55 Classic and Iconic Long Butterfly Cuts You Absolutely Need To See

Remember how we dove into the world of long butterfly cuts with our guide to the 7 Must-Have Types Every Woman Craves?

From its fascinating history to modern interpretations rocking our social feeds, this guide will have you obsessed with the butterfly cut in all its glory.

Origins of the Butterfly Haircut

While the long butterfly cut feels oh-so-modern, its roots run surprisingly deep!

Historians trace the first whispers of this style back to the roaring twenties. Iconic Parisian hairstylist Marcel introduced “The Iribe” or “The Parisian Cut” in the 1920s, featuring long, layered hair with face-framing pieces that mirrored a butterfly’s wings when styled .

This glamorous cut graced the heads of fashion models on both sides of the Atlantic, making waves (pun intended) in the early days of haute couture.

Fast forward to the swinging sixties, and the butterfly cut experienced a glorious revival. Think Farrah Fawcett’s iconic feathered mane – pure volume and bounce achieved through masterfully placed layers.

Over the decades, stylists have reinterpreted it to fit the ever-changing trends. In the 70s the butterfly cut softened a bit, incorporating long layers that flowed effortlessly around the face. This viral creation of @ahappyjustin showcases the 70’s Butterfly layers haircut.

This era saw a shift towards a more carefree and textured approach, making the butterfly cut a perfect match for the free-spirited vibes of the decade.

In the 80s the era of big hair didn’t leave the butterfly cut untouched. Think Brooke Shields with her voluminous, layered mane, adding a touch of rock-and-roll edge to the classic style.

The 90s is the era of Rachel Green, the undisputed queen of the butterfly haircut. Jennifer Aniston’s iconic hairstyle in “Friends” brought the style back to the mainstream, showcasing its versatility and flattering nature for most face shapes .

Since then, the butterfly cut has continued to evolve, with modern stylists adding texture, choppy layers, and customized details to suit individual preferences.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a long butterfly cut so special! The key lies in the layering technique.

Unlike a blunt cut, the long butterfly cut features a combination of short and long layers throughout the hair.

Stylists typically focus on creating shorter layers around the face, framing the features, and adding volume. The longer layers cascade down the back, creating a beautiful butterfly wing effect when styled.

P.S. Remember, for clients who are interested in a DIY approach, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of consulting a professional stylist first. Haircuts are an art form, and achieving the perfect long butterfly cut requires skill and experience.

Here’s a breakdown (remember, consulting a professional stylist is always recommended):

  1. Start with damp hair.
  2. Section your hair into manageable pieces.
  3. Work your way up from the bottom, taking diagonal sections and point-cutting the ends to create texture.
  4. Focus on creating shorter layers around the face to frame your features.
  5. Connect the layers throughout the hair to ensure a seamless blend.

You can follow this tutorial by @bradmondonyc, a celebrity hairstylist known for his innovative techniques and gorgeous butterfly cut creations.

@bradmondonyc Voluminous. Layered. Sexy. #butterflycut #hairctuttutorial #howtocutlayers #butterflyhair ♬ original sound – Brad Mondo

Looking for more classic and iconic long butterfly cut inspo?

Now, let’s get to the real inspiration – the amazing hairstylists and hairdressers on Instagram! We’ve compiled a list of talented stylists who are absolute masters of the long butterfly cuts:

1. @ahappyjustin: Looking to master the butterfly cut technique itself? Justin Toves-Vincilione, also known as @ahappyjustin, is a hairstylist and educator who has taken the internet by storm with his viral “Butterfly Layers” technique.

Classic and iconic long butterfly cuts by @ahappyjustin.

2. @hairbyyangie: Craving that perfect blonde “IT GIRL” butterfly cut? Look no further than Angie Chiu, a hairstylist whose expertise lies in creating stunning butterfly cuts with dimensional blonde tones. See this dreamy example for ultimate hair envy!

Classic and iconic blonde long butterfly cuts by @hairbyyangie.

3. @og_glam_: Want a long butterfly cut that’s simply glamorous? OG Glam is your girl! This stylist specializes in creating luxurious, voluminous butterfly cuts for a truly show-stopping look. Check out this masterpiece for inspiration!

Classic and iconic long butterfly cuts by @og_glam_.

4. @ashleyb.hair: Calling all brunettes! Ashley B. is a hair artist who specializes in creating the dreamiest long butterfly cuts with rich, chocolate-brown hair. See this stunning example for major hair goals!

Classic and iconic chocolate brown long butterfly cuts by @ashleyb.hair.



These are just a few of the many talented hairstylists and hairdressers on Instagram who are reimagining the long butterfly cut. Explore their feeds for endless inspiration and see how they adapt the cut for different hair types, textures, and face shapes.

Want to take your butterfly game to the next level? Here are some additional tips:

  • Consider adding subtle highlights or balayage to enhance the dimension and movement of the layers.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with texture! Play with beach waves, loose curls, or a sleek blowout to see what flatters your client most.
  • Accessorize! Headbands, hair scarves, and clips can add a touch of personality to the butterfly cut.

We hope this article serves as a valuable resource for hairstylists and hair enthusiasts alike! Stay tuned for more hair inspiration coming your way.

Looking for the latest and greatest in hair inspiration? Don’t miss out! Connect with Latest Hair Inspo on Pinterest!

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