If you love bouncy and voluminous hair but feel like your haircut is falling short, you’re probably not getting enough layers. In order to achieve peak volume, thicker hair is a must (which can be achieved with extensions), and the latest haircut we’ve been loving is the butterfly cut.
Full of bouncy layers with flipped ends, butterfly layers are without a doubt the hottest cut of the moment.
Interested in getting one for yourself? We spoke with Elba Rodriguez, veteran John Frieda stylist, to find out all about the cut, how to style it, and so much more, below!
Meet The Expert
Elba Rodriguez is a hairstylist expert and veteran stylist for John Frieda.
All About Butterfly Layers
Butterfly layers are the ultimate bouncy haircut, and when we say we’re obsessed, we don’t think we’re using a strong enough word to describe our devotion to this stunner of a cut!
Rodriguez describes a butterfly-layered haircut as “super bouncy, full, and flowing seamlessly from the shortest layer to the longest layer.”
How Do You Know If You Should Get Butterfly Layers?
Butterfly layers are unfortunately not going to work with every hair type. For example, if you have fine or thin hair, Rodriguez cautions against it, as it will tend to fall flat and lose its shape.
However, if you have thick hair, you will absolutely be good to go!
“This beautiful style works best on hair textures that grow naturally fuller and dense hair to get the best effect,” shares Rodriguez. “While straighter, smoother hair may be ideal, curly hair provides versatility to wear hair naturally or blow-dried. Both textures still need products and styling for the best look.”
How to Maintain Butterfly Layers
Maintaining butterfly layers is actually super user-friendly, and if you already regularly go to the salon, you won’t need to deal with any extra visits.
“Butterfly layers are pretty low maintenance and grow out really beautifully,” Rodriguez tells Timeless Hairstyles. “To keep up this look it’s recommended to have a cut every 10-12 weeks and a bang trim in between.”
And for styling at home, it’s best to give yourself a blowout, and the good thing is that they can last for a few days with the proper products and tools!
How to Style Butterfly Layers
Curly/Coily Hair
Curly hair works great with butterfly layers, especially if you’re willing to give yourself regular at-home blowouts! And while butterfly layers are on display when the hair is blown out, your locks will still look fab if you decide to wear them curly.
With that being said, we’re here to tell you how to make them look their best, which is going to start with heat protection! “Start by preparing your hair in the shower with John Frieda Frizz Ease Replenish and Repair Shampoo ($9) and Conditioner ($10),” says Rodriguez.
“On clean hair, apply John Frieda Frizz Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioner ($9) to wet hair all over. Follow with John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum ($11) on wet hair in sections and comb through to distribute evenly.”
“For optimal results, start your blowout while your hair is wet with a large round natural bristle brush section by section. Smoothing the hair roots to mid-length, rolling through the ends to get all the bounce. Finish with John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hair Spray ($22) for hold and defense against humidity.”
Straight Hair
If your hair is on the straighter side, the key to getting the perfect butterfly look is going to be in the volumizing products you use!
“Straight hair is all about getting volume, body, bounce, and hold,” shares Rodriguez. “Prepare the hair in the shower with John Frieda Volume Lift Shampoo ($13) and Conditioner ($16). On washed, wet hair, apply John Frieda Volume Lift Air Whipped Foam ($27) to the roots and comb throughout.”
“Then apply the John Frieda Volume Lift Fine to Full Blowout Spray ($27) mid-length to ends. Start your blowout when hair is damp with a medium to large ceramic round brush section by section. For longer-lasting blow-drys, include pin curls or velcro rollers.”
Natural/Wavy Hair
For those with natural or wavy hair, you’ll find you have it the easiest to achieve a butterfly blowout!
Rodriguez tells us to “Start by prepping the hair with John Frieda Frizz Ease Replenish and Repair Shampoo ($9) and Conditioner ($10). On wet hair, apply John Frieda Frizz Ease Original Serum ($13) section by section of the hair. Comb through to distribute evenly. Slightly remove excess moisture from the hair and be careful not to over-dry.”
“This hair texture can handle any brush of choice natural bristles or ceramic, preferably large to medium in size. Section by section, smooth and curl all of the layers. After, apply a dab of John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch Up Crème ($13) to tame flyaways and give definition.”
3 Butterfly Layer Hairstyles to Try Out
1) Medium Butterfly Layers
If you have medium-length hair, this butterfly cut is the perfect source of inspiration! With fluffy layers and a super bouncy look, what’s not to love?
2) Long Butterfly Layers
Whether you have naturally long hair or need some extensions to give you volume and length, this long butterfly layered look is stunning. We love how the waves go in different directions in perfect disarray.
3) Short Butterfly Layers
Butterfly layers work on short hair, too! If your hair falls at around this length, take a screenshot and show it to your hairstylist for some inspo on your next visit to the salon.