I don’t say this often, but the butterfly cut is one of the very few hair trends that actually deserves the hype. While other styles tend to attract negative comments, the butterfly cut builds movement and volume where it is most needed, in the crown and around the face. This style is not an outdated relic from years past but rather, has the purpose of modernizing the look. Unlike other styles, this one is far more architectural. Most styles involve layers that are very evident and give the hair a stiff appearance. Interior layers with the butterfly cut achieve the exact opposite.
One of my clients from last year was a retired architect, and she walked in with hair that had been one length since her late thirties. Though her hair was beautiful, it was also boring and just hung there. She had been traumatized by layers in the past leading her to adopt the policy of never getting layers. After I finished cutting her hair into a butterfly cut, I turned her around to the mirror, and she became very quiet. To me, that is the best reaction she could have. She said it was the first time her hair looked like it had purpose. That is the goal of this haircut. It should never be about completing a haircut that involves removing a lot of length. It should be about giving the hair new life and revitalizing it from the drab state it has been in by ensuring it is behaving in an intentional manner.
#1: Modern Butterfly Cut with Soft Face-Framing Layers
I think this is a cut I would do for someone who wants to look put together but also doesn’t want to look like it took an hour to do. There are layers very subtly around the face, but you can notice that everything looks a lot softer, including the jawline and cheekbones. With fine to medium texture hair, this gives volume, and if you have any natural waves at all, it looks styled. You’ll probably just have to use a round brush to keep it looking neat every couple of days, but that really isn’t a big ask for a cut like this that looks this good.
#2 Elegant Layered Cascade with Soft Waves
The layers are doing what they need to and are working well. There is consideration into where the weight sits and where it has been taken out, which is why it comes off as effortless instead of overdone. This cut will pull out texture you didn’t know was there If your hair is naturally straight or has a slight wave. I would suggest to keep your styling products on the lighter side a lightweight mousse or spray instead of a cream so you don’t flatten what the layers are trying to do. It’s an everyday kind of cut that makes everything you wear look better.
#3 Warm Copper Layered Bob with Soft Texturing
It looks like both the color and the cut are working really well together. The copper color is warming up the models skin and overall creating a more vibrant look than a neutral brown would. The layers are just enough for the fine hair to have the right amount of movement and not density. I’ll be honest, copper can be a big commitment. If you want to maintain it, you’ll have to tone it every four to five weeks to keep it from getting brassy. But if you can manage that, it’s one of those combinations that just works.
#4 Classic-Teal-Top-Flowing-Tresses
I know it says a name, but look at the cut for sake of this example. The way it is cut is really well done. The layers are put to maintain thickness to the cut, while still being able to let the hair move, which is very hard to do on hair this thick. Those warm brown tones with the softest sun-kissed pieces peeking through is the color work that looks expensive but does not look too obvious. For someone who has a full schedule, and does not want to do anything in the morning, this hits the sweet spot of polished and realistic.
#5 Golden-Tawny-Waves-with-Effortless-Feathering
The layering on this cut is really nice, and I don’t say that about layering often. The way the pieces float around the face really opens everything up, eyes, cheekbones, everything. This is best on medium to thick hair because you need enough density for the layers to do something. If your hair doesn’t naturally wave, you’re going to need a round brush and blow dryer to achieve this volume and control. Honestly, it’s worth the ten minutes.
#6 Vibrant Chestnut Layers with Subtle Feathering
What I like about this version is that the volume builds around the shoulders instead of at the crown. This provides a more modern silhouette than most butterfly cuts. The feathering around the face is the sort of detail that may not photograph super well, but in person, it really catches the light, draws the focus up and is super flattering. If your hair is medium to thick, it will hold this shape really well between cuts, but you’ll need to see your stylist every 6-8 weeks so the layers don’t lose their definition.
#7 Textured Layers for Lustrous Brown Hair
This is your cut if you have thick hair and you feel like it just sits there being heavy. The layers look like they are doing exactly what they are supposed to do, removing bulk and redistributing the weight so the hair can actually move. The texture it creates looks more natural rather than styled which I always think is the sign of a well-done layer. Technically this haircut does a lot of the work itself, but you might want a texturizing spray to enhance the movement between washes.
#8 Breezy Mid-Length Cut with Soft Fringe
Fringe is doing something intelligent here, as it is designed not to look like a commitment, but is also designed to give soft structure to the face. Most people won’t notice the details of the slight graduation along the sides, but it’s the reason why when she moves, it has that bouncy feeling. This is a cut that goes with daily life without a complaint, and then is able to dress up really nicely if you need it to. However I would recommend having a small flat iron for days when the fringe has its own ideas.
