A butterfly haircut is a long, layered cut with two sets of layers: shorter ones that fall around the chin and cheekbones, and longer ones below the shoulders. Styled out, the layers sweep away from the face like wings. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your stylist for and how to style it.
Butterfly haircut at a glance
- Length: Shoulder length or longer
- Shape: Short face-framing layers over long layers, usually with curtain bangs
- Maintenance: Medium
- Trim every: 8 to 10 weeks
What makes it different
It gives the bounce and volume of a shorter cut while keeping the length. Pin up the long layers and the short ones can pass for a bob.
Butterfly cut vs wolf cut
The butterfly cut is polished and bouncy, with long blended layers. The wolf cut is choppier and shaggier, with more weight removed.
Who it suits
Medium to thick hair that's straight or wavy, and most face shapes. Very fine hair can lose too much weight at the ends; ask for fewer, longer layers.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to face shapes.
How to ask your stylist for a butterfly haircut
- Ask for a butterfly cut: short face-framing layers around the chin, long layers through the rest.
- Say how short the shortest layer should be.
- Ask to keep the perimeter length.
- Bring a photo. Stylists use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
Blow dry with a round brush, or use large rollers, turning the face-framing layers away from the face. Finish with a light volumizing spray.
Variations
- Butterfly layers: the layering added to an existing long cut.
- Butterfly cut with curtain bangs: the most common version.
- Shoulder-length butterfly cut: the same idea at mid length.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes months to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see a butterfly haircut on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
Related haircuts
FAQ
What is a butterfly haircut?
A butterfly haircut is a long, layered cut with two sets of layers: shorter ones that fall around the chin and cheekbones, and longer ones below the shoulders.
Who suits a butterfly haircut?
Medium to thick hair that's straight or wavy, and most face shapes. Very fine hair can lose too much weight at the ends; ask for fewer, longer layers.
How often does it need a trim?
About every 8 to 10 weeks.
