The butterfly cut is undoubtedly one of the top hairstyles to consider for 2024. This contemporary interpretation of the iconic 1970s shag haircut incorporates layers and feathered tips, resulting in a gentle and airy appearance. The way the layers are styled mimics the shape of butterfly wings, which is how it got its name. This hairstyle is adaptable and suits various hair types and lengths, making it a favored option among celebrities and fashion lovers alike. Explore this curated selection of stylish butterfly haircuts and choose the one that will enhance your look the most!
What Is a Butterfly Haircut?
According to Lorna Valente, a hairstylist and colorist based in London, the #ButterflyHaircut has gained immense popularity, amassing over 580 million views on TikTok, making it one of the top hair trends of 2024. Named for its resemblance to the fluttering wings of a butterfly, this hairstyle features a mix of short and long layers that create significant volume without compromising length. Lorna notes that the shortest layers can be cut to either cheekbone or chin length based on what flatters your face shape best, while the longer layers help retain the overall length. The style effortlessly blends chic elements with influences from the 70s (think Farah Fawcett) and 90s aesthetics. The Rachel “With ample volume, dynamic movement, and rich dimension,” the stylist explains. Continue scrolling for top examples and styling suggestions.
1. Golden Blonde Butterfly Cut
You don’t need to curl your hair or chop it into shaggy layers to enhance the natural texture of your straight hair. A butterfly cut adds some layers, giving you a more casual and tousled appearance, while blonde balayage adds a touch of sophistication to your style.

@daniloherbert
2. Trendy Butterfly Cut on Long Hair
This is an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a fashionable yet easy hairstyle. The layers throughout your hair enhance its volume and texture, resulting in a stylish and contemporary appearance.

@daniloherbert
3. Beautiful Butterfly Hairstyle for Thick Hair
A layered haircut with curtain bangs is perfect for women looking to frame their face and highlight their facial features. To style the butterfly look, we recommend using a texture spray to add volume and emphasize the layers in your hair.

@dougllas
4. Cute Layered Hairstyle with Big Waves
Full-bodied waves can create the illusion of thicker hair, particularly when paired with layers of varying lengths. Additionally, applying a volumizing mousse or spray before blow-drying can provide your hair with added lift and fullness.

@nevilleromanzammit
5. Butterfly Haircut with Wispy Layers
Incorporating bangs into a butterfly haircut can significantly alter the hairstyle’s appearance and help harmonize the face shape. Wispy bangs can introduce a gentle touch and produce a more refined, feminine vibe, while also giving the illusion of a slimmer face.

@raphaelbarbosahair
6. Curtain Bangs and Face-Framing Layers
Curtain bangs can beautifully complement the layers of a shoulder-length butterfly haircut. Additionally, request your stylist to incorporate shorter layers around your face for a more defined appearance.

@ruteboazhair
7. Butterfly Haircut for Natural Brown Hair
Incorporating layers with a butterfly cut can enhance the shape and movement of long brown hair. These layers also assist in balancing the weight of the hair, ensuring it doesn’t look too heavy or lifeless.

@diegomarcsant
8. Charming Caramel Style
Every aspect of this butterfly hairstyle is truly beautiful! The gentle layers introduce movement and depth, while the curtain bangs and playful flicks bring a whimsical element to the overall appearance.

@hair_salon_by_hadis
9. Elegant Shoulder-Length Layered Hairstyle
If you’re seeking a way to enhance your medium-length hair, we highly suggest considering this stunning butterfly haircut featuring blonde highlights and waves. This style will highlight the beauty of your natural look and enhance your overall appearance.

@dougllas
10. Medium-Length Butterfly Hairstyle for Oval Shaped Face
To achieve this trendy feathered hairstyle, request shorter layers on the top and crown of your head. This will give the cut a look similar to butterfly wings, which is how it earned its fun name. Consider adding auburn or copper babylights for an added touch of depth.

@tabcutshair
11. Butterfly Cut on Short Hair
This cropped hairstyle boasts plenty of volume and texture, making it ideal for individuals with thin hair. To achieve this look, trim your hair into short layers and then lightly tousle it with your fingers to define the curls and add more movement to the strands.

@diegomarcsant
12. Extended Butterfly Cut with Layers That Frame the Face
The butterfly cut can also look stunning on straight hair. The flipped ends introduce texture to your sleek strands, while the layers provide dimension and movement that your straight hair might be missing.

@jeanclaudeelmoughayar
13. Long Layered Cut for Thin Hair
If you have very fine or thin hair, adding too many layers may make it look even thinner. However, incorporating longer layers, as seen here, can give your hair a nice textured appearance and make it seem somewhat thicker.

@stanleyman001
14. Stylish Butterfly Haircut for Blonde Hair
Buttery blonde hair is beautiful on its own, but adding layers enhances its texture and depth. Feel free to try various styling products to elevate your layered hair and make it more eye-catching.

@hair_salon_by_hadis
15. Gorgeous Butterfly Hairstyle for Brunette Hair
The butterfly haircut is adaptable and can be tailored to fit various face shapes and hair textures. The flicks and curtain bangs lend a gentle softness to the overall appearance, while the lengthy layers contribute to movement and volume.

