The butterfly cut has become one of the most requested hairstyles in salons this year. Not to mention that Google searches for the cut have increased by 94% and the style has nearly two million mentions on TikTok. Why is it so popular? It flatters all kinds of faces, adds volume, and creates the illusion of thicker hair. “The butterfly cut is very on trend right now. It’s characterized by long layers and owes its name to its face-framing shape, where curtain bangs and feathered layers combed inwards provide texture and movement that evoke the flutter of a butterfly’s wings,” Natalia Infantes and Manu Guillén, the founders and creative directors of Madrid’s NiM Salon, explain.
In addition to being a favorite amongst many A-listers and fashion insiders, it’s the perfect combination of two popular trends right now—the layers of a butterfly cut and the classic appeal of the bob—both of which are especially popular in autumn. “The front and back areas are usually layered so that the cut has a lot of movement and texture, and the layers are light so that they don’t add too much weight, creating a more voluminous finish,” they say. When cut correctly, it’s also incredibly easy to style at home. If you were waiting for a sign to make an appointment with your hairdresser, this is it.
Does the butterfly bob work for everyone?
That’s an easy one—yes. On straight hair, its layers and length will create lots of movement; if you have curly hair, it will add volume in the areas you want to emphasize and reduce it in the areas you don’t. With wavy hair, it will highlight your natural tousle. In short, it’s an excellent choice for everyone. The answer is the same when it comes to different face shapes. For square-shaped faces, the layers frame and soften angles; on heart-shaped faces, it helps harmonize different features and complements a wider forehead. For oval faces, it accentuates natural symmetry, and it also creates the illusion of length in rounder faces. Case closed.
How to style your butterfly bob at home
“We recommend blow drying your hair downwards for volume and then brushing the front parting inwards with a round brush. Or you can use curlers,” explain Infantes and Guillén. “Hair products made with seawater or sugar cane create an effortless, undone look, and help add texture to layers.”