A butterfly cut is indeed one of the best trending hairstyles to try in 2024. It’s a modern take on the classic shag haircut from the ’70s, featuring layers and feathered ends that create a soft and flowy look. The layers are cut in a way that resembles butterfly wings, hence the name.
The butterfly cut hair is versatile and works well on different hair textures and lengths, making it a popular choice among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. Enjoy this collection of top-notch butterfly haircuts, and pick the one that will benefit your look the most!
What Is a Butterfly Haircut?
“With over 580 million views on TikTok, #ButterflyHaircut has become one of the biggest hair trends of 2024,” points out Lorna Valente, a London-based hairstylist and colorist. Getting its name from its resemblance to a butterfly’s fluttering wing, the hairstyle is a combination of both short and long layers designed to achieve maximum volume without having to sacrifice length, Lorna explains. The shortest layers can be cut to either cheekbone or chin length, whichever is more flattering for your face shape, whilst the longer layers maintain the length.
“The style combines effortless and chic with nods to the 70s (think Farah Fawcett) and the 90s (The Rachel) with lots of volume, movement and dimension,” sums up the stylist. Keep scrolling for the best examples and styling tips.
1. Golden Blonde Butterfly Cut
It’s not necessary to curl your locks or cut them in shaggy layers to spice up the natural texture of your straight hair. A butterfly cut brings in some layering, thus creating a more tousled, effortless look, while blonde balayage makes your style truly sophisticated.
2. Trendy Butterfly Cut on Long Hair
It’s a great option for those willing to achieve a trendy yet effortless hairstyle. The layers all over the head add more volume and texture to your hair, giving it a chic and modern look.
3. Lovely Butterfly Haircut for Thick Hair
A layered hairstyle with curtain bangs ideally suits women who want to frame the face and accentuate facial features. When it comes to styling the butterfly, we suggest you apply some texture spray to lift your hair up and show off the layers.
4. Cute Layered Hairstyle with Big Waves
Voluminous waves can add an appearance of thickness to your hair, especially when combined with layers of different lengths. You can also use a volumizing mousse or spray before blow-drying to give your hair extra lift and body.
5. Butterfly Haircut with Wispy Layers
Adding bangs to a butterfly cut can definitely change the overall look of the style and help balance out the face shape. Wispy bangs can add softness and create a more delicate, feminine look; at the same time, they make your face appear thinner.
6. Curtain Bangs and Face-Framing Layers
The curtain bangs can serve as a perfect anchor for the layers in a shoulder-length butterfly haircut. Also, ask your stylist to add some shorter layers around your face to give you a more defined look.
7. Butterfly Haircut for Natural Brown Locks
Adding layers through a butterfly cut can indeed add shape and movement to long brown tresses. The layers can also help distribute the weight of the hair, preventing it from appearing too heavy and flat.
8. Charming Caramel Style
Every detail of this butterfly hairstyle is absolutely stunning! The soft layers create movement and texture, while the curtain fringe and flicks add a touch of playfulness to the look.
9. Classy Shoulder-Length Layered Haircut
If you are looking for a way to spice up your medium hair, we highly recommend you pay attention to this gorgeous butterfly haircut with blonde highlights and waves. This combination will emphasize the beauty of your natural look and complement your appearance.
10. Mid-Length Butterfly Cut for Oval Face
To create this aspiring feathered haircut, ask for shorter layers on top of the head and through the crown. This will slightly resemble butterfly wings, giving the cut its unique and playful name. Spice it up with auburn or copper babylights for a dimensional look.
11. Butterfly Cut on Short Hair
This short haircut is full of volume and texture, making it perfect for those with fine hair. To recreate this style, cut your locks in short layers and finish by gently tousling the hair with your fingers to separate the curls and bring more movement to the strands.
12. Long Butterfly Cut with Face-Framing Layers
The butterfly cut can look great on straight hair as well. Flips at the ends bring some texture to your smooth hair while the layers themselves add dimension and movement your straight locks may lack.
13. Long Layered Cut for Thin Hair
If your hair is very fine or thin, adding too many layers may actually make it appear even thinner. However, with longer layers, like in this case, your hair will look nice, textured and even a bit thicker.
14. Elegant Butterfly Haircut for Blondes
Buttery blonde hair color looks aspiring on itself, but layers boost the hair texture and dimension. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styling products to enhance your layered locks and make them stand out.
15. Stunning Butterfly Haircut for Brunettes
The butterfly haircut is versatile and can be customized to suit different face shapes and hair types. The flicks and curtain fringe can add a touch of softness to the overall look, and the long layers can create movement and volume.
