If you’re anything like me, you dream of that perfect ’90s supermodel volume—big, bouncy, and full of life—without sacrificing your length. Well, I’m here to tell you the secret: it’s the Butterfly Cut! This brilliant, highly layered technique creates maximum movement and the illusion of short layers on top and long hair underneath.
It’s the ultimate way to achieve major lift and effortless flow. For 2026, we’re seeing stunning variations, from the retro Voluminous ’70s Butterfly to the chic Mid-Length Butterfly Lob. I’ve gathered my 22 favorite inspirations to help you achieve the bounciest, most dynamic hair of your life.
Get ready to feel lighter and look instantly more glamorous!
1. The Voluminous ’70s Butterfly
This classic version of the cut emphasizes soft, flowing volume reminiscent of the 1970s. The Voluminous ’70s Butterfly features layers that are cut to encourage outward movement and bounce, with the shortest layers hitting around the chin. The goal is a full, buoyant shape with layers that sweep back away from the face.
Ask your stylist for long, sweeping layers throughout the length, with the shortest face-framing layers hitting at the chin. To style, use a large round brush or hot rollers, curling all the layers away from the face. Brush out the curls once cooled to blend the layers into large, sweeping waves.
Use a light texturizing spray before blow-drying for extra grip. Preserve volume overnight by pinning the top section loosely on top of the head. Protect layers with heat spray during styling sessions.
2. The Bottleneck Fringe Butterfly
This trend pairs the signature voluminous layers with a flattering fringe structure. The Bottleneck Fringe Butterfly features a long, layered cut where the shortest layers blend seamlessly into a soft, curtain-style fringe. The fringe starts shorter at the center and curves out, framing the cheekbones before connecting to the main layers.
Request the standard butterfly layers with the shortest pieces at the chin, paired with a soft curtain bang that is shortest in the center. To style, use a small round brush to blow-dry the fringe forward and under to set the curve, while blow-drying the longer layers back and away from the face.
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The fringe needs shaping every 4-6 weeks to maintain the perfect curve. Use a lightweight mousse on the roots for lift. Gently tuck the longer butterfly layers behind the ears for definition.
3. The Wavy Air-Dry Butterfly
This low-maintenance version works beautifully with natural waves. The Wavy Air-Dry Butterfly uses diffused layering to remove bulk and support the natural wave pattern, allowing the cut to dry beautifully with minimal intervention. The resulting look is voluminous and effortlessly textured.
Ask for light, diffused layers that are cut to encourage movement without creating harsh lines. To style, apply a curl-enhancing cream or wave spray to damp hair. Gently scrunch the layers and let the hair air-dry completely, or use a diffuser on low heat to add volume.
Use a micro-fiber towel to blot hair gently after washing. Refresh the waves daily with a light spritz of water and a scrunch. Avoid brushing when dry to maintain the textured, voluminous shape.
4. The Long Sleek Butterfly
This variation keeps the volume but focuses on a high-shine, sleek finish. The Long Sleek Butterfly features the high-impact layering, but the hair is worn straight. The difference in layer length adds movement and dimension even when straight, preventing the long hair from looking flat or heavy.
Request long butterfly layers throughout the length. To style, apply a smoothing balm and flat iron the hair in sections. Focus on turning the flat iron under slightly on the ends of the layers to emphasize their separation and create internal movement.
Use a high-shine serum daily to maximize the sleek finish. Trim the ends every 8 weeks to maintain density. Protect the layers with a quality heat protectant before ironing.
5. The Chunky Layer Butterfly
A bold, high-contrast version of the cut where the layers are distinctly separated and noticeable. The Chunky Layer Butterfly features very obvious graduation between the shortest and longest lengths, creating a dramatic, voluminous lift on top that contrasts sharply with the density of the ends.
Ask your stylist for a significant difference in length between the shortest (chin-length) and longest layers. To style, use a volumizing spray at the root and blow-dry with a large round brush, focusing on creating dramatic separation and curl between the different layer lengths.
Use a texture spray on the ends of the layers to emphasize the chunkiness. Regular trimming of the shortest layers is key to maintaining the high volume. Avoid over-brushing, which can merge the desirable separation.
6. The Mid-Length Butterfly Lob
This cut applies the butterfly layering technique to a longer bob (lob) length, typically hitting the collarbone. The Mid-Length Butterfly Lob offers the flattering face-frame and volume of the butterfly cut, but in a more manageable, medium length that looks effortlessly polished.
Request a collarbone-length lob with strategic butterfly layers that start around the chin. To style, use a large round brush and blow-dry the hair, flicking the layers outward to maximize volume and movement at the perimeter.
Use a light hairspray to set the outward movement. Trim the length every 6-8 weeks to maintain the flattering lob length. A quick round-brush styling session refreshes the bounce daily.
7. The Deep Side Part Butterfly
This style uses the cut’s layers, combined with a dramatic part, to maximize asymmetric volume. The Deep Side Part Butterfly features the cut’s signature layers but is parted far off-center, creating immense lift at the root and a voluminous cascade of layers over the forehead and cheekbone.
