Ever looked in the mirror, gave your curly hair that squinty-eyed stare, and thought, “Something needs to change…but not everything”? Yeah, same here.
That’s exactly how I stumbled across the magical unicorn of hairstyles—the butterfly haircut for curly hair. Sounds fancy, right? Like something your hair would get if it went on a wellness retreat in Bali.
Now before you panic—no, you won’t have to chop off your curls or spend three hours styling every morning. The butterfly haircut is all about layers and movement. It’s like giving your curls a fresh passport to volume and bounce—without sacrificing length.
As someone who’s juggled content calendars and frizz control (often at the same time), trust me, this cut is the real deal.
I’ve helped brands get seen on Google and blogs climb to page one with less hair drama than I’ve had on wash days.
So when I say this style plays well with curly textures and shows up strong in search, I mean it. Let’s break down why the butterfly haircut isn’t just trending—it’s transforming the curly hair game.
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1. Butterfly Cut On Long Curly Hair
Long curls can be both a blessing and a styling headache—especially when you’re trying to find shape without losing length.
That’s where this version of the butterfly haircut curly hair magic comes in.
I tried this when my curls hit mid-back and started looking like a frizzy curtain.
With layered wings cut through the mid-section and ends, it instantly gave me volume and movement without touching the crown.
Works best if you want your hair to feel lighter but still long enough for dramatic flips and messy buns.
2. Butterfly Cut On Curly Hazelnut Balayage
This one is all about the contrast—warm hazelnut tones paired with defined layers? Yes, please.
If you’ve got naturally dark curls and want that soft, sun-kissed glow, this cut helps the balayage pop without overwhelming your face.
When I added a hazelnut balayage to my curls, the butterfly layers really framed the color.
Great for fall, but honestly? I rocked it year-round because the tones are that versatile. For inspo on how layers can enhance color, peep these medium length layered haircuts.
3. Butterfly Cut On Curly Blonde on Black Hair
There’s something bold and edgy about blonde streaks on a dark base, and adding a butterfly cut takes it from cool to cool-girl effortless.
The contrast highlights every swoop and lift of your curls.
I remember seeing this on Pinterest and thinking, “There’s no way that’ll work on my 3B curls.” Spoiler: It did.
Just make sure your stylist understands curl patterns and doesn’t over-layer. Subtle wings = major volume.
4. Butterfly Cut On Black Curly Hair
This is the OG of butterfly haircuts in the curly world.
No color needed—just the richness of natural black curls layered to perfection.
When I first got this cut, I felt like I finally had “main character” hair.
It’s especially flattering on tighter curls (3C and above) because the shape brings all the drama without the heaviness. If your texture leans tighter or coily, check out more short curly hairstyles to see how others are rocking it.
5. Butterfly Cut On Curly Updo
Updos with this cut are a dream—every layer adds dimension even when your hair’s pulled up.
It’s like having an automatic styling boost, no teasing required.
I wore this style to a wedding and got more compliments than the bride (sorry, not sorry).
It works best with a few front tendrils left loose and a soft, low bun in the back.
6. Butterfly Cut On Curly Dirty Blonde Hair
Dirty blonde curls already have that “just woke up fabulous” vibe, and a butterfly cut adds the bounce to match.
This look works beautifully for anyone with soft, natural highlights or lived-in balayage.
I rocked this during a summer trip when I refused to touch a straightener.
The soft layering made air-drying a dream, and the cut gave my hair the kind of shape that looked good—even after a salty ocean breeze did its thing.
7. Butterfly Cut On Caramel Curls
Caramel curls and butterfly layers? Pure dessert for your hair.
The warm tones pop through the layers and give off serious glow-up energy.
When I had caramel balayage done, I realized the butterfly haircut curly hair style brought out all the dimension without flattening my volume.
Works best for medium to thick curls craving movement and softness. You’ll love these medium hairstyles for thick hair if you’re into layers that lighten without thinning.
8. Long and Wild Butterfly Cut
This one’s for the curl queens who love their length and their drama.
The long and wild butterfly cut embraces the full mane—no shrinking, no taming, just strategic layering.
I let my hair go full lioness with this cut, and it felt like the curls had space to live their best life.
Pro tip: A diffuser and a lightweight curl cream are your best friends here.
