray can help to bring out the natural movement of the layers, while a light styling cream can be used to smooth and define the highlights. The combination of the butterfly cut and subtle highlights creates a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Overall, the butterfly cut with subtle highlights is a great option for those who want to enhance their natural hair color with a bit of added dimension. It’s a chic and elegant style that’s easy to maintain and works well for a variety of hair textures and lengths.
9. Butterfly Cut for Curly Hair
The butterfly cut for curly hair is a game-changer for anyone with natural curls, as it accentuates the texture while adding shape, volume, and movement. Curly hair has a unique structure that benefits greatly from thoughtful layering, and the butterfly cut provides just that—perfectly placed layers that enhance the natural bounce and definition of curls without overwhelming them.
The hallmark of the butterfly cut is its winged effect, which is achieved by layering the hair in such a way that it creates volume at the crown while allowing the curls to cascade down gracefully. This cut is particularly effective for curly hair because it helps to remove excess bulk from the lower sections of the hair while keeping the top full and voluminous. As a result, the curls are more defined and less weighed down, giving the hair a light, airy look.
One of the main benefits of the butterfly cut for curly hair is that it encourages movement and shape, making the curls appear more structured and lively. The layers are tailored to work with the natural curl pattern, whether the curls are loose, wavy, or tight. The butterfly cut helps to reduce frizz and manage volume, allowing the curls to fall naturally and look effortlessly styled.
To maintain this haircut, regular trims are essential to keep the layers sharp and prevent the ends from becoming damaged or frizzy. Additionally, a good leave-in conditioner or curl cream will help to define the curls and keep them hydrated. Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair, so it’s important to use products that nourish the hair and enhance the natural curl pattern.
Styling the butterfly cut for curly hair is easy—most of the work is done by the cut itself, which naturally enhances the texture and volume of the curls. To define the curls, a curl-defining cream or mousse can be applied when the hair is damp, followed by air drying or diffusing to bring out the layers. The result is a beautiful, voluminous style that embraces the natural texture of curly hair while adding shape and movement.
Overall, the butterfly cut for curly hair is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to embrace their natural curls while adding structure and volume. It’s a stylish and versatile cut that works with the natural movement of the hair, making it perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet high-impact style.
10. Short Butterfly Cut with Razored Layers
The short butterfly cut with razored layers is a bold and edgy take on the butterfly haircut, combining the classic winged structure with sharply razored layers for a more modern and daring look. This version of the butterfly cut is perfect for individuals who want to keep their hair short while still maintaining volume and texture.
The key feature of this haircut is the razored layers, which add a sharp, defined edge to the classic butterfly shape. Razoring the layers creates a choppy, feathered effect, which gives the hair a sense of movement and texture. The short length keeps the overall style fresh and modern, while the razored layers provide a more angular, dynamic look. This cut is ideal for those who want a short, structured haircut that still has plenty of body and volume.
The short butterfly cut with razored layers is perfect for those with fine to medium hair textures, as the razoring technique adds texture and dimension without making the hair look too bulky. It’s also a great option for individuals who want a more low-maintenance haircut, as the shorter length and structured layers require minimal styling effort.
To style this haircut, a bit of texturizing spray or pomade can be applied to enhance the layers and create a more defined, piecey look. The razored layers naturally create movement, so this cut works well with both air-drying and blow-drying techniques. For those who prefer a more polished look, a flat iron can be used to straighten the layers and create a sleeker appearance.
Maintenance for the short butterfly cut with razored layers involves regular trims to keep the layers sharp and prevent the hair from becoming too long or unruly. Since the razored layers are a defining feature of this cut, it’s important to keep them looking fresh and clean.
Overall, the short butterfly cut with razored layers is a bold, modern take on the classic butterfly style. It’s perfect for those who want a short haircut that’s full of movement and texture, while still maintaining a sleek and polished appearance. Whether styled for a casual day out or a more formal occasion, this haircut offers plenty of versatility and flair.