20 Curly Butterfly Haircut Ideas
Okay, friend—let’s talk about curly butterfly haircuts. You know how the classic butterfly haircut gives all that gorgeous, feathery, face-framing movement? Now imagine that, but with curls. Yes.
It’s magic. It’s bouncy, it’s dimensional, it’s effortless, and it’s basically what happens when you combine layers that love your curls, volume that doesn’t overwhelm you, and a shape that feels like your hair was made for slow-motion shampoo commercials.
Whether you’re rocking loose curls, coily curls, or a mix of everything (hello, texture chameleons), the curly butterfly cut is one of the most flattering cuts you’ll ever try.
It lifts the face, adds softness, gives your curls the spotlight, and grows out nicely—which is honestly half the battle when you have curly hair.
If you’re thinking about getting the cut or just collecting inspo like the rest of us hair-obsessed people, here are 20 curly butterfly haircut ideas you’re going to want to screenshot immediately.
1. Classic Curly Butterfly Layers
Let’s start with the OG. This look has soft, cascading layers starting around the cheekbones and flowing into longer layers around the shoulders. It’s airy, flattering, and gives your curls room to breathe. Think of it as “effortlessly dramatic.”
2. Shoulder-Length Curly Butterfly Cut
If you don’t want super long hair but still want movement, shoulder-length curls are perfect. The butterfly shape gives this length a subtle lift and makes every curl look intentional, not chaotic.
3. Curly Butterfly Cut with Curtain Bangs
If you love that romantic, face-framing swoop, curtain bangs + curls = an actual dream. They blend beautifully with the butterfly layers and soften your entire look instantly.
4. Short Curly Butterfly Cut
Who said butterfly cuts are only for long hair? Short curls can rock this shape too. You’ll get tons of bounce and a rounded, flattering silhouette that’s basically curl perfection.
5. Curly Butterfly Cut with Wispy Ends
This one gives you that soft, fluttery effect at the bottom. The wispy ends lighten up thick curls and give the cut a more whimsical feel—like fairy hair but chic.
6. Voluminous Curly Butterfly Shape
Calling all big-hair lovers. This style celebrates volume. The layers are slightly deeper to create that stacked, full shape while still keeping the butterfly silhouette intact. Bring on the drama.
7. Long Curly Butterfly Cut with Defined Layers
If you have long curls and want a fresh upgrade without sacrificing length, this is the move. The butterfly layers add shape around the face while keeping the length lush and flowy.
8. Curly Butterfly Cut with Spiral Curls
Spiral curls were literally made for this style. The cascading layers create natural dimension and movement, letting your spirals bounce more freely. It’s like giving your curls a VIP pass.
9. Curly Butterfly Cut with Face-Framing Coils
If you’ve got tighter coils at the front, lean into them. Face-framing coils give you that angelic halo effect while the butterfly shape keeps the rest of your curls structured.
10. Curly Butterfly Cut with a Middle Part
If you tend to part your hair down the middle anyway, this version creates symmetry and lets the face-framing pieces fall like soft wings on each side.
11. Curly Butterfly Cut with a Deep Side Part
For a little drama (okay, a lot of drama), a side part is stunning. It adds height and creates that glamorous swoop that makes the butterfly shape even more iconic.
12. Curly Butterfly Cut with Highlights
Highlights + curls + butterfly layers = dimension heaven. Whether you choose caramel, honey, or copper tones, the color helps each curl pop and gives depth to the layered shape.
13. Curly Butterfly Cut for 3A Hair
If your curls are loose and springy, this cut adds softness without flattening your natural texture. It enhances that gentle wave-curl hybrid in the most flattering way.
14. Curly Butterfly Cut for 3B Hair
This curl type absolutely thrives with butterfly layering. It creates definition, movement, and volume without making your hair feel bottom-heavy or triangular. It’s basically the perfect balance.
15. Curly Butterfly Cut for 3C Hair
Tighter curls get an amazing shape with this cut. The lifted layers prevent your hair from getting weighed down and add structure that highlights your curl pattern.
16. Curly Butterfly Cut with a Rounded Shape
If you love big, round curly silhouettes, opt for a butterfly variation that gives a slight halo shape around your face. The effect is plush, stylish, and incredibly flattering.
