If you’ve spent time scrolling Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably seen the butterfly haircut everywhere. This airy, layered, 90s-inspired style has become one of the most requested cuts at salons—and for good reason. It’s flattering, versatile, low-maintenance, and works beautifully on almost every hair length and texture.

In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the butterfly haircut—what it is, who it suits, and how you can customize it with bangs, curls, or short lengths.

Whether you want a butterfly haircut with bangs, a long butterfly haircut, or a modern medium-length butterfly haircut, this guide will help you choose the perfect version for your hair.

What Is a Butterfly Haircut?

The butterfly haircut is a layered hairstyle featuring long, flowing layers that mimic the soft, wing-like shape of butterfly wings. It usually includes shorter face-framing layers around the front (often mimicking curtain bangs) and longer layers at the back for movement and volume.

Key features of the butterfly haircut include:

• Light, feathery, separated layers

• Lots of movement and bounce

• A 90’s-inspired, super-voluminous shape

• Shorter front layers that blend into longer lengths

• Works beautifully on straight, wavy, or curly hair

This cut is especially popular among people who love layered hairstyles but still want to keep their length.

Why the Butterfly Haircut Became So Popular

The trend started blowing up after celebrity hairstylists began bringing back iconic 90s looks—think supermodels like Cindy Crawford or early-2000s layers. TikTok amplified the trend, showing how well the cut works on long hair, medium length hair, and even on short shoulder-length butterfly haircuts.

People also love it because:

• It adds instant volume without heavy styling.

• It suits thin, thick, straight, or curly hair.

• It makes hair look fuller and more dynamic.

• It grows out beautifully thanks to blended layers.

Types of Butterfly Haircuts (With Styles for Every Hair Length)

1. Butterfly Haircut for Long Hair

If you have long hair, the butterfly haircut becomes incredibly flowy and dramatic. The long layers add movement while keeping the length intact.

Best for:

• Straight or wavy long hair

• Anyone wanting a voluminous “blowout” look

• Those who want layers without losing length

Pro tip: Add longer face-framing curtain layers for extra softness.

2. Medium-Length Butterfly Haircut

The medium length butterfly haircut is one of the most wearable versions. It adds bounce but doesn’t require as much maintenance as long hair.

Perfect for:

• Shoulder-length or collarbone-length hair

• People wanting shape without committing to short hair

• Thin or fine hair that needs volume

The soft wings of the layers make medium-length hair look fuller and healthier.

3. Short Butterfly Haircut

Yes, you can absolutely rock a short butterfly haircut. Even short shoulder-length butterfly haircuts create a trendy, feathered look that’s polished but playful.

Best for:

• Straight or wavy hair

• Anyone craving lightweight layers

• A 90s-style blowout vibe

Short butterfly cuts are especially great for people with thick hair—they remove bulk and make styling easier.

Butterfly Haircut Variations

Butterfly Haircut With Bangs

Adding bangs transforms the butterfly haircut into a soft, face-focused look. Options include:

• Curtain bangs

• Wispy bangs

• 90’s bangs

• Side-swept bangs

A 90’s butterfly haircut with bangs is especially trendy, giving that supermodel bounce.

Butterfly Haircut With Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs blend seamlessly into the short front layers, creating an effortless, elegant flow.

This style is ideal if you want a blended look with no sharp transitions.

Butterfly Haircut for Curly Hair

Curly hair looks magical with butterfly layers because the cut enhances shape and prevents triangle-shaped volume.

Benefits for curly hair:

• More defined curls

• Better shape and bounce

• Lighter layers that enhance natural texture

Just remember to cut curls dry or with a curl-friendly method.

Haircut for Straight Hair

If your hair is naturally straight, the butterfly cut adds dimension and movement—something straight hair often lacks.

For best results:

Use a round brush or blowout tool to enhance the soft, wing-like layers.

Medium Length Thin Hair Butterfly Haircut

If you have fine or thin hair, a medium-length butterfly cut can create:

• Extra volume

• A lifted shape around the face

• Fuller-looking ends

Avoid too many choppy layers; keep them blended for a thicker appearance.

How to Style a Butterfly Haircut

You can style a butterfly haircut in multiple ways, depending on your texture and routine.

1. For a 90s Blowout

• Use a round brush or blowout tool

• Add a volumizing mousse

• Finish with a light hairspray

2. For Curly or Wavy Hair

• Use curl cream or gel

• Diffuse on low heat

• Separate curls to enhance layers

3. For an Unstyled, Natural Look

The butterfly haircut looks great unstyled, especially on wavy hair.
Just apply a light leave-in conditioner and let it air dry naturally—the layers do all the work.

Pros and Cons of the Butterfly Haircut

Pros

• Adds bounce and movement

• Works on all hair textures

• Reduces heaviness in thick hair

• Grows out beautifully

• Perfect for 90s or modern styling

Cons

• Requires slight trimming every 8–12 weeks

• Needs styling for maximum layer definition

• Not ideal for extremely short hair

FAQs About this Haircut

1. Is the butterfly haircut good for long hair?

Yes! It’s one of the best hairstyles for long hair because it adds movement without cutting off too much length.

2. Does the butterfly haircut work for short hair?

Absolutely. Short butterfly cuts create volume and a stylish feathered shape.

3. Can I get a butterfly haircut with bangs?

Yes—curtain bangs, wispy bangs, or 90s bangs all pair beautifully with this cut.

4. Is the butterfly haircut high maintenance?

Not at all. It’s relatively easy to maintain and grows out beautifully.

5. Does the butterfly haircut suit curly hair?

Yes! Curly butterfly haircuts enhance definition and reduce bulk.

Conclusion

This haircut is more than just a trend—it’s a timeless, flattering style that works for almost everyone. Its soft wings of layers add instant volume, movement, and that effortless 90s supermodel energy we all love.

Whether you want a long haircut, a medium-length butterfly haircut, or a short butterfly haircut, you can customize the look to suit your face shape, hair texture, and personal style.

If you’re ready to try the butterfly haircut, check out related guides on layered hairstyles, bangs, and styling tips to help you get the perfect result.