Use a rat-tail comb to create a deep side part. To style, apply a root-lifting spray and blow-dry the root of the heavier side up and over to the opposite side to set the volume. Curl the lengths away from the face to enhance the layer separation.
Use a volumizing powder at the root for daily lift maintenance. Sleep with a large clip at the root of the deep side to preserve the height. Use a flexible hairspray to hold the voluminous swoop.
8. The Face-Framing Flip Butterfly
This version is defined by its stylized, outward-facing ends. The Face-Framing Flip Butterfly has layers that are specifically cut to encourage the hair to flick outward around the face and shoulders, adding a fun, retro-inspired movement to the overall long length.
Ask for long butterfly layers with the ends of all layers aggressively texturized to encourage a flip. To style, use a large round brush or flat iron to turn the ends of the layers outward and away from the face.
Use a light styling wax on the flipped ends for sharp definition. Protect the layers with a heat protectant. Quickly touch up the ends with a flat iron in the morning to revive the flip.
9. The Long Length Invisible Butterfly
Ideal for women who want volume without overly visible layers. The Long Length Invisible Butterfly uses internal, subtle layering within the butterfly structure, creating maximum lift and movement while maintaining the illusion of dense, one-length hair.
Request the butterfly cut layers, but ask the stylist to use internal or slicing techniques to blend them seamlessly. To style, use a volumizing mousse and blow-dry the hair upside down briefly to maximize the hidden volume.
Avoid heavy serums, which can flatten the subtle lift. Use a root-lifting spray for daily volume refresh. Get a trim every 10-12 weeks to maintain the long, dense perimeter.
10. The Curled Ends Butterfly
This style emphasizes the layered structure by focusing the curl only on the ends of each layer. The Curled Ends Butterfly has smooth mid-shafts with curled ends that gently stack on top of each other, creating a layered, voluminous, and bouncy shape without a full wave.
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Request standard butterfly layers. To style, use a large curling iron and only curl the bottom 2-3 inches of each layer, holding the curl away from the face. Keep the hair above the curl sleek.
Use a smoothing balm on the mid-shaft for sleek contrast. Protect the ends with a curl-defining product for lasting bounce. A light hairspray sets the curled ends without stiffness.
11. The Long Layers with Tapered Butterfly
A very soft, elegant variation where the layers blend into a soft, tapered point at the back perimeter. The Long Layers with Tapered Butterfly uses the signature face-framing layers but the longest layers are texturized to gradually thin out towards the bottom, creating a fluid, natural finish.
Ask for butterfly layers that flow into a softly tapered perimeter (slight ‘V’ shape) in the back. To style, use a round brush to blow-dry, focusing on the outward sweep of the face-framing layers and the clean taper of the ends.
Trim the ends every 8-10 weeks to maintain the clean taper. Use a lightweight oil on the ends for healthy flow. Avoid severe blunt cuts that would ruin the taper effect.
12. The Butterfly with Soft Bangs
This style uses a delicate, soft fringe to complement the voluminous layers. The Butterfly with Soft Bangs features the layered cut paired with a light, wispy fringe that is easily parted or worn straight, adding structure around the eyes without the commitment of a heavy curtain bang.
Request butterfly layers with a soft, wispy fringe that hits just below the brow. To style, blow-dry the layers away from the face. Use a flat brush on the fringe, then gently sweep the bangs to the side or separate them with fingers.
Fringe trims are needed every 4-6 weeks for lightness. Use dry shampoo on the fringe daily to keep them light and airy. Protect the face-framing layers with heat spray.
13. The Retro Rollers Butterfly
This cut is styled using traditional hot rollers to achieve maximum, uniform bounce and volume. The Retro Rollers Butterfly is set entirely with large rollers, creating massive, sweeping waves that look expensive and highly styled, fully showcasing the cut’s layered volume.
Request standard butterfly layers. To style, set the entire head in large hot rollers, rolling the hair away from the face. Let the hair cool completely, then brush out the curls thoroughly to create a voluminous, blended wave pattern.
Use a heat protectant and a strong-hold, flexible hairspray. Pin the hair back into its original curl shape overnight to preserve the volume. Avoid touching the hair until the curls have fully cooled.
14. The Mid-Shaft Texture Butterfly
This variation focuses the styling texture not on the ends, but through the mid-shaft of the hair. The Mid-Shaft Texture Butterfly layers are designed to hold a crimp or slight bend in the middle, creating a voluminous, slightly undone look that is modern and dynamic.
Ask for long layers. To style, use a large-barrel curling iron to create a soft ‘S’ bend only through the mid-shaft of the hair, leaving the root and ends straighter. Finish with a texture spray.
Use a flexible hairspray to maintain the mid-shaft bend. Avoid heat styling the roots or very ends. Refresh the texture daily with a light salt spray and gentle scrunching.
