20 Butterfly Haircut: Easy Guide to Layers, Lengths & Styles

The butterfly haircut is one of the most stylish and flattering hairstyles trending today. With its soft, layered look, this haircut adds volume and bounce to any hair type. It got its name because the long layers resemble butterfly wings when styled. It’s popular among celebrities, influencers, and everyday women who want something fun and fresh without losing their length.

Whether you have long, medium, or even short hair, this cut can be customized to suit your personal style. In this blog, I’ll take you through over 20 variations of the butterfly haircut, help you find the right version for your face shape, and show you how to care for and style it.

20+ Popular Butterfly Haircut Variations

1. Long Butterfly Haircut

This version works best for those who love keeping their hair long but still want bounce and body. The long layers begin from around the chin and cascade down, giving a light and breezy look. It adds movement while preserving length. Ideal for straight or wavy textures.

2. Medium-Length Butterfly Haircut

Perfect for shoulder-grazing hair, this version adds layers without sacrificing volume. It’s versatile and easy to maintain, offering a bouncy, elegant look that works for everyday wear or special events. Great for anyone growing out shorter hair.

3. Short Butterfly Haircut

If you’re bold enough to try something new, the short butterfly haircut is a game-changer. It brings a fresh twist to short hair by introducing soft layers and subtle volume. It keeps the length playful while giving it a shape.

4. Butterfly Haircut with Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs blend seamlessly with butterfly layers to create a romantic, face-framing style. These bangs part naturally in the middle and connect beautifully with the soft cascading layers, enhancing cheekbones and jawline. Crew cut suits more for short hair.

5. Butterfly Haircut with Side Bangs

For a more casual and effortless feel, side bangs with butterfly layers create a soft angle around the face. This style suits most face shapes and brings attention to the eyes while maintaining the haircut’s flow.

6. Butterfly Haircut with Wispy Bangs

Wispy bangs make the haircut even more delicate and feminine. This variation adds a touch of youthfulness and light texture to the front, ideal for those who want bangs without a heavy look.

7. Straight Hair Butterfly Cut

When done on straight hair, butterfly layers create a smooth and polished style that looks elegant and classy. The layers add subtle texture, helping to prevent the hair from looking flat or lifeless.

8. Wavy Hair Butterfly Cut

The butterfly haircut enhances natural waves by adding definition and structure. It makes wavy hair look effortlessly tousled and voluminous, giving that beachy, lived-in vibe.

9. Curly Hair Butterfly Cut

A butterfly cut for curls focuses on shaping the hair to reduce bulk and boost bounce. The layers define each curl while making the haircut more manageable and stylish. Completely match with Edgar haircut.

10. Layered Butterfly Cut

This is the core essence of a butterfly haircut. It features distinct layers with longer strands underneath and shorter ones on top to create a floating, airy look. It works for all lengths and hair types.

11. Subtle Butterfly Cut

For those who like a minimal approach, the subtle butterfly cut introduces gentle layers without dramatic differences in length. It adds volume and movement without being too noticeable.

12. Voluminous Butterfly Haircut

This cut is perfect for thin or fine hair. It includes layers and styling techniques that lift the roots and create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. Great for anyone who wants more volume without extensions. Buzz cut is also amazing for thin hair, it create stunning look.

13. Blunt Butterfly Cut

The blunt version keeps the ends straight and clean while adding butterfly layers above. It combines precision with softness and is a good choice for those who want a mix of structure and flow.

14. Choppy Butterfly Haircut

The choppy layers give the haircut an edgy, modern twist. It creates strong texture and dimension, perfect for people who love a slightly messy or undone look.

15. Butterfly Haircut for Thick Hair

This version removes bulk and heaviness while keeping your hair beautifully layered. It’s great for managing thick locks without losing length or style.

16. Butterfly Cut with Highlights

Adding highlights to a butterfly cut enhances its dimension and texture. Light-catching strands help emphasize each layer, making the style even more eye-catching.

17. Face-Framing Butterfly Haircut

Focused on the front, this version layers around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. It makes the face look slimmer and more sculpted and is ideal for selfies and close-up shots.

18. Two-Tier Butterfly Haircut

This style features a visible contrast between the top and bottom layers, giving a dramatic wing-like effect. It’s bold and stylish, often seen on runways or fashion shoots.

19. Messy Butterfly Haircut

This variation thrives on texture and imperfection. It looks naturally tousled, perfect for those who like low-maintenance, chic hairstyles.

20. Glamorous Butterfly Haircut

Think Hollywood waves and voluminous layers. This version is best for formal events or nights out where you want to shine. Add curls and shine spray for maximum glam.

21. DIY Butterfly Haircut

You can try a simplified version of this haircut at home by tying your hair in a ponytail and cutting at an angle. It won’t be as precise, but it’s a good option for beginners who want to experiment.

Butterfly Haircut for Different Face Shapes

Round Face

Go for longer layers that frame your face and make it look more oval. Avoid short layers around the cheeks.

Oval Face

Lucky you! Any butterfly haircut variation works well on this face shape. Play with lengths and bang styles.

Square Face

Soft layers around the jawline help balance strong angles and give a more rounded appearance.

Heart-Shaped Face

Add volume around the chin to balance a wider forehead. Curtain bangs also work beautifully here.

Key Features of the Butterfly Haircut

• Long, layered sections
• Volume at the crown
• Curtain or soft bangs
• Lots of movement and bounce

Benefits of the Butterfly Haircut

1. Adds volume without cutting length
2. Low maintenance style
3. Great for all hair types
4. Easy to grow out

How to Ask for a Butterfly Haircut at the Salon

• Show photos of your favorite version
• Ask for long layers with volume at the top
• Mention curtain bangs if you want them
• Tell your stylist about your face shape and hair type

How to Style a Butterfly Haircut

1. Use a round brush and blow dryer to shape the layers
2. Add soft curls with a curling iron for volume
3. Use dry shampoo for added lift at the roots
4. Heat-free styling: braid hair overnight or use rollers

Maintenance and Hair Care Tips

• Trim every 8-10 weeks to maintain shape
• Use volumizing shampoo and conditioner
• Avoid heavy products that weigh down layers
• Use heat protectant when styling

Celebrity Inspiration

1. Matilda Djerf
2. Jennifer Lopez
3. Kaia Gerber
4.  Sydney Sweeney

Butterfly Haircut vs. Other Popular Cuts

Butterfly vs. Wolf Cut

Butterfly is softer; wolf cut is more edgy and textured.

Butterfly vs. Octopus Cut

Butterfly has blended layers; octopus has tentacle-like layers.

Butterfly vs. Classic Layered Cut

Butterfly focuses on volume and bounce at the crown.

FAQs

Conclusion

The butterfly haircut is more than just a trend—it’s a flattering, face-framing style that suits many hair types and lengths. With over 20 variations to choose from, you’re sure to find a version that fits your personality and lifestyle. Try it for a soft, voluminous look that gives your hair new life.

Follow me on Pinterest @haircutvibes for more haircut inspirations like Two Block haircut, French Crop Haircut, Mullet Haircut Men and Side Part hairstyles.