9. Butterfly Cut On Braided Curly Hair
Now, this is where things get fun. Butterfly cuts aren’t just for free-flowing curls—they also work beautifully with braided styles.
The layers give even box braids or twist-outs an extra dimension.
I had a layered cut before installing my curly braids, and the shape underneath made the final style look more natural.
It’s a great option if you like switching between braids and curls without losing shape.
10. Butterfly Cut On Curly Cajun Spice Hair
Spicy tones meet soft layers? Yes, please.
Cajun spice is bold, warm, and totally show-stopping—add in a butterfly cut and you’ve got a full-on power move.
When I dyed my hair this rich coppery red, I realized blunt ends killed the vibe.
The butterfly haircut helped the color melt through each layer, giving my curls a fiery, glowing effect without looking too heavy.
For more inspo that plays with bold color and soft structure, peek at these medium-length hairstyles with bangs.
11. Brunette Butterfly Haircut
If you’re a natural brunette, this cut adds life without needing bold color.
The layers bring out the richness and shine in dark curls, and the shape makes styling way easier.
I love this one for its low-maintenance glam. Just add a little curl cream and let your hair do its thing—no extra fluff needed.
12. Cinnamon Brown Curly Butterfly Haircut
Cinnamon brown adds a cozy warmth to curls, and paired with a butterfly cut, it looks totally Pinterest-worthy.
It’s especially flattering for olive or warm skin tones.
When I tried this shade last fall, the layers helped show off every swirl of the cinnamon color.
Bonus: it grows out gracefully, so you won’t be running to the salon every month.
13. Short Butterfly Cut On Curly Hair
Short curls can totally rock a butterfly cut—you just need the right layering.
It adds dimension and stops the dreaded “triangle head” look.
I went short for a summer refresh, and this cut made me feel bold but still feminine.
Works best if you’re into easy wash-and-go styles.
14. Ginger Butterfly Haircut
This shade + this cut = pure fire. Ginger curls are already a statement, but butterfly layers amplify that natural vibrancy and movement.
My bestie went ginger last year and the layered curls gave her total cottagecore vibes.
It’s perfect for cooler months or if you want your hair to do the talking.
15. Curly Raven Butterfly Cut
Dark, glossy, raven-black curls with butterfly layers? Total showstopper.
The deep color adds mystery, while the layers soften and lift the volume.
When I tried this look, I felt like a mix between Morticia Addams and a hair commercial model.
Great for adding elegance without losing that curly edge.
16. Butterfly Cut On Short Layered Curly Hair
If you’ve got short curls and want more movement without sacrificing volume, this cut is your answer.
It works especially well for tighter textures.
I did this after a big chop and was surprised how light and bouncy it made my curls feel.
Plus, fewer layers around the crown = less frizz drama.
17. Extra Long Butterfly Curly Haircut
This one’s for the patient curl girls who’ve been growing their hair for years.
The butterfly cut prevents it from looking flat or heavy by layering strategically through the mids and ends.
I had this style during my “mermaid hair” phase and it gave my curls shape without the weight.
Definitely stock up on conditioner though—those long curls need it!
18. Caramel Honey Highlights on Butterfly Curly Haircut
Caramel honey highlights + soft layers = dimension galore.
This combo works wonders for medium to dark bases looking for warmth and depth.
I remember getting these highlights on a whim and the butterfly layering made them stand out without being streaky.
The effect? Like sunlight dancing through your curls.
19. Sweet Curly Chocolate Brunette Butterfly Haircut
Chocolate tones make curls look rich and glossy, and butterfly layers enhance that natural shine.
This style is elegant, sweet, and never goes out of fashion.
It’s one of my favorite everyday looks because it flatters almost every skin tone and curl type.
Add some shine serum and you’re good to go.
20. Dark Brown Curls with Butterfly Cut
This is a timeless combo—natural dark brown curls paired with a subtle butterfly cut.
It gives your hair shape without taking away that effortless feel.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to test the butterfly haircut curly hair trend without going all-in on layers.
It’s subtle but seriously flattering.
21. Curly Hazelnut Butterfly Haircut
Hazelnut tones are like the PSL of hair colors—comforting, warm, and totally in.
This butterfly cut adds soft wings that help the color catch the light and highlight the curves of every curl.
