Find out which trendy style suits your hair type!
The two haircuts are dominating salon requests right now, proving that the wolf cut vs butterfly cut dilemma is real. While they have many commonalities, they’re not the same, and choosing wrong could mean months of regret.
Both styles are layered, and both promise volume and movement. Yet they suit different hair types and face shapes. Walk into a salon asking for “layers,” and you might end up with something completely different from what you pinned on Pinterest.
Hair specialist Tammy McQueeney captures this confusion: “You’ve seen wolf cuts on TikTok, heard about the butterfly cut for thick hair on Insta, and saved 10 Pinterest pics… but you want something that suits YOUR face, YOUR lifestyle, and keeps YOUR length.”
So, if you’re feeling stuck between the wolf cut and the butterfly cut, this guide will break down both hairstyles, plus show you how to try them online before booking your next salon visit. Preview and compare your virtual looks to find your matching style!
The butterfly cut emerged as “the anti-wolf cut” since it’s softer, more polished, and refined. Named for how layers “lift” like butterfly wings when blown out, this cut brings drama without the edge.
Key features include long, face-framing layers, dramatic butterfly cut volume at mid-lengths, and feathered ends. The cut typically maintains a longer length overall while creating movement through strategic layering.
Butterfly haircut layers start around the chin and cascade down, creating that signature “wing” effect when styled. The look channels 90s supermodel and meets modern elegance. Celebrity examples include Sydney Sweeney, Matilda Djerf, and Blake Lively, showcasing how the butterfly cut creates that iconic bounce.
The wolf cut trend blends shag and mullet influences, originating in the K-pop beauty landscape around 2020 before going global via TikTok as the Korean wolf cut. It’s giving off the “70s rock star meets TikTok It-girl” vibe.
Key features include heavy wolf cut shag layers, choppy texture, shorter sections around the face and crown, longer lengths in the back, and often wolf cut bangs or curtain bangs. The signature wolf cut texture is achieved from disconnected layers that start at the crown and create dimension throughout.
Think of Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and HoYeon Jung, who are all rocking the undone, textured look that defines the wolf cut.
The difference between the butterfly cut and wolf cut goes beyond trendy names. These cuts create completely different silhouettes, require different styling approaches, and suit different lifestyles.
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:
| Feature | Butterfly Cut | Wolf Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Layer Placement | Lower, longer layers starting at the chin | Higher, choppy layers starting at the crown |
| Volume | Mid-lengths | Crown and top |
| Styling Time | 15-20 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Best Dried | Blow-dried with a round brush | Air-dried or rough-dried |
| Maintenance | Higher | Lower |
| Vibe | Polished, elegant | Edgy, undone |
| Works Best On | Straight, wavy hair | Curly, wavy, textured hair |
These cuts perform completely differently depending on your texture, and making a wrong choice means fighting your hair every single morning.
Picking a butterfly vs wolf cut for curly hair may turn out to be a struggle for most curl patterns. A wolf cut wins here since layers blend naturally with curly texture, and the wolf cut messy styling actually cooperates with your curl pattern. Still, proper styling is required to make the crop work for your tresses.
Curly Hair Specialist Dusty Schlabach explains the challenge: “Curly hair sacrifices a lot of density throughout the length, so it may look limp without proper styling.”
A butterfly cut works on curls too, but requires dedicated diffusing for volume and lift. Without heat styling, the cut often falls flat, and you lose that signature “wing” effect that defines the butterfly.
Comparing the butterfly vs wolf cut for wavy hair helps you see which look works for your texture. Wavy hair has enough movement for the butterfly bounce AND enough texture for the wolf cut edge. So, you can try the butterfly cut and wolf cut options virtually to find your perfect match.
The wolf cut vs butterfly cut straight hair choice is not as univocal as it may seem. A wolf cut on straight hair can look surprisingly flat without texture-boosting products. The choppy layers that look amazing on textured hair sometimes fall limp on pin-straight strands.
Straight hair lacks natural movement, so butterfly layers create the dimension and bounce it desperately needs.
Both the wolf cut and butterfly cut for thick hair let your tresses thrive. While the butterfly cut removes weight at the ends, the wolf cut thins bulk throughout with choppy layers that create texture and reduce weight.
The wolf cut for thin hair typically wins this matchup, but the reasoning might surprise you.
The butterfly cut can actually make thin hair look thinner at the ends, because the lower layer placement removes bulk. The wolf cut, however, adds the illusion of fullness through crown layers and shorter pieces around the face.
Length changes everything, especially when it comes to the layered haircut comparison. The same cut performs completely differently at shoulder length and at waist length. So, take into account your current length.
Butterfly cut vs wolf cut long hair ideas give your locks room to breathe and show their full potential.
A long butterfly cut delivers classic bounce with dramatic volume and movement, providing contrast between shorter crown layers and longer back sections for the signature mullet-inspired silhouette.
A butterfly cut delivers layers and movement without going too dramatic. A medium wolf cut oozes maximum edge, with choppy layers creating serious texture and attitude. It looks best in casual settings where people embrace bold style choices.
Butterfly cut vs wolf cut short hair options deliver different results. A short wolf cut boasts shaggy texture and choppy layers that translate seamlessly to bobs and lobs. A short butterfly cut suggests some length to show layers properly.
The wolf cut and butterfly cut face shape compatibility considerations matter when choosing between these cuts.
Butterfly cut proves universally flattering when executed correctly. The face-framing layers are customized to any face shape, which explains the cut’s popularity.
Wolf cut/round face choices require consideration. The heavy crown volume can widen round faces, emphasizing horizontal rather than vertical proportions.
