Looking for a haircut that frames your face and adds natural volume? Meet the butterfly haircut—the layered style that gives you instant lift and flatters every face shape. It blends short and long layers to create movement, shape, and serious style, which is why it is consistently among the top hair trends.
However, the butterfly haircut is more than just a viral trend – it’s a versatile, flattering hairstyle that works across hair types, lengths, and textures. If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or YouTube Shorts lately, chances are you’ve seen someone showing off this airy, layered cut that gives you bounce, volume, and face-framing elegance. The best part is that whether you have long, medium, or short hair, the butterfly-inspired haircut can be customised just for you.
Moreover, whether you’re exploring cool beauty trends or pursuing a hairstyling course to make a career, having information about beauty trends, such as the butterfly cut, will always give you an edge. In this blog, we will explore this haircut, why it is so popular, why even celebrities love it, and 11 stunning ways you can pull it off yourself. Let us get started!
What Is the Butterfly Haircut?
The butterfly haircut is a layered haircut that blends shorter face-framing pieces with longer layers at the back. The name “butterfly” comes from how the cut adds volume and lightness, with hair flaring like wings.
Key features:
- Voluminous, bouncy layers
- Shorter layers near the crown for lift
- Longer lengths that still give you styling flexibility
- Great for adding shape to thick hair and movement to thin hair
This cut is especially loved because it allows you to fake short hair while keeping your length, all thanks to clever layering.
Celebrities Who Have Embraced the Butterfly Haircut
The butterfly-styled haircut has become a favourite among many celebrities. From Jennifer Lopez, who has donned this always-in-demand hairstyle (messy), to Zendaya’s bold layered look that highlights her perfect cheekbones, this style is everywhere.
Image Source – Instagram
Image Source – Instagram
Even Bollywood divas like Alia Bhatt have embraced the butterfly cut, adding their own charm to this trendy hairstyle.
Image Source – Instagram
Top 11 Butterfly Cut Styles You Can Try
1. Classic Butterfly-Inspired Haircut
This is the original version where your haircut has long layers throughout the hair, with shorter pieces around the crown area. These shorter layers give a lift and bounce at the top, while the longer ones flow down like butterfly wings. It’s perfect if you want volume without losing your hair’s length. Imagine a haircut that feels light, bouncy, and full of movement — that’s the magic of the classic butterfly cut.
2. Butterfly Styled Cut with Curtain Bangs
Add curtain bangs to the butterfly haircut, and you’ve got a winning combo. These bangs part softly in the middle and frame your face like gentle drapes. They blend into the shorter layers, making your face appear slimmer and more defined. The result? A trendy, retro-inspired look that’s still modern. It’s great for anyone who wants to update their hairstyle without going too bold.
3. Butterfly Cut for Straight Hair
Straight hair is ideal for showing off the beauty of the butterfly haircut. The layers fall clearly, with neat structure and shine. This cut adds shape to straight hair, which can sometimes look flat. The shorter layers give the illusion of volume near the roots, while the long ends keep it sleek. If you love simple, clean styles with a bit of drama, this one’s for you.
4. Butterfly Cut for Long Hair
Have long hair but want a change? This version keeps your length but adds volume and style with short, face-framing layers. The front looks lighter and lifted, while the back flows long and elegantly. It’s the perfect way to refresh long hair without chopping it off. Moreover, it’s great for weddings, parties, or everyday glam.
5. Butterfly Haircut for Medium Hair
Medium-length hair pairs wonderfully with butterfly layers. The layers are enough to shape your hair and add body, but not so much that you lose the fullness. Undoubtedly, this butterfly cut is easy to maintain and looks youthful with or without styling. Think of it as the perfect balance between drama and simplicity — a fun cut that still feels natural.
6. Short Butterfly Cut
You might not believe it, but a butterfly cut looks glamorous even on short-length hair! This style uses texture and volume to give that layered, feathery effect when done at shoulder length, and it is playful and edgy. When getting it done, a little wave or curl can bring the look to life even more. If you love short styles or have the look of a curly hairstyle and desire butterfly-style locks that have softness and movement, this one’s a keeper.
