12 Butterfly Haircut Ideas with Curtain Bangs (2025)
I remember the first time I saw a perfect butterfly haircut out in the wild. I was at a coffee shop, and a woman walked past with hair that seemed to float. It had so much bounce and movement, yet it looked completely effortless. I immediately went online and discovered the secret: a beautifully executed butterfly cut paired with soft curtain bangs.
If you are looking for a fresh style, you have come to the right place. A butterfly haircut with curtain bangs is a layered hairstyle designed to give you the best of both worlds. It features shorter, face-framing layers on top that mimic a shorter haircut, while keeping the length and flow of long hair underneath.1 This technique creates incredible volume, texture, and movement.
What Makes the Butterfly Haircut So Popular?
The magic of this cut is its versatility. Think of it as two haircuts in one. The shorter top layers can be styled for a voluminous, bob-like effect. At the same time, the longer layers in the back still give you the feeling of long hair.
This style works wonders for creating a soft, face-framing shape. The curtain bangs blend seamlessly into the shorter layers, drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones. I have noticed it gives almost everyone a flattering, lifted look. Because of its smart layering, it adds body to fine hair and removes weight from thick hair, making it a win-win.
12 Stunning Butterfly Haircut Ideas with Curtain Bangs
Ready for some inspiration? Here are twelve gorgeous ways to wear the butterfly haircut. I have seen these styles look fantastic on different people, and one of them might be perfect for you.
For Long, Flowing Hair
Long hair provides the perfect canvas for showing off the dramatic layers of a butterfly cut. The contrast between the short and long sections is more obvious, creating that signature bouncy effect.
1. The Classic 70s Butterfly
This is the look that started it all. It is all about big, feathery layers. The hair is styled up and away from the face, creating a beautiful windswept appearance. I always think of 70s icons when I see this style. The butterfly haircut ideas with curtain bangs here focus on maximum volume and movement, creating a truly timeless statement. It’s a fantastic choice if you love a vintage vibe.
2. The Soft and Subtle Butterfly
If you prefer a more understated look, this version is for you. The layers are longer and more blended. This creates soft, gentle movement without the dramatic height of the classic version. I recommend this for people with fine hair. It adds body without looking too layered or thin at the ends. This is a very modern take on the trend.
3. The Bombshell Butterfly
This style is pure glamour. It combines the butterfly haircut structure with big, bouncy curls or waves. To get this look, you would use hot rollers or a large-barrel curling iron after blow-drying. The result is a full, voluminous style that feels very luxurious. It is a red-carpet-worthy look you can wear every day.
4. The Sleek and Straight Butterfly
You do not need waves to make this cut shine. When worn straight, the butterfly haircut shows off the technical skill of the stylist. The distinct layers create sharp, clean lines and beautiful geometric shapes as you move. This is a chic and polished way to wear the trend, proving that butterfly haircut ideas with curtain bangs are incredibly versatile.
For Chic Medium-Length Hair
Medium hair, often hitting around the shoulders or collarbone, is a sweet spot for the butterfly cut. It offers plenty of movement without the weight of very long hair.
5. The Shoulder-Grazing Butterfly
I love this length because it’s so fresh and modern. The shortest layers might hit your cheekbones, while the longest layers just brush your shoulders. This creates a really nice swing and bounce. It is a low-maintenance way to enjoy the butterfly haircut with curtain bangs, as it is easy to style and grows out beautifully.
6. The Wispy Shag Butterfly
This is a fun hybrid style. It mixes the soft, face-framing layers of the butterfly with the choppy, textured ends of a shag cut. This results in a relaxed, lived-in look with tons of personality. If you want a style that looks great air-dried with a bit of texture spray, this is an excellent option.
7. The Curly Mid-Length Butterfly
Curls and butterfly layers are a perfect match. For those with curly hair, this cut can create a beautiful shape and prevent the dreaded “triangle” effect. The layers help distribute the weight, allowing each curl to be defined and bouncy. It is a great way to enhance your natural texture.