17. Curly Butterfly Cut with Baby Bangs
Feeling bold? Curly baby bangs are such a vibe. Pairing them with butterfly layers creates a unique, editorial look that’s playful yet surprisingly wearable.
18. Curly Butterfly Cut with a Soft Shag Influence
This style mixes the butterfly shape with light shag elements—think extra texture, airiness, and volume at the crown. It’s trendy, messy-cute, and perfect if you like that lived-in effect.
19. Curly Butterfly Cut with a Defined Fringe
If you want something more polished than curtain bangs but more exciting than a simple side fringe, go for a curly full fringe. It brings instant personality to the butterfly shape.
20. Curly Butterfly Cut with Boho Layers
This is the laid-back version of the butterfly cut. Looser, softer layers create a carefree, boho vibe that’s all about movement, flow, and natural texture.
How to Style a Curly Butterfly Cut Like a Pro
Alright, now let’s talk about actually styling this beauty. One of the best things about butterfly cuts—especially for curly hair—is that they look good even on low-maintenance days. But if you want maximum flutter, here are some easy tips:
1. Use lightweight curl creams or gels.
Since the butterfly cut thrives on movement, avoid super heavy products that weigh down your layers.
2. Try diffusing for extra lift.
Flip your hair forward and diffuse the roots first to enhance volume—especially around the shorter layers.
3. Consider mousse for airy definition.
Mousse is underrated for curls. It adds bounce without stiffness and pairs beautifully with a layered cut.
4. Refresh with a water + leave-in spray.
Your face-framing curls are the star of the show, so keep them soft and defined with a quick refresh routine.
5. Stretch or define curls depending on the day.
Butterfly cuts work with both defined and fluffy curls, so switch up your styling based on your mood.
Why the Butterfly Cut Works So Well for Curly Hair
The curly butterfly haircut has become so popular because it’s genuinely one of the most flattering shapes for textured hair of all kinds. And here’s why:
1. Layers curls natural movement.
Curly hair already has personality. The butterfly shape enhances it by giving each curl a stage to perform on.
2. It removes bulk without losing fullness.
A good curly butterfly cut delicately removes weight in all the right places so your curls can pop.
3. It lifts your face instantly.
Those face-framing layers? They’re like contouring without makeup.
4. It’s incredibly versatile.
Middle part, side part, bangs, no bangs—you can tailor it to your aesthetic.
5. It grows out gracefully.
This cut maintains its shape even as it grows, which makes maintenance a lot easier compared to blunt or uniform cuts.
Choosing the Right Curly Butterfly Cut for Your Curl Type
Every curl pattern is unique—so the best butterfly cut for you depends on your hair’s behavior. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Loose curls (2C–3A):
Go for softer, more blended layers that create movement without causing frizz.
Springy curls (3B–3C):
Medium, structured layers will help you get that classic butterfly shape without losing volume.
Coily curls (4A–4B):
Ask for strategic shaping around the face and crown to enhance your natural geometry.
Mixed textures:
Your stylist can create a custom blend of layer depths to keep everything balanced.
Tips for Talking to Your Stylist
I know haircut anxiety is real—especially when curls are involved. So here’s how to make sure you get the butterfly cut of your dreams:
1. Bring lots of photos.
Show different angles and different curl patterns so your stylist has a clear reference.
2. Be honest about your routine.
If you’re low-maintenance, ask for a cut that works with minimal styling.
3. Discuss shrinkage.
Layers will bounce differently depending on your curl type, so make sure you’re both on the same page.
4. Ask for dry cutting if possible.
Many curl-specialist stylists prefer cutting curls dry to get an accurate shape.
5. Request volume where you want it.
Butterfly cuts can be customized—just tell your stylist your priorities.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Curly Butterfly Cut?
If you’ve been craving a haircut that’s playful, flattering, textured, and just plain fun, the curly butterfly cut is absolutely worth trying.
It’s one of those rare hairstyles that works on short curls, long curls, tight curls, loose curls—you name it.
It’s fresh, it’s dimensional, and it adds that soft, fluttery movement that curly hair wears so well.
And the best part? It’s so customizable that you can truly make it your own.
Whether you want face-framing layers that feel romantic, a bold fringe moment, or a big voluminous silhouette that demands attention, there’s a curly butterfly look out there waiting for you.
