Butterfly cuts are everywhere right now, and it's easy to see why. The cut keeps your length, adds movement around the face, and looks good air-dried or blown out.
Below are the versions worth trying, what to say at the salon, and how to get the flip at home. Still deciding on color? Browse more hair ideas.
What is a butterfly haircut?
Shorter layers around the face, starting near the cheekbones or chin, cut over longer layers underneath. Blown out, the short layers flip away from the face like wings, so you get volume and movement without losing length.
The looks
Save the one closest to your hair type and length. That's the photo to show your stylist.
1. Long butterfly layers on dark brunette
The shortest layer sits at the collarbone, so it grows out gracefully.
Ask for:long layers, face-framing from the collarbone, ends kept heavy.
2. Soft butterfly cut with caramel balayage
Lighter ends make every layer visible, even in photos.
Ask for:face-framing from the chin, caramel balayage through the mid-lengths.
3. Glossy black butterfly layers
On dark, straight hair the shape reads sharper, so keep the layers blended.
Ask for:internal layers for movement, face-framing from the cheekbones.
4. Butterfly layers with curtain bangs
The bangs blend straight into the face-framing layers, so the whole front moves together.
Ask for:curtain bangs that meet the cheekbone layer, long layers underneath.
Who it suits
It works best on medium to long hair with some density. On fine hair, ask for fewer, longer layers so the ends don't look thin. Curly hair can wear it too, ideally cut dry by someone who specialises in curls.
Styling it at home
Rough-dry to about 80%, then blow-dry the front sections away from your face with a round brush. Velcro rollers on the face-framing pieces give the same flip with less heat.
FAQ
Is a butterfly cut the same as a shag?
No. A shag has choppy layers all over. A butterfly cut keeps the length long and concentrates the short layers around the face.
Can I get it with curtain bangs?
Yes, it's a popular pairing. The bangs blend straight into the face-framing layers.
How often does it need a trim?
Plan on the face-framing layers every 8 to 10 weeks to keep the flip.
The bottom line
If you want movement and volume without giving up length, the butterfly cut is the easiest win. Save the look closest to your hair, show it to your stylist, and ask for the face-framing layers to start at your cheekbones or chin.
