25 Stunning Butterfly Cuts for Short Hair You’ll Want to Try

Think butterfly cuts only work for long locks? Think again! This flattering, face-framing style has been adapted for shorter lengths with gorgeous results.

The butterfly cut’s signature layering creates movement, volume, and that coveted “effortlessly styled” look.

Short butterfly cuts maintain the same wing-like layers that flutter around your face but with a more compact silhouette.

These strategic layers add dimension while complementing your natural texture.

Ready to embrace this transformative style without the length? Here are 25 butterfly cut variations specifically designed for shorter hair.

1: Classic Short Butterfly

This foundational style features face-framing layers that start at the cheekbones and blend into the rest of your short cut.

The layers create the wing-like effect that gives the butterfly cut its name. You’ll love how this versatile cut adds movement and softness around your face.

The shorter length makes styling quick and easy while maintaining the distinctive butterfly shape.

2: Pixie Butterfly

Combine the cropped nature of a pixie with butterfly-inspired face-framing pieces. This bold interpretation works beautifully for those with delicate features.

This hybrid features longer, swooping sections around the face with a closely cropped back and sides.

You’ll appreciate how the longer front pieces highlight your facial features while the shorter back keeps the style manageable.

3: Textured Bob Butterfly

Add butterfly layers to a classic bob for instant dimension and movement. The textured approach works well with both straight and wavy hair types.

The choppy, fluttery layers throughout break up the traditional bob silhouette for a more dynamic look.

You’ll notice how this technique creates natural volume without the need for excessive styling.

4: Curly Butterfly Bob

Embrace your natural curls with a butterfly cut specifically designed to enhance your spiral pattern.

The strategic face-framing layers allow your curls to spring up and create gorgeous dimension.

You’ll need minimal styling products—just curl-enhancing cream and perhaps a diffuser.

The butterfly layers prevent the dreaded triangle shape that often happens with curly bobs.

5: Asymmetrical Butterfly

Create visual interest with an uneven butterfly cut that features longer layers on one side.

This bold interpretation adds edge to the typically soft butterfly style. The asymmetry adds an unexpected element that turns heads for all the right reasons.

You’ll make a statement with this artistic approach that combines technical precision with creative flair.

6: Choppy Butterfly Lob

Take the butterfly technique to a longer bob (lob) length with extra choppy texture throughout.

This laid-back approach creates an effortlessly cool vibe with plenty of movement. You’ll achieve that coveted “model off duty” look with this textured style.

The choppier layers create piece-y definition that enhances the butterfly’s wing-like effect around your face.

7: Butterfly Cut with Curtain Bangs

Frame your face beautifully with curtain bangs that blend seamlessly into your butterfly layers.

This face-flattering combination highlights your eyes while softening your features. This option works particularly well for heart-shaped faces.

You’ll appreciate how this style grows out gracefully as the bangs gradually become part of the face-framing layers.

8: Graduated Butterfly Bob

Combine the stacked effect of a graduated bob with the face-framing technique of a butterfly cut.

This architectural approach creates volume in the back while maintaining the signature wing-like front.

You’ll love how this structured style offers built-in volume at the crown where many people need it most.

The graduated back contrasts beautifully with the softer front sections.

9: French Bob Butterfly

Add butterfly-inspired layers to a classic French bob for a Parisian-chic result. This chin-length style features soft, wispy layers around the face with a blunt perimeter.

You’ll channel effortless European style with this sophisticated interpretation.

The butterfly elements add movement to what would otherwise be a more structured cut.

10: Butterfly Shag Hybrid

Combine two trendy styles—the butterfly cut and the shag—for maximum texture and dimension.

This fusion features layers throughout with special emphasis on face-framing pieces.

You’ll achieve that perfect balance of messy and intentional with this hybrid style.

The butterfly-shag works especially well with natural waves or texture for a lived-in look.

11: Butterfly Pixie Bob

Not quite a pixie, not quite a bob, this in-between length showcases butterfly layers around the face with a closer crop at the back.

The contrast creates a dynamic silhouette. This adaptable style works for various hair textures and face shapes.

You’ll notice how this cut elongates your neck while the face-framing layers soften your features.

12: Micro Butterfly

Adapt the butterfly technique for very short hair with subtle face-framing pieces and textured layers throughout.

Even the shortest cuts can incorporate the butterfly’s signature movement.

You’ll be surprised at how effective even minimal layering can be at creating the butterfly effect.