15. The Long Layers with Extreme Flip
An amplified version of the flipped ends. The Long Layers with Extreme Flip uses the butterfly cut’s layering to create multiple levels of sharp, distinct outward flips, maximizing movement and drama through the ends and the front layers.
Request aggressive butterfly layers. To style, use a flat iron on each layer, turning the iron sharply outward at the end of the layer, holding the heat to set an extreme, structural flip on every tier.
Use a styling wax on the flipped ends for a sharp, lasting shape. Protect the highly styled ends with heat serum. Quickly re-flip the layers with the flat iron for morning touch-ups.
16. The Natural Curl Butterfly
This cut works with natural texture by strategically layering coils to create a balanced, voluminous, and defined shape. The Natural Curl Butterfly uses the layering to remove bulk, allowing the curls to stack beautifully, maximizing the hair’s natural volume in the butterfly silhouette.
Consult a curl specialist for butterfly layers that are cut to enhance your specific coil pattern when dry. To style, apply curl cream and diffuse, gently stretching the curls at the root for volume.
Deep condition weekly for moisture and coil elasticity. Use a curl refreshing spray daily to maintain definition. Protect the shape overnight with a silk bonnet or ‘pineapple’ updo.
17. The Symmetrical Mid-Part Butterfly
This style relies on perfect balance and dramatic volume on both sides. The Symmetrical Mid-Part Butterfly features a flawless center part, with the voluminous layers equally distributed on both sides, creating a highly polished, even, and flattering frame.
Use a rat-tail comb to create a straight center part. Request standard butterfly layers. To style, blow-dry the hair away from the face on both sides, ensuring the volume and curl are symmetrical and balanced.
Use a smoothing balm on the crown to maintain the sharp center part. Protect the layers with heat protectant during symmetrical styling. Quickly touch up with a round brush for daily volume.
18. The Inward Curve Butterfly
A softer, more contained look where the layers are styled to curve inward toward the face and shoulders. The Inward Curve Butterfly emphasizes a dense, rounded, and polished perimeter, adding volume and movement while keeping the hair close to the face.
Request standard butterfly layers. To style, use a large round brush to blow-dry all the layers under and inward toward the face and neck, holding the curve to set a soft, rounded shape.
Use a light hairspray to maintain the inward curve. Trim the ends regularly to keep the perimeter looking dense. Avoid styling the layers outward, which would disrupt the soft, rounded shape.
19. The Long Layers with Wet-Look Top
This trend uses the butterfly layers for movement but styles the crown and face-framing pieces with a high-shine, perpetually wet appearance. The Long Layers with Wet-Look Top is achieved by slicking the top section back with gel, contrasting sharply with the dry, voluminous layers below.
Request standard butterfly layers. To style, apply a strong-hold, high-shine gel to the crown and face-framing pieces and comb them back sleekly. Let the lower, longer layers air-dry or style them with volume.
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Use a clarifying shampoo weekly to prevent gel buildup on the scalp. Apply a smoothing oil to the longer layers for a healthy look. A silk scarf can help set the wet-look top.
20. The Butterfly Cut with Headband
This simple accessory trick instantly elevates the cut’s volume. The Butterfly Cut with Headband relies on the cut’s layers for movement, while a padded or decorative headband holds the crown volume and pushes the face-framing layers forward, maximizing the cut’s bouncy silhouette.
Request standard butterfly layers. To style, backcomb the crown slightly for lift. Place a padded or embellished headband about 1 inch back from the hairline. Curl the layers away from the face.
Choose a quality, comfortable headband for the all-day look. Use a light volumizing spray under the crown before placing the headband. Use a flexible hairspray to maintain the curled layers.
21. The Low-Maintenance Scrunch Butterfly
Designed for hair that holds a natural wave or curl. The Low-Maintenance Scrunch Butterfly uses the cut’s layering to maximize air-dried volume and texture, requiring only product and hand manipulation to achieve the signature bouncy shape.
Ask for light butterfly layers to remove weight and support natural texture. To style, apply a curl cream and a gel to damp hair. Tilt your head and scrunch the layers with your hands, avoiding heat and allowing the hair to air-dry completely.
Use a micro-fiber towel to blot excess water gently after washing. Refresh the volume on day two with a light water mist and gentle scrunch. Protect the shape with a silk pillowcase overnight.
22. The Extreme Volume Layered Butterfly
This variation pushes the volume and lift to the max, perfect for fine hair seeking major body. The Extreme Volume Layered Butterfly features aggressive layering, concentrating the shortest layers high on the crown to create a dramatic, elevated silhouette.
Request aggressive butterfly layers with the shortest pieces starting at the cheekbone and stacked heavily. To style, use a strong volumizing mousse and blow-dry using a large round brush, pulling the hair up and away from the root for maximum lift.
Use a strong volumizing powder at the root for daily touch-ups. Protect the high layers with heat protectant. Avoid heavy conditioning products that could weigh down the dramatic volume.