8. The Modern Lob Butterfly
A “lob” is a long bob, and it is a perfect base for this cut. The butterfly layers add volume and interest to the classic lob shape. The curtain bangs keep it soft and modern. This is one of the most popular butterfly haircut ideas with curtain bangs I have seen recently, especially for professionals who want a stylish yet office-appropriate look.
For Bold Short Hair
Yes, you can absolutely get a butterfly cut with shorter hair! It’s all about creating layers and shape on top to give the illusion of the butterfly effect.
9. The Layered Bob Butterfly
This style takes a classic bob and adds short, fluttery layers on top. The curtain bangs blend into these top layers, creating a soft, rounded shape full of volume. It is a chic, Parisian-inspired look that is both playful and sophisticated. It keeps the ease of a bob with the flair of a more complex cut.
10. The “Bixie” Butterfly
A “bixie” is a cut that lives between a bob and a pixie. By adding butterfly layers and curtain bangs, you get a heavily textured, voluminous short style. This look is bold and confident. It focuses all the movement and layering around the crown and face for a dramatic, face-framing effect.
11. The Colorful Butterfly
Highlights or a balayage can truly elevate a butterfly haircut. The placement of color can accentuate the different layers, making the “wings” pop. I have seen styles with lighter pieces around the face (money pieces) that draw attention to the curtain bangs and top layers, making the entire haircut more dynamic.
12. The Low-Maintenance Wavy Butterfly
For those with naturally wavy hair, this cut is a dream. You can let your hair air-dry for a perfectly undone look. The layers will enhance your natural wave pattern, creating texture without any effort. This is one of the easiest butterfly haircut ideas with curtain bangs to maintain.
How to Style Your Butterfly Haircut with Curtain Bangs
Styling this cut is key to getting that signature volume and flick. It might look complex, but I found the process is quite simple once you get the hang of it.
- Start with Damp Hair: After washing, gently towel-dry your hair. Apply a volumizing mousse from roots to ends to give it some grip and lift.
- Use a Round Brush: This is your most important tool. Hair experts at professional outlets like Byrdie consistently show that a ceramic round brush helps create smoothness and bounce.
- Blow-Dry in Sections: Separate the shorter top layers from the longer bottom layers. Dry the bottom layers first, using the round brush to create a soft bend at the ends.
- Create the “Wings”: For the top section, blow-dry the hair up and away from your face. As you pull the brush through, twist it backward to create that signature flick. Do the same for your curtain bangs, sweeping them out to the sides.
- Finish the Look: A light mist of flexible-hold hairspray or a texturizing spray will keep everything in place without making it stiff.
Will This Haircut Work for My Hair Type?
One of the best things about the butterfly haircut with curtain bangs is its adaptability.
- For Fine Hair: It is a game-changer. The layers build volume and make hair appear much thicker and fuller.
- For Thick Hair: It works by removing excess weight and bulk, creating movement and shape.
- For Straight Hair: The layers add much-needed texture and prevent the hair from falling flat.
- For Wavy & Curly Hair: It enhances your natural pattern, giving curls a beautiful, defined shape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between a butterfly cut and a wolf cut?
A butterfly cut has soft, blended, and feathery layers, creating a more glamorous, 70s-inspired look. A wolf cut is much shaggier and more textured, combining elements of a shag and a mullet for a rock-and-roll vibe.9
2. Is a butterfly haircut high maintenance?
It is moderate. You will need to style it with a blow-dryer and round brush to achieve the signature look. However, the layers grow out gracefully. You will likely need a trim every 8-12 weeks to maintain the shape.
3. Can you get a butterfly haircut without curtain bangs?
Yes, you can. The core of the cut is the long and short layering. However, the butterfly haircut with curtain bangs is the most popular combination because the bangs blend perfectly into the face-framing layers, completing the soft, swooping look.
