A guide to identifying the right butterfly haircut for your hair type

Say hello to bounce with these elevated rendition of face-framing layers

Inspired by the shag-style haircut from the 1970s and the blowout from the 90s, the butterfly haircut has garnered significant popularity on the Internet in recent years. Characterised by soft, fluttery layers, it has become a favourite for its ability to add volume and movement to any hair type. The hairstyle has been seen on many celebrities too, including Alia Bhatt, Sabrina Carpenter and Jennifer Lopez. 

Resembling the wings of a butterfly, this hairstyle became a viral sensation on TikTok with over 50,000 hashtags. This low-maintenance, versatile hairstyle adds just the right amount of volume, allowing you to maintain the length while adding definition and movement to your hair.  

Butterfly Haircuts to Add Length and Definition

The butterfly haircut’s defining factor lies in its ability to add both length and definition. The key is in the layering. Shorter layers around the face frame your features and add volume, while longer layers maintain the illusion of long hair.

Long Butterfly Layers

Long layers are perfect for those looking to add length while maintaining a sense of movement. This style works well for all types of hair, providing a sleek and elegant look. 

Medium Butterfly Layers

Medium layers strike a balance between volume and length. They are versatile and can be styled in various ways, from loose waves to straight and sleek. This cut is ideal for those who want a manageable length with a bit of flair.

Short Butterfly Layers

Short layers can give a fresh, youthful appearance. This style is excellent for fine or thin hair, as it adds volume and texture. Short butterfly layers work well with tousled styles and can be easily managed with minimal styling.

Face-Framing Butterfly Layers

Face-framing layers are a great addition to any butterfly haircut. They highlight your facial features and can soften the overall look.

Butterfly Haircut With Curtain Bangs

A butterfly hairstyle with curtain bangs frames both sides and softens the shape of your face, complementing a layered butterfly haircut. The bangs can be styled straight or with a slight wave for a relaxed look.

Pixie Butterfly Haircut

Ideal for shorter hair, it features short layers on top that blend into longer layers at the back, creating a textured and voluminous look. You can also experiment with curtain bangs when opting for this style.

Butterfly Haircut With Light Layers

This is a great option for those who want to add some movement and dimension to their hair without going too dramatic. The light layers will help to frame the face and add a touch of bounce.

Curly Butterfly Haircut

This cut is perfect for those with naturally curly hair. The layers will define and enhance your curls while also preventing your hair from looking weighed down.

Long Butterfly Layers For Wavy Hair

This type of butterfly haircut is a great way to add volume and movement to wavy hair. The long layers will help to elongate the face.

Butterfly Haircut versus Layered Cuts: How to Choose What's Right For You?

Layers are a fantastic way to add volume and style to your hair, but with so many choices, figuring out which one is right for you can be tricky. Here is a handy guide:  

Straight Layered Hair

Straight layered hair is a staple go-to choice that adds lift and prevents it from appearing flat, especially beneficial for fine hair. This creates a more voluminous and bouncy look. Straight layers are also versatile.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider with straight-layered hair. Straight layers might lack the natural movement of wavy or curly hair, resulting in a flat look, especially on thicker hair. Additionally, blunt layers, a common type of straight layer, highlight split ends. This means you'll need regular trims to maintain healthy-looking hair.

Long Tousled Layers

Long tousled layers are perfect for those who want effortless beach waves. The long, cascading layers naturally create a relaxed, textured look. This style is also flattering for most face shapes. The layers soften angular features and frame the face. 

However, long tousled layers may not hold a defined curl well, especially for straight hair. The focus on texture reduces volume at the roots, which might not be ideal for very fine hair. Maintaining the shape and preventing split ends also requires regular trims.

Feathered Layers

These short layers create texture and movement throughout the hair, adding body and bounce. This is a great way to add volume and personality to your hairstyle. However, feathered layers are more time-consuming to style. 

The layered structure takes more time to dry thoroughly with a blow dryer. Additionally, feathered layers are not ideal for already voluminous hair as they can make thick hair appear frizzy or unmanageable. 

How To  Maintain Your Haircut?

A little TLC goes a long way in keeping your butterfly layers looking effortless and fresh. 

1. Regular Trims: Schedule trims every 6-8 weeks. This maintains the defined layers, keeping your cut looking fresh and preventing split ends.

2. Using Lightweight Products: Keep aside your heavy hair-styling products as they weigh down bouncy layers. Use lightweight mousses or creams specifically formulated for fine or thin hair. 

3. Curly Hair Diffuse: Get yourself a diffuser attachment for your hairdryer. It encourages curl definition and prevents frizz.

4. Embrace Your Natural Texture: Don't shy away from the natural texture of your hair. The butterfly haircut beautifully complements both waves and curls.

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