This approach works particularly well for those transitioning from a pixie to a longer style.

13: Blunt Bob with Butterfly Layers

Create interesting contrast with a strong, blunt perimeter and soft, butterfly-inspired interior layers.

This combination offers the structure of a bob with the movement of butterfly layers.

You’ll appreciate this sophisticated approach that looks polished yet dynamic.

The blunt ends create a strong silhouette while the interior layers add softness around your face.

14: Butterfly Cut with Micro Bangs

Add ultra-short fringe to your butterfly cut for an edgy, fashion-forward twist. The micro bangs add architectural interest to an otherwise soft style.

The contrast between the blunt bangs and the soft, fluttery layers creates a striking visual effect.

This daring combination draws attention to your eyes while the butterfly layers soften your features.

15: Butterfly Bowl Cut

Update the traditional bowl cut with butterfly-inspired face-framing layers. You’ll make a fashion statement with this avant-garde approach.

This modern interpretation softens the geometric precision of a bowl shape for a more wearable result.

The softness of the butterfly technique takes the edge off what could otherwise be a severe silhouette.

16: Long Pixie Butterfly

Maintain length on top and around the face while keeping the sides and back shorter. This cut offers the edginess of a pixie with softer framing.

The longer pieces create the butterfly’s signature wing-like effect framing your features.

You’ll enjoy the versatility of this style—sweep the longer pieces to the side or style them forward for different looks.

17: Butterfly Cut with Side-Swept Bangs

Incorporate long, side-swept bangs that blend seamlessly into your butterfly layers.

This combination creates a diagonal line across your face for added dimension. You’ll notice how this approach draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones.

The flowing transition from bangs to layers creates a natural, flattering frame for your face.

18: Butterfly Bob with Undercut

Keep the butterfly layers on top while hiding an undercut underneath.

This edgy combination removes bulk while maintaining the signature butterfly movement visible from the outside.

You’ll appreciate how this technique makes thick hair more manageable while creating a cool, hidden detail.

The contrast between the soft butterfly layers and edgy undercut creates interesting dimension.

19: Textured Butterfly Crop

Go shorter with a cropped cut that still incorporates the butterfly’s face-framing technique.

This pixie-length style features longer pieces around the face with textured layers throughout.

You’ll achieve maximum impact with minimum length using this approach. The butterfly elements add softness to balance the boldness of such a short cut.

20: Butterfly Cut with Feathered Ends

Ask your stylist to feather the ends of your butterfly layers for extra softness and movement.

This technique creates wispy, lightweight ends that enhance the butterfly effect.

You’ll love how this approach creates natural-looking texture and dimension. The feathered pieces move beautifully with minimal styling effort required.

21: Bob with Butterfly Bangs

Focus the butterfly technique primarily in the bang area while keeping the rest of your bob relatively simple.

The wing-like bangs frame your face while the bob provides structure. You’ll notice how this targeted approach draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones.

This style works particularly well if you’re not ready to commit to layers throughout your entire cut.

22: Butterfly Cut for Fine Hair

Adapt the butterfly technique specifically for fine hair with strategic, lightweight layers that create the illusion of thickness.

This approach adds volume without removing too much weight. You’ll be amazed at how this technique can make even the finest hair appear fuller.

The face-framing layers create dimension while the careful layering maintains necessary density.

23: Butterfly Wedge

Combine the architectural precision of a wedge cut with the softness of butterfly face-framing.

This unexpected pairing creates an interesting contrast between structure and movement.

You’ll appreciate this modern take on a retro style. The butterfly elements soften what would otherwise be a very geometric cut for a more wearable everyday look.

24: Butterfly Cut with Disconnection

Create intentional separation between your top and face-framing layers and the underneath sections.

This technical approach adds volume at the crown while maintaining the butterfly effect around your face.

You’ll achieve a more dramatic butterfly effect with this bold interpretation.

The disconnection technique works particularly well for thick hair that needs strategic weight removal.

25: Butterfly Cut with Rounded Layers

Ask your stylist to cut your butterfly layers with curved rather than straight lines. This technique creates soft, rounded pieces that beautifully hug your face shape.

You’ll notice how these strategically placed curves enhance your features and add bounce to your style.

They work especially well when blow-dried with a round brush for maximum face-framing effect.

Conclusion

Ready to transform your short hair?

Take these butterfly-inspired ideas to your stylist and prepare to spread your wings with a fresh, flattering cut that offers movement, dimension, and style.