Top 29 Butterfly Haircut Looks + How to Style

Updated on January 22, 2024
Quan Wen By Quan Wen
Quan Wen

Lead editor at Zohna, yogi and clean beauty fanatic

Table Of Contents

    Butterfly haircutPIN

    Top 29 Butterfly Haircut Looks + How to Style

    If you’re a big fan of the shaggy wolf cut, you might want to know about the butterfly cut. Similar in style, this trendy cut frames the face in a chic and classic way.

    And, if you don’t believe us when we say this cut is trending, perhaps this will convince you – Hailee Steinfeld, Jennifer Lopez, and even the famous TikToker Addison Rae have all rocked this cute yet classy cut.

    So, what is a butterfly haircut and how do you style one perfectly? This guide goes over everything you need to know about this style and the ins and outs of some of the top trending butterfly cut looks.

    What is a Butterfly Haircut?

    The butterfly haircut is a fun and edgy style that involves cutting your hair into layers of different lengths, resembling the wings of a butterfly. Similar to an octopus haircut, the layers add texture and movement to your hair, creating a vibrant and dynamic look that makes your hair come alive.

    One of the great things about the butterfly haircut is its versatility. It can be tailored to suit any hair length and texture, making it a perfect choice for both long and short hair. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly locks, the butterfly haircut will undoubtedly make you stand out from the crowd.

    We’ve already mentioned a few celebs who have rocked the butterfly haircut. However, in case you need a few more to check out for inspiration, here are some of our faves:

    • Priyanka Chopra
    • Alia Bhatt
    • Sydney Sweeny
    • Kaia Gerber
    • Kelly Rowland

    All of these ladies absolutely nailed this style, and we’re sure that you can too!

    The Benefits of the Butterfly Haircut

    The butterfly haircut offers numerous benefits that make it an excellent choice for those looking to switch up their style. Here are a few of the advantages.

    Benefit Explanation
    Unique and Eye-catching The butterfly haircut is unlike any other hairstyle out there. Its intricate design and delicate shape are sure to make you stand out from the crowd.
    Versatile This haircut can be customized to suit different hair lengths and textures. Whether you have long, short, straight, or curly hair, the butterfly haircut can be tailored to fit your individual style.
    Low Maintenance Once you’ve mastered the initial styling, maintaining the butterfly haircut is a breeze. With minimal effort, you can keep your hair looking fabulous every day.
    Fun and Playful The butterfly haircut exudes a sense of whimsy and playfulness. It’s a great way to inject some fun into your everyday look and boost your confidence.
    Volume & Dimension By dividing your hair into two sections and creating butterfly wings, you instantly create the illusion of fuller and thicker hair. This is especially beneficial for individuals with fine or thin hair who want to achieve a more voluminous look.
    Easy to Accessorize The butterfly haircut is a great way to experiment with different accessories and embellishments. You can use bobby pins, hair clips, or even small flowers to enhance the overall look of your butterfly wings. This allows you to express your creativity and personalize your hairstyle according to your mood or the occasion.

    With its striking angles and voluminous layers, the butterfly haircut is a work of art that showcases your unique style.

    Of course, that still doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. If you’re not 100% sure about getting this cut, speak to your stylist first. He or she will be able to help direct you toward a cut that works well for your face!

    How to do a Butterfly Haircut at Home Step by Step

    Creating a butterfly haircut at home is an excellent option if you want to unleash your creativity and save a trip to the salon. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

    1. Section the bangs in a triangle.
    2. Split the bangs into three equal sections.
    3. Hold the middle section out at a 90 degree angle from the face and cut it to your desired length.
    4. Overdirect each of the side sections, also holding them at a 90 degree angle, and cut to the same length as the middle section.
    5. Continue this process until you reach the ears.
    6. Once you reach the ears, continue to take sections of hair, this time holding them at a 45 degree angle before cutting.
    7. Continue until you have made your way around the head.

    Voilá! You’ve just finished creating a butterfly haircut.

    One thing to note is that this is a hard cut to master. You may want to leave this up to a professional at a salon, rather than attempting to do the cut on your own at home.

    On top of that, if you do decide you’ve got to do a butterfly cut the DIY way, make sure you’re using razor sharp scissors. This cut requires high precision and dramatic layers, which will require a solid pair of scissors to achieve.

