What is a Butterfly Haircut?
What is a butterfly haircut?
Coined by hair stylist Sunnie Brook, the butterfly haircut is defined by layering at the crown for a dramatic face frame and big volume. Unlike other layered cuts, where dimensions are blended for all around texture, the butterfly cut relies on high contrast between a chin length layer and longer locks.
Also known as “rom-com” hair, it resembles the haircuts of many iconic female characters from the movie genre. Fans of the hit TV show Friends might know it better as “the Rachel cut”.
Who is the butterfly haircut for?
While the butterfly haircut suits almost all hair types, it works best for people who have some texture and weight to their hair. Heavy layering on the crown can make thin hair even thinner and while straight hair can be styled, dramatic layering is most pronounced when it’s got a little natural movement.
What makes the butterfly haircut so popular?
So why do so many people love the butterfly haircut? Let’s take a closer look.
If you’ve ever pined over the jaw-defining abilities or chic French sensibility of a shorter hair cut, the butterfly cut is a way to achieve all the dimensions of chin length without committing to a full chop. Some butterfly cut wearers have even been spotted pinning up the longer layers for a temporary bob!
The haircut makes your hair transform, just like a butterfly. It creates the effect of two styles in one, making your long hair seem short without requiring any commitment or intense decision-making.
But that’s not the only reason it’s called a butterfly haircut. The high contrast layer framing your face almost looks like a deep curtain bang whose “away from the face movement” resembles butterfly wings!
Convinced yet? Well, so are millions of other people. After hairstylist Brad Mondo posted a tutorial on TikTok, the video amassed over 20 million views. Butterfly cut lovers all around the world were reaching for their scissors in an attempt to create the look.
And while some were pleasantly surprised that an at-home impulse decision didn’t end in tears, others weren’t so lucky. Just like any other hair style, the butterfly haircut technique cannot be copied and pasted onto all hair types. Some things are best left to the professionals, who can tailor the butterfly to your face shape and hair texture.
Different types of butterfly haircut
If you’re sold on the butterfly haircut, it’s time to choose your style. Here are some of the most popular options.
- Mid-length butterfly haircut: This style is easy to style and maintain, with longer pieces of hair framing your face.
- Butterfly haircut with bangs: Whether you have a center or side part, a butterfly haircut can add extra interest to a classic style with bangs.
- Butterfly haircut with feathered ends: Create a softer effect with feathered ends.
- Curly butterfly haircut: The butterfly haircut isn’t just for straight hair – with the right styling, it can work a treat on curly hair. Ask your stylist for long internal layers.
- Short butterfly haircut: If you have short hair, you can still take advantage of the butterfly cut with the addition of some choppy layers.
How to style a butterfly haircut
Achieving the perfect butterfly haircut look doesn’t have to be complicated. While it’s best to head to the salon for any hair transformation, you’ll be happy to know that styling a butterfly haircut is pretty minimal.
This haircut is air-dry friendly, making it ideal for those who prefer low-maintenance styling. For a natural, effortless look, apply a lightweight hair oil or leave-in conditioner to damp hair, scrunch the ends gently, and let it air dry.
For a more polished, voluminous finish, use a blow dryer and a round brush. And don’t forget your heat protectant! Start by sectioning your hair and working from the bottom layers upward, curling the ends slightly to emphasize the layers. The upper layers can be blown out for added lift and movement, creating that signature contrast between the longer and shorter sections.
To protect your hair and enhance the style’s longevity, always apply a heat protectant before using heated tools. For extra volume, finish with a root-lifting spray or a spritz of dry shampoo. Adding a light mist of hair spray can help lock in the style without weighing it down.
With the right approach, your butterfly haircut will always look effortlessly chic and full of life!
Comments [0]