What Is a Butterfly Haircut?

Because there are so many different types of hair and varying preferences when it comes to hair type and desired hair length, there are also seemingly innumerable ways in which to cut hair into different styles. When paired with color and post-cut styling, it’s possible for virtually anyone to get their exact desired look before leaving the salon. Haircuts in particular can make a difference when it comes to shaping the face, slenderizing the neckline, and highlighting (or concealing) specific features close to the hair. Having said that, it can be difficult for someone to decide whether they want to keep their hair long and luscious or chop it off for a lighter, fresher look. With the butterfly haircut, there’s no need to choose between the two. Here’s a look into the iconic butterfly haircut, as well as tips for cutting, styling, and maintaining it.

What Does the Butterfly Cut Look Like?

The butterfly haircut can be defined as a layer-heavy cut that focuses on detailed layering below the shoulders, whereas the top layer (located a few inches below the chin) is more of a streamlined length. This layering process allows for the longer layers to be sectioned off and pinned up under the shortest layer, creating the illusion of shorter hair in the form of a voluminous lob or similar style. Essentially, the butterfly is a versatile cut that allows the hair to be worn in both short and long styles. With a little help from some high-quality hair styling products, wearing a butterfly cut in the short form can conceal the longer pinned-up hair and look very natural. 

Although the butterfly cut gets a lot of attention for being a two-for-one hairstyle, not everyone wants it for that exact reason. In fact, some just simply love the way the layered cut looks when worn long. Depending on how much layering is desired below the shortest layer, the butterfly cut can be worn as a retro-chic homage to glamorous hairstyles of the ’60s and ’70s with layers that open up and turn away from the face when brushed or curled in a similar motion. Volumizing mousse, strengthening shampoo and other professional hair care products can help to make creating and maintaining one of these looks even easier. 

Creating a Butterfly Haircut

For stylists, creating a butterfly cut is rather simple because it incorporates basic layering techniques and shapes found within other popular hairstyles. Follow these steps to get a signature butterfly cut:

1. Start with clean, wet hair. Part the hair in the middle and divide the hair into two sections, one at the front of the head containing the crown and sides sections and one containing the hair in the back (minus the top layer). 

2. Using blow-dry clips and other accessories to help hold the other sections of hair, begin combing the back section until it lays flat. Based on the level of layering the client desires, begin cutting the back section into multiple layered sections. 

3. Twist the layered back section and secure it with a clip to keep it steady and then take down the top layer of hair. Since the section of hair around the crown of the head tends to take unique shapes and include cowlicks, consider drying the top section before cutting so it takes its natural, dry form. 

4. Cut the top section in a face-framing shape that falls two to three inches below the chin, taking special care to make this layer defined enough to be worn on its own. 

5. Unclip the back section of longer hair and blow dry the entire head using a round brush. Make sure to work through each layer of hair to define the different lengths and frame the face with the top layer. 

6. Finish the look by using professional hairspray to lock in the layered, voluminous shape! 

Styling a Butterfly Haircut

Since a butterfly haircut is full of volume-loving layers and dimensional shapes, there are lots of ways to make it look great. One way to style this cut involves a salon-level blowout, a process that stylists can explain to their clients as they style their hair at the salon. Essentially, the process involves working through each layer of hair moving from bottom to top. Start with a blow dry spray from a trusted salon brand like Kenra Professional and mist it throughout the hair. Begin drying the hair from bottom to top using a large round brush to tuck the ends under and inward. When drying the crown and side layers, rotate the round brush away from the face to create more volume. From there, style with texture spray and hairspray or use a large barrel curling iron to add even more definition!