#9 Breezy Blonde Graduated Layers for Lively Volume
I want to explain why this is a good cut for fine hair. The graduation gives enough of a suggestion to create body. The highlights also frame the face to pull the eye up and not out. For someone whose hair typically falls flat by noon, this type of layering can really make a difference, especially with the tradeoff being maintenance. The layers and color grow out and will need regular visits to look intentional.
#10 Sleek-Chestnut-Layers-with-Soft-Wisps
Sometimes the best version of a cut is the quietest one. The wisps near the face here are barely there, but they soften the whole look just enough to take it from structured to approachable. The chestnut is rich without being dark, which keeps everything warm and natural-looking. On thick hair like this, the layers give you movement without making you feel like you’ve lost anything. A good deep conditioner once a week will keep those ends looking healthy and polished.
#11 Silver Elegance with Soft Feathered Layers
It’s not easy to pull off long, fully silver hair, but this hairstyle really does justice to that confidence. The feathered layers give the length some bounce so it’s not too dragged down, and the silver tones are light-reflective at different angles, giving it a shine that won’t imitate with any dyes. Let’s get real though; silver hair does tend to yellow with time. And longer hair, it gets damaged quicker. Make sure you’ve got a good purple shampoo and regular trims to keep the ends from giving away the elegance of the rest.
#12 Soft Blonde Layered Cut for Mature Women
I really appreciate how nice and practical this cut is. The layers help add some texture and movement to straighten fine hair and won’t make it more effort. The warm blonde is flattering and lightens up the complexion beautifully. If we’re being honest and I say this with love, if your hair is thinning, this kind of layering will really help your hair appear fuller. Any blonde that is worth having will require you to keep up with the color every 5 to 6 weeks to keep it from going brassy, and that’s true for this one as well.
#13 Vibrant Auburn Waves with Soft Volumizing Layers
Auburn is one of those colors that truly transforms people, especially when combined with these volumizing layers. It gives a warmth and energy that’s hard to achieve with other combinations. The volumizing layers are strategically placed to provide extra boost through the mid-lengths and ends while cleverly covering any thinning areas. This color and cut combo is an instant confidence boost and will have you feeling yourself again. The color will require some upkeep as it is the highest maintenance part of this style. To maintain the vibrancy, plan on salon visits every four to five weeks.
#14 Golden Chestnut Textured Layered Cut
The best part of this cut is definitely the texture. The layers are designed to lighten the bulk and anyone with heavy, thick hair will tell you that it really helps with that. They don’t really want their hair shorter, just less overwhelming. The golden chestnut color is simple, but with just the right amount of dimension for it to look natural and interesting without needing a complicated color formula. You know it is that kind of cut where you can feel the difference as soon as you shake your hair out after the blow dry. Everything is just super movable and that feeling doesn’t get old.
#15 Bright-Blonde-Feathered-Layers-for-Radiant-Looks
You’ve done a great job here with the graduation/feathering technique around the face. On medium-density hair this type of layering creates real volume instead of just the illusion, and the blonde hair reflects light really well and naturally brightens the area from cheekbones and up. This type of layering is especially flattering on round face shapes. You might need some practice using a round brush to recreate the feathered look, but once you get the hang of it, it will become routine.
#16 Effortless Chestnut Waves with Dynamic Layers
This haircut will be easy for you if your hair has a natural wave to it. The layers are designed to maximize what you already have so that your morning routine can stay the same. This cut works well as is on thick hair. If you have thinner hair, a root volumizing spray before blow-drying will help the layers to stay full throughout the day.
#17 Rich Chocolate Waves with Voluminous Layers
I really like chocolate brown with layered waves. The way the color really enhances each feature and layer. The waves in the middle of the hair look like they create movement and give straight hair some volume, which is really nice. What I like the most about this hairstyle is the layers around the face. They are a little shorter than expected which makes a frame that is almost in the curtain bangs range without having bangs. It is a nice choice that adds some more personality without needing additional maintenance.
#18 Sun-Kissed Golden Waves with Sprightly Layers
I appreciate the honesty in this cut. The naturally blending grays and blondes are not concealed, but rather, are integrated into the color story that looks like it belongs to a real person living a real life. The feathers soften the face and are not overly sculpted. The length is in that zone where you can pull it back when you need to but it looks complete when it’s down. Keep a leave-in conditioner for the ends because this length and texture will thank you for it.