    29 Trending Butterfly Haircut Looks

    Now that you know what a butterfly haircut is, it’s time to talk about looks. Although it sounds like it would be a one and done style, there are actually tons of ways that you can play with a butterfly cut.

    Here are 29 different trending butterfly haircut looks to know about!

    The Classic Butterfly

    This look features perfectly symmetrical butterfly wings, creating a playful and feminine style. The classic butterfly haircut has big, thick waves that look best blown out. They’re usually used on short to medium-length hair to help enhance the look of the waves and give a light and airy feel.

    The Edgy Butterfly

    Add some edge to your look with choppy layers and a bold color choice. One way to play with this would be to add contrasting dark or colored highlights to honey brown hair, or to add light or colored highlights to blonde hair. You could also add an undercut to create a unique edgy style!

    The Retro Butterfly

    The Retro ButterflyInstagram@quecolourPIN

    Take a trip back in time with a retro-inspired butterfly haircut. Think voluminous curls, victory rolls, and a touch of vintage glamour. If you want to add to this retro look even more, you can add cute accessories such as:

    • Pearl hair clips
    • Chunky barretts
    • Headbands
    • Bandanas
    • Hair bows

    These are all a few fun ways to play on the retro theme and ramp up your style.

    The Beachy Butterfly

    Capture the essence of summer with a beachy butterfly haircut. Add some loose waves and a sun-kissed balayage to achieve that effortless, just-came-from-the-beach look. If you really want to add to this aesthetic, add colorful hair wraps or woven braids to give the illusion that you just came from the Caribbean!

    Butterfly Locs Hair

    One of the most popular butterfly haircuts is the butterfly locs hair. This hairstyle combines the beauty of butterfly wings with the elegance of locs. The locs are twisted or braided into thin sections, resembling the intricate patterns found on butterfly wings. The overall effect is stunning and unique, adding a touch of bohemian charm to your look.

    Butterfly Locs Crochet Hair

    If you’re looking for a quicker and easier alternative to traditional butterfly locs hair, then butterfly locs crochet hair might be the perfect choice for you. This hairstyle involves using pre-made locs extensions that are attached to your hair using the crochet method. The result is a stunning and natural-looking head of hair that resembles butterfly wings.

    Butterfly Haircut Long Hair

     

    If you have long hair and are looking for a haircut that will make a dramatic impact, then the butterfly haircut for long hair might be just what you need. This haircut involves creating layers that mimic the wings of a butterfly, resulting in a look that is both glamorous and ethereal.

    Butterfly Twist Hair

    If you’re looking for a hairstyle that combines elegance with a touch of playfulness, then the butterfly twist hair is the perfect choice for you. This unique and creative haircut involves creating twists that are arranged in a way that resembles the delicate wings of a butterfly. The result is a hairstyle that is both sophisticated and whimsical, making it a head-turner wherever you go.

    Butterfly Haircut With Bangs

    If you’re a fan of bangs and want to incorporate them into your butterfly haircut, then the butterfly haircut with bangs is the way to go. This hairstyle features layers that mimic butterfly wings, combined with a fringe that frames the face and adds a touch of sophistication.

    Butterfly Haircut Medium Length

    If you have medium-length hair and want a haircut that is both chic and trendy, then the butterfly haircut for medium length hair is the ideal choice. This haircut involves creating layers that resemble the wings of a butterfly, resulting in a look that is effortlessly cool and stylish.

    The Romantic Butterfly

    The Romantic ButterflyInstagram@quecolourPIN

    Create a soft and romantic look with a butterfly haircut styled with loose curls and delicate hair accessories, such as floral pins or a dainty headband. You can get even more creative by creating loose curls and pinning them up in an updo – a glamorous way to style your butterfly hair.

    The Glamorous Butterfly

    Make a statement with a glamorous butterfly haircut. Opt for sleek, straight hair with a deep side part and add some sparkly hair clips or a jeweled headpiece for extra glam. Don’t forget to add your favorite jewels to this look to really bedazzle the outfit either!

    The Punk Butterfly

    If you’re feeling bold and rebellious, go for a punk-inspired butterfly haircut. Think asymmetrical cuts, vibrant colors, and plenty of attitude.

