Hey fellow stylists, have you heard about the latest trend taking over TikTok? It's the "butterfly haircut," and it's all about giving your clients dramatic layers with a quick and easy technique. The idea behind it is simple: section the hair into two ponytails and chop off the desired length. But, as with any DIY hack, there are definitely pitfalls.
The butterfly cut gained popularity recently after hairstylist Brad Mondo, who has over 9 million followers on the platform, posted a tutorial of the technique in October of 2022. It has since blown up — the original video garnered over 20 million views, and the #butterflycut and #butterflyhaircut hashtags on TikTok have 248.1 million views and 245 million views respectively.
One other thing to note that, the trend of "butterfly cut" has been around for quite some time. It was basically the industry standard for the chicest celebs of the '90s. Supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Iman often opted for this layered look, and Pamela Anderson adopted the piece-y cut as her signature for years during that decade. It's back now, and Gen Z has quite the penchant for reviving '90s trends and reworking them to suit a 2020s aesthetic.
Many videos of course are of people cutting their own hair. We would never advise our clients to cut their own hair for a number of reasons. Firstly, as a professional stylist, we have the knowledge, training, and experience to execute a cut like this correctly. We know how to take into account a client's hair type, face shape, and desired look when creating a style. Cutting your own hair at home can be risky, as it's easy to make mistakes that can leave you with a look that you're not happy with.
As a stylist, it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. The butterfly cut is just one example of how quickly a new trend can take off and gain popularity. But, while it's exciting to try out new things, it's also important to remember that every trend isn't right for every client. Before attempting this cut, it's important to consider if it's the right look for your client and if you're up for the challenge.
One way to decide if the butterfly cut is right for your client is to have a consultation and discuss their hair type, lifestyle, and desired look. If your client has thick, wavy hair and wants a style with more lift and shape, then the butterfly cut could be a great option. On the other hand, if your client has fine, straight hair, the added layers may not provide the desired look or the desired outcome.
Another important factor to consider is the client's face shape. While the butterfly cut can be a great way to add volume and lift to certain hair types, it's also important to remember that the layers should be tailored to your client's face shape. This can be achieved by adjusting the placement of the ponytails and the length of the cut.
In addition, it's also important to remember that the butterfly cut is a technique that requires skill and experience. If you're not comfortable or confident in your ability to execute this cut, it's best to refer your client to a stylist who specializes in this technique.
But, if you're feeling adventurous and want to give this trend a try, go for it!
FAQs
While the butterfly cut can be a great way to add volume and lift to certain hair types, it's also important to remember that the layers should be tailored to your client's face shape. This can be achieved by adjusting the placement of the ponytails and the length of the cut.
What are the cons of the butterfly haircut? ›
If the butterfly cut is left curly, the top shorter layers would become too round. Similarly, those with very fine hair would have a hard time styling this cut as it would likely look stringy.
Is a butterfly cut hard to maintain? ›
The beauty of the butterfly haircut is that it's pretty low maintenance. It works with your hair texture to give you that “effortless” look. However, if you do find yourself wanting to style it (because hey, you can NEVER have too much volume) then we recommend using a good hair mousse to add some extra oomph.
What is the purpose of a butterfly cut? ›
A butterfly haircut combines short layers with long layers to give your hair dimension, movement, and body. The short, wispy layers hit around the chin to frame your face, highlight your features, and even contour a round face shape.
How do you know if you would look good with a butterfly cut? ›
Butterfly haircuts look best on waves and curls because the layers are blended to complement your natural hair pattern, making styling low-maintenance.
What are the disadvantages of butterfly? ›
Butterflies and moths are not harmful but they are considered as pests by the farmers cause their caterpillars harm the crops and vegetation. Like the “cabbage white” butterfly caterpillars feed on radish, cauliflower and mustard plants. Similarly “lime swallow” or “swallowtail” is a pest to lime and orange grooves.
Are butterfly cuts high maintenance for straight hair? ›
The butterfly haircut is relatively low maintenance as it works with the hair's natural texture and adds movement.
Who suits a butterfly cut? ›
The butterfly haircut is typically more flattering on oval and round faces due to its layers accentuating cheekbones and softening angles. But that doesn't mean there isn't a way to make it work on any face shape.
Does the butterfly haircut give you layers? ›
According to Maxine Salon hairstylist Jenna Spino, the butterfly cut is a heavily layered and feathered cut that features shorter layers on top of the head and through the crown as well as curtain bangs.
What face shape suits a butterfly haircut? ›
Will the butterfly haircut suit my face shape? The chances are, yes! This look is so versatile your face shape doesn't matter, whether it's square, heart-shaped, round, oval, diamond, or triangle; your stylists will add slight variations to the butterfly haircut to compliment your face structure.
The layers and feathered ends add movement, texture, and volume to all hair types, providing a fresh and stylish look. However, this cut might not be the best-suiting hairstyle for thin hair as it might make it look more scanty, and thus, face-framing bangs and layers might help in a fake-volume appearance.
What can you do instead of a butterfly cut? ›
The Wolf Cut is similar to the Butterfly Cut, but with more layers.
What are the disadvantages of a butterfly cut? ›
If your client has thick, wavy hair and wants a style with more lift and shape, then the butterfly cut could be a great option. On the other hand, if your client has fine, straight hair, the added layers may not provide the desired look or the desired outcome.
Who should get a butterfly haircut? ›
The layered nature of the butterfly haircut adds natural volume and texture to the hair, giving it body and movement. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals with fine or flat hair, as the hairstyle adds dimension and fullness.
Does the butterfly haircut suit everyone? ›
The chances are, yes! This look is so versatile your face shape doesn't matter, whether it's square, heart-shaped, round, oval, diamond, or triangle; your stylists will add slight variations to the butterfly haircut to compliment your face structure.
Is butterfly cut good for short hair? ›
Because of multiple variances in the layers, a butterfly haircut gives the volume of a short haircut but it doesn't mean you will have to sacrifice your hair length. Instead, the butterfly haircut removes weight and damaged hair ends, leaving your hair voluminous and bouncy that's able to hold its shape.
Is butterfly cut good for a round face? ›
Round Face: The layered texture of the butterfly cut adds angle and lengthens the round face, creating a slimming effect. Oval-shaped faces: Almost all styles suit oval-shaped faces, and the butterfly cut is no exception. Enhances the natural balance of the face.
