21 Trendy Butterfly Haircut Tutorials for Short Hair

Get ready to transform your short hair with the most sought-after style of the moment, all from the comfort of your own home!

If you’ve been captivated by the voluminous, bouncy, and effortlessly chic butterfly haircut but wondered if it’s achievable on shorter locks, your hopeful journey begins here.

This comprehensive guide, 21 Trendy Butterfly Haircut Tutorials for Short Hair, is designed to empower you with step-by-step instructions and insightful tips, making the dream of a DIY butterfly cut a beautiful reality.

Prepare to unlock the secrets to a stunning, face-framing style that will leave you feeling confident and utterly refreshed!

Here’s an overview of what you’ll discover in this article: We’ll start by reinforcing the essential preparation steps and tools crucial for any at-home haircut.

Then, we’ll dive into 23 distinct, easy-to-follow tutorials, each explaining a specific technique or variation of the butterfly haircut tailored for short hair.

You’ll learn how to create various types of layers, blend effectively, and adapt the cut to different hair textures and desired outcomes.

Finally, we’ll provide critical advice for checking your work, refining the cut, and maintaining your gorgeous new style.

1. Essential Preparation: The Foundation of Success

Before you even pick up your shears, proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth, precise, and satisfying at-home haircut. Don’t skip these crucial steps, as they lay the groundwork for your trendy new look.

• Start with Clean, Damp Hair: Wash and condition your hair, then towel-dry it until it’s damp but not dripping wet. Damp hair is easier to section and cut accurately.
• Thorough Detangling: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle all knots. Your comb should glide through your hair smoothly without snagging.
• Optimal Lighting and Mirrors: Position yourself in a well-lit area with both a large wall mirror and a hand mirror. This allows you to see all angles of your head.
• Protect Your Space: Lay down an old towel or a neck cape to protect your clothing and catch fallen hair.

2. Must-Have Tools for Your DIY Tutorial

Having the right tools is paramount for achieving a clean, precise, and professional-looking at-home haircut. Invest in quality items; they make a significant difference.

• Sharp Hair Shears: This is the most important tool. Do not use kitchen or craft scissors, as they will damage your hair and create split ends.
• Texturizing Shears (Thinning Shears): Optional, but highly recommended for removing bulk and creating soft, blended layers, especially for thicker hair.
• Fine-Tooth Comb: Essential for creating clean, precise parts and smoothing sections.
• Hair Clips or Sectioning Clips: Use these to neatly separate and hold sections of hair out of your way as you work.
• Spray Bottle with Water: To re-dampen sections of your hair as needed throughout the cutting process.

3. The Basic Front Ponytail Method (Face-Framing Focus)

This is the most common starting point for a DIY butterfly cut on short hair, focusing on creating those signature face-framing layers.

• Tutorial: Comb all the hair from the very top of your head (from your temples and hairline straight back to the crown) forward. Gather it into a smooth, tight ponytail directly on your forehead, centered between your eyebrows.
• Cut: Hold the ponytail straight out from your forehead. Using point cutting (cutting vertically into the ends), trim off 1-3 inches, depending on your desired shortest face-framing length (chin-length is common for short hair).
• Result: Soft, sweeping layers that frame your face and add movement.

4. The Two-Ponytail Method (Max Volume for Shorter Hair)

This method provides more layers and volume throughout the top and back of your short hair, creating a fuller butterfly effect.

• Tutorial: First, create the front ponytail as described in Tutorial 3. Then, gather the remaining hair from the back of your head (from the crown downwards) and comb it forward into a second, lower ponytail on top of your head, just behind the first.
• Cut: Point cut the ends of both ponytails. The second ponytail can be cut slightly longer than the first to ensure proper blending.
• Result: Enhanced volume and layered movement throughout the entire top and back of your short hair.

5. Butterfly Bob for Subtle Face Frame

If you have a short bob and want to add just a touch of the butterfly effect, this tutorial focuses on minimal, gentle layering around the face.

• Tutorial: Use the basic front ponytail method (Tutorial 3).
• Cut: Point cut only 1 inch off the ends of the ponytail.
• Result: Soft, subtle face-framing layers that blend seamlessly into your bob, adding a hint of movement without drastic changes.

6. Layered Pixie Butterfly Edition

Transform your longer pixie into a softer, more voluminous style with a few strategic butterfly layers.

• Tutorial: Gather the hair from the top and front of your pixie into a very small front ponytail on your forehead.
• Cut: Point cut 1-2 inches off this small ponytail, depending on your desired volume and how short your pixie is.
• Refine: After releasing, use texturizing shears lightly on the top layers to add extra airy movement.
• Result: A playful, voluminous top that softens the edges of your pixie and frames your face.

7. Shaggy Butterfly Lob DIY

Achieve a trendy, undone, and voluminous look by combining the shaggy aesthetic with butterfly layers on your lob.

