The “butterfly haircut” is rapidly becoming a trend taking salons, TikTok, and Instagram by storm. Today, we’ll tell you about this style, including how to use it to embrace your personal style, styling products that help you achieve it, and what style might suit your face shape best.
The Graceful Elements of the Butterfly Haircut
The butterfly haircut derives its unique flair from its structure, which is primarily layered. This layered structure adds an element of movement and volume, creating cascading waves of hair that mimic a butterfly’s wings.
These layers contribute to the graceful and flowing effect of the hairstyle, making it an exquisite choice for those seeking a stylish yet easy-to-maintain hairstyle. Despite its complexity, the butterfly haircut fits all hair types and textures, making it incredibly versatile. With that in mind, we’ll still discuss butterfly cut considerations for different face shapes later in this post, so don’t miss it.
Embracing the Playful Side of the Butterfly Haircut
While the butterfly haircut is undoubtedly graceful, it has a playful side. With the right styling techniques, like adding waves or curls, the haircut exudes whimsy and fun. The versatility of the layers allows for a range of expressions, from sophisticated elegance to playful effervescence.
Styling Techniques for the Butterfly Haircut
Achieving the perfect butterfly haircut requires some styling finesse. But we’re here to help! When you first get your hair done at Anushka, your stylist can walk you through what they’re doing to style your hair, including the products you use. Then once you go home, follow some of these tips to help keep your hair salon-fresh long after you leave.
- Blowouts
For a sleek and polished look, opt for a blowout. To start, apply styling products to damp hair and then use a round brush to guide the hair as you blow dry. Use your fingers to create soft waves in your hair while it is still hot from the blowdryer—this adds texture and volume to the layers.
- Texturizing
Texturizing is an excellent way to add definition and movement to the butterfly haircut. Start by using a texturizing spray or mousse on damp hair, then use your hands to create soft waves in your hair. Afterward, use a curling wand to enhance the texture of your hair further and add more definition to the layers.
- Finishing touches
The finishing touches are what make the butterfly haircut genuinely shine. To ensure your hair stays in place all day, use a hairspray or light-hold mousse for extra hold and to keep your style looking fresh. Finally, use some styling wax or pomade to add texture and definition around your face and to emphasize the layers of your haircut.
We go into more detail about the best products and tools for this hairstyle—keep reading so you don’t miss a thing!
Adaptability for Different Face Shapes
Not all hairstyles suit every face shape, but the butterfly haircut is a remarkable exception. Its adaptability to various face shapes – from round to square, oval to heart-shaped – is another reason for its growing popularity.
With slight layer length and volume adjustments, the butterfly haircut can accentuate your best features while softening less-flattering angles.
Let’s review some different face shapes and how to style a butterfly haircut to suit them best.
Heart-shaped face
Those with heart-shaped faces should opt for a mid-length cut with plenty of layers, especially around the chin area. This adds fullness and definition to an otherwise slim face shape. You can also experiment with bangs for added softness around the forehead area.
Oval face
For those with oval faces, the key is creating volume at the sides and back of the head. Ask your stylist to keep the layers long, with plenty of texture around the face. Try adding some side-swept bangs or face-framing layers to create a flattering frame for an oval face shape.
Round face
To make a round face look longer and more defined, opt for slightly angled layers that begin at the chin and move outward. This will create a slimming effect on the face, giving it more definition. If you want to add extra volume, consider texturizing or adding some wispy bangs.
Square face
Those with square faces should choose a cut that softens their angular features. Try opting for layers that end at the chin, with some soft face-framing layers around the cheekbones. You can also add some wispy bangs to give your look a softer edge.
Helpful Products and Tools for the Butterfly Haircut
When styling your butterfly haircut, choose the right products and tools for your hair type.
Let’s review some of the necessary products to get the job done right (that also work well with most other hairstyles, too!).
High-quality blow dryer
A high-quality blow dryer is a must-have for achieving the perfect butterfly look. Not only will it help dry your strands quickly and evenly, but it can also help to add volume and texture to your locks. Look for models with adjustable heat settings and multiple attachments, such as concentrator nozzles or diffusers.
Round brush
For added volume and texture, a round brush is the perfect tool. Opt for one with natural boar bristles (or a mix of natural and synthetic), as these are gentler on your hair.
Heat protectant spray
If you plan on using heat to style your butterfly haircut, you’ll need a good heat protectant spray. This will create a barrier between your strands and the hot tools, preventing any damage from occurring. Look for lightweight formulas that won’t weigh your hair down or leave it feeling greasy—this is especially important for those with fine hair.
Speaking of fine hair, read about the best treatments for thickening fine hair next.
Texturizing products
If you want to add extra volume and texture to your look, try using texturizing products. These can be anything from a salt spray to an all-in-one cream that adds definition and hold. Look for formulas designed for curly or wavy hair to get the best results.
Finishing products
To complete your butterfly look, you’ll need some finishing products. Try out different waxes or pomades to add texture and definition, taming flyaways and keeping your style in place. Use a light hand when applying these products—too much can weigh down your locks, so start with less and work your way up.
Butterfly Haircut: FAQs
Before we go, let’s answer some of your burning questions about this hairstyle!
Does the butterfly cut really work?
A butterfly cut can work on many different face shapes and hair types. To get the best results, consult with an experienced stylist to discuss the best path forward.
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. It can also look gorgeous on square and heart-shaped faces, as the layers can create a more balanced, symmetrical look.
Does a butterfly haircut look good on thin hair?
Yes! The butterfly cut layers help create texture and volume in thinner hair. To get the most out of this hairstyle, use volumizing products such as mousses and root lifters to keep your style in place.
What is the difference between a butterfly haircut and layered?
Both hairstyles achieve a similar look, but the main distinction is that a butterfly cut has longer layers feathered around the face. Layered haircuts are usually shorter and closer to the head, creating more texture and volume.
We also cover several different long and layered looks to try in this blog post.
What are the benefits of a butterfly haircut?
The main benefit of a butterfly cut is that it can add volume and texture to thin, flat hair.
Does the butterfly cut take off length?
This depends on what kind of style you’re trying to achieve. If you want to keep your length but still get some volume, then avoid having too many layers cut into your hair. If, however, you’re looking for a shorter style, then yes – the layers of a butterfly cut will take away some length.
Talk to your stylist about what kind of look you’re going for, so they can help you find the right balance between length and volume.
Final Thoughts
Have the benefits and versatility of the butterfly haircut convinced you it’s time to try it for yourself? Entrust your locks to the pros at Anushka Salon in West Palm Beach. We specialize in custom cuts and creative styling, so you can get the perfect look for your hair.
Schedule an appointment with us today – we’ll give you a style that will turn heads!
