Whether it’s a wolf cut, a shag, a butterfly cut or the Rachel Green, 2024 has been the year of feathery, layered hairstyles and cuts. TikTok has become the go-to platform for all things trending, and—as an avid TikTok user myself—I cannot remember the last time I went a full day without seeing at least one viral hair transformation video on my For You Page.
Featured Experts
- Paul Labrecque is a master stylist, hair colorist and creative director of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa
- Johnny Lavoy is a celebrity hairstylist
- Danielle Priano is a celebrity hairstylist
- Dimitris Giannetos is a celebrity hairstylist and Garnier Fructis stylist ambassador
What Is the Butterfly Haircut?
As it turns out, the hair makeover videos aren’t just blowing up my explore page; Spate NYC revealed that searches for “butterfly haircut” are up 368.9 percent since last year, proving that the demand for information on these trending cuts is at an all-time high. For those less familiar, “the Butterfly Cut is all about elevation,” says master stylist, hair colorist and creative director of Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, Paul Labrecque. “The cut lifts the hair high to maintain length and while letting all of its weight get lost in the internal layers, and the butterfly style looks great when it utilizes a diagonal cut and works off of a curtain bang.”
Who does a butterfly cut look best on?
“As a hairstylist, I love when a client wants to make a change with a cut,” Lavoy begins, “It’s fun for them and fun for us as stylists. But before you dive into any big, trending cuts, there are a few things to consider to help guide you to making a decision. When choosing your new cut it’s important to know if the style will work for your face shape. If you want a butterfly cut transformation but don’t know where your face falls on the face shape gradient, there’s no need to worry, that’s what the professionals are for, Lavoy assures. “A seasoned hairdresser will not only be able to identify your face shape but also give you suggestions on what will work best for it, butterfly cut or not.”
“Oval and heart shapes are the best face shapes for a butterfly cut, as the face-framing layers in the front add dimension and balance to the proportions of the face,” says celebrity hairstylist and Garnier Fructis stylist ambassador Dimitris Giannetos. “Those with a heart-shaped face typically have a wider forehead, and the layers of this haircut can help balance it out and diminish the large appearance of the forehead.”
As celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano adds, “A butterfly cut is a layered hairstyle with long, voluminous layers that resemble butterfly wings when spread out. The layers often start around the cheekbones and cascade down, creating a soft and flowing look. This style can add movement and dimension to the hair, making it appear fuller and more dynamic. It’s a very versatile cut. I think it suits all face shapes.”
How do you ask for a butterfly cut?
“I think it’s very important for you to have a detailed conversation with your hairdresser. Communication is key for both of you,” says Lavoy. “This conversation should include your ideas and listening to your hairstylist’s recommendations. Some things your stylist should also take note of during the consultation for a butterfly cut are the texture of your hair—like curls or waves—cowlicks, ends, hair density, your hairline growth pattern and previous chemical treatments you might have had.” Lavoy also recommends bringing in specific reference photos that show the cut, shape, texture and color of the look you want to achieve, especially with the butterfly style.
Hair does hair texture effect the butterfly look?
“It’s very important to consider your hair texture when choosing a style,” Lavoy asserts. “For example if you want a new look that has lots of movement and volume, like the butterfly cut, but you have fine, thin hair you are setting yourself up for disappointment when it comes to styling. The same goes for someone with thick curly hair that wants something sleek and smooth.”
Labrecque agrees. “Hair type, texture and most importantly your hair thickness is what matters when thinking about a trendy cut or any cut,” Labrecque says. “For example, for the butterfly cut to be done well on someone with curls, I would first blow the hair out straight and then do a dry cut,” he explains, “I would tell this client that this look is best for those with straighter hair, so they would really need to commit to styling, like blow drying their hair after each wash, to truly wear this look. If the butterfly cut is left curly, the top shorter layers would become too round. Similarly, those with very fine hair would have a hard time styling this cut as it would likely look stringy. I would talk this client into a more modern bob shape that keeps its weight and makes styling less of a hassle.”
What is butterfly cut maintenance like?
“Some people don’t consider maintenance when choosing a new style,” says Lavoy. “A new trendy hairstyle, like the butterfly look, might require more work for some, whether it’s via blow drying, introducing hot tools to your routine, or using styling products that might be new to you.” Lavoy also explains that if a client is really interested in trying a new look, like the butterfly cut, but doesn’t think it will work on their hair, there are other options for achieving the look they want. “Ask a professional if there is a chemical treatment that would make your dream hair more obtainable,” he says. “For example, if you have curls but want something with a smoother look, a chemical smoothing treatment might be the way to go. You can also get a texture wave for more movement in straighter hair.”
Priano adds that to maintain that voluminous, textured style the butterfly cut is known for, regular trims will be necessary for most. “Regular trimmings (every 6-8 weeks) so the hair is always full and with a lot of movement is essential to maintain a butterfly cut,” Priano explains, “The cut needs to be fresh for its fullest potential.”
Butterfly cut inspiration: celebrities with butterfly haircuts
