What Is a Butterfly Hair Cut? The butterfly haircut features multiple layers with shorter ones framing the face and longer layers cascading down the back. The style resembles butterfly wings, hence the name. It's perfect for those who love the idea of short hair but aren't ready to commit to losing their length.
Ask your stylist for face-framing layers that blend into longer layers. Decide exactly where you want the shortest layer to fall on your face, which is typically at your cheekbone or jawline. From there, ask for those shorter layers to gradually blend into long layers.
Unlike other layered cuts, where dimensions are blended for all around texture, the butterfly cut relies on high contrast between a chin length layer and longer locks. Also known as “rom-com” hair, it resembles the haircuts of many iconic female characters from the movie genre.
Since the goal is to remove weight, not length, ask your stylist for face-framing layers with wispy ends that begin at the chin and longer layers throughout the rest of your hair to achieve a long butterfly haircut.
What is the difference between a butterfly cut and a layered cut? Typical layers are shaped to go inwards and shape the face. A butterfly haircut has layers that are back and away from the face, forming the shape of a butterfly's wings.
The butterfly haircut is typically more flattering on oval and round faces due to its layers accentuating cheekbones and softening angles. But that doesn't mean there isn't a way to make it work on any face shape.
What Is the Jellyfish Haircut? The jellyfish cut, similar to the Japanese hime cut, is made up of two very distinct separated layers: the top layer mirrors a classic bob, while the bottom portion of hair hangs long and flowing.
The cost of a butterfly haircut can vary depending on the salon and the stylist's expertise. On average, you can expect to pay between $50 to $100.
The butterfly haircut works with all hair types, though natural, curly and wavy textures tend to work best due to the defined, layered nature of the style. However, when it comes to thin hair, you might want to steer away from this cut. Adding lots of layers to already thin hair can make it appear even thinner.
The Wolf Cut is similar to the Butterfly Cut, but with more layers. This haircut combines shorter, choppy layers with longer, shaggy sections to create carefree movement. It can be styled on the conservative side or worn carefree and wild!
Meet the hottest hairstyle of 2025, the butterfly haircut. Where layers meet the classic 70s shag, this haircut seems to be trending with a contemporary spin of course. The hairstyle essentially comprises feathered layers that leave your hair with a soft and waterfall-eque flowy appearance.
Despite its whimsical name, the butterfly cut is highly wearable and flattering. It features two-tiered layering, incorporating both long and short, feathery layers. The shortest layers beautifully frame the face, while the longer layers extend below the shoulders.
In terms of volume and texture, the Wolf Cut is designed to maximize both. It embraces natural texture and movement, with an emphasis on a voluminous, shaggy look. The Butterfly Cut, meanwhile, is all about creating softness and movement.
Use the Right Lingo
For example, say how many inches you'd like off, or if you want a hard or soft cut. If you want layers, don't just say you want short layers or long layers—let your hairstylist know you'd like short layers in one place and longer layers in another.
Most common question is what creates the signature fairy hair look? It is a hybrid of the shag haircut and the mullet so it has elements of both! But its so particular we decided to name it elvish shaggy mullet or in short the fairy cut! ✨ We love doing this haircut on very long wavy hair!
A wolf cut combines elements of both a shag and a mullet, but it's a modern cut with none of the features which date its 1980s predecessors'. It's characterised by its voluminous layers, choppy texture, and a mix of short and long lengths.
The classic Diana featured a bit of height at the back, with a full bang and piece-y texture, creating a glamorous and enduring image. "The haircuts were very simple," says McKnight. "It was Diana herself who provided the magic."
There is however some difference between traditional layers and the butterfly cut. Traditional layers are styled so that they shape inwards towards the face, to frame your features. However, the butterfly cut has layers directing and fanning away from the face.
The butterfly cut is most wearable on straight hair of medium textures. "Since it's a hairstyle that combines different hair layers, it's an ideal style for shoulder-length hair or longer," said Rawling. Say yes to the cut if: You have straight hair in a medium or longish length.
A wolf cut, like the butterfly, has layers and dimensions. "The wolf cut is a mix of a shag and mullet, with choppy layers that add volume on top and a wispy look at the bottom," explains Korab.
The butterfly cut creates wispy layers in the front for extra volume. It's the short layers in the front that gives the butterfly haircut it's name. It's a lovely style that can work on medium to long hair. You can do a short butterfly haircut with curtain bangs but the hair should be at least to the collar bone.
While the key to achieving a butterfly haircut on any length is usually lots of face-framing layers, the secret with shorter lengths is thinned-out ends: You want to keep things light and feathery. Thinning the ends of the layers to help remove weight creates that butterfly effect on shorter hair, explains Potempa.