A butterfly cut has short face-framing layers over longer lengths — like wings. Left to air-dry, the layers can disappear. Curling them away from your face is what makes the shape visible.
- Step-by-step for a butterfly haircut
- Variations and common mistakes
- Works with cordless tools — no socket needed
Tutorial card
- Time: 15–20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best hair length: Shoulder to mid-back, layered
- Tools: cordless automatic curler, classic cordless straightener
What you need
- The cordless automatic curler
- The classic cordless straightener
- Heat protectant
- Sectioning clips
- A wide-tooth comb
Curlylooks Cordless Automatic CurlerFrom €32.99View productHow to do a butterfly haircut: step by step
- Prep. Dry, detangled hair, heat protectant.
- Separate the 'wings'. Clip the short face-framing layers forward, away from the lengths.
- Curl the lengths. Medium sections, alternating direction, starting at mid-length.
- Curl the face-framing layers away. Set the curler to curl away from the face on both sides. This is the defining step.
- Cool and brush. Let curls cool, then brush out the front layers so they sweep back like wings.
- Bounce the lengths. Scrunch the longer layers with your fingers.
- Smooth the ends. One pass of the straightener on any frizzy ends.
Variations to try
- Sleek butterfly: Straighten the lengths, curl only the front layers.
- Half-up butterfly: Pull the crown back, leave the wings out.
- Second-day: Re-curl only the front layers.
Common mistakes and quick fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Layers disappear | Curl the front layers away from the face |
| Looks too uniform | Alternate directions on the lengths |
| Short layers won't curl | Bend them with a straightener |
Curlylooks Cordless Automatic Curler
€32.99
Blush pinkIvory whiteCharcoal blackAdjustable curl direction
Ceramic-coated chamber, adjustable temperature and curl direction, USB rechargeable — and it wraps the hair for you.
Setting the curl direction 'away from the face' on both sides is exactly what lifts and separates butterfly layers.
✦ Pairs well with: The classic straightener for short layers · Light texture spray
Best for: Butterfly cuts, curtain layers, long layered hair
Three ways to start
Get the kit for a butterfly haircut
Just this look
The cordless automatic curler is all you need for a butterfly haircut.
Curls and polish
Curl, then smooth the ends and front pieces — the Curl & Polish bundle puts both tools together.
Every look in this series
The Complete Collection covers all our tutorials: the curler plus both cordless straighteners.
Frequently asked questions
How do you style a butterfly haircut without a round brush?
Curl the face-framing layers away from the face with an automatic curler, cool, then brush them back.
Can I style a butterfly cut straight?
Yes — straighten the lengths and bend only the front layers outward.
How do I style short butterfly layers?
Use a straightener to bend them away from your face.
Try it with cordless tools
Cordless, USB-rechargeable curler and straighteners — style anywhere, no socket needed.
Shop all styling tools →See the bundles →Keep reading
Safety note: heat tools get hot. Always follow the operating and safety instructions supplied with your device, use on dry hair only, keep heated parts away from skin and scalp, switch off after use and store out of reach of children.
