This year has seen an explosion of popularity for the Butterfly Cut due to a viral post from Ulta Beauty Design Team Member Justin Toves-Vincilione’s (@ahappyjustin) Instagram page that went viral. Clients are loving its high-volume, face-framing layers that give an illusion of short hair without actually cutting away long locks.

As a stylist, it can be exciting to watch new trends emerge and gain popularity, yet it is essential to remember that not every style fits each client. Therefore, it is vitally important that stylists can identify appropriate cuts for each client while providing education on how they should style them at home.

The butterfly cut is an ideal solution for various hair lengths and face shapes, giving a wide array of people access to volume-enhancing layers without actually cutting their locks off. Hairstylist and Biolage ambassador Sunnie Brook, who popularized this style, explains that this layered style features shorter face-framing layers that transition seamlessly to longer ones at the back, giving an illusion of shortening but without actually doing it!

Though a butterfly cut works on almost any hair length, it tends to look best on thicker or curlier strands. “For those with fine or straight hair, however, the layers may become wispy and thin,” according to Kostas. If this style appeals to you, Kostas suggests working with an experienced stylist familiar with this style and providing images as references so your stylist can clearly communicate how best to achieve the desired result.

The butterfly cut is one of the easiest styles to maintain, according to hairstylist and salon owner Stephen Knoll. “Keeping it looking its best requires only minimal daily care – like using volumizing mousse or spray for lift,” says Stephen. For highlights, soft honey or caramel hues work great on brunettes while an ash blonde hue works better for lighter locks – these contrasts bring out your face-framing layers beautifully!

Butterfly cuts can help soften the roundness of cheekbones and jawlines while adding definition to jawlines for those with square or rectangular face shapes. Texturizing also has slimming effects.

While a butterfly cut can be worn with any side part, its most popular pairing is usually soft curtain bangs that frame face-framing layers for a balanced and modern aesthetic. Additionally, this style works great for clients wanting texture or movement in their locks by using texturizing products or curling irons for added effect – plus, its light misting of hairspray or dab of styling wax will keep it all in place all day long!