7. Butterfly Cut with Bangs
Add bangs to your butterfly cut for a bold and fun twist. You can go for wispy bangs for a soft look or straight-across bangs for something edgier. Either way, the layers and bangs work together to highlight your eyes and cheekbones. It’s a great choice if you want your haircut to stand out and feel stylish at the same time.
8. Layered Butterfly Cut with Volume
This version is all about body and bounce. The layers are cut to create maximum volume, especially when you blow-dry your hair. It looks like a salon blowout, even when styled at home. If you love hairstyles that look full, fluffy, and glamorous, this voluminous butterfly cut will make you feel fabulous.
9. Butterfly Haircut for Thin Hair
The butterfly cut is revolutionary for thin hair. The layers create the illusion of thickness without making your hair heavy or flat. The movement from the short to long layers makes your hair appear full of life and have a better texture. This is a perfect style if you want to add volume and avoid that limp look.
10. Textured Butterfly Styled Haircut
Want something edgy and modern? Ask your stylist for textured or razor-cut layers. These give your butterfly cut a messier, more undone look. It’s great for people who love a casual, low-maintenance style that still looks cool. Perfect for beachy waves, dry styling, or adding a little rockstar attitude to your hair.
11. Butterfly Haircut for Wavy Hair
Wavy hair and butterfly layers cut when combined together look spectacular for sure. The cut helps define your waves, giving them more shape and bounce. The layers fall naturally and add dimension, making your hair look thick and styled, even when it’s not. Moreover, this type of styling in hair is effortless, easy to maintain and flattering.
How to Care for and Maintain a Butterfly Cut
As stated, this haircut is known for its layered, voluminous look that frames the face beautifully. To keep it looking fresh and bouncy, follow these care and maintenance tips:
1. Regular Trims
- Schedule a trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain the shape of the layers and prevent split ends.
- Focus on keeping the shorter, face-framing layers in place for that signature butterfly look.
2. Use Lightweight Products
- Choose volumising shampoos and conditioners that won’t weigh your hair down.
- Avoid heavy oils or thick creams near the roots—they can flatten your layers.
3. Blow-Dry for Volume
- For added lift and movement, use a round brush during blow-drying to raise the roots and shape the tips.
- You should also flip your hair upside down when using a hair dryer to boost volume.
4. Protect from Heat
- One piece of advice for maintaining a butterfly-inspired cut is to apply a heat protectant spray prior to styling. One can do it with flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers.
- Don’t get into the habit of daily heat styling to help prevent damage to your ends.
5. Style with Texture
- One should make use of a light mousse or texturising spray to improve the movement and appearance of layers of hair.
- You can also use a curling wand to softly wave the longer layers for a flowy effect.
6. Night Care
- Using a silk or satin pillowcase while you sleep can also help to minimise frizz and friction in your hair.
- Consider loosely tying your hair in a low ponytail or braid to keep the shape intact overnight.
7. Deep Conditioning
- Use a deep conditioning mask once a week to keep your hair soft and healthy, especially the longer bottom layers.
Conclusion
The butterfly haircut isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a timeless, adaptable style that celebrates volume, movement, and individuality. From soft curtain bangs to textured short layers, there’s a version for every face shape, hair type, and personal vibe. With just the right care and styling, this cut can bring effortless glam to your everyday look. Knowing how to create and maintain such trending hairstyles is a major advantage for anyone pursuing a beauty course or starting a career in hairdressing.
If you’re passionate about hairstyling or want to build a strong career in the beauty industry, it’s time to skill up with a certified hair course from Orane International. Moreover, you can learn professional hair styling techniques, cutting trends, and more under expert guidance. Orane’s beauty courses offer practical training, industry-recognised certification, and 100% placement assistance—everything you need to turn your talent into a successful career.
