The butterfly cut is popular for its voluminous layers, creating the illusion of thicker and fuller hair. It effortlessly blends edge and elegance, with shorter top layers falling over the longer ones to mimic a butterfly’s appearance in flight. It’s a great look for those seeking a big change in their style or wanting to add a touch of class and sophistication. Read on to discover how to achieve the perfect butterfly cut in 2025.
Table of Contents
What is a butterfly cut?
How to create a butterfly cut
Trending butterfly cut styles
Summary
What is a butterfly cut?
The butterfly cut gets its name from how its shorter layers “hover” over longer layers, creating a look that’s similar to the wings of a butterfly. This layered hairstyle is achieved by having shorter layers that are more feathered at the top and longer layers below that add bounce and movement.
It’s a hairstyle that works very well with medium or long hair and is a great way to add volume and a face-framing effect without losing much length. The butterfly cut is very versatile and suits a wide range of hair textures, which is why it remains so popular today.
How to create a butterfly cut
The key to any successful butterfly cut is volume. In order to achieve this volume, layers of different lengths should be cut to create a cascading effect.
Tools needed:
Step 1: Preparing the hair
Wash and towel dry the hair then start to gently comb out any tangles to make the hair easier to work with. It’s not recommended to work with dry hair as it can be difficult to control the layers.
Step 2: Sectioning
Separate the top and bottom layers by creating a horizontal parting above the ears. Clip the top section so that it’s out of the way. For face-framing layers, this is where the hair around the face needs to be sectioned off from the top.
Step 3: Cutting the bottom layer
Release the bottom section and comb it until it’s smooth. This will be the longest layer of the butterfly cut. Trim the bottom section to the desired length.
Step 4: Top layers
Now it’s time to unclip the top section and divide it into smaller sections to make everything more manageable. Begin from the back and elevate the hair. Cut it slightly shorter than the bottom layer, making sure the scissors are angled slightly downward. It’s important that these layers gradually blend from the shortest (near the crown) to the longest (at the bottom). This will create the desired butterfly wing effect that this look is known for.
Step 5: Face-framing andchecking for symmetry
Before checking for symmetry, the client may want face-framing layers added to the hairstyle. Pull the front sections forward and cut diagonally so that they’re framed to match the length and layering of the top sections.
The final step before blow drying is to check for symmetry. Comb the hair to ensure all layers have blended smoothly and adjust any uneven sections.
Step 6: Add some volume
Blow-dry the hair using a round brush. This will help to enhance volume. An alternative method is to use a curling iron for added texture. Finish the haircut with a volumizing product.
Trending butterfly cut styles
The butterfly cut is a popular choice among women who aspire to a sophisticated look. According to Google Ads, “butterfly cut” receives an average of 673,00 searches per month, remaining constant throughout the year, demonstrating its continuing popularity.
Below, we’ll take a look at three popular versions of the butterfly cut.
Short hair butterfly cut
The short hair butterfly cut is the perfect alternative for people who want a layered look but with less length. This hairstyle features shorter and choppy layers, with bottom layers that are slightly longer to give it that “butterfly” appearance. Meanwhile., the choppy layers add height and movement to the hair. It’s one hairstyle that works well with bob-length as well as shoulder-length hair of any texture, being playful while still framing the face.
Curly hair butterfly cut
Butterfly cuts are all about volume, and the curly hair butterfly cut is a great way to enhance natural curls. This version of the cut has shorter layers at the top to give the hair definition, with longer layers underneath that adds a touch of softness. This structure helps to reduce the bulk that is often present with thick curls, which makes it easier to manage and helps each layer stand out.
Butterfly cut with bangs
Another popular version of the butterfly cut is one with bangs. This look creates a very flattering face-framing appearance with the help of soft and wispy bangs that blend into the shorter top layers, adding an extra level of dimension to the face and highlighting certain facial features, particularly the eyes. The layered structure keeps the overall aesthetic light and airy and is ideal for medium or long hair.
Summing up
The butterfly haircut is a beautiful example of a layered hairstyle that can be worn throughout the year and for any occasion. To achieve this look, it is essential to separate the top and bottom layers during the styling process, for an outcome that should give the appearance of butterfly wings.
There are now many variations of this hairstyle to choose from, which is what has helped to make it such a playful, charming, and long-lasting favorite.
