23 Butterfly Haircut Short Ideas
If you’ve been craving a haircut that’s playful, bouncy, and ridiculously flattering—but also low-maintenance—then let me introduce you to the short butterfly haircut. Think of it as the sassier, airier little sister of the classic butterfly cut.
It’s flowy, face-framing, and adds layers in all the right places. And the best part? You don’t need long hair to rock it. Short hair butterfly layers magic.
Whether you’re flirting with a bob, rocking a lob, or just want a weightless, voluminous shape, I’ve rounded up 23 butterfly haircut short ideas that will have you screenshooting faster than your stylist can say, “So how much are we cutting today?”
Let’s jump in!
1. The Classic Short Butterfly Bob
This is the OG version for short lengths. It hits around the jawline, has soft swoopy layers, and gives that feathery bounce when you shake your head. Perfect if you want volume without sacrificing shape.
2. Butterfly Lob with Airy Layers
A lob (long bob) paired with butterfly layers is basically the hair equivalent of finding jeans that fit on the first try—rare and amazing. It’s long enough to tuck behind your ears but short enough for that dramatic movement.
3. Chin-Length Butterfly Cut
If you love a bold, feminine look, a chin-skimming butterfly cut with soft wings around the face is dreamy. It highlights your jawline and gives a lifted, youthful effect.
4. Messy Butterfly Shag
For anyone who wakes up, smushes their hair, and says, “Let’s call this texture,” the messy butterfly shag is your soulmate. It has choppy layers, effortless movement, and zero perfection required.
5. Butterfly Cut with Curtain Bangs
If curtain bangs had a best friend, it would be butterfly layers. The bangs flirt around your cheekbones while the layers behind them add dimension. This combo is soft, romantic, and super trendy.
6. Short Wavy Butterfly Cut
Got natural waves? This haircut was basically designed for you. The layers give your waves space to bounce, making your texture look fuller and more intentional.
7. Butterfly Pixie-Bob
A hybrid between a pixie and a bob, this cut keeps the back short while adding fluttery layers and long face-framing pieces in the front. It’s edgy but still pretty.
8. French Bob Butterfly Cut
Picture a classic French bob—thick fringe, jawline cut—but add airy butterfly layers. Suddenly it feels lighter, softer, and more modern.
9. Short Butterfly Wolf Cut
If the wolf cut is a little too wild for you, the butterfly version tones it down while keeping all the volume and movement. It’s flirty but wearable for everyday life.
10. Rounded Butterfly Bob
A rounded bob with butterfly layers creates that gorgeous bubble effect—full, healthy, shiny. Perfect for straight or slightly wavy hair.
11. Butterfly Bob with Wispy Bangs
Soft wispy bangs blend beautifully with the wings of the butterfly cut. This look feels youthful, flirty, and very feminine.
12. Layered Butterfly Cut for Fine Hair
If your hair tends to fall flat five minutes after styling, these short, sculpted butterfly layers are a game-changer. They lift the roots and add shape without thinning out your strands.
13. Short Butterfly Mullet
Okay, hear me out: it’s cooler than it sounds. It’s like your hair is whispering, “Yes, I’m edgy—but I moisturize and wear sunscreen.” It blends that retro mullet energy with soft, modern layers.
14. Sleek Short Butterfly Cut
Love straight, polished hair? A sleek butterfly cut gives you soft structure without poofiness. The layers keep it from looking heavy or blunt.
15. Shoulder-Length Butterfly Cut
This slightly longer short style gives you maximum movement while still being easy to style. It’s the perfect middle ground if you’re transitioning from long to short hair.
16. Butterfly Bob with Heavy Face Framing
Want drama? Thick, luscious face-framing pieces swoop like actual wings around your face—great for emphasizing cheekbones and giving a sculpted look.
17. Curly Butterfly Bob
Curly girls—this is your moment. Butterfly layers can enhance your curls rather than fight them. They prevent triangle-shape hair and make curls fall in soft, cascading layers.
18. Voluminous Butterfly Cut with Flip Ends
Remember the 90s flip? It’s back, but softer and more wearable. The butterfly layers make the ends flip out naturally with just a blow dry or round brush.
19. Soft Butterfly Cut with Side Part
If you love a side part (Millennials, unite!), those butterfly layers flow beautifully when swept dramatically to the side. Instant glamour with zero effort.
20. Stacked Butterfly Bob
A stacked bob already gives tons of body, but add butterfly layers and it becomes a whole moment—lifted, airy, and super dimensional.
21. Short Butterfly Cut for Thick Hair
If you’ve ever said, “My hair is too thick,” this cut will change your life. The layers remove bulk while keeping the silhouette bouncy and soft.
22. Asymmetrical Butterfly Bob
A little longer on one side, a little shorter on the other—paired with floaty butterfly layers, it’s basically the fashion-girl version of a bob.
23. Edgy Butterfly Cut with Choppy Wings
This one is bold and perfect for anyone who wants that “cool girl who listens to indie music and wears chunky boots” type vibe. The wings are more pronounced, more textured, and totally fearless.
How to Style a Short Butterfly Haircut (Without Losing Your Mind)
You don’t need a glam squad to make this haircut look good. Here’s the simple formula:
1. Use a volumizing mousse.
It gives the layers that signature airy lift.
2. Blow dry with a round brush.
Curl the front layers away from your face to get that winged effect.
3. Add texture spray.
This helps keep everything feather-light and perfectly tousled.
4. Or scrunch and air-dry.
Thanks to the built-in movement of the cut, it looks good even with minimal effort.
Why the Butterfly Cut Works So Well on Short Hair
Short butterfly cuts are popping up everywhere—and for good reason:
They add instant volume
They frame your face beautifully
They’re easier to style than long butterfly cuts
They look amazing on straight, wavy, or curly hair
They flatter every face shape with the right adjustments
It’s one of those rare cuts that feels trendy and timeless at the same time.
Final Thoughts: Is a Short Butterfly Haircut Right for You?
If you want something playful, elegant, low-maintenance, and oh-so flattering, then yes—a short butterfly haircut is probably calling your name.
It’s the kind of haircut that makes you feel lighter, bouncier, and a little extra confident when you catch yourself in the mirror.
And with these 23 butterfly haircut short ideas, you’ve got more than enough inspiration to show your stylist exactly what you want. Trust me—they’ll be thrilled.
