Whether it’s a wolf cut, a shag, a butterfly cut, or the Rachel Green, 2024 has been the year of the feathered, layered haircuts. TikTok is the place to go for all things trending, and as a TikTok user myself, I can’t remember the last time I went a day without seeing at least one hair transformation video on my For You Page. The creativity and inspiration in these videos have made it easier than ever to try new looks and styles, and layered cuts are more popular than ever.
What Is the Butterfly Haircut?
It seems the hair makeover videos aren’t just taking over my explore page; Spate NYC has reported that searches for the “butterfly haircut” have increased by 368.9% since last year. This is a big jump and shows the demand for these cuts is higher than ever.
For those who may not be familiar, the Butterfly Cut is all about elevation. According to Paul Labrecque, master stylist, hair colorist, and creative director of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, “The cut lifts the hair up to maintain length while allowing all of the weight to be lost in the internal layers.” This creates a light and airy feel and makes the hair look voluminous and dynamic.
The butterfly style really shines when it’s done with a diagonal cut and a curtain bang, which adds to its versatility and appeal. This combination enhances the overall shape of the haircut and frames the face beautifully, making it a popular choice for those looking to refresh their look.
Who Does a Butterfly Cut Look Best On?
“As a stylist, I love it when a client wants to make a change with a cut,” says Lavoy. “It’s fun for them and fun for us as stylists. But before you go for any big trending cuts, there are a few things to consider to help guide your decision.” When choosing your new cut, you need to know if the style will work for your face shape. If you want a butterfly-cut transformation but are unsure of your face shape, don’t worry – professionals are here to help. Lavoy says, “A seasoned hairdresser will not only be able to identify your face shape but also tell you what will work for it, whether you want a butterfly cut or not.”
Face Shapes for the Butterfly Cut
According to Dimitris Giannetos, celebrity hairstylist and Garnier Fructis stylist ambassador, “Oval and heart-shaped faces are the best suited for the butterfly cut. The face-framing layers in the front add dimension and balance to the proportions of the face.” For heart-shaped faces with a wider forehead, the layers of this cut can help balance the overall look and reduce the prominence of the forehead. The soft layers can create a more symmetrical look and draw attention away from the forehead and onto the cheekbones.
Versatility of the Butterfly Cut
Celebrity stylist Danielle Priano says, “A butterfly cut is a layered haircut with long, voluminous layers that look like butterfly wings when spread out. The layers start around the cheekbones and flow down, creating a soft and flowing look.” This design not only enhances the natural beauty of the hair but also adds movement and dimension, making it look fuller and more dynamic.
The butterfly cut is great because it can be customized to any hair type and texture. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, the butterfly cut can be adapted to your natural texture. For example, those with wavy hair may find the layers help define their waves, and those with straight hair can have the added volume and movement from the layers.
Styling
Another plus of the butterfly cut is the styling options. You can wear it sleek and polished for a formal look or tousled and messy for a more relaxed vibe. The layers allow many styling options – updos, braids, or just letting your hair flow. Adding waves or curls can enhance the butterfly effect even more, making the style more dynamic and attention-grabbing.
How Do You Ask for a Butterfly Cut?
When it comes to getting the perfect butterfly cut, communication is key. “I think it’s very important for you to have a detailed conversation with your hairdresser. Communication is key for both of you,” says Lavoy. This initial chat sets the foundation for a great haircut and ensures you and your stylist are on the same page.
Things to Talk About
During your consultation, share your ideas and preferences, but also be open to your hairdresser’s recommendations. Here are the key points to cover.
Hair Texture: Share your hair’s natural texture – straight, wavy, or curly. This will help your stylist determine how to cut the layers to enhance your natural beauty.
Cowlicks and Growth Patterns: If you have cowlicks or specific hair growth patterns, make sure to mention them. Knowing how your hair falls naturally will help the stylist cut it, not against it.
Hair Density: Discuss your hair’s density—thick, thin, or somewhere in between. This will affect how the layers are cut and how much volume can be added.
Previous Treatments: Tell your hairdresser about any previous chemical treatments you’ve had, such as coloring or perming. This information is crucial for the health of your hair and the look you want to achieve.
Bring Reference Photos
Lavoy also suggests bringing in reference photos that show the cut, shape, texture, and color of the look you want to achieve, especially with the butterfly style. Visual aids can be very helpful in communicating your vision to your hairdresser. Look for images that show the layered effect and overall vibe of the butterfly cut you want.
