The excitement of the new year has you wanting to try out a fresh look, and what better way to switch up your beauty vibe than with a haircut? But, while it’s natural to crave change this time of year, it can be more than a little intimidating to take the risk of getting a bold, totally new haircut.
And after hours spent scrolling through photos of wolf cuts and lobs on Instagram, you may feel completely overwhelmed about what style you want to try. Sound familiar? Allow us to introduce you to the butterfly haircut.
Originally coined by celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook, the butterfly haircut went viral on TikTok last year as a more approachable alternative to short haircuts. It’s a versatile, modern take on several different throwback hair trends. To get the lowdown on this trendy chop, we chatted with Michelle O’Connor, Global Artistic Director of Matrix.
We've heard of hairstyles named after sea creatures (jellyfish haircut) and home furnishings (curtain bangs)—now we're moving on to winged creatures. Coined the “butterfly haircut,” it's all the rage in salons these days—and it's surprisingly wearable. The versatile, voluminous look was coined by celeb hairstylist Sunnie Brook. It’s gained popularity because it allows clients to grow their shorter strands out into longer layers, while also having the option to tuck parts underneath and wear it “short.”
What is the butterfly haircut?
If the edgy jellyfish haircut isn’t for you, rest assured, the latest animal/insect-inspired style may be more to your liking. The look is meant to emulate the shape of a butterfly’s fluttering wing. But in technical terms, “It’s a haircut with a lot of layers, first and foremost,” says Ellis, who regularly styles Aubrey Plaza and Josephine Skriver. “The shortest layer will be no shorter than the face frame. Think of it as an outward version of the Rachel haircut. The hair is pulled away instead of towards.
This dynamic haircut is having a major moment because of the nostalgia we’re seeing for past generations in the beauty and fashion worlds right now. “Everyone is really excited over the ’90s era that is back. Voluminous supermodel looks have captured everyone’s attention,” explains O’Connor. “It’s feminine, luminous, fun and a great way to show off thicker, bouncier, hair.”
The butterfly haircut also combines other retro styles that have been making a comeback lately, such as the shag and the mullet, she says.
While anyone can try the butterfly haircut, O’Connor notes that it is best suited for those with thicker hair types. “Wavy and curly hair types would work because it will enhance and maximize weight of the hair and support the multi-layered look,” she says.
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.
“Anyone can try this cut, but it’s best for wavy or curly hair,” Brook says.
Butterfly haircuts look best on waves and curls because the layers are blended to complement your natural hair pattern, making styling low-maintenance.
How To Style The Butterfly Haircut
Want to easily fake short hair with a butterfly haircut? Here’s how to do it: Start with dry, freshly washed hair, leaving your hair in its natural state. If you want to add a bit more texture to natural waves or amp up pin-straight hair, apply a few spritzes of texturizing spray like Matrix Miss Mess Texturizing Spray throughout your hair. For curly girls, prep your mane with a curl-enhancing formula like Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion.
Next, separate the top layer of your hair from the bottom and hold this section at the top of your head with a clip. Next, tuck and pin the hair from the bottom layer of hair underneath. Release the top layers from the clip to reveal a faux short haircut.
“Flip your hair to the side for added height or down the middle with an ear tuck,” Brook says.
Complete the look with a few spritzes of hairspray like Biolage Complete Control Hairspray.Watch video