Layered haircutsare having a moment, which makes the butterfly bangs look one of the hottest hair trends. Unlike other cuts that may require a major chop, this style allows you to switch up your length without actually cutting your hair off — unless you want to, that is.
If you open up TikTok and start scrolling, you're bound to come across a take (or two) on thebutterfly cut. Given that so many beauty trends are rooted in nostalgia, it should come as no surprise that a cut paying homage to the '90s (thinkJennifer Anniston's iconic layers and Pamela Anderson's voluminous updos) would have a following. To learn more, we tapped stylists Sunnie Brook and Clayton Hawkins for everything there is to know about pulling off this bombshell style.
Meet the expert
- Sunnie Brook is a Biolage celebrity hairstylist.
- Clayton Hawkins is a SexyHair ambassador and celebrity stylist. His clients include Olivia Rodrigo, Ashley Park, and Lily Rabe, among others.
Keep scrolling for our favorite takes on the TikTok-approved butterfly haircut, along with pro styling tips to boot.
What Is the Butterfly Haircut?
Fashion influencer and entrepreneurMatilda Djerfhas become the unofficial spokesperson of the butterfly cut, which seems to get its name from the way its layers mimic a butterfly's fluttering wings. Along with the movement, you're also able to pin up the longer sections of hair to create the illusion of a shorter length.
"The butterfly haircut is two haircuts in one that gives you the option to play with short hair, but without having to commit to cutting all your hair off," said Brook, who originally coined the cut. It's a heavily layered cut that falls below the shoulders, she noted, where the top layer can be separated from the bottom and easily pinned under to look like a short haircut.
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How to Cut for Your Hair Type
The butterfly cut can be adapted to virtually any hair texture.
"This cut works on almost all hair types that are medium to thick density, wavy curly or straight," Brook said. "It's a fun, almost optical illusion, to change up your style and give the appearance of a big change."
If you have wavy or curly hair, Brook recommended cutting it dry so that the top layer sits at the desired length and doesn't end up too short. "When curly or wavy hair is wet, it appears much longer," Brook added.
As for pin-straight hair, Hawkins suggested adding a set of wispy Anderson-like bangs to the cut for extra movement.
How to Style with Bangs
"What makes it special is how versatile it is — just like a butterfly," said Hawkins. "When you wear your hair up, you'll have tons of layers cascading around your face. It looks great bone-straight, blown out, and super bouncy."
For straight and wavy hair, Hawkins recommended using a root lifting product for extra volume, which is key for enhancing the cut's layers. He's a fan ofSexyHair's Root Pump Plus Volumizing Mousse($23). Add movement by enhancing your natural texture or adding a slight bend to your strands.
"Create a bend or wave in your hair or play with your own natural texture to get the most out of this haircut," Brook suggested.
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To create a look of a shorter cut, simply grab some bobby pins.
"Separate the hair at an angle from behind the ears to just past the round of the head (your top layer). Pin the bottom under," instructed Brook. "I find it helpful to put this section in a loose ponytail or braid and then pin up so it hides under the top layers. Flip the top layer to the side or tuck behind one ear."
Finish off withBiolage Styling Complete Control Hairspray($23) to customize the shape with a touchable hold.
Our Favorite Looks
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The OG
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For those with straight strands, adding layers can lend further movement and volume to your mane. Hawkins shows us how it's done on actress Kiernan Shipka here. To create even more dimension, consider highlights.
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Voluminous Updo
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Ciara's updo is a prime example of how to pin up a butterfly cut. The cascading layers perfectly frame the "How We Roll" singer's face while the volume gives us '90s nostalgia. Talk about swoon-worthy.
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Long, Flowy Layers
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Not to be cliché, butJennifer Lopez's flowing, face-framing layers are #hairgoals. The placement of the layers is ideal for creating updos and styles that fake a shorter length.
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Tousled Bob
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Butterfly cuts are praised for allowing those with long hair to change up their look without sacrificing length. However, they work on short hair, too.Selena Gomez's tousled bob with bangs is made up of strategic layering that lends body and fullness to her hair. To get her lived-in look, spritz on some texture spray, likeMoroccanoil Dry Texture Spray($29).
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Butterfly Bangs
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Curious about trying bangs but worried about the commitment? Butterfly bangs are low-maintenance and lovely. They're also a great option if you're growing out a shorter set of bangs. Their layers and feathered style add volume, movement, and, above all, interest.
