What is the difference between a butterfly cut and a wolf cut? (2024)

What is the difference between a butterfly cut and a wolf cut? (1)

Shags, wolf cuts and butterflies, oh my!

There's plenty of takes on the way layers are done in this day and age, with many styles making a resurgence from the 70s - namely, the butterfly and wolf cut.

The big question from the masses, however, is - how can I tell the difference between the two? AND HOW DO I KNOW WHICH ONE I WANT?!

Well, you need not fret anymore, friend. We have you covered.

Let's break it down.

What is a butterfly cut?

The butterfly cut traditionally has feathered ends, with shorter layers on top/around the crown, which are integrated and blended into longer layers on the bottom. This style creates a lot of texture and is generally rocked by those with longer hair.

What is the difference between a butterfly cut and a wolf cut? (2)

What is a wolf cut?

The marriage of the shag and the mullet, the wolf cut rocks shorter, choppy layers on top and longer layers around sides and back.

What is the difference between a butterfly cut and a wolf cut? (3)

Ironically designed for longer hair, old wolfie is also used in shorter styles a bit like the girl from Squid Game.

The main difference are that the wolf cut uses short layering to frame the face, where as the butterfly uses short layers at the back to create volume.

Another defining difference is that butterfly tends to use feathered ends, whereas the wolf cut is more choppy.

What is the difference between a butterfly cut and a wolf cut? (4)

What is the difference between a butterfly cut and a wolf cut? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a butterfly cut and a wolf cut? ›

It features layers that are choppy and heavily textured, often with shorter layers framing the face and longer layers creating volume and movement. The big difference between the two cuts is that a butterfly style is more rounded, while the wolf cut leans towards a more tousled and edgy look.

What is the difference between a wolfcut and a butterfly cut? ›

It features layers that are choppy and heavily textured, often with shorter layers framing the face and longer layers creating volume and movement. The big difference between the two cuts is that a butterfly style is more rounded, while the wolf cut leans towards a more tousled and edgy look.

What does a wolf cut look like? ›

Sometimes called a shag cut, a wolf cut is a variation or combination of a '70s shag look and an '80s mullet—yes, a mullet. In this case, it's all about the layers. Shorter layers in the front and at the top of your head, longer in the back.

How do you know if a butterfly cut suits you? ›

Is The Butterfly Haircut Right For You? The butterfly haircut works with all hair types, though natural, curly and wavy textures tend to work best due to the defined, layered nature of the style. However, when it comes to thin hair, you might want to steer away from this cut.

What haircut is similar to the wolf cut? ›

Long Shag. This shag has a similar idea to the "wolf cut" — there are layers are aplenty, it's just longer in length overall. This cut can work for anyone who has hair that is straight or curly. "On curly to wavy hair, use a diffuser or let it air-dry," he says.

Is butterfly cut good for thin hair? ›

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.

Can I pull off a wolf cut? ›

With the right adjustments for your features, a wolf haircut can suit every face shape. The choppy, short layers around the face make the wolf haircut a flattering choice for a round face shape. If you have an angled jaw or sharper features, a wolf cut can help to soften those.

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.

How to ask a hairdresser for a butterfly haircut? ›

and you're going to hairdresser, just let them know what length you want. Let them know how much you want it to fall, how you wanted to fall from the top. And then that'll establish your haircut.

What face shape looks best with 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.

How do I ask for a wolf cut? ›

There are many ways to style a wolf cut, so be specific. These are the features that matter: Length: Let your barber know how long or short you want the layers and overall length to be. Texture: Decide whether you want a wavy, curly or relaxed texture and whether you prefer choppy or wispy layers.

Is wolf cut still trendy in 2024? ›

A: Yes, you should expect to see hairstyles such as blunt bob, shag, fringe, curly hair with bangs, and the wolf cut, which are anticipated to be the top trends of 2024.

Is butterfly cut high maintenance? ›

The butterfly haircut is relatively low maintenance as it works with the hair's natural texture and adds movement.

What is a butterfly cut hairstyle? ›

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. These shorter, face-framing layers slightly resemble butterfly wings, hence the cut's cute name.

What face shape is Wolfcut good for? ›

if you have an oval or oblong face, the general wolf cut is great. if you have a wider or longer forehead, getting bangs with your cut will also look good. if you have a heart shaped or round face, a slightly longer wolf cut. that's more similar to a hush gut will look great.

Does the butterfly haircut look good on everyone? ›

Who is the butterfly haircut best for? Brook suggests the butterfly cut if you're obsessed with short haircuts like bobs and lobs but the idea of a major chop terrifies you. While the cut can be tailored to any hair type, Brook says it looks best on those with natural texture.

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