16. Blonde Layered Hairstyle for Wavy Hair
Warm blonde shades are perfect for complementing butterfly haircuts. Just make sure to consult with your hairstylist or colorist to determine the best hair color of highlights for your skin tone and hair type.
17. Sandy Brown Butterfly Haircut
Butterfly layers in the lower part of your hair can add a touch of texture and movement without creating a heavily layered appearance. Additionally, enhance the beauty of your long, thick locks with a soft light brown ombre.
18. Chestnut Brown Butterfly Layers
This hairstyle boasts a seamless cascade of flowing layers, creating a blended, layered haircut in deep chocolate brown hues. To recreate this bouncy style at home, use a blow dryer and a volumizing spray or mousse.
19. Buttery Blonde Layered Hairstyle
Feathering is an effective way to introduce texture to your straight hair. Ask for more flips at the ends and gorgeous blonde balayage highlights for more dimension and movement.
20. Butterfly Cut in Cappuccino Tones
A combination of butterfly layers and ashy brown balayage can make you look at your long hair differently. With just a few front pieces elegantly framing the face, you can create a voluminous and chic appearance everyone will adore.
21. Low-Maintenance Butterfly Style
While butterfly cuts are usually associated with a middle parting, this layered style provides a personalized twist to the classic look. A deep side part and long swept bangs can cover the high forehead, creating a beautiful framing effect.
22. Icy Butterfly Cut with Dark Roots
This layered haircut not only reduces bulk in thick hair but also lightens the dark locks with platinum balayage for an airier appearance. The white blonde hue contrasts well with darker skin tones and accentuates the texture of flipped layers.
23. Medium-Length Butterfly Layers
Adding face-framing layers can bring dimension and structure to the hair without compromising on thickness. Curl the short top layers away from the way to create an effect of elongated curtain bangs that highlight your features.
24. Bouncy Butterfly Hairstyle
This butterfly cut, featuring feathered layers and flipped-out styling, showcases abundant texture around the face, making your brown hair stand out.
25. Chic Layered Cut for Brunette Hair
Skillfully cut layers can have a transformational effect on thick hair of any length. While enhancing the texture and movement of your locks, layering also gives your tresses a more lightweight feel.
26. Side Swept Wispy Butterfly Haircut
Face-framing pieces of varying lengths, incorporated throughout the perimeter, can result in an awe-inspiring dynamic and textured look. To add more interest to this butterfly hairstyle, tease your brown mane with subtle caramel highlights.
27. Bright Copper Butterfly Cut Hair
A ginger hair color can be a great choice to add some warmth and brightness to your overall look. When paired with the butterfly haircut, it can create a bold and eye-catching style worthy of admiration.
28. Shoulder-Length Cut with Voluminous Layers
This mesmerizing layered look is perfect for the summer season. To achieve this effect on your locks, use a light texturizing spray and blow-dry each layer separately. This will enhance the texture of your beautiful butterfly hair.
29. Butterfly Cut Hair with Shaggy Bangs
The butterfly hair trend came from the 70s, so if you’re a fan of this era, feel free to adopt this hairstyle. Textured hair with floaty layers brings movement to locks of any length and thickness, as well as boosts their allure.
30. Black Hair with Lighter Face-Framing Layers
Mid-length hair looks amazing when paired with curtain bangs and layers. To make your brunette mane catchier, consider the money piece technique can be a great addition to the butterfly haircut, as it can add a pop of color and dimension to the front section of your hair.
How to Style a Butterfly Haircut?
Lorna Valente has given lots of valuable tips and hacks that will help you style your butterfly cut at home like a pro! There are two basic routes you can go:
- Blow dry your hair around 80 percent and then begin using a round brush to smooth and section your hair. Once sectioned, use a large roller on each part and leave them in until the hair has cooled. It will keep hair bouncier for longer.
- If you are less confident with blow drying your hair, start off by blast drying your hair, spending the last couple of minutes smoothing it out using a round brush. Once dry, you can use your preferred hot tool to create those loose, bouncy movements.
Always apply heat protection both before blow drying your hair and before the use of any hot tools. If you have thick hair, Lorna recommends using a lightweight mousse, the Percy and Reed volumising mousse being one of her favorite ones. If your hair is thin, opt for a lightweight cream instead, as a mouse may weigh the hair down. Finish off the look by using a shine serum and session spray.
The butterfly haircut can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types. This versatility is one of the reasons why the butterfly haircut has become a popular trend in recent years. Pin the best butterfly haircut ideas as inspiration for your new style!
