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Every time we open social media, there is a new haircut trend flooding our feeds that looks more fabulous than the last. Even if we know that particular style won’t compliment our face shape or lifestyle, we can’t help but feel tempted by the new funky, edgy, or bombshell-esq cuts that take over the for you page.
Take the butterfly cut, for example. This bouncy layered look makes everyone look runway-ready and gives off fresh salon-cut vibes. And the wolf cut, which feels like a trending now-or-never niche that flatters all different types of face shapes but requires chopping hair to a shorter length (think Billie Eilish, blonde debut era).
These two trendy cuts both call for layers, volume, and all of the frills, but what makes them different? And how does one define the better cut for them? We turned to the experts to help us answer all of the difficult questions. Ahead, we compare the wolf and butterfly haircuts and break down how to pick the right one for you.
Meet the Experts
- Jacelyn Bautista is a stylist at NYC THE TEAM Hair Salon.
- Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist in New York City and New Jersey.
What Is a Butterfly Haircut?
A butterfly cut, which quite literally gets its name due to its resemblance to butterfly wings, involves layers, bounce, and volume. “A butterfly cut is a combination of short and long layers to create lots of movement within the haircut,” explains Jacelyn Bautista, a stylist at NYC THE TEAM Hair Salon.”The shortest layers are framing the face and long layers cascade down through the length.”
This haircut provides flexibility because it can be created at different lengths. “The butterfly cut is a versatile, layered style that gives the illusion of short hair while keeping long layers underneath,” adds celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab. “It is a perfect haircut for adding volume and movement, offering clients flexibility and dimension without sacrificing length.”
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What Is a Wolf Cut?
A wolf cut, like the butterfly, has layers and dimensions. “The wolf cut is a mix of a shag and mullet, with choppy layers that add volume on top and a wispy look at the bottom,” explains Korab. “It’s perfect for clients wanting a bold, textured style with easy movement.” As for the inspo? “It is meant to give off more of an ’80s style, tousled and untamed,” Bautista shares.
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How to Choose
First and foremost, consider which style best suits your personal hair needs and lifestyle. "Choosing between a butterfly cut and a wolf cut depends on the client’s style preferences and maintenance routine," Korab says.
"The butterfly cut is great for those who want flexibility, offering volume and movement at the top while keeping longer layers for a more polished, versatile look. It is great for clients who like to experiment with different styles," she adds. "On the other hand, the wolf cut is better suited for clients looking for a bold look, textured style with an effortless, low-maintenance vibe. It’s perfect for those who want a more edgy, tousled look."
You may also want to consider hair texture, and how well your hair holds volume, bounce, and layers. “It is important that you consider the texture of your hair,” Bautista explains. “For example, if someone has curly fine hair, it may not be best to give them a wolf or butterfly cut to preserve density.” To rock each style, Bautista suggests pairing styling products with a wolf cut and a round brush blowout with the butterfly cut.
Alternative Cuts
If both of these cuts seem appealing, but neither feels like the right choice for you, don’t fret, there are plenty more styles where that came from. If you want to test the waters before fully committing, Bautista suggests trying face-framing layers or long curtain bangs with long layers in the back to start.
The allure of the butterfly cut lies within its wispy front layers. To achieve a similar look, start by adding just one or two of those signature elements to your style. "Instead of the butterfly cut, you might opt for a long layered style, which maintains length with soft, uniform layers," Korab suggests. "[Another option would be trying] a textured lob for a chic, modern look with added movement. A shag cut is also another great choice, providing a laid-back, tousled appearance."
Similarly, a wolf cut is just another modern way to wear a shaggy haircut which can be achieved in many different ways. “For alternatives to the wolf cut, the modern mullet offers a similar vibe with shorter front layers and longer back lengths, while an undercut presents a bold contrast with shaved sides and longer hair on top for an edgy feel,” says Korab. “Lastly, a layered pixie cut can deliver a shorter, textured style that exudes effortless style.”
Final Takeaway
Like many of the glamourous things in life, these haircuts take work to keep them looking salon-worthy after the original cut and blowout settle. If you want heavy front layers that pair perfectly with a bouncy blowout, the butterfly cut is for you. If you want something more edgy and shaggy, the wolf cut is probably a better option. Regardless of what style you choose, Bautista has one crucial reminder, "If you are not willing to style your hair these are not the haircuts for you."