#19 Copper Toned Feathered Bob with Light Waves
A copper bob with layers is probably the most personal, and I mean it as a compliment. The copper layering also helps make hair look thicker, which is a great option if you find your hair is fine. The copper color will fade nicely to warmer tones, giving you a great look even in between appointments. This style personally suits oval and longer face shapes.
#20 Caramel Swirl Layered Cut for Vibrant Texture
The multiple color tone techniques here are great for thinner hair giving an even illusion of more density and depth which one-process coloring can’t do. The caramel tones warm up the skin in a youthful but effortless way while the layers are just enough to keep all the length and preserve the movement. This could be the version that makes you rethink not having layers if you’ve been avoiding them because your hair is thinner.
#21 Flowing Brunette Layers with Subtle Highlights
For people who want to look nice without too much focus on their hair, I feel this is the style I would suggest, and I really value that priority. In the best sense of the term workmanlike, the layers are reasonable. They create movement and volume, and their purpose is to not need constant upkeep. Unless you want to create obvious grow-out lines, the highlights are subtle enough to keep things interesting. The slight outward curl at the ends is a nice styling touch that you can achieve with a round brush in about five minutes, and you can always skip it on days when you don’t feel like it.
#22 Modern Layered Butterfly Cut with Subtle Highlights
Out of these samples, this butterfly cut is one of the best, and on fine hair, that is important. If you go too far with layering on fine hair, it leads to having no volume to work with, but this one shows restraint and is layered well. The highlights provide fullness and also allow the hair to look thicker than it actually is. If you’re considering color, a balayage approach will grow out without a hard line, and will also look great with the layers.
#23 Softly Layered Butterfly Cut with Gentle Movement
The softness of this cut is its whole personality and that’s perfect for women who are over hairstyles that feel like a performance. The waves are not styled to the nines, they are just there and doing what waves do when a good cut allows them to do so. Fine to medium hair benefits most from this sort of layering because there’s enough density to hold the shape but not so much that it suffocates the movement. A cut that is a low commitment, but doesn’t look like it.
#24 Chic Layered Butterfly Cut with Subtle Highlights
I really appreciate the illusory effect of the warm highlights as they create a semblance of greater dimensionality than is actually the case. Those face-framing pieces add to the hairstyle by bringing attention to the eyes and cheekbones and do so without being too obvious. For most women I know, being able to wear their hair in multiple different ways without having to restyle their hair is the hallmark of a great haircut. The versatility across dressy and casual occasions is definitive of a good cut.
#25 Textured Butterfly Cut with Face-Framing Layers
I like the texture in this cut because it isn’t too polished. I think this is especially nice for women who don’t want to look like they just came from the salon every day. The face-framing layers are gentle enough to create a difference without a really big change, and with wavy hair of medium density the bounce takes care of itself. Most people with heart shaped faces benefit from this placement of layers the most, but it doesn’t look bad on a lot of people.
#26 Softly Layered Butterfly Haircut with Natural Movement
This haircut gives fine hair an illusion of more volume which is a gift. The added layers look honestly voluminous instead of artificially created, and the added highlights create a greater illusion of depth and movement. This is a great change if you want something that feels different without alarmed reactions from people in your life. The maintenance is moderate, and while this does require regular trims to keep the definition in the layers, it is a low maintenance haircut day to day.
#27 Textured Mid-Length Butterfly Cut with Soft Waves
If your hair is medium to thick, this is the best version of the cut because the waves and texture create a fullness that looks naturally abundant. The layering is enough to bring in real movement while still leaving you with the sensation of having a lot of hair, so it won’t be too aggressive. If you generally style your hair in a way that is more towards the send and keeping it off your face, this cut will go along with that. If you like more polished styles, be aware that the texture will speak for itself and you might need to use a flat iron to tame it.
#28 Chic Layered Butterfly Cut with Soft Volume
This cut gives you about 70% of the style (and without any effort on your part) just from the slight wave and layers. For fine to medium density, this is the sweet spot where you get movement and body without the layers eating into your volume. The shape is particularly flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces because the volume sits at exactly the right point. Keep up with your trims and the layers will keep returning the favor.
#29 Textured Butterfly Cut with Soft Face-Framing Layers
This cut has a simplicity that I think is often overlooked. Not every haircut has to be super dramatic. The face-framing layers hit the mark, plus the length is versatile enough to wear up or down and looks polished on medium straight hair without needing too much fiddling. Some mornings that’s all you want from your hair, and there’s real value in a cut that reliably does that.
#30 Softly Textured Butterfly Cut with Gentle Waves
The soft highlights in this haircut complement the skin tone, brightening the appearance without changing the overall tone very much. These layers make a difference between flat and dimensional on finer hair, and the waves add enough to make it feel finished. Keeping the look between washes should be easy and low-maintenance; a bit of wavicle cream scrunched in the hair should do the trick.