I went hazelnut after a dye disaster (don’t ask), and this cut saved the whole look.
It’s perfect if you want to try color without going full blonde or red.
22. Red Butterfly Curly Haircut
Red curls already bring bold energy, but with butterfly layers, they become unstoppable.
The shape gives the color room to shine and reduces that overly dense look red curls can sometimes get.
I rocked a vibrant red phase and paired it with this cut—it was like instant volume and sass in one.
Highly recommend if you’re ready to stand out..
23. Curly Butterfly Cut with Layered Curls
This is the classic version—the gold standard. Layered curls are what make the butterfly haircut curly hair-friendly in the first place.
I swear this is the reason my curls stopped misbehaving.
It gives structure while still feeling soft and playful.
24. Textured Butterfly Cut for Curly Hair
If your curls tend to fall flat or lose shape by day two, texture-focused layering is your fix.
This cut creates grip and lift without adding bulk.
I have finer curls and this style gave them life.
It’s especially good for that slightly messy, undone aesthetic (aka the “I woke up fabulous” look).
25. Curly Butterfly Shag
Think of this as the rebel cousin of the butterfly cut—edgy, tousled, and full of personality.
Perfect for curl types that thrive in layers and don’t mind a little controlled chaos.
When I tried this, I felt instantly cooler. Add curtain bangs, and you’re giving vintage rockstar with curl power.
26. Voluminous Butterfly Haircut for Curly Hair
Need big hair energy? This cut was made for you.
The strategic layering boosts your curl volume without stacking it awkwardly.
My 3A curls got the lift of their life with this one.
Just use a diffuser and a lightweight mousse—don’t weigh the wings down.
27. Layered Butterfly Cut with Bouncy Curls
This style brings the bounce and the beauty. It’s made for curl patterns that already have a springy personality.
I recommend it for curl types 2C to 3B. The layering adds movement that works with your curl, not against it.
28. Soft Curly Butterfly Cut
Looking for something subtle and romantic? The soft version tones down the drama and goes for an elegant, floaty shape.
I had this done before a beach vacation, and it made me feel like I belonged in a haircare ad.
It’s great for low-maintenance curls that want just enough shape..
29. Curly Butterfly Cut with Face-Framing Layers
Face-framing layers are the secret sauce for making curly cuts feel custom.
They draw attention to your eyes, cheekbones, and smile.
This is my go-to whenever I want a quick refresh without a full haircut.
It flatters every face shape and adds movement where it matters most.
30. Loose Curly Butterfly Cut
For looser curls and waves, this butterfly cut avoids weighing down your strands.
It adds gentle layering that works especially well with air-drying or lazy day styles.
I love this when I’m going for effortless vibes. Just scrunch in some leave-in conditioner, and boom—done.
This one’s light, airy, and feels like your curls got their wings.
Feathered ends give a soft, fluttery vibe—perfect if you’re after that carefree, floaty texture.
I tried this post-summer when my curls were fried. It brought life back and looked good even when I skipped styling. Total win.
32. Medium-Length Curly Butterfly Cut
Right in that “not too long, not too short” sweet spot, this cut is easy to maintain and super versatile.
Perfect if you’re growing your curls out or just love some mid-length magic.
For me, it was the easiest wash-day routine ever. A couple twists with a diffuser, and I looked put together without even trying.
33. Curly Butterfly Cut with Defined Curls
This one’s all about definition. The layering enhances your curl pattern without flattening it, which means your spiral game stays strong from roots to ends.
When my curls started losing shape, this brought them back to life.
Just add a defining gel or cream and let those curls pop.
34. Butterfly Cut with Natural Curly Texture
Keeping it 100% natural? This version celebrates your texture with soft shaping that works with your curls instead of trying to control them.
I got this during a “no heat” phase, and the way my natural texture thrived? Chef’s kiss.
It’s great if you’re embracing your curls in their most authentic form.
35. Choppy Curly Butterfly Cut
Edgy and bold, this is for the curlies who like a bit of wild energy.
Choppy layers bring movement and a whole lot of cool-girl attitude.
It gave my curls a kind of “IDGAF but still fabulous” look that I honestly miss.
Not for the faint of heart—but definitely for the fearless.
36. Layered Butterfly Haircut with Curly Ends
This one’s all about soft volume at the tips. It lets the ends do the talking, while the upper layers keep things light and balanced.