@mustafaserdarbekereci_
16. Wavy Hair with a Blonde Layered Haircut
Soft blonde tones are ideal for enhancing butterfly haircuts. Be sure to discuss with your hairstylist or colorist to find the most suitable highlights that match your skin tone and hair type.

17. Sandy Brown Butterfly Haircut
Adding butterfly layers to the lower section of your hair can introduce texture and movement while avoiding a heavily layered look. You can also elevate the beauty of your long, thick hair with a delicate light brown ombre.

@shokosoco
18. Chestnut Brown Butterfly Layers
This hairstyle features a smooth waterfall of layered strands, resulting in a blended haircut in rich chocolate brown tones. To achieve this bouncy look at home, utilize a blow dryer along with a volumizing spray or mousse.

@ashleenormanhair
19. Buttery Blonde Layered Hairstyle
Feathering is a great technique to add texture to straight hair. Request additional flips at the ends along with beautiful blonde balayage highlights to create more depth and movement.

@mokosh_studio
20. Butterfly Cut in Cappuccino Tones
A blend of butterfly layers and ashy brown balayage can change the way you see your long hair. By adding a few front strands that gracefully highlight your face, you can achieve a stylish and voluminous look that everyone will appreciate.

@hair.by.gabby.g
21. Low-Maintenance Butterfly Style
Although butterfly cuts are typically linked to a center part, this layered hairstyle offers a unique take on the traditional style. By incorporating a deep side part and long, sweeping bangs, it can effectively conceal a high forehead and create a flattering framing effect.

@cassieofalltrades
22. Icy Butterfly Cut with Dark Roots
This multi-layered haircut minimizes volume in thick hair while also brightening dark strands with platinum balayage for a more spacious look. The white blonde shade beautifully complements darker skin tones and highlights the texture of the flipped layers.

@jam.ramoneshair
23. Medium-Length Butterfly Layers
Incorporating face-framing layers can give your hair depth and shape while maintaining its fullness. By curling the shorter top layers away from your face, you can achieve a look similar to long curtain bangs that emphasize your features.

24. Bouncy Butterfly Hairstyle
This butterfly cut, with its layered feathers and outwardly styled ends, highlights rich texture around the face, enhancing the appearance of your brown hair.

@cheveux_de_raul
25. Chic Layered Cut for Brunette Hair
Expertly layered cuts can dramatically change thick hair, regardless of its length. Layering not only improves the texture and movement of your hair but also makes it feel lighter.

@hair.by.gabby.g
26. Side Swept Wispy Butterfly Haircut
Face-framing strands of different lengths, woven around the edges, can create a stunning and textured appearance. To enhance this butterfly hairstyle, gently backcomb your brown hair and add some subtle caramel highlights for extra flair.

@ahappyjustin
27. Bright Copper Butterfly Cut Hair
Choosing a ginger hair color can infuse warmth and vibrancy into your appearance. When combined with the butterfly haircut, it results in a striking and attention-grabbing style that deserves admiration.

@josscollective
28. Shoulder-Length Hairstyle with Full Layers
This enchanting multi-layered style is ideal for summer. To create this effect in your hair, apply a light texturizing spray and blow-dry each layer individually. This technique will accentuate the texture of your lovely butterfly hair.

@modestspotcarrillo
29. Butterfly Cut Hair with Shaggy Bangs
The butterfly hair trend originates from the 1970s, so if you love this decade, you might want to try this hairstyle. Hair with texture and airy layers adds movement to strands of all lengths and thicknesses, enhancing their charm.

@teryn.tucker.hair
30. Dark Hair with Highlights Around the Face
Shoulder-length hair looks fantastic when styled with curtain bangs and layers. To enhance your brunette locks, think about using the money piece technique, which can be a wonderful complement to the butterfly haircut by adding a splash of color and depth to the front part of your hair.

@karlavarleyhairartist
How to Style a Butterfly Haircut?
Lorna Valente has shared numerous helpful tips and tricks to help you professionally style your butterfly cut at home. There are essentially two main approaches you can take:
- Dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry, then take a round brush to straighten and divide your hair into sections. After sectioning, apply a large roller to each section and let them stay in until your hair cools down. This method will help your hair maintain a bouncier look for a longer time.
- If you’re not very confident in blow-drying your hair, begin by using a blast dryer to dry it quickly. In the final minutes, use a round brush to smooth it out. After your hair is dry, feel free to use your favorite heat styling tool to achieve soft, bouncy waves.
Always use heat protection before blow drying your hair and before using any heated tools. For those with thick hair, Lorna suggests trying a lightweight mousse, with the Percy and Reed volumising mousse being one of her preferred options. If your hair is thin, it’s better to choose a lightweight cream instead, as mousse can weigh thin hair down. To complete your look, apply a shine serum and session spray. The butterfly haircut can be customized to suit various face shapes and hair types, contributing to its popularity as a trend in recent years. Save the best butterfly haircut ideas for inspiration for your new hairstyle!