#31 Textured Butterfly Cut with Soft Natural Waves
She has some very natural, beautiful waves in her hair and the color and pattern warmth work so well here! That’s spot on! A good butterfly cut with waves like that is such a nice combination! If your hair is super thick, you may need to diffuse or air-dry with intention to keep the wave definition clean, but you won’t have to do much because the cut is doing most of the work!
#32 Softly Layered Butterfly Cut with Gentle Highlights
This looks like one of those cuts that reads as “she just has great hair” rather than “she obviously put a lot of effort into her hair,” and personally, I think that’s the better compliment. The layers are subtle enough to be full but also provide enough movement to keep things fun. If your hair is naturally straight, you’ll likely want to take a large-barrel curling iron and create a bend at the ends, but the effort to result ratio is worth it.
#33 Softly Textured Butterfly Cut with Natural Waves
Shoulder-length is an excellent option as it gives you enough to work with while keeping the whole cut manageable. The waves here are doing their own thing, and on fine hair the texture reads as volume which is ideal. The versatility is unreal, this goes from Saturday morning farmers market to dinner reservation with no adjustments needed. Adding in subtle highlights would only enhance what’s already great!
#34 Radiant Layered Butterfly Cut with Soft Volume
The feathered finish at the ends of this haircut creates softness that I find especially nice on longer hair. It can avoid looking medium-to-long blunt at the bottom, and feathering helps open everything up to allow light to move through the hair, justifying every inch of length. The highlights, combined, warm and give it dimension, and the entire finish has a luxurious appeal. The haircut holds its own even when it is unstyled, but you will want to spend time on styling to achieve the specific look.
#35 Chic Curly Butterfly Cut with Soft Plum Highlights
Many people with natural curls wonder if they can rock a butterfly cut hairstyle. YES you absolutely can. Your cuts are made with the intention of fitting your natural curl pattern instead of making straight hair work. The plum highlights also add some color variety to your hair which can really add some fun to curly hair when the color is all one shade. The fun of the hairstyle comes from the curls and not from any hot tools used to create the look. A good curl defining cream will keep your curls smooth with out any crunch.
#36 Stylish Layered Butterfly Cut with Soft Face-Frame
The face-framing on this cut is gentle but effective. The kind of thing that makes someone look at you and think you look good without being able to put their finger on why. With fine to medium hair, the layers create a softness that is incredibly wearable and ages well between appointments, which is more than people give it credit for. A good cut shouldn’t only look good the day you leave the salon. This one will hold its shape for weeks.
#37 Natural Textured Butterfly Cut with Soft Waves
This cut is really easy to wear and take care of. It feels effortless when you wear it, and it also feels effortless to you as it won’t ask much of you. Most days you can style it just by letting it fall naturally because the waves add enough visual interest to make it feel like a conscious choice rather than hair that was just left alone. If you have fine to medium hair, this cut will give you the most lift out of this layering pattern. It’ll even flatter oval and heart-shaped faces.
#38 Chic Softly Layered Butterfly Cut with Subtle Bangs
These bangs are the detail that elevates the entire look and the restraint done here is real, soft enough to push aside on days you don’t want them there, present enough to actually frame the face when you do. On fine hair, this type of layering really creates an impact on volume and movement, without that empty feeling. If you’re thinking of bangs after quite some time, this soft and subtle approach is really the way to go. A light balayage through the layers would only make this better.
#39 Softly Layered Butterfly Cut with Delicate Face Framing
The gentleness of this cut is its strength. Everything about it is designed to enhance rather than detract, softening angles on round or oval faces, adding just enough movement to keep things from looking static. The medium length gives you options, up or down, dressed or undressed, and the layers are the kind that grow out gracefully rather than awkwardly. That last point matters more than most people realize when they’re choosing a cut. Regular trims help, of course, but this won’t punish you for going a week or two past your appointment.
#40 Softly Layered Silver Butterfly Cut with Gentle Face Framing
I love seeing silver hair that has layers because I know it takes real commitment both to grow the hair out and style it. The layers here really do break up the silver so it doesn’t look flat, which can happen with lighter hair that has lost some natural dimension. The face framing layers are in a good spot, and for fine to medium hair the whole cut will sit really nicely with minimal styling. Volumizing dry shampoo will also add a ton of body at the roots.
