Butterfly Cut: See It on Your Photo
Short, face-framing layers on top over longer layers underneath, for volume and movement without losing length. Suits oval, square and round faces.
Included in Free, Creative Spark and Elite Pro
Face shapes it suits
- Oval
- Square
- Round
The trick behind the butterfly cut is a hidden short layer. Face-framing pieces are cut shorter on top while the hair underneath is left long and full. Blow-dried back and away from the face, those top pieces sweep out like wings, so you get the bounce of a shorter cut without actually losing length.
It really comes alive with a blowout. Use a large round brush, roll the face-framing layers back as you dry, and set the top sections in self-grip rollers. A flexible hairspray usually keeps the shape for a day or two.
The curved layers around the cheeks and jaw soften a square face, and the lift away from the face adds height for round faces. Oval shapes can wear the layers shorter or longer. Medium to thick straight or wavy hair shows it off best; fine hair works with fewer top layers and a fuller underneath length. Plan a trim every eight to twelve weeks to keep the wings defined.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get a butterfly cut on thin hair?
- Often, yes. Keep the underneath length fairly full and ask for fewer top layers so the ends do not look sparse.
- How do I blow-dry a butterfly cut?
- Use a large round brush and roll the face-framing layers back and away from the face. Self-grip rollers on the top layers help hold the shape while you finish.
- Is a butterfly cut hard to maintain?
- It works best with a blowout, so it is a bit more styling effort than one-length hair. Trims every eight to twelve weeks keep the layers defined.