The butterfly cut vs wolf cut vs hush cut confusion should be cleared up. These three trending cuts all involve layers, but they sit on completely different points of the drama spectrum.
Hush cut represents the subtlest dramatic appeal out of the three options. It creates barely-there layers with minimal texture, embracing the “quiet luxury” aesthetic dominating fashion right now. The layers blend seamlessly, creating soft movement without obvious choppy sections.
Butterfly cut occupies the middle ground. Dramatic layers, yes, but with a polished finish. The layers create obvious structure and movement, but the overall effect reads refined rather than rebellious.
Wolf cut delivers maximum texture and edge, the most obvious layering, the choppiest texture, the boldest statement.
Consider these cuts on a spectrum: Hush (subtle), Butterfly (balanced), Wolf (bold). This positioning helps you understand where your aesthetic preference sits.
If butterfly feels too polished and wolf feels too wild, you’re not stuck with these two trending options. Several alternative layered haircuts might suit you better than either of the viral cuts.
The wolf cut’s mellower cousin delivers layered texture without going to extremes. Wolf cut and shag layers overlap significantly, but true shag cuts soften that choppiness while maintaining movement and dimension.
If the butterfly cut feels too fancy, and you want something timeless that won’t look dated in photos years from now, traditional long layers will work.
If a wolf cut isn’t bold enough for your personality, the modern mullet takes that short-front-long-back structure even further.
Some butterfly bounce, some wolf texture, but lower commitment than either of the cuts. The textured lob gives you layered movement around the face while keeping length manageable.
Test the waters first. Add signature front face-framing layers without committing to a full cut transformation.
Let’s get honest about the styling commitment each cut demands. Celebrity inspiration may seem easy to achieve, but reality demands daily decisions and time investment.
The butterfly cut maintenance requires dedication. Daily styling typically involves:
The wolf cut styling embraces minimal effort. Daily “styling” often means:
The best haircut for you works with your actual routine. So, be realistic about your styling habits before choosing between these styles!
Other guides tell you to “ask your stylist.” We say: see both on YOUR face first, then show your stylist exactly what you want. Virtual try-on eliminates the guessing game and prevents miscommunication that leads to salon disappointment.
Step 1: Go to TheRightHairstyles.com or download the HairHunt app (available on iOS and Android).
TheRightHairstyles has been a trusted hairstyle resource since 2013, with 300,000+ virtual try-ons completed. Its smart AI algorithm keeps learning to give you more realistic, flattering looks before you commit to any real-world changes.
Step 2: Browse the layered styles in the all “FEMALE” hairstyles category.
Look for butterfly-style cuts (longer layers, volume concentrated at mid-lengths, face-framing pieces) and wolf-style cuts (choppy texture, disconnected layers, shorter crown sections). The library includes variations of both cuts across different lengths and colors.
Step 3: Upload a clear, front-facing photo.
Use good lighting (natural light works best) and pull your hair back if possible, so the tool can show how each cut would look on you specifically.
Step 4: Try the butterfly cut and wolf cut options.
Don’t stop at one style. Test multiple variations of each style: long butterfly, medium butterfly, long wolf, short wolf. The tool provides an option to estimate several interpretations of each cut and understand the range of possibilities.
Step 5: Screenshot your favorites.
Save the versions you love and compare them side by side. Most importantly, bring these screenshots to your stylist as visual references during your consultation.
The platform’s AI technology helps you see how butterfly layers and wolf layers frame your features. These details matter significantly compared to how the cut looks on a celebrity or influencer.
Still unsure after reading everything? Here’s a simplified framework to help you out.
Choose a butterfly cut if:
Choose wolf cut if:
So, which is better butterfly or wolf cut? Sometimes you need to see both on your face to know. Try both and trust your gut reaction to the previews!
Here are the quick answers to the questions you’re Googling right now.
What is the difference between a butterfly cut and a wolf cut?
The butterfly cut has longer, lower layers that lift outward when blown out. The wolf cut has shorter, choppier layers concentrated at the crown; it’s edgy and textured.
Which is better for curly hair — butterfly or wolf cut?
Wolf cut typically works better for curly hair. The choppy layers blend naturally with texture and don’t require blow-drying. The butterfly cut needs heat styling for full effect, which can be challenging with curls.
Can I try a butterfly cut and a wolf cut before I cut my hair?
Yes. TheRightHairstyles lets you upload your photo and preview layered cuts, including butterfly and wolf styles.
Is the butterfly cut high maintenance?
Higher than a wolf cut. The butterfly cut maintenance requires blowout styling (15-20 min daily) to achieve the signature lift and bounce. The wolf cut suggests air-drying and a messy texture, which makes it more low-maintenance (5-10 min or less).
Which cut is better for thin hair?
A wolf cut usually works better for thin hair. The shorter crown layers add volume where thin hair needs it most. The butterfly cut can make thin ends look even thinner due to layer placement, removing bulk you don’t have in abundance.
What is the hush cut vs butterfly cut vs wolf cut confusion about?
The hush cut is the subtlest, featuring soft layers and minimal texture. The butterfly cut is dramatic, yet polished, with bouncy layers. The wolf cut is the most textured and edgy. Choose based on how bold you want to go.
So, what will it be this time, the butterfly or wolf cut? The answer lies somewhere between your aesthetic preferences, your hair texture, and your honest assessment of daily styling commitment. Try both on your photo in seconds with our virtual haircut try-on and the HairHunt app. Try Butterfly and Wolf Cuts for Free.
