Fact: Short haircuts are in. From bixies to bobs, cropped styles are everywhere these days. Even so, I'm not ready to make a dramatic change and chop off all my hair just yet, which makes the butterfly cut all the more enticing. The beauty of this trending style is that it lets you rock a short ‘do without actually cutting all your locks off. Confused? I get it, which is why I reached out to two hairstylists to learn more about the butterfly cut and how to style it at home.
I'm Making Space for the Butterfly Haircut in 2025. Here's Why It's *Still* the Hottest Hair Trend
Plus, how to style and maintain the cut
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Updated Dec 8, 2024
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Meet the Experts
- Sunnie Brook is a celebrity hairstylist and a global ambassador for Biolage. She has over 22 years of experience as a hairdresser, salon owner and educator. Her work has been featured on numerous publications including Vogue, Allure and Harper's Bazaar. Her previous clients include Ashley Park, Elisabeth Moss and Jenna Ortega.
- Danielle Priano is a celebrity hairstylist and an ambassador for SexyHair. She has decades of experience in the industry, working on brand campaigns and launching her very own accessories collection, PSxDanielle. Her previous clients include Vanessa Hudgens, Camilla Cabello and Lindsay Lohan.
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What Is the Butterfly Haircut?
Simply put, the butterfly haircut gives you the best of both worlds, which is why Brook coined the name in the first place. You have short layers on top (like the insect's top wings) and longer tresses cascading down the shoulders, like the majestic creature's lower wings.
In technical terms, Brook explains, “The butterfly haircut is two haircuts in one that gives you the option to play with short hair without having to commit to cutting all your hair off. It’s a fun, almost optical illusion to change up your style and give the appearance of a big change.”
Catrina Yohay/@haileesteinfeld/@brycescarlett/Getty Images
Why Is the Butterfly Cut So Popular Right Now?
Although the butterfly cut came on the scene in 2022, it continues to be in high demand. And for some reason, hybrid styles (that attach animals to haircuts) have been the wave for quite some time. Think: wolf, jellyfish and octopus cuts. From Sydney Sweeney to Jennifer Lopez, the butterfly cut’s popularity stems from being versatile, low-maintenance and super ‘70s.
It’s so hot right now that even Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay decided to try it out. In a previous piece on her experience, she shared, “As someone with long, thick hair that can easily get weighed down, the butterfly cut has breathed new life into my strands. My hair feels weightless and healthy, and the face-framing layers add a touch of cool to my everyday looks: down with waves or thrown up into a claw clip. The cut also fits surprisingly well into my low-maintenance styling routine (a touch of hair oil and a rough blow dry), while somehow retaining the same volume and movement—even when I air dry.”
How to Ask for a Butterfly Cut At the Salon
Before asking for a butterfly haircut, Brook suggests bringing in reference photos to show your stylist at your appointment. “When visiting your stylist, bring inspiration photos to help visualize your goal. I always suggest bringing photos of the haircut you love, as well as versions of the cut you don’t love,” she says. It's important to choose images with hair type and texture similar to yours, so you can fully picture what the cut can look like on you. Brook adds, “Be clear about your hair texture, length and maintenance preferences. For example, [for] the short layers around the face I usually hold a piece of hair to show my clients the exact length of the shortest layer.”
How to Achieve the Butterfly Cut
Once you’ve settled on specifics, Brook explains your stylist will begin sectioning hair, “focusing on framing shorter layers around the face and maintaining volume.” Short strands are often two to three inches below the chin, while the longer locks fall just past the shoulders. She notes that layers are carefully shaped to avoid disrupting texture, ensuring a flattering look. This intentional flow creates a soft movement and bounce.
Does The Butterfly Haircut Work On Everyone?
According to the experts, the butterfly haircut can be tailored to all hair types, hair textures and even face shapes. Here's a breakdown on how it can work for you.
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1. Short Butterfly Cut
Also known as the butterfly bob, this cut focuses on texture and volume around the crown. As Rodney Cutler, hairstylist and salon owner, previously told me, "Bobs are always in; it's how we reinvent the classic cut into different trends to make it modern. This rendition is called a butterfly bob, which focuses on movement and texture around the hairline. This style requires face-framing layers that allow the hair to swing off the face."
Steve Granitz/Contributor/Getty Images
2. Long Butterfly Cut
“It’s an update of the classic long layers,” explains Priano. “When doing regular layers, you don’t have a gap between layers, every section is going to be a continuation of the layer before. The twist with this cut is that you separate the below chin layer from the rest (layers below the shoulder) to give you some space to create the short hair illusion when desired.”
3. Curly Butterfly Cut
Brook points out that this cut works best for curly hair, since adding layers to your locks can complement your natural pattern. She shares, “The butterfly cut enhances natural volume and shape, giving curls a cascading, airy effect. The shorter layers frame the face, while longer layers balance the silhouette.”
Steve Granitz/Contributor/Getty Images
4. Color-Treated Butterfly Cut
Whether you prefer blonde, brunette or red, a new shade can amplify your haircut. If you have blonde hair, it can highlight your layers, creating depth and lightness. Meanwhile, those with red hair can accentuate warmth and richness to the cut and brunettes can add texture and depth.
So if you’re looking to get a new hair color *and* haircut, Brook recommends getting them done at the same time. “I suggest getting all-over color or highlights done at the same time as doing the butterfly haircut as the new shape will affect the end results of how your hair color looks and the placement,” she explains. “I love adding a few brighter pieces around the face and through the ends to keep the overall connection of the shape.”
How to Style a Butterfly Cut
When you leave your hair out, you’ll have a nice layered blowout or a voluminous 'do. But, the minute you pin the bottom back into a low ponytail or bun, it looks just like a short hairstyle (almost like a faux lob) as the top layers are in full display.
But for those of us who can be a little, um, lazy when it comes to styling our hair, the butterfly cut requires little to no styling. Still, if you’re looking to enhance your own natural texture, consider a texturizing spray or leave-in conditioner to add more definition and shine. Priano also suggests a round brush and blow dryer combo to add volume for a ‘70s blowout (or a styling tool for a defined, polished finish).
So, it’s time to flap your wings, get this trendy haircut-slash-magic-trick and have your friends asking, “Wait, wasn’t your hair just long a second ago?”
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Difference Between a Butterfly Cut and Layers?
“While both styles involve layering, the butterfly cut is distinguished by its two-tiered approach: shorter, face-framing layers paired with longer layers for movement and a light, airy finish. You can also tuck the bottom layers of the butterfly haircut under giving your hair the appearance of a bob without making the commitment to a chop,” explains Brook.
What's the Difference Between a Wolf Cut and a Butterfly Cut?
The difference lies with their cutting techniques. A wolf cut has choppy layers that give it a more tousled appearance. On the flip side, a butterfly cut uses a blended approach that gives a softer, airy look.
Is a Butterfly Cut Great for Fine Hair?
While the butterfly cut is a great option for thick hair, there's still a way to get the hottest trend right now, especially if you have fine hair. A butterfly bob takes a page out of the OG cut, while adding fullness for fine and/or thinner strands.
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