· LUCY LOVES ME · Beauty
Butterfly Cut vs Wolf Cut: Which Trending Haircut is Right for You in Summer 2025?
Summer is finally here, and if you’re still wrestling with last season’s hairstyle choices, let me introduce you to the butterfly cut – the effortlessly chic haircut that’s making waves across social media and red carpets alike.
With over 1.1 billion TikTok views and counting, this is the low-maintenance summer solution your hair routine has been crying out for.
What is the Butterfly Cut Haircut?
This meticulously crafted style focuses on framing your face with shorter layers at the front that gradually extend towards the back, creating a gorgeous cascading effect that resembles – you guessed it – butterfly wings.
The technique involves cutting face-framing layers typically between your cheekbones and jawline, whilst preserving length with longer layers below the shoulders.
What sets it apart is the “shattered baseline” achieved with a razor, adding that coveted textured finish that makes the cut look beautifully undone rather than overly structured.
It’s this graduated layering that creates the illusion of movement and volume without requiring hours of styling.
Celebrity Butterfly Cut Icons Leading the Pack
The celebrity endorsement speaks volumes. Selena Gomez has been spotted rocking a shorter butterfly bob variation, whilst Sabrina Carpenter, Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Lopez, Ayo Edebiri, Gigi Hadid and Jenna Ortega have also embraced different interpretations of this versatile cut.
These A-listers prove that whether you prefer a dramatic chop or subtle layers, there’s a butterfly cut variation to suit every personality.
What’s particularly brilliant about celebrity butterfly cuts is how they translate from red-carpet glamour to everyday wearability.
You’re not looking at a high-maintenance style that requires a team of professionals – these cuts are designed to look effortlessly gorgeous with minimal intervention.
Which is Better, Wolf Cut or Butterfly Cut?
Here’s where things get interesting. Both cuts share DNA with the beloved ’70s shag, but they’re not twins.
The wolf cut combines elements of a mullet and shag with a more dramatic contrast between the top and bottom layers, creating an edgier, more rebellious vibe.
The butterfly cut, however, offers a softer transition between layers, maintaining a more cohesive and polished overall shape.
Think of it this way: if the wolf cut is the cool, slightly untamed cousin, the butterfly cut is the sophisticated sister who still knows how to have fun.
For summer specifically, the butterfly cut edges ahead because it’s designed for that just woke up aesthetic without looking deliberately messy.
Whilst wolf cuts thrive on that choppy, piece-y texture, butterfly cuts give you movement and volume with a more refined finish.
Butterfly Haircut Ideas for All Hair Types
Straight Hair Salvation
If your straight hair tends to fall flat, the butterfly cut adds much-needed dimension and movement.
The layered structure creates the illusion of volume, particularly at the crown, whilst the face-framing pieces add interest around your features.
The key is using a volumising mousse at the roots during blow-drying to enhance the layered effect.
Wavy Hair Wonder
For those blessed with natural waves, this cut is practically made for you. It enhances your existing wave patterns whilst reducing bulk in thicker hair, creating that effortlessly romantic look with minimal styling.
A curl-defining spray scrunched through damp hair will amplify your waves and add gorgeous texture to the layers.
Curly Hair Champion
The butterfly cut removes weight strategically, allowing your curls to maintain their springy shape whilst creating a flattering frame around your face.
This cut works particularly well for curly-haired individuals because it provides structure without fighting against your hair’s natural tendencies.
Fine Hair Friend
Perhaps most impressively, the butterfly cut creates the appearance of fuller, thicker hair for those with fine strands.
The layered structure adds bounce and movement without weighing your hair down – a common problem with other layered cuts.
Using a root-lifting spray before blow-drying maximises volume at the crown.
Thick Hair Tamer
For thick-haired individuals, this cut removes bulk without sacrificing overall fullness, creating shape and movement in otherwise heavy hair.
You’ll find styling becomes easier and drying time reduces significantly – a summer bonus nobody’s complaining about.
Butterfly Haircut: The Ultimate Guide to Styling
One of the butterfly cut’s biggest selling points? It doesn’t demand perfection.
This cut is designed to look slightly undone, which means your styling routine can be refreshingly simple.
Whether you’re planning lazy park picnics, brunch and shopping with friends, or impromptu beach trips, this hairstyle stays intact.
For everyday styling, a simple blow-dry with some hydrating product keeps everything looking bouncy and shiny.
Heat-styling method:
- Start with damp, towel-dried hair and apply a heat protectant
- Section your hair from nape upwards
- Using a round brush, blow-dry each section whilst lifting at the roots
- Pay special attention to face-framing layers, directing them away from your face
- Set top layers in large Velcro rollers for added lift
- Allow complete cooling before removing rollers
- Finish with flexible-hold hairspray
Air-dry alternative: For a more relaxed, tousled look, apply texturising spray or mousse to damp hair and let it air-dry naturally. This method works particularly well for those with naturally wavy or curly hair.
Is a Butterfly Cut Good for Thin Hair?
Absolutely! The butterfly cut is actually one of the most flattering options for fine or thin hair.
The strategic layering creates volume and movement whilst the graduated lengths give the illusion of thickness.
Your stylist can adjust the layering technique to suit your hair’s density, ensuring maximum impact.
The face-framing layers add dimension around your features, drawing attention upward and creating the appearance of fuller hair overall.
Plus, the cut’s low-maintenance nature means you won’t be weighing down fine strands with heavy styling products.
