What is the difference between a layered haircut and a butterfly haircut?

Author: Bradley Kerluke  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 14, 2025

There are many different types of layered haircuts, and a butterfly cut is just one. Often, layered cuts are more graduated throughout your hair, whereas a butterfly cut focuses the layers around your chin and the ends of the hair.

Are butterfly cut and layer cut the same?

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.

What face shape does a butterfly cut look good on?

Oval and Heart-Shaped Faces: The butterfly cut works wonderfully, as the shorter layers accentuate cheekbones and soften the jawline. Round Faces: Longer layers can elongate the face, while the shorter ones add dimension.

Is feathered hair the same as layered hair?

Are you confused about which side to choose in a layer cut vs a feather cut? No need to feel bad—you are not alone. The layered cut offers versatility, creating an impression of volume and length, while the feather cut is a technique for layering hair that looks like feathers.

Is butterfly haircut just long layers?

It sounds a little out there, right? But actually, the butterfly haircut might just be a little more wearable and a little less whimsical than the name suggests. It involves a whole lot of long and short feathery layers, the shortest of which frame the face and add insane volume.

Which Haircut Is The Best For You? Wolf Or Butterfly?

What is the new layered haircut called?

The hashtag #ButterflyHaircut has over 1.1 billion views on TikTok, which makes it evident that the trend is here to stay. A butterfly cut hair is a heavily layered hairstyle that blends long and short hair without comprising the length. It features short, soft layers at the top that gradually lengthen toward the end.

Who should get a butterfly haircut?

The butterfly haircut can be particularly flattering for individuals with an oval face shape. The voluminous layers at the sides add width, which can help balance the naturally balanced proportions of an oval face.

What is the downside of layered hair?

One of the biggest drawbacks of having layers is that the hair would take too long to grow back and make you look full.

Which is best for thin hair feather cut or layer cut?

Feather cuts are ideal for those with fine or thin hair as they give the illusion of thickness. Layer cuts work best on thick or heavy hair to remove excess weight. Both styles require minimal effort for styling and maintenance.

What type of hair should be layered?

For extra thick hair, especially those with curls, layering is essential for removing weight and adding volume. After each haircut, you'll notice an instant lift.

What are the disadvantages of a butterfly cut?

👉🏽 Cons : Tends to taper towards the ends, which might not be ideal for longer hair lengths. Perfect for my ladies with subtle waves and those who enjoy styling. Might not be the best choice for the low-maintenance girles.

What is a jellyfish haircut?

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.

What to know before getting a butterfly haircut?

While the butterfly haircut suits almost all hair types, it works best for people who have some texture and weight to their hair. Heavy layering on the crown can make thin hair even thinner and while straight hair can be styled, dramatic layering is most pronounced when it's got a little natural movement.

How do you know if butterfly cut suits you?

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.

What can you do instead of a butterfly cut?

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!

What haircut is best for thin hair?

Many stylists agree that a short haircut is the way to go for women with fine hair. If you have a pixie cut like Emma Thompson's, push it back and to the side to add volume and give the impression of fullness. With all that hair sitting right at the top, you can cover any sparse spots along the scalp.

What is the best haircut for fine, thin hair over 60?

Here are some of our top picks, including wash and wear haircuts for women over 60 with thin hair.
  1. Straight short bob with a fringe. ...
  2. Pixie cut with curls or waves. ...
  3. Short symmetrical afro. ...
  4. Undercut pixie. ...
  5. Bouncy layers with a mix of shades. ...
  6. Flowy beach waves. ...
  7. Beachy bob. ...
  8. Short pixie.

Is thin hair better layered or one length?

“Excessive layering can take the volume out of the hair, making it look quite flat and lifeless,” says hairstylist George Northwood. “My advice is to keep thinner hair all one length.

Which hairstyle suits on layer cut?

Side-Swept Bangs

They suit all hair lengths and textures since they face the frame in an imperfectly perfect way. If you are looking to add a touch of cinematic drama and flair to your layered haircut, then these side-swept bangs are the way to go.

Which is better, butterfly cut or layer cut?

Often, layered cuts are more graduated throughout your hair, whereas a butterfly cut focuses the layers around your chin and the ends of the hair. Butterfly cuts tend to be primarily about the shape, and less about adding texture and dimension through varied lengths of layers.

Does a layered haircut make you look younger?

Layers beautifully frame the face and make hair look thicker by giving strands youthful movement. Bonus: A smooth blowout also helps blur any fine lines or wrinkles.

What are waterfall layers?

The waterfall layers haircut is a trendy and stylish haircut that involves creating layers in the hair that cascade down like a waterfall. This haircut typically features long layers that blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair, creating a soft and flowing look.

How to ask hairdresser for butterfly haircut?

HOW TO ASK FOR THE BUTTERFLY HAIRCUT
  1. Whispy bangs (or curtain bangs)
  2. Heavy face frame (usually, you'd like your bang to not be far from the start of your face frame, so there's not a big disconnect. everything flows together!)
  3. medium bouncy layers.

What is the number 1 haircut?

Number 1 haircut – This guard length is slightly longer than the zero, usually ⅛ of an inch. It'll give you a very short and clean cut, great for those who prefer a low-maintenance hairstyle.

What face shape is best for a butterfly haircut?

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.

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