#41 Chic Softly Layered Butterfly Cut with Gentle Waves
You can see the bounce in this cut and you can tell by the movement that the layers are well placed and healthy. For fine to medium density hair, this kind of movement is what good layering can do when the person behind the chair understands weight distribution, and that is honestly what separates a butterfly cut that works and one that just looks layered. The waves do need some upkeep, but the shape of the cut does so much of the work that you aren’t starting from square one every morning.
#42 Softly Textured Silver Butterfly Cut
The silver shades that are darker help create some depth in the color that plain silver doesn’t have. Paired with the softer layers, this looks elegant in a more subtle way, which I really like. The shoulder length is perfect for this color since it shows tonal variation, and doesn’t require the upkeep that longer silver hair does. With finer hair, the layers will create enough movement to keep everything looking nice and lively. All in all, it is relatively low maintenance, but the layers will need a little upkeep every 6 weeks or so.
#43 Chic Layered Butterfly Haircut
If you have fine hair and are getting a butterfly cut, here is your version to bring to the stylist. This example has long enough layers that they won’t lose volume, as well as starting at the jawline where they can really do something. Also, the face framing bangs add shape without the bulk, and also make it look like styling is optional instead of mandatory, which is the goal for most women living real lives. Be sure to ask for those long inner layers specifically, because the difference between this and shorter layers on fine hair means the difference between looking full and looking thin.
#44: Subtle Layered Butterfly Cut with Natural Highlights
The way the cut captures the highlights gives the look a warmth and dimension, making it look sun-kissed and healthy. The way the ends are layered gives just enough movement to the fine hair so it doesn’t get boring while also not crossing into the territory of daily styling. The way the hair is framed is pretty and not too clinical, just a bit of softness. To take this up a notch, a gloss treatment will provide that shine that will have people thinking you have ridiculously good hair.
#45 Gracefully Layered Butterfly Cut for Mature Women
This whole look gives off a warmth with its layering around the cheekbones, the mid-lengths, and brown tones, all of which makes it feel alive and truly flattering. And on oval or heart-shaped faces, the face-framing layers do exactly what you’d hope and draw attention to the strongest features, but without being obvious. The volume has a youthful quality without trying to look twenty-five, which is always the right goal. If you stay on top of your trims every six weeks, this cut will keep you looking like the best version of yourself.
#46 Textured Mid-Length Butterfly Cut with Soft Bangs
The bangs are soft and beautifully done, wispy enough to blend in with the layers but present enough to shape the face. On fine hair that has a little natural wave, the layering adds real volume. The mid-length keeps everything manageable. A light styling cream worked through the mid-lengths and ends will define texture without the weight. The shorter face framing layers will grow out first so plan your trims around those.
#47 Chic Textured Butterfly Cut with Wispy Bangs
If you’ve been searching for a hairstyle that looks fresh and unique, look no further! A butterfly cut and wispy bangs will have people asking if you’ve changed your hair, even after weeks of wearing it. This style is perfect for fine hair since it adds volume exactly where you need it. The highlights will keep the hair from looking flat. This haircut is ideal for medium density hair. If your hair is too thick, you risk losing the wispy texture which will help hold the cut. You’ll leave the salon with a nice shape to your hair and will only need to style it a few times to keep it looking great. Overall, this style has a lot of potential!
#48 Softly Layered Butterfly Cut with Face-Framing Bangs
What stands out in this cut is the shaped framing bangs. They are cut at just the right length to highlight the rest of the features without overpowering the face and look great whether styled with products or not which is a sure sign of well done bangs. The layers also give enough movement and fullness and hold everything else from below so they don’t compete with the framing. This cut type will give fine and medium hair exactly the right amount of fullness and also the highlights that are left really add that extra depth that might be lost in flat hair. Since bangs grow out at a different rate from the rest of the cut, they may need to be trimmed every 3-4 weeks, but that is just a quick visit and not a complete appointment.
#49 Elegant Layered Butterfly Cut with Face-Framing Highlights
These highlights are placed with purpose, focusing around the face and warm complexion, and then blended through the layers to add dimension without creating stripes. Applied on fine to medium hair, this color strategy makes the difference between hair that looks thin and hair that looks textured and full, which is ultimately the goal. The cut is solid, versatile, and the type of foundation that allows good color to shine.
#50 Textured Butterfly Cut with Rich Chocolate Highlights
The chocolate highlights make the cut feel really nice and rich, and on medium to thick hair the combined waves and layers create an impressive volume that’s not too big. Shoulder-length is practical and flattering here. It’s long enough for real length but short enough to make styling easy. Heart-shaped faces really benefit from the way the layers frame the face and soften around the chin and jaw. The chocolate waves may need a bit of help, but the cut and colors are nice enough that even on an off day, it looks great.
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