How Does Hair Texture Affect the Butterfly Look?
“It’s very important to consider your hair texture when choosing a style,” says Lavoy. Your hair texture will play a big role in how a butterfly cut will look and how easy it will be to style. For example, if you want a new look that has lots of movement and volume, like the butterfly cut, but you have fine, thin hair, you might be disappointed with the results. The same goes for those with thick, curly hair who want a sleek and smooth look.
Hair Types to Consider
Labrecque agrees: ” Hair type, texture, and most importantly, hair thickness is key when considering a trendy cut like the butterfly style. “For example, for the butterfly cut to be done well on someone with curls, I would first blow the hair out straight and then do a dry cut,” he says. This way, the stylist can see how the hair falls naturally and cut the layers to work with the client’s hair type.
He says, “I would tell this client this look is best for those with straighter hair, so they would really have to commit to styling, like blow drying their hair after each wash, to wear this look.” If the butterfly cut is left curly, the top shorter layers will become too round and detract from the overall look.
Styling Challenges for Fine and Curly Hair
Those with very fine hair will struggle to style the butterfly cut; it will look stringy or lack volume. Labrecque says, “I would talk this client into a modern bob shape that keeps its weight and makes styling less of a hassle.” This alternative cut will give a fresh look but is more manageable for those with fine hair.
How Much Maintenance?
“Some people don’t consider maintenance when choosing a new style,” says Lavoy. This is a significant point, especially for trendy styles like the butterfly cut, which may require more effort to maintain than you think. Maintenance will vary depending on your hair type and the look you want to achieve.
Maintenance Needed
Lavoy says maintaining a butterfly cut may involve several steps—blow drying, using hot tools, and using products you may not be used to. For example, to get the voluminous, textured look of the butterfly cut, you may need to style it. This means using a round brush while blow drying to lift the roots or using curling wands or straighteners to define the layers and add movement.
If a client wants to try the butterfly cut but is unsure if it will work with their hair type, Lavoy says, “Ask a professional if there is a chemical treatment that can make your dream hair more achievable.” For example, if you have curly hair but want a smoother look, a chemical smoothing treatment might be good. If you have straight hair and want to add movement, a texture wave might be what you need.
Trims
Danielle Priano says regular trims are crucial to maintaining the volume and texture of the butterfly cut. “Trimmings every 6-8 weeks are a must to keep the hair full and have lots of movement,” she says. This frequency will remove split ends and maintain the shape of the cut so that it looks fresh and lively. A well-maintained butterfly cut will look better and be easier to style as the layers will be defined and bouncy.
Butterfly Cut Inspiration: Celebrities with Butterfly Haircuts
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez, aka JLo, has been known for her gorgeous hair for years. Her signature cut and style is the butterfly cut. With curtain bangs that blend into a face frame and long flowing layers, JLo’s hair is the ultimate inspiration for this trend.
Her butterfly cut enhances her natural beauty and adds movement and dimension, so her hair looks fuller and more dynamic. The layers and bangs give a soft, romantic vibe that’s versatile and stylish, so she can go from casual to red carpet.
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter is another celebrity who embodies the butterfly cut. With her baby doll cheekbones and iconic bangs, she’s a style icon for many. Her feathery layered hair is the perfect representation of the butterfly cut, so show this to your stylist. Carpenter’s look is youthful and elegant, so it’s a great option if you want to try this trend.
Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Sweeney has had a bob for a while now, but the style we associate with the Anyone But You star is the classic butterfly cut. If you don’t want a full bang, Sweeney’s softer face frame and longer layers are a great option. Her hair shows how the butterfly cut can be adapted to your style while still having movement and texture.
Ayo Edebiri
We were obsessed with Ayo Edebiri’s mermaid waves at the season three premiere of The Bear, but the Inside Out 2 star’s usual hair is more of a butterfly cut. With a subtle face frame and long flowing layers, Edebiri’s hair is the epitome of effortless beauty. Her hair is playful and sophisticated, so it’s a great option if you want to try the butterfly cut.
Sofia Vergara
Like JLo, Sofia Vergara has invented the butterfly cut, as the Modern Family star has been wearing the textured, airy style for years. If you have long hair and want to keep it that way, the gentle framing pieces and long layers in Vergara’s cut are a great option. Her hair enhances her features, and the butterfly cut, in a nutshell, shows how this style can be glamorous and practical.