The Two Haircuts Everyone’s Talking About: Wolf Cut & Butterfly Cut
Two haircuts. One tough decision. The wolf cut and the butterfly cut have taken the hair world by storm — and while both are layered and ultra-trendy, they offer totally different vibes. Whether you’re craving something bold and edgy or soft and feminine, this guide will help you figure out which look suits your hair type, lifestyle, and personal flair.
🐺 What Is a Wolf Cut?
The wolf cut is the rebellious lovechild of the shag and the mullet — and it’s every bit as cool as it sounds. With short, choppy layers on top and longer, wispier lengths at the bottom, this cut adds volume, texture, and attitude to your hair.
Features of a Wolf Cut:
- Shorter layers around the crown for a messy, voluminous shape
- Longer pieces in the back for a relaxed mullet feel
- Works well with natural waves, curls, or a tousled straight look
- Usually paired with curtain or wispy bangs
Perfect for: Those who love an effortless, edgy look that turns heads. If you enjoy low-maintenance styling with maximum impact, the wolf cut might just be your new go-to. Take a look at this wolf haircut ⇓
This haircut is a Wolf Cut, Photo @jadevictoriahill — featuring choppy, piecey layers and a tousled, lived-in finish. Key Characteristics:
- Short, textured layers on top for volume and shape
- Longer layers underneath to maintain length and movement
- A bit of shaggy, feathered texture, especially around the ends and crown
- Often styled messy or with natural waves for a carefree, cool-girl vibe
- The face-framing fringe gives softness and versatility
This is a lower-maintenance, more relaxed take on the wolf cut — perfect for anyone who wants volume and texture without a highly styled look.
🦋 What Is a Butterfly Cut?
The butterfly cut is all about soft layers and movement. Inspired by retro blowouts, this cut gives the illusion of shorter hair around the face while keeping the length intact. Think fluttery, bouncy layers that frame your face like butterfly wings. The Butterfly Cut, which works especially well for medium to thick hair, is often paired with face-framing layers for a soft, lifted look
Features of a Butterfly Cut:
- Long layers throughout for volume and flow
- Shorter face-framing pieces to mimic a faux lob
- Often styled with a middle part and blown-out ends
- Keeps your hair length while adding shape and dimension
Perfect for: Those who want a polished, feminine style without losing their long locks. It’s ideal for anyone who loves a voluminous, face-framing look that’s versatile and easy to style. Take a look at this butterfly haircut ⇓
The hairstyle shown is a Butterfly Haircut, Photo @batuhan.gitmisoglu — and it’s a perfect example of a long, voluminous butterfly cut with blended layers. Key Features of this style:
- Long, feathered layers that give a bouncy, blown-out look
- Shorter front pieces that frame the face and create a soft faux-bob effect when pulled forward
- Styled with a center part and lots of body through the ends
- Ideal for adding movement and lightness to thick or medium-textured hair
This style is extremely flattering and trendy right now, especially with that soft beige-blonde and honey balayage — it enhances the layered effect beautifully.
✂️ Butterfly Cut vs Wolf Cut – How to Choose the Best Trend for Your Hair Type
Choosing between the two depends on your personality, hair texture, and how you like to style your hair.
| Feature | Wolf Cut | Butterfly Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Edgy, rebellious, modern | Soft, elegant, romantic |
| Layer Style | Choppy and uneven | Long and blended |
| Hair Length | Short-to-medium layers on top | Keeps most of the length |
| Best For | Wavy/curly hair, thick texture | Straight/wavy hair, all textures |
| Styling Effort | Minimal, messy works | Some styling/blowout needed |
💡 Pro Tip: Combine the Two!
Who says you have to pick just one? A skilled stylist can blend the softness of the butterfly cut with the volume of a wolf cut to create a custom hybrid that flatters your face shape and lifestyle.
Both the wolf cut and butterfly cut are trendy, flattering, and fun — just in different ways. Whether you’re feeling bold or breezy, there’s a layered cut out there with your name on it.
So… are you team Wolf or team Butterfly? Bookmark this guide or share it with your hairstylist before your next salon visit. Either way, you’re going to look amazing.
FAQ
Q: What is the main difference between a Wolf Cut and a Butterfly Cut?
A: The Wolf Cut features choppy, edgy layers with more texture and volume, while the Butterfly Cut has long, soft, and blended layers that offer a flowing, feathered appearance.
Q: Which haircut is better for fine hair?
A: The Butterfly Cut is better suited for fine hair because its soft, cascading layers create the illusion of volume without removing too much weight.
More inspiration
- Wolf Haircuts more photos
- Butterfly Haircut more photos
- Effortless Pixie Haircut
- Low-Maintenance Long Hairstyles
Want more hairstyle inspiration? Check out our Wolf Cut and Butterfly Cut to dive deeper into each look, with more photos, styling tips, and real-life inspo!