What is the Difference Between a Butterfly and a Wolf Haircut?
Whilst both cuts embrace textured, layered looks, they achieve different aesthetics:
Wolf Cut characteristics:
- A more dramatic contrast between lengths
- Choppier, more aggressive layering
- Edgier, rebellious vibe
- Mullet-influenced silhouette
- Perfect for those wanting statement hair
Butterfly Cut characteristics:
- Softer, more blended transitions
- Face-framing focus
- Sophisticated yet effortless
- Maintains a cohesive overall shape
- Ideal for versatile, wearable style
The butterfly cut offers more professional versatility whilst still maintaining that coveted “undone” texture that makes modern cuts so appealing.
Butterfly Cut vs Wolf Cut: The Ultimate Showdown
When choosing between these trending cuts, the butterfly cut vs wolf cut debate often comes down to lifestyle and personal style preferences.
The wolf cut demands more styling confidence and works brilliantly for those wanting an edgier, more rebellious aesthetic.
However, the butterfly cut offers superior versatility – you can dress it up for professional settings or keep it casual for weekend adventures.
The butterfly cut wins for summer specifically because it’s designed to look gorgeous with minimal effort.
Whilst wolf cuts can appear too deliberately messy in professional environments, butterfly cuts strike that perfect balance between polished and effortless.
Seasonal Styling: Summer Butterfly Perfection
Summer styling calls for lighter layers and beach-ready texture sprays. The butterfly cut’s natural movement means it looks gorgeous with that slightly tousled, sun-kissed aesthetic.
For humid days, a smoothing serum on mid-lengths and ends controls frizz whilst enhancing shine.
Winter adaptations involve adding volume and investing in static-reducing products for cold-weather styling challenges.
Butterfly Cut Maintenance: Keeping Your Look Fresh
Proper butterfly cut maintenance ensures your investment pays off long-term.
Beyond regular trims, focus on preserving the cut’s textured finish by avoiding heavy conditioning treatments that might weigh down the layers.
Instead, use lightweight leave-in treatments on mid-lengths and ends.
For optimal butterfly cut maintenance, refresh your style every 6-8 weeks with your stylist.
Between appointments, maintain the shape by trimming any split ends and keeping face-framing layers precise.
The cut’s forgiving nature means slight growth actually enhances the textured, lived-in appeal.
Butterfly Cut Before and After: What to Expect
Understanding butterfly cut before and after transformations helps set realistic expectations.
Most clients notice an immediate increase in volume and movement, particularly around the crown area.
Fine hair appears significantly fuller, whilst thick hair feels lighter and more manageable.
The most dramatic butterfly cut before and after changes occur with straight, one-length hair.
The transformation from flat, lifeless strands to dynamic, face-framing layers can be genuinely shocking – in the best possible way.
Curly-haired individuals see enhanced definition and reduced bulk, creating better curl formation throughout.
Face Shape Considerations
Round faces: Opt for longer layers starting at the chin with wispy fringes to elongate
Square faces: Feathered layers soften angles whilst curtain fringes frame beautifully
Oval faces: Most variations work brilliantly – experiment with different fringe styles
Heart-shaped faces: Fuller layers around the jawline balance wider foreheads
The butterfly cut proves that sometimes the most beautiful transformations come from embracing your hair’s natural tendencies rather than fighting against them.
This summer, let your hair spread its wings.
FAQ About Butterfly Cuts
How much does a butterfly cut cost?
Butterfly cut pricing varies significantly depending on location and salon prestige.
In London, expect to pay £80-200 at mid-range salons, whilst high-end establishments charge £200-400+.
Regional salons typically range from £50-120. The cut’s complexity and your stylist’s experience level significantly impact pricing.
How long does a butterfly cut take?
A butterfly cut typically takes 45-90 minutes, depending on your hair’s length, thickness, and the extent of layering required.
Initial consultations add 10-15 minutes, whilst blow-dry styling adds another 30-45 minutes.
Factor in extra time if you’re adding colour services or significant length removal.
Can I get a butterfly cut with short hair?
Absolutely! Short hair butterfly cuts work brilliantly, though the technique adapts slightly.
Your stylist will focus on creating subtle layers and face-framing pieces rather than dramatic length variations.
Chin-length bobs work particularly well with butterfly cut principles, creating movement without requiring longer lengths.
Is the butterfly cut suitable for professional environments?
The butterfly cut excels in professional settings because it maintains a polished appearance whilst offering effortless styling.
Unlike more dramatic cuts, it photographs well for corporate headshots and translates beautifully from the boardroom to after-work drinks.
How often should I wash my butterfly cut?
Butterfly cuts actually look better with slightly less frequent washing – every 2-3 days is ideal.
This allows natural oils to enhance the textured finish whilst preventing over-styling damage.
Use dry shampoo between washes to maintain volume at the roots.
Will a butterfly cut work with my natural hair texture?
The butterfly cut adapts to virtually every hair texture. Straight hair gains much-needed movement, wavy hair appears more defined, curly hair becomes more manageable, and coily hair achieves beautiful shape definition.
Your stylist will adjust the cutting technique to complement your natural texture rather than fight against it.
Can I style my butterfly cut differently for special occasions?
One of the butterfly cut’s greatest strengths is its styling versatility. For special events, use hot tools to create more defined waves or straighten for sleek sophistication.
The layered structure holds styles beautifully whilst returning to its natural texture after washing.