    Zohna Tip

    Not sure how to add a rocker look to a butterfly haircut? Try adding colorful peekaboo highlights to your hair. Make this especially striking with pink, blue, or green for an unconventional pop of color!

    The Elegant Butterfly

    The Elegant ButterflyInstagram@hair_tezyPIN

    For a sophisticated and elegant look, opt for a sleek and polished butterfly haircut. Style it with a deep side part and add some hair jewelry, like a delicate hair comb or a sparkling tiara.

    The Playful Butterfly

    Have fun with your butterfly haircut by adding pops of color or experimenting with funky patterns. Think rainbow stripes, leopard print, or even a galaxy-inspired design.

    The Effortless Butterfly

    Sometimes less is more. Embrace the natural beauty of your butterfly haircut by keeping it simple and effortless. Just a touch of texturizing spray and a tousled look is all you need to rock this laid-back style.

    The Red Carpet Butterfly

    Turn heads with a red carpet-worthy butterfly haircut. Opt for sleek and shiny locks, styled with precision and finished with a touch of hairspray for that picture-perfect look.

    The Vintage Butterfly

    Take inspiration from the past and go for a vintage-inspired butterfly haircut. Think pin curls, finger waves, and a classic Hollywood glamour.

    The Bohemian Princess Butterfly

    Channel your inner princess with a bohemian-inspired butterfly haircut. Add some ethereal braids, flowers, and a crown-like headpiece to achieve that enchanting fairy tale look.

    The Bold and Beautiful Butterfly

    Make a statement with a bold and beautiful butterfly haircut. Experiment with vibrant colors, unique hair accessories, and unconventional styling techniques to create a look that truly stands out.

    The Rockstar Butterfly

    Unleash your inner rockstar with a fierce and edgy butterfly haircut. Think spiky layers, bold colors, and plenty of attitude to create a look that screams rock ‘n’ roll.

    The Chic and Sleek Butterfly

    Keep it sleek and sophisticated with a chic butterfly haircut. Opt for straight, glossy hair with a sharp cut and minimal fuss for a timeless and elegant style.

    The Playful Pixie Butterfly

    If you’re looking for a playful and youthful look, go for a playful pixie butterfly haircut. Add some texture and volume, style it with a touch of gel or mousse, and let your personality shine through.

    The Balayage Butterfly

    Add dimension to your butterfly haircut with a balayage color technique. There are so many ways that you can play with a balayage, such as adding blonde to a darker color, or opting for a fade to a beautiful brunette if you have naturally blonde hair.

    Affair of Layers

    This haircut features layers of different lengths that create a beautiful cascading effect. Each layer adds depth and movement to your hair, enhancing its natural beauty. Whether you have straight or curly hair, this butterfly cut will transform your locks into a work of art.

    Short and Sweet Butterfly Cut

    If you prefer a shorter haircut, this butterfly style will add a touch of elegance to your look. The shorter length allows you to showcase your facial features and highlights your natural beauty. With this haircut, you can effortlessly embrace the summer heat while looking chic and sophisticated.

    Curly Butterfly Haircut

    Embrace your natural curls and rock a curly butterfly haircut that will make you feel like a goddess. The butterfly cut enhances the natural bounce and texture of your curls, creating a stunning and voluminous look. With this hairstyle, you’ll turn heads wherever you go, exuding confidence and radiance.

    Blonde Bombshell Butterfly

    Add some dimension to your hair with blonde highlights that accentuate the layered effect of the butterfly cut. The combination of the butterfly haircut and blonde highlights creates a mesmerizing and eye-catching look. You’ll feel like a true bombshell, radiating summer vibes wherever you go.

    Shoulder Length Chic

    This shoulder-length butterfly haircut is effortlessly chic and perfect for any occasion. The length allows for easy styling and versatility, giving you the freedom to experiment with different looks. Whether you choose to wear it straight, wavy, or curled, this butterfly cut will make you look effortlessly glamorous.

