Butterfly Layers Haircut: What to Know Before You Cut
Learn what butterfly layers are, who they look best on, and how to preview the look on your own face before you visit the salon.
Thinking about getting butterfly layers? It is one of the most popular cuts right now, but cutting your hair can feel scary. Here is a simple guide to help you decide if it is right for you.
What Are Butterfly Layers?
Butterfly layers mix short layers with long layers. The short layers sit around your chin and frame your face. The longer layers fall past your shoulders.
Because the top layers are light and short, they look like butterfly wings when you move your head. The cool trick with this cut is that you get big volume without losing your long hair. You can even pin the back up to pretend you have short hair for a day.
Who Does This Cut Look Best On?
Butterfly layers work on many people, but they shine best on certain hair types:
Thick hair: It removes heavy bulk so your hair feels light. Wavy or straight hair: It gives your hair shape and bounce. Medium to long hair: Your hair needs to reach past your shoulders for the layers to work. Round or square face shapes: The chin-length pieces frame your cheeks and soften your jawline.
If you have very thin or fine hair, be careful. Too many layers can make the bottom ends look thin and stringy.
Daily Styling and Care
Butterfly layers are not a wake-up-and-go haircut. To get that bouncy look, you need to style it.
Most days, you will need a round brush and a blow dryer. You can also use big hot rollers to flip the ends away from your face. If you just let it air dry, the layers will still be there, but they will look much flatter. You will also need a trim every six to eight weeks to keep the ends healthy.
How to Talk to Your Stylist
Do not just say the name of the haircut. Bring two or three photos to your appointment. Tell your stylist where you want the shortest layer to land. Point to your chin or your collarbone so they do not cut the top too short.
Test It on Your Face First
Cutting off inches of hair is a big step. You can check your face shape for free with the HairMatch AI app. If you want to see butterfly layers on your own face before the scissors come out, you can get a paid photo preview pack starting at just $0.99. Try it on your screen first and head to the salon with total confidence.