The Butterfly Haircut Guide: Why Everyone’s Obsessed With This Voluminous Trend in 2025

If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest or TikTok lately, you’ve definitely seen the haircut of the year: the butterfly cut. It’s bouncy. It’s beautiful. And it gives you the best of both worlds—volume and length.

But what exactly is a butterfly cut? Who should get it? And how do you style it like the salon pros? This guide breaks down everything you need to know before you take the plunge.

What Is the Butterfly Haircut?

Think of it as the softer, more wearable cousin of the shag or wolf cut. The butterfly cut features shorter layers around the crown that blend into long, fluttery layers throughout the length. This gives the illusion of short hair up front while keeping length in the back.

It’s called the butterfly because the cascading layers resemble butterfly wings—especially when styled with a big, voluminous blowout.

Why It’s Going Viral in 2025

• Volume without losing length

• Gives your face a lifted, sculpted shape

• Works beautifully with curtain bangs or bottleneck fringe

• Looks incredible styled or undone

• Pairs perfectly with the “rich girl blowout” trend

It’s the perfect cut for anyone growing out short layers or wanting to add drama without sacrificing long hair.

Who Should Get the Butterfly Cut?

✅ Hair Type: Best for medium to thick hair with some natural texture
✅ Length: Works best on medium to long hair
✅ Face Shape: Universally flattering, especially on oval, heart, and round faces

If you have thin or very fine hair, ask your stylist to go lighter on the layers to avoid losing volume at the ends.

How to Ask Your Stylist for It

When you head to the salon, bring inspo pics and say something like:

“I want a butterfly cut with face-framing layers that give the illusion of shorter hair, but I want to keep the length in the back. I’d also love curtain bangs or bottleneck fringe blended into the front.”

Pro tip: Show them screenshots from Pinterest boards instead of TikTok filters—they’ll get a more realistic picture of what you want.

Styling Tips: Make the Layers Pop

Blowout Is Everything
To get that signature butterfly effect, use a large round brush and blow-dry the top layers away from your face. Think volume at the crown and flippy ends.

Heatless Option:
Wrap the shorter layers in Velcro rollers while your hair is still warm from the blow-dryer. Let them sit for 20 minutes before gently brushing out for that ‘90s bounce.

Products That Help:

• Volumizing mousse

• Texture spray or dry shampoo for lift at the roots

• Shine serum to define the ends

How to Maintain It

The butterfly cut grows out beautifully, but to keep its shape:

• Trim every 8–10 weeks to maintain the flow of layers

• Refresh your face-framing pieces and bangs more frequently

• Invest in good heat protection if you’re blow-drying often

What to Pair It With

Want to fully commit to the butterfly aesthetic? Pair the cut with:

• Face-framing highlights (like the money piece)

• Balayage or lived-in color

• Glass hair finish for a modern touch

• ’90s supermodel makeup for the full nostalgic vibe

Final Thoughts: Ready to Take Flight?

The butterfly cut is more than just a hairstyle—it’s a whole energy. It gives volume, movement, and major Pinterest-girl vibes without feeling overstyled or high-maintenance.

Whether you’re looking for a soft glow-up or a big change without chopping it all off, this cut is your answer. Screenshot your inspo, call your stylist, and prepare for compliments.

Save this guide before your next hair appointment—you’ll thank yourself later.