The butterfly haircut is making a huge comeback, taking the beauty world by storm. Known for its voluminous, layered shape that mimics the delicate wings of a butterfly, this trendy hairstyle brings texture and movement to your locks with a fresh, modern twist. But what exactly is a butterfly haircut? In this article, we’ll dive into what the haircut is, its origins, how it’s achieved, who it suits best, and how to maintain and style it to perfection.
What is a Butterfly Haircut?
A butterfly haircut is a layered hairstyle that creates volume, texture, and movement by incorporating light, feathery layers, especially around the face. The cut gets its name because the layers are strategically placed to resemble a butterfly’s wings, giving the hair a soft, voluminous, and airy look.
The key characteristic of a butterfly haircut is the contrast between the fuller layers at the top of the head and the lighter, more feathered layers at the ends. This creates a lift that enhances the hair’s fullness and flow, adding a dynamic and youthful feel to any look.
Typically, the butterfly haircut works best with medium to long hair, although it can also be modified for shorter lengths. It’s the perfect cut for anyone who loves layers but wants a softer, more natural-looking result than the sharp, angular layers in other popular styles.
History and Origins
The butterfly haircut isn’t as new as it may seem. Its origins can be traced back to the 1990s when layered haircuts were all the rage. During that time, feathered styles with voluminous layers were commonly seen on celebrities and models, and the butterfly haircut can be considered a modern reincarnation of these iconic styles.
Many people point to the ‘shag’ haircut and the “feathered” style as its inspiration, which were hugely popular during the ’70s and ’80s, thanks to celebrities like Farrah Fawcett and Jennifer Aniston in the early ’90s.
However, unlike its predecessors, the butterfly haircut offers a more subtle, blended effect with a more natural movement. As social media platforms such as Instagram have brought new attention to classic trends, the butterfly haircut has resurged, making it one of the most sought-after styles among beauty enthusiasts.
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How to Achieve the Butterfly Haircut?
A butterfly haircut requires a skilled stylist to master the layers and texture for that perfect, airy look. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Start with long hair: The base of the butterfly haircut generally begins with long or medium-length hair. This ensures enough length to create layers that are full of volume.
- Add layers: The stylist will start by cutting the hair into long layers around the jawline and extending down the back. These layers should gradually get longer as they move toward the bottom of the hair. The goal is to create layers that blend seamlessly, with the shorter layers providing lift while the longer ones add movement.
- Feathering the ends: Once the layers are established, the stylist will carefully texturize the ends to create a soft, feathered effect. This is what helps achieve the signature butterfly wing shape. Some stylists may use thinning shears or a razor to accomplish this.
- Focus on the top layers: The top layers around the face are particularly important for achieving the butterfly shape. These layers should be shorter to frame the face, creating a youthful and soft look. They should also be styled in a way that adds volume around the crown of the head, helping the hair to cascade downward and create that signature lift.
- Customize with bangs or curls: Depending on your style, the butterfly haircut can be customized further with bangs, curls, or even waves. Curtain bangs are popular, as they blend effortlessly with the layers and create a balanced look.
Who Does the Butterfly Haircut Suit?
A key highlight of the butterfly haircut is its versatility. It works well for various face shapes, hair types, and ages. Here’s a breakdown of who it suits best:
Face Shapes
The butterfly haircut complements oval, round, and heart-shaped faces particularly well. Its soft, voluminous layers help balance out softer features or create a definition around the jawline. The layers also help soften the lines and add a playful, youthful touch to square or angular faces.
Hair Types
While the butterfly haircut can work on any hair type, it’s especially effective for those with medium to thick hair. If you have fine hair, layers can still work, but you may need more texture or additional styling to achieve the voluminous look. People with curly hair can also rock the butterfly cut by embracing natural curls and enhancing the shape with texturizing products.
Hair Lengths
Though the butterfly cut is often seen with longer hair, it can be adapted to various lengths. Whether you have shoulder-length hair or long locks, the butterfly haircut offers the same layered, voluminous effect, making it a great option for anyone looking to change things up.
Age
The butterfly haircut is timeless and can be worn by people of all ages. It’s particularly popular among younger individuals looking for a modern, fun style but is also flattering for older generations who want a soft, flattering shape that doesn’t look too severe.
Why Choose a Butterfly Haircut?
So, why is the butterfly haircut so popular right now? Here are a few reasons why it might just be the right choice for you:
Volume and movement
One key benefit of the butterfly haircut is its ability to add volume and movement. This haircut can give you a much-needed boost if you have flat or limp hair. The layers allow natural texture to shine through, making your hair look fuller without excessive products or styling.
Low-maintenance
Unlike other layered styles requiring constant upkeep and precision, the butterfly haircut is relatively low-maintenance. The soft layers create a more effortless “I woke up like this” vibe. It’s easy to let air dry or use minimal styling tools to achieve a polished look.
Versatility
Another reason to choose the butterfly haircut is its versatility. Whether you prefer a sleek, straightened look or a voluminous, tousled style, this cut can be styled in many ways. It can be a casual day out or a more glamorous evening event.
Timeless yet trendy
The butterfly haircut bridges the gap between being timeless and trendy. While it may have originated in the ’90s, it has been updated for modern tastes, making it a chic choice for anyone wanting to rock a classic look with a contemporary twist.
Maintenance and Styling Tips
Once you’ve got your butterfly haircut, it’s important to care for and style it effectively, keeping it looking fresh:
- Trim regularly: Although the butterfly cut doesn’t require constant touch-ups, it’s still important to visit the salon for trims every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape of the layers.
- Styling: To highlight the layers, use a round brush while blow-drying to lift the roots and enhance the volume. If you want a more textured look, apply sea salt spray or texturizing mousse before blow-drying. Use a curling iron or flat iron to add soft curls throughout for waves.
- Hair care products: To keep your layers healthy and bouncy, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to nourish your hair. Finish with a light serum or shine spray for added shine and softness.
EndNotes
The butterfly haircut perfectly blends elegance and ease, offering a fresh take on layered haircuts. Whether seeking volume, texture, or a youthful appearance, this versatile style is a great option for many hair types and face shapes.
The butterfly haircut requires little upkeep and offers various styling possibilities. It is a trend worth embracing for anyone looking to add movement and lightness to their look. Whether you’re ready for a dramatic change or just want to refresh your style, consider trying the butterfly cut.
