The butterfly cut is one of the most popular haircuts of all time, known for giving your hair a bouncy look and overall youthfulness to your face. The limelight frequently revitalizes the frenzy most stylists have for this hair. But with popularity comes the age-old question—is it overrated?

Here’s a dive into this iconic haircut and how you can achieve it. 

What Is the Butterfly Cut?

The butterfly haircut is a layered hairstyle that creates wispy, wing-like face-framing layers. It actually originated as a boho-esque hairstyle from the ‘70s, specifically mimicking the classic shaggy hairstyle. It had its big moment during those decades, and later emerged again in the spotlight during the ‘90s.

Now in the 21st century, the butterfly cut is definitely having a moment again. Some opt for the classic short fringe to mimic the more vintage appeal of this haircut. However, some also modernize the butterfly cut to have a more stylistic blowout. 

Is Butterfly Cut Good For Hair?

The butterfly cut, when done correctly, can be extremely beneficial for the hair. You get everything from the perfect face-framing pieces to your ideal length. Here’s an even deeper dive into the perks. 

It Creates the Right Amount of Volume

A good butterfly haircut can create voluminous layers throughout the hair, sometimes even without needing a blow-dry. Even if you have thicker hair, the butterfly cut is meant to scale back most of the bulk and create those healthy-looking waves. It’s definitely worth a try if you want to remove those heavier layers. 

It Suits Numerous Hair Types

As insinuated, the butterfly haircut is suitable for all kinds of hair. You can have thin or thick hair, short or long hair and more—it still works. Plus, it can be excellent for 2C hair and other curly or wavy types. You get to enjoy all of your natural texture and bounce without having to tame or style your hair too much. 

It Creates Versatile Options

All hair can pretty much adapt to the butterfly cut, and you get to experiment with so many hairstyles with it. For example, if you tie it up into a ponytail, the shorter layers can give you a short-looking bob. You could also sweep your hair into a side part instead of the usual middle part for a cooler rockstar-like look. 

It’s Simply An Iconic Haircut

Farrah Fawcett, Jennifer Aniston and Cindy Crawford are legendary people who have popularized the haircut. You also have the latest IT girls of the century, like Addison Rae, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish, having a butterfly cut era. Suki Waterhouse also paved the way for it by becoming an iconic inspo on social media and websites like Pinterest. 

How to Make the Butterfly Cut Even Better

Honestly, getting a butterfly cut as it is already makes your hair amazing. However, here are some additional tips to ensure an even better hair day. 

1. Volumize and Style

The butterfly cut is pretty low-maintenance for the most part, since it’s already been cut with the intention of adding a little volume. However, if you want that celebrity-like poof in your hair, you’re going to have to use a thermal brush or blow dryer to volumize and style the hair. A little setting spray can also make it last longer. 

2. Use Your Perfect Color

The wispiness of the layers in a butterfly cut may not be as visible when you’re rocking black or darker brown hair. Going a little lighter can help add some definition that helps you and others appreciate the haircut. Some may incorporate money-piece highlights for a beautiful color blend—just make sure it still suits your skin tone and preferences. 

3. Go Shorter for Fine Hair

A butterfly cut really shines the most as a longer, layered haircut. However, sometimes, it can feel like the ends of the hair are a little sparse compared to the top. This problem usually occurs when you have thinner or finer hair. To combat this, try to make the base length a little shorter and to focus on the fluidity of connecting each layer. 

4. Be Mindful with Your Updos

As versatile as the butterfly cut is, it looks best when keeping your hair down. You may have a tough time doing regular ponytails or messy buns that aren’t too messy. The uneven layers can mean some pieces slip out when you don’t want to. Bobby pins usually do the trick, but it still helps to be more mindful if you want to go updo. 

Can You DIY the Butterfly Cut?

Yes, the butterfly cut is relatively simple, so you can recreate it at home. That said, it’s best to have an expert handle it, especially the first time. That way, you have a reference of what a good butterfly cut looks like on you.

Here are several tips to help with the DIY process. 

1. Wet Your Hair

Like most DIY haircuts, you want to make sure that you’ve thoroughly washed and wetted your hair. It’s best to have it dripping wet rather than just lightly spritzed just so that everything gets flat. You can put on a towel on your shoulders to help soak up the droplets. Use a detangling brush to get rid of any lingering knots. 

2. Section into Ponytails

The ponytail method involves sectioning your hair into a front and back section before the actual cutting. Also known as the unicorn cut, this technique is meant to give you a heavily layered look. It’s critical to divide your hair by finding the apex or middle of your hair. Tightly tie it up.

3. Cut off the Desired Length

Using your pointer and middle finger, sandwich your hair section in between and measure how many inches you want to cut off. Ideally, you get the same length for the front and back ponytails to improve the fluidity of your haircut. 

4. Part and Trim

Take out your hair of the first ponytail and brush it out. You can trim and even out the cut before moving on and doing the same to the other ponytail. Blow-dry the hair and add any extra finishing touches. 

The two main things you want to focus on when trimming are:

• The layers: The butterfly cut is characterized by having a shorter layer up-top and a longer layer at the bottom. Make sure you capture this for your haircut while keeping the front and back balanced. 
• Face-framing bangs: The butterfly cut is usually accompanied by a longer version of the curtain bangs. Trim it to be a little more wispy to frame the face without being too heavy. 

Crown Yourself With This Haircut Style

Butterfly cut is good for almost all hair types and colors, especially when carried with confidence. While you can recreate the haircut yourself, you’re more than welcome to go to a salon and request it from your stylist. Remember to ask for tips on maintaining the style!