    How to Get a Butterfly Cut at a Salon

    If you want to sit back and relax while a skilled hairstylist works their magic, visiting a salon for your butterfly haircut is a great option. Here’s what you should do:

    1. Research reputable salons in your area and read reviews to find a stylist who specializes in creative and unique hairstyles.
    2. Book an appointment with the stylist of your choice and communicate your desire for a butterfly haircut.
    3. During the appointment, discuss your preferences and any specific details you’d like the stylist to incorporate into your butterfly haircut.
    4. Sit back, relax, and let the skilled hands of your hairstylist transform your hair into a stunning butterfly masterpiece.
    5. Follow any aftercare instructions provided by the stylist to maintain the longevity and beauty of your butterfly haircut.

    Visiting a salon not only ensures a professional touch but also allows you to indulge in a pampering experience.

    Pro Tips for Perfectly Styling a Butterfly Haircut

    Regardless of whether you cut your butterfly haircut yourself or you chose to go to the salon, there are a few things you need to know about styling it. Otherwise, no matter how good the cut is, it’s not going to continue looking the way it did when you first walked out of the hair place.

    The below table covers a couple of key tips for styling a butterfly haircut like a pro.

    Styling Tip Explanation
    Wash and condition your hear Always remember to wash and condition your hair with products suited for your hair type. This will ensure your hair is clean, nourished, and ready for styling.
    Towel dry your hair Don’t go straight to the hairdryer. Instead, tousel dry your hair with a towel to avoid heat damage.
    Add heat protectant spray Once your hair is towel-dried, add a heat protectant spray. You’re going to blow out your hair to add style, but the spray will help avoid breakage and damage.
    Use a round brush As you blow dry your hair, use a round brush and divide your hair into sections to get a blown out look.
    Curl your hair Once you’ve blown out your hair, use a curling iron or wand to create loose curls or waves in the lower layers of your hair. This will add movement and texture to the butterfly haircut.
    Get regular trims Butterfly haircuts work best for short hair, so make sure to regularly trim your hair to keep rocking your look

    Besides these styling tips, you can also get creative by playing around with color. Adding an ash blonde balayage to a darker mocha hair color, for instance, can add a pop of color and create a dramatic effect.

    Another fun way to ramp up your style is to add bits of hair tinsel throughout your blow out. This can add some color and sparkle, and give you a beachy look.

    FAQ

    • Is a Butterfly Haircut Suitable for All Hair Types?

      Yes, a butterfly haircut can be tailored to suit any hair type, whether it’s straight, wavy, or curly.

    • Can I Style My Butterfly Haircut in Different Ways?

      Absolutely! The layered nature of the butterfly haircut allows for various styling options. You can curl, straighten, or even braid your hair to create different looks.

    • How Often Do I Need to Get a Butterfly Haircut?

      It depends on your hair growth and desired length. On average, getting a haircut every 4-6 weeks will help maintain the shape and freshness of your butterfly cut.

      Like any haircut, the frequency of maintenance for a butterfly cut depends on your individual hair growth rate and desired length. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will ensure that your haircut stays in shape and retains its crispness. This will also prevent any split ends from taking flight and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.

    • Will a Butterfly Haircut Suit My Face Shape?

      Yes, a butterfly haircut can be adapted to suit different face shapes. Your hairstylist will be able to customize the haircut to enhance your features and complement your face shape.

    • How Long Does It Take To Get a Butterfly Haircut?

      The duration of getting a butterfly haircut can vary depending on the complexity of the cut and your hair’s length and thickness. On average, you can expect the process to take a few hours.

    • How Do I Maintain a Butterfly Haircut?

      Proper haircare is essential for maintaining a butterfly haircut. Regular trims are necessary to keep the layers looking crisp and fresh. Additionally, using quality hair products and following a suitable haircare routine will help keep your butterfly haircut in top shape.

    • Can I Color My Butterfly Haircut?

      Absolutely! Coloring your butterfly haircut can add depth and dimension to the layers, making them even more eye-catching. Consult with a professional hairstylist who can guide you in choosing the perfect color that complements your skin tone and personal style.

    Ramp Up Your Style With a Stunning Butterfly Haircut

    So, whether you’re attending a glamorous event, going on a casual outing, or simply want to feel fabulous every day, the butterfly haircut is your ticket to hair perfection. Step into the salon, sit back, and let the hairstylist work their magic. Soon, you’ll be flaunting a gorgeous butterfly cut that will turn heads wherever you go.