A butterfly cut is a highly layered haircut that combines shorter pieces around the face and crown with longer layers through the back and lower sections. Rather than distributing identical layers everywhere, the cut uses noticeable changes in length to create lift, movement and a soft face frame.

The shortest pieces may begin near the cheekbones, chin or collarbone. The right starting point depends on your face, hair texture, density and how much daily styling you are willing to do.

On long hair, the contrast can create the illusion of a chin-length or shoulder-length haircut at the front while the back remains long. On medium hair, it creates a rounded, bouncy silhouette with less distance between the shortest and longest layers.

Why Is It Called a Butterfly Cut?

When the front layers are curled or blown away from the face, they resemble two wings opening on either side. The cut is also light and mobile compared with a heavy, one-length shape.

The name may be trendy, but the look itself borrows from familiar references: feathered 1970s hair, bombshell 1990s blowouts and long face-framing layers.

Butterfly Cut vs. Regular Layers