I went for this when I wanted to keep my length but lose the bulk.
The result? Hair that moved when I moved. So satisfying.
37. Soft and Bouncy Butterfly Cut for Curly Hair
This one feels like a rom-com moment every day. It’s ideal if your curls love volume but hate frizz.
Mine practically styled themselves with this cut. A little leave-in and I was flipping my hair like I had my own soundtrack.
38. Curly Butterfly Bob with Layered Curls
Short, bold, and full of character. A butterfly bob is the perfect middle ground between chic and playful.
When I chopped off my length for this, I felt like a new person.
It’s especially flattering for round or heart-shaped faces.
39. Long Curly Butterfly Cut
The longer the curls, the more drama this cut brings. It’s like giving your hair a red carpet moment—every day.
I wore this for a friend’s wedding and didn’t even need an updo. The shape spoke for itself.
40. Butterfly Cut with Soft Curled Layers
If your curls tend to soften at the ends, this one enhances that natural wave without over-styling. Think romantic, not rigid.
It worked beautifully when I switched to air-drying. My curls had shape, bounce, and zero crunch.
41. Curly Butterfly Cut with Voluminous Ends
Who doesn’t want volume at the ends? This cut pulls weight away from the top and brings the drama where it counts.
Great for updos, too—I pulled mine into a loose bun and had curls cascading like a waterfall. Dreamy stuff.
42. Layered Butterfly Shag with Curly Texture
A mix of retro and modern, this cut screams personality.
It’s a bit wild, very textured, and totally unapologetic.
It gave me 70s vibes in the best way. Perfect with a middle part and a bit of dry shampoo for extra grit.
43. Curly Butterfly Cut with Shaggy Layers
Messy but in a cool, French-girl way. This style adds volume, texture, and that “I didn’t try (but I did)” energy.
I lived in this look through winter, and it held up even under hats and scarves. Low-key a curl saver.
44. Curly Butterfly Cut with Defined Curls and Bangs
Add bangs and boom—instant transformation.
This cut frames your face, defines your texture, and gives you a whole new vibe.
I was scared to do bangs on curls, but the butterfly layers made them work so well. Just keep a curl-friendly gel on hand.
45. Short Curly Butterfly Cut
This is the minimalist’s dream. Short, sweet, and packed with volume in all the right places.
I went short after a color meltdown, and it felt so freeing.
Plus, my curls bounced back better than ever.
46. Curly Butterfly Cut with Loose, Flowing Curls
Loose curls get a natural boost with this cut. It’s subtle but still gives shape—think soft waves, not sharp angles.
It’s a great intro to the butterfly haircut curly hair trend if you’re not into dramatic layers.
47. Layered Butterfly Cut for Curly Hair with Volume
Volume lovers, this one’s for you. It builds height and fullness from root to end.
I used a root lift spray and my curls looked straight out of a magazine. 10/10 would recommend.
48. Long Curly Butterfly Cut with Defined Layers
Defined layers on long curls create separation and bounce—without sacrificing length.
This one’s a confidence booster.
When I got this done, it was the first time people actually noticed my layers. Felt like a glow-up moment.
49. Curly Butterfly Cut with Beachy Waves
For looser textures, this gives a beachy, carefree look. It’s summer-ready and effortless.
I lived in this look on vacation—minimal product, just salt spray and sunshine.
50. Fluffy Butterfly Cut for Curly Hair
If you love BIG hair, this fluffy version delivers. The cut lifts the roots and lets your curls bloom.
Honestly? I felt like a curly-haired lioness—and I loved it. Embrace the fluff.
51. Curly Butterfly Shag with Textured Ends
Grunge meets glam in this one. Shaggy texture at the ends makes your curls feel full of life and edge.
I paired it with a leather jacket and got compliments for days. It’s that effortlessly cool look.
52. Classic Curly Butterfly Cut
This is your go-to, versatile version. Balanced layers, no fuss, just great shape and movement.
Perfect for curl newbies or anyone wanting a fresh start. It never goes out of style.
53. Curly Butterfly Cut with Curled Layers
This one enhances the natural curl pattern by layering where it counts. It brings a sculpted, almost polished finish.
It’s great for special events or daily wear—you get structure without stiffness.
