What is a butterfly haircut? [Still Trendy in 2023] - Barron's London Salon (2024)

If you’re a TikTok user, you may have noticed a surge in popularity for a hairstyle known as the new butterfly haircut. This updated version of the classic 70s and 80s hairstyle features shorter layers and a more modern twist on the flipped-out ends. The new butterfly cut has taken the internet by storm, with thousands of users showcasing their fresh and flirty looks on social media. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the new butterfly haircut and provide tips on how to achieve the style yourself.

What is the butterfly haircut?

Why is it called the butterfly haircut? What does a butterfly haircut look like?

The butterfly haircut is named so due to its distinct resemblance to the wings of a butterfly. The hairstyle’s defining feature is its voluminous and layered sides that fan out from the head, mimicking the appearance of butterfly wings in flight. The name captures the whimsical and graceful nature of the style, which became popular during the disco era of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Imagine a haircut with hair that is sleek and smooth on top and at the back, while the sides are voluminous and layered, creating a wing-like effect. The layers start around the cheekbones or jawline and gradually increase in length towards the ends. This layered arrangement gives the hairstyle its signature bouncy and dynamic appearance, reminiscent of the wings of a butterfly.

While the classic butterfly haircut has its roots in the disco era, modern interpretations have adapted the style to suit contemporary tastes, often incorporating variations in length, layering techniques, and styling options.

What are the benefits of the butterfly haircut?

The butterfly haircut offers several benefits that contribute to its enduring popularity and appeal:

1. Distinctive Aesthetic:

The butterfly haircut’s unique and eye-catching silhouette sets it apart from more conventional hairstyles. The voluminous layers at the sides and the sleek top and back create a visually striking contrast that draws attention and makes a statement.

2. Volume and Texture:

The layered nature of the butterfly haircut adds natural volume and texture to the hair, giving it body and movement. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals with fine or flat hair, as the hairstyle adds dimension and fullness.

3. Versatility:

The butterfly haircut is versatile and can be adapted to suit various hair types, textures, and lengths. This adaptability allows individuals to personalize the haircut to their preferences, making it suitable for a wide range of face shapes and personal styles.

4. Nostalgia and Timelessness:

The butterfly haircut carries a sense of nostalgia, harking back to the disco era. This nostalgic element gives the hairstyle a timeless quality that resonates with those who appreciate vintage fashion and aesthetics.

5. Self-Expression:

Just as it did in its original era, the butterfly haircut continues to symbolize self-expression and individuality. The bold layers and unique shape provide a canvas for individuals to showcase their personality and style.

6. Modern Adaptations:

While the classic butterfly haircut has its roots in the disco era, it has been reimagined to suit contemporary sensibilities. Modern variations offer updated layering techniques, lengths, and styling options, allowing individuals to embrace the trend in a way that aligns with current fashion trends.

7. Low Maintenance:

Depending on the specific variation and individual styling choices, the butterfly haircut can be relatively low maintenance. The natural volume and texture of the hairstyle can minimize the need for extensive styling on a daily basis.

Who is a butterfly haircut good for? Should I get a butterfly haircut?

The butterfly haircut is a versatile hairstyle that can be flattering for many different face shapes and hair types. Its voluminous, feathered layers can add movement and body to thin or fine hair, while its flipped-out ends can create a playful and youthful look. The butterfly cut is also a great option for those who want to frame their face and accentuate their features.

Whether or not you should get a butterfly haircut ultimately depends on your personal preferences and hair type. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional hairstylist before making any major changes to your hair. They can assess your hair texture, face shape, and lifestyle to help determine if the butterfly cut is a good fit for you. It’s also important to keep in mind that maintenance is key with this hairstyle, as regular trims and styling will be necessary to maintain its shape and volume.

What type of hair is best for a butterfly cut?

The butterfly haircut is versatile and can be adapted to different hair types and textures, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals. However, certain hair characteristics can enhance the overall look of the hairstyle:

1. Fine to Medium Hair Texture:

Fine to medium hair textures tend to hold the layers well and create a more pronounced voluminous appearance. However, individuals with thicker hair can also achieve a butterfly cut by carefully managing the layers to avoid excessive bulk.

2. Straight or Wavy Hair:

Straight or slightly wavy hair can work particularly well for the butterfly haircut, as it allows the layers to flow and create a smooth transition from the sleek top and back to the voluminous sides.

What length hair works best with the butterfly haircut? Can you do a butterfly haircut on short hair? Does the butterfly cut work for long hair?

The butterfly haircut typically works best on medium to long hair lengths. Ideally, the hair should be at least shoulder-length or longer to achieve the full effect of the layered and voluminous sides that characterize the style.

What face shape is the butterfly haircut for?

The butterfly cut can complement oval or heart-shaped faces, as the layers at the sides can add balance to facial proportions. However, with the right adjustments in layer length, it can also suit other face shapes.

1. Oval Face Shape:

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.

2. Heart Face Shape:

The layers and volume of the butterfly haircut can soften the wider forehead often associated with a heart-shaped face. This can create a more balanced and harmonious look.

Butterfly Haircut Styling and Maintenance

Styling and maintaining the butterfly haircut require a delicate balance between volume, structure, and precision. To achieve the signature look, start by washing and conditioning your hair with products that enhance texture and volume. After towel-drying, apply a volumizing mousse or spray to the roots, focusing on the sides to create the butterfly’s distinctive lift.

Blow-dry your hair using a round brush to create volume at the sides while keeping the top and back smooth. For added dimension, consider using a curling iron to create loose waves or curls along the ends. To maintain the haircut’s shape, schedule regular trims to keep the layers looking fresh and vibrant.

Between trims, use a texturizing spray to enhance the layers and maintain their definition. With a little care and the right products, you can effortlessly capture the essence of the butterfly haircut’s timeless allure while infusing it with a touch of contemporary finesse.

More Butterfly Haircut FAQs

What is butterfly vs wolf cut?

The butterfly cut and the wolf cut are two distinct hairstyles, each with its own unique characteristics and effects. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Butterfly Cut:

The butterfly cut, as discussed earlier, is a hairstyle characterized by its voluminous, layered sides that resemble the wings of a butterfly. The top and back of the hair are usually kept sleek and smooth, while the sides are layered and fluffed outwards. The result is a dynamic and eye-catching look that can be both nostalgic and modern, depending on how it’s styled and adapted. The butterfly cut gained popularity in the disco era and has seen a resurgence in recent times.

Wolf Cut:

The wolf cut is a more contemporary hairstyle that gained popularity on social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram. It’s characterized by its combination of shorter layers on top and longer layers at the bottom, resulting in a textured and “messy” appearance. The wolf cut is often associated with an effortlessly cool and carefree vibe. It’s designed to look natural, as if the hair has grown out in layers without much styling effort. This style is often chosen by those who want a relaxed and slightly tousled look.

What is the difference between a butterfly haircut and layered?

A layered haircut, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses various cutting techniques aimed at creating depth, volume, and texture by varying the lengths of different sections of the hair.