When your hair is fine or thinning you don’t need anyone to tell you that it can be a complete challenge finding a haircut and style that doesn’t make it look thinner and finer. Overly long hair? Usually a no-no. Anything blunt? You’re told it will only make hair look flat. How about layers? Sure, great idea — as long as they’re strategically placed and there aren’t so many layers that your hair looks even thinner than it did before. It can be enough to promote you to never make another salon appointment again.
Don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of amazing haircuts that will maximize your hair’s potential and give it plenty of oomph. And, even better news: no disrespect intended toward bob and pixie haircuts, which are all kinds of amazing, but if short hair isn’t your style, there’s a cut that lets you keep length. Meet the butterfly haircut — aka the style loved by celebs like Sydney Sweeney, Jennifer Lopez, and Hailee Steinfeld — that hair experts say is a game-changer for fine, thinning hair.
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What is the butterfly haircut?
It’s been given such a pretty name, but what in the world is the butterfly haircut anyway? And does it involve coloring your hair pastel shades to mimic a butterfly’s wings (answer: no, not unless you want to).
“The butterfly haircut is a trendy and versatile hair-cutting technique that has gained popularity in recent years,” explains Caleb Backe, a hair expert for Maple Holistics. “This haircut is characterized by its layered and feathered style, reminiscent of butterfly wings. The butterfly haircut typically involves creating soft, wispy layers throughout the hair, giving it a light and airy appearance.”
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This haircut is often chosen by those seeking a hairstyle that adds movement, texture, and dimension to their hair, Backe adds. “The layers are strategically placed to frame the face, adding a flattering and feminine touch. With its ability to suit various hair lengths and types, the butterfly haircut offers a fresh and modern look that can be customized to complement individual features and personal style.”
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Which hair types does the butterfly cut suit?
Good news: the butterfly haircut can be adapted to suit a wide range of hair types, making it a versatile option for many individuals. The one caveat though is that, if your hair is on the shorter side, you’ll need to grow it out a bit to do this shape justice. “It tends to work particularly well for those with medium to long hair lengths and hair that has natural texture or waves,” Backe says. “Curly and wavy hair types can benefit from the butterfly haircut as it enhances the natural movement and bounce of the curls. The layers help to reduce bulk and add definition to the curls, resulting in a more voluminous and dynamic look. Additionally, the butterfly haircut can add softness and texture to straight or fine hair, giving it a more volumized appearance.”
Why is it being hailed as a game-changer for thinning hair?
Simple: it has the ability to create the illusion of fuller, voluminous hair. “Thin or fine hair often lacks density and can appear flat or limp,” Backe says. “The butterfly haircut incorporates strategic layering and feathering techniques that add texture and body to the hair, making it appear thicker and more volumized. By removing excess weight and adding layers, the haircut creates movement and dimension, giving the impression of thicker hair.”
The layers also help to distribute the hair's natural oils, Backe adds, preventing the hair from looking weighed down and greasy.
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How can it best be styled?
Versatility is the name of the game with this cool haircut choice. “Embracing the hair's natural texture by air-drying and using lightweight products enhances the haircut's movement and layers,” Backe says. “Creating loose beachy waves with curling tools provides a relaxed, undone effect, while straightening the hair with a flat iron achieves a polished and sleek appearance. It is important to use heat-protectant spray to minimize damage and finish the look with texturizing spray or shine-enhancing products for added texture and hold.”
Prepare to go from complaining about your fine hair to celebrating it — you just need to find the right haircut. And the butterfly haircut is ideal for anyone who wants to keep some length, while still boosting their hair’s volume.
