If you’ve been eyeing the trendy butterfly haircut, you may wonder how it would work with your specific hair type and face shape. Cori McCann, a skilled stylist, shares her expertise and experience, offering valuable insights and tips. In this interview, she breaks down the haircut by hair texture and thickness as well as major face shapes while also providing styling advice and product recommendations to suit various lifestyle types.
Meet The Expert
Cori McCann
Cori is an educator and stylist with over 10 years of experience.
You can find Cori at LOX Salon in Knoxville, TN
Customizing the Butterfly Haircut for Different Hair Types
When it comes to the butterfly haircut, most photos you’ll find online feature a specific hair length and texture. The cut was initially designed for longer hair with straight texture, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be adapted for other lengths and textures. As a stylist, it’s essential to translate the desired look into a haircut that best suits the client’s current hair and lifestyle.
According to McCann, a few modifications can make the butterfly cut work for different hair lengths and textures. It often involves adjusting the layering length to accommodate the client’s hair length. Therefore, if you’re considering this haircut, have an open conversation with your stylist to discuss how to customize it according to your specific hair and preferences.
Considerations for Different Face Shapes
The butterfly cut, similar to the shag, can accentuate bone structure through its layering technique. The flexibility of the cut allows stylists to customize the layering points, making it suitable for every face shape. McCann compares the process to using makeup or color techniques to highlight or contour bone structure. Just as makeup enhances facial features, haircuts, and color can serve the same purpose.
McCann suggests focusing the layering points at the cheekbones or jawline to highlight your natural bone structure. Choosing where the layering begins can impact how your hair frames your face. For instance, starting the layering at the cheekbones results in a few pieces falling around your face when you pull your hair back while layering beginning at the jawline allows you to tuck your hair behind your ears without any hair escaping around your face.
Styling Tips and Tricks for the Butterfly Haircut
Styling plays a crucial role in achieving the desired look with the butterfly cut. While the shape of the cut will be present regardless of styling, it won’t have the same impact without proper styling techniques. McCann recommends a specific styling method to enhance the sweeping layers resembling butterfly wings.
To style the butterfly cut, section your hair into a mohawk section along your part. Using either a blowdryer and round brush or a large barrel curling iron, direct each subsection up and away from your face. As you work your way backward, pin each section up, allowing the hair time to cool and set. By directing the hair backward and setting it, you create volume at the root and isolate the layers, making them more prominent in the finished style.
When it comes to product recommendations, McCann suggests different options depending on your hair type. For fine hair, a lightweight mousse like Neuma’s Neu Styling Mousse can provide volume and hold. Clients with naturally textured or thick hair may benefit from R&Co’s High Dive, which helps smooth and add shine. Regardless of hair texture or density, McCann highly recommends Neuma’s NeuMoisture Instant Fix as a foundation for any hair type. This product not only has essential styling benefits but also provides heat protection to keep your hair healthy, no matter how you choose to style it.