33 Best Styles for Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair

Are you looking for a new haircut to show off your curly locks? I have an idea for you – the butterfly cut!

The butterfly cut on curly hair is an adorable haircut featuring an impressive number of layers.

In the front, you’ll find shorter, face-framing layers that add depth and body – or, as some call them, “wings.”

In the back, you’ll find a stream of longer layers to enhance movement.

Why is this such an excellent choice for curly hair?

It all comes down to one thing – body, baby!

Curly hair can be challenging to work with, but the butterfly cut removes excessive bulk and weight, allowing those curls to flaunt in a lightweight and charming way.

Keep reading to find out why you should ask your stylist for a butterfly cut on curly hair!

33 Ideas About Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair

The butterfly cut on curly hair is unmistakably charming. Here’s proof:

1. Butterfly Cut On Long Curly Hair

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2. Butterfly Cut On Curly Hazelnut Balayage

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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3. Butterfly Cut On Curly Blonde on Black Hair

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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4. Butterfly Cut On Black Curly Hair

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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5. Butterfly Cut On Curly Updo

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6. Butterfly Cut On Side Parted Hair

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7. Butterfly Cut On Curly Dirty Blonde Hair

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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8. Butterfly Cut On Caramel Curls

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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9. Long and Wild Butterfly Cut

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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10. Butterfly Cut On Braided Curly Hair

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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11. Butterfly Cut On Blonde Hair

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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12. Butterfly Cut On Curly Cajun Spice Hair

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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13. Brunette Butterfly Haircut

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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14. Chocolate Brown Curly Hair

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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15. Cinnamon Brown Curly Butterfly Haircut

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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16. Butterfly Cut On Blonde Wavy Hair

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17. Short Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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18. Ginger Butterfly Haircut

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19. Curly Raven Butterfly Cut

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20. Butterfly Cut On Short Layered Curly Hair

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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21. Extra Long Butterfly Curly Haircut

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22. Cherry Cola Butterfly Haircut

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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23. Caramel Highlighted Butterfly Haircut

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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24. Funny Double Bun Curly Hair

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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25. Caramel Honey Highlights on Butterfly Curly Haircut

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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26. Sweet Curly Chocolate Brunette Butterfly Haircut

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27. Chocolate Brown Balayage

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28. Dark Brown Curls with Butterfly Cut

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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29. Dark Chocolate Brown Curly Hair

Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
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30. Curly Hazelnut Butterfly Haircut

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31. Black Curls

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32. Red Butterfly Curly Haircut

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33. Raven Brown Butterfly Haircut

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Understanding Curly Hair Types

Before discussing the butterfly cut on curly hair, let’s start by breaking down curly hair types. After all, many people have curly hair but don’t know the specific texture they’re working with.

Did you know that there are four *main* types of hair? They’re described in numbers and letters, starting with “type 1” – straight hair, and “type 2,” wavy hair.

Curly hair can fall under type 3 or 4. Let’s take a closer look.

  • Type 3

Type 3 curly hair can be labeled as A, B, or C.

3A hair is known for more extensive and voluminous curls, followed by 3B curls that are best described as “ringlets.” From there, we have 3C coils, which are tighter like a corkscrew.

  • Type 4

Type 4 also has three different types of curls labeled A, B, and C.

4A hair is incredibly coiled and follows an “S” pattern, while 4B follows a “Z” pattern. 

The last option on the list is 4C. This type of curl is the most coiled and fragile. It can have a zig-zag pattern.

The Anatomy of a Butterfly Cut

OK, but what’s up with this “butterfly cut?”

Put simply, a butterfly cut is all about layers upon layers upon layers for impressive layered movement. The goal is to remove weight – not length. 

It starts with a series of delightful face-framing layers that dangle above the chin. The layers are meant to be wispy and whimsical, almost appearing like wings – hence the name “butterfly cut.”

The back is also cut with an abundance of layers. They’re typically shorter, hanging right below shoulder length.

All in all, it’s known for being a cross between a shaggy haircut and long layers, creating a desirable, bouncy, and flirty appearance that shows curls off beautifully.

Consultation with a Stylist

Before you rush into getting a butterfly cut on curly hair, it’s essential to have a pre-cut consultation with your stylist. 

During this process, you’ll be able to ask your stylist all of your important questions and get a better understanding of what “butterfly cut” truly means.

You will also be able to add in any customizations if desired.

Some questions you may ask your stylist include:

  • Will the butterfly cut work with my curly hair type?
  • How short will the layers be?
  • How can I maintain the look long-term?
  • How long will the haircut take?
  • Is the butterfly cut challenging to style at home, and if so, what can I do?

During the pre-cut consultation, your stylist will be able to decide whether or not the butterfly cut is truly right for you.

It may help to bring along a visual aid, such as a photo from Pinterest or Instagram, to help your stylist understand the particular cut you’re seeking.

The Butterfly Cut vs. Other Popular Curly Cuts

Is the butterfly cut really right for you? Or would a different, trendy, curly cut work better?

Another popular curly cut is known as the DevaCut.

This is a unique way of cutting curly hair. It focuses on unique and specific cutting to avoid disrupting the natural curl pattern.

In the end, curls are defined, pronounced, and downright stunning.

On the other hand, there is also the Ouidad Cut. With this haircut, natural curls are more defined while removing excess weight.

Why might you choose the butterfly cut instead of these two popular methods?

Here are a few pros and cons to consider:

  • The butterfly cut adds more lift to burdened-down curly locks
  • It can help improve the shape of curls
  • This cut follows the shape of the coils, allowing them to be defined and gorgeous
  • Great for various face shapes
  • It’s not ideal for thinner hair types, as they won’t have the same “oomph”
  • It must be done by a professional and skilled stylist; otherwise, it can end up looking odd
  • Somewhat challenging to maintain long-term

Maintenance and Styling Tips

The best way to maintain your butterfly cut on curly hair is to trim it regularly.

This will ensure that the layers don’t get lost in translation.

You should also ensure that your curls are kept in tip-top shape with your preferred shampoos, conditioners, and leave-ins.

Styling this look isn’t overly complicated. A good mousse or texturizing product can keep those curls and layers looking full-bodied and fabulous.

You may use hot tools to enhance the aesthetic, such as a hair dryer with your fave round brush or a curling iron.

Many women enjoy placing their hair into messy updos or half updos.

This is a fun way to show off your layers in an all-new way – especially on those days when you just don’t feel like doing your hair!

Conclusion

The butterfly cut on curly hair is a definite win.

The layers remove some extra bulk that may be weighing down your curls, but it helps to define each coil beautifully.

The layers add bounce, beauty, and femininity with every step, ensuring you look and feel your best.

Regular maintenance and keeping your hair in tip-top shape are critical for a successful butterfly cut on curly hair!

Jessica
Author
Jessica is our resident hairstyle expert. As a hairstylist with 15 years of experience based in Texas, she is the ultimate go-to person for picking the right hair color, choosing a trending hairstyle and any advice on hair makeover.