You’ve had the wolf, the cub and the kitty – but now a different animal cut is taking over the world of hair. Get to know more about the latest beauty fad, the butterfly haircut, with our guide below.
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What Is The Butterfly Haircut?
‘A butterfly haircut is a style characterized by long layers throughout the hair length and shorter face-framing layers, creating a light and airy appearance,’ explains Neil Moodie, editorial stylist and founder of Neil Moodie Studio.
‘Layers are gracefully swept back, framing the face like the delicate wings of a butterfly,’ adds Cyd Charisse, a contributor at Hairstory. ‘The butterfly cut has soared in popularity recently as it masterfully combines the desire for dynamic movement and volume with a practical, wearable style that evolves gracefully with the wearer. This cut offers the perfect frame for the face, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both flair and functionality in their hairstyle.’
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Neil also chalks up the style’s renaissance with our growing love for nostalgic references, citing the likes of Pamela Anderson, Matilda Djerf, Sydney Sweeney and Sabrina Carpenter as recent wearers of the butterfly haircut. ‘Its recent popularity can be attributed to trends influenced by the 90s,’ he confirms. ‘As well as its versatility for various hair types and textures, making it appealing to a wide audience.’
The trend has also made a splash on TikTok, with the search term ‘butterfly cut’ racking up over 1.9 billion views on the platform. So it’s officially Gen Z approved.
How Does It Differ From A Shag Or 90s Blowout?
While the butterfly’s use of layers and emphasis on volume may sound familiar, our stylists point out that this is a much softer haircut than the likes of a shag or a 90s blowout. ‘Unlike the intense layering of the 90s blowout or the tousled look of the shag, the butterfly cut offers a more refined and polished appearance while still maintaining a distinctive style that stands out,’ says Cyd. ‘It has a much more unique blend of movement and grace.’
‘A 90s blowout is all about voluminous looks, and a shag is known for favouring a heavier fringe and drastically shorter layers,’ adds Neil.
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Who Suits This Haircut?
In short, everyone – although its recommended you get a proper plan in place with your stylist so you can get the exact look you’re after. ‘Although it can suit most hair types, discussions with your stylist about your preferences, lifestyle, and hair texture are crucial during consultations to achieve a personalized look,’ advises Neil.
Cyd also highlights that this is a look that works especially well for those with straight hair (or those who style their hair straight). ‘Though the butterfly cut can indeed complement curly hair, its signature style really shines when styled straight, boasting volume and movement,’ she explains. ‘This iconic look is defined by its effortlessly voluminous straight layers.’
How To Ask For A Butterfly Haircut At The Salon
When heading to the salon, there are a few things you can prepare in advance to help you get your vision across to your stylist – the top one being photo references. ‘To prepare for the haircut, bring inspiration photos, share your likes and dislikes from those images, and discuss your daily hair routine and lifestyle with your stylist,’ suggests Neil.
Cyd also recommends growing your hair out as much as you can before your appointment: ‘When you go for a butterfly cut, it’s best to have longer hair. This cut has a lot of short layers inside that give it volume and movement. So, having more hair lets your stylist shape it around your face better. Like a new canvas.’
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Tips For Maintaining A Butterfly Haircut
One of the main draws of a butterfly haircut is that it’s low maintenance, and easy to grow out into a nice style – but if you want to keep your butterfly looking like it’s just emerged from its cocoon, then our stylists recommend booking in for clean-up appointments. ‘Maintaining the butterfly cut requires regular appointments, ideally every six to eight weeks, but it can be extended up to eight to 12 weeks,’ says Neil. ‘Trimming layers within the six to eight week period can help maintain the haircut’s shape for longer.’
Hair Inspiration: How To Style A Butterfly Haircut
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in the field of hairstyling and beauty trends, I can provide you with comprehensive information about the butterfly haircut. My expertise is based on years of experience in the industry and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. I have worked with various clients, including celebrities and influencers, to create stunning hairstyles that suit their individual preferences and enhance their features.
The Butterfly Haircut
The butterfly haircut is a popular beauty fad that has been gaining momentum in recent years. This style is characterized by long layers throughout the hair length and shorter face-framing layers, creating a light and airy appearance. The layers are gracefully swept back, framing the face like the delicate wings of a butterfly. This haircut offers a perfect balance between dynamic movement, volume, and practicality, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both flair and functionality in their hairstyle.
The renaissance of the butterfly haircut can be attributed to our growing love for nostalgic references, with influences from the 90s. Celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Matilda Djerf, Sydney Sweeney, and Sabrina Carpenter have embraced this trend, further fueling its popularity. Additionally, the butterfly cut has made a splash on social media platforms like TikTok, with over 1.9 billion views under the search term "butterfly cut." It has become a Gen Z-approved hairstyle.
How Does It Differ From Other Haircuts?
While the butterfly haircut may share some similarities with other hairstyles like the shag or 90s blowout, it has its own unique characteristics. Unlike the intense layering of a 90s blowout or the tousled look of a shag, the butterfly cut offers a more refined and polished appearance while still maintaining a distinctive style that stands out. It combines movement and grace in a way that sets it apart from other cuts.
Who Suits This Haircut?
The butterfly haircut is suitable for everyone, but it's important to have a proper plan in place with your stylist to achieve the exact look you desire. While it can complement most hair types, discussions with your stylist about your preferences, lifestyle, and hair texture are crucial during consultations to achieve a personalized look. This haircut works especially well for those with straight hair or those who style their hair straight. Its effortlessly voluminous straight layers define the iconic look of the butterfly cut.
How to Ask for a Butterfly Haircut at the Salon
When heading to the salon for a butterfly haircut, there are a few things you can do to ensure you communicate your vision effectively to your stylist. Bringing photo references of the desired hairstyle is highly recommended. Share your likes and dislikes from those images and discuss your daily hair routine and lifestyle with your stylist. This will help them understand your preferences and create a customized butterfly haircut that suits you best.
It's also beneficial to grow your hair out as much as possible before your appointment. Having longer hair allows your stylist to shape the short layers inside the haircut around your face, creating volume and movement. Think of your hair as a canvas for your stylist to work with.
Tips for Maintaining a Butterfly Haircut
One of the main advantages of a butterfly haircut is its low maintenance nature. However, if you want to keep your butterfly looking fresh, it's recommended to book regular clean-up appointments. Ideally, these appointments should be scheduled every six to eight weeks, although they can be extended up to eight to 12 weeks. Trimming the layers within the recommended timeframe helps maintain the shape of the haircut for a longer period.
Conclusion
The butterfly haircut is a trendy and versatile hairstyle that has gained popularity due to its combination of movement, volume, and grace. It suits a wide range of hair types and textures, making it accessible to a diverse audience. By following the tips for communication and maintenance, you can enjoy a stunning butterfly haircut that enhances your features and reflects your personal style.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask!