• Tutorial: Use the two-ponytail method (Tutorial 4). For the front ponytail, cut 2-4 inches. For the second, cut slightly less.
• Texturize: After releasing, take small vertical sections and use your regular shears to “chip” into the ends for a more disconnected, shaggy finish. Follow with light use of texturizing shears.
• Result: A super textured, bouncy lob with distinct, yet soft, layers.

8. Enhancing Natural Waves (DIY Butterfly)

This tutorial focuses on how to cut a butterfly style that beautifully complements and enhances your natural waves.

• Tutorial: Use the two-ponytail method (Tutorial 4).
• Consider Shrinkage: When cutting, remember that wet wavy hair will spring up when dry. Cut slightly longer than your desired dry length.
• Styling Post-Cut: After releasing, scrunch your hair with a wave-enhancing cream or mousse and air dry or diffuse.
• Result: Voluminous, defined waves that stack perfectly due to the layered structure.

9. Defining Natural Curls (DIY Butterfly)

For curly hair, the butterfly cut can reduce bulk and define individual coils. This tutorial guides you through a curl-friendly approach.

• Tutorial: Use the front ponytail method (Tutorial 3). For maximum curl definition, consider cutting your hair dry, curl by curl, after the main ponytail cut.
• Cut Slowly: Point cut very small amounts (0.5-1 inch) off the ponytail, allowing for curl shrinkage.
• Refine: After releasing, separate individual curl clumps and very lightly snip into them to remove bulk and define shape.
• Result: Bouncy, well-defined curls that frame your face and have beautiful internal volume.

10. Butterfly Cut with Soft Curtain Bangs (DIY)

Create the popular, face-framing curtain bangs that blend seamlessly with your new butterfly layers.

• Tutorial: Start with the basic front ponytail method (Tutorial 3), cutting your butterfly layers.
• Bangs Section: After releasing, create a triangular section for your bangs, starting from your part and extending to just outside your eyebrows.
• Cut: Comb this section straight down. Holding your shears vertically, point cut upwards into the middle of the section, creating a slight “V” shape or inverted arc. Then, angle your shears to connect the longer sides to your existing face-framing layers.
• Result: Soft, parted bangs that sweep beautifully to the sides and frame your face.

11. Butterfly Cut with Wispy Bangs (DIY)

For a light, airy fringe that complements your short butterfly layers, try these wispy bangs.

• Tutorial: Start with the basic front ponytail method (Tutorial 3).
• Bangs Section: Take a smaller, shallow triangular section of hair for your bangs (about 1 inch deep).
• Cut: Hold the section straight down. Point cut vertically into the ends, aiming for a length just above your eyebrows. The key is to take very small snips to create the wispy effect.
• Result: A delicate, soft fringe that adds a youthful touch without being too heavy.

12. Butterfly Cut with Deep Side Part (DIY Style)

This “tutorial” is more of a styling technique after your cut, maximizing the butterfly effect with a deep side part for dramatic volume.

• Tutorial: After performing any of the cutting tutorials, create a deep side part when styling your hair.
• Blow Dry: Use a round brush to lift the hair at the roots of your deep part and blow dry upwards and away from your face.
• Result: Instant volume at the crown and a dramatic sweep of your butterfly layers across your forehead, creating an elegant, asymmetrical look.

13. Butterfly Cut for Fine Hair (Strategic Layers)

This tutorial focuses on adding volume to fine hair without making it look thinner through over-layering.

• Tutorial: Use only the basic front ponytail method (Tutorial 3).
• Cut Less: Cut only 0.5-1 inch off the ponytail, using precise point cutting.
• Avoid Second Ponytail: For very fine hair, avoid the second ponytail method as it can remove too much density.
• Styling Focus: After cutting, use volumizing mousse and blow dry with a round brush at the roots for maximum lift.
• Result: Fuller-looking short hair with a gentle butterfly frame that doesn’t feel sparse.

14. Butterfly Cut for Thick Hair (Weight Removal)

For thick short hair, the butterfly cut is excellent for removing bulk and adding movement. This tutorial guides you through it.

• Tutorial: Use the two-ponytail method (Tutorial 4). You can be slightly more generous with the length you cut off (2-5 inches).
• Use Texturizing Shears: After releasing the ponytails, take small vertical sections of your hair. Use your texturizing shears through the very ends (the last 1-2 inches) to remove significant bulk and create a lighter feel.
• Result: Manageable, voluminous thick hair with defined, bouncy butterfly layers.

15. The “Twist and Cut” Method (Simplified Layers)

A very simple alternative to the ponytail method for creating quick layers, especially if you’re nervous about precision.

• Tutorial: Part your hair down the middle. Take one section, twist it tightly away from your face, then cut straight across the end of the twisted section. Repeat on the other side.
• Caution: This method is less precise than ponytails and can result in choppier layers. Only cut small amounts.
• Result: Quick, albeit less precise, layers that add some movement and can be refined later.

16. The “Slide Cutting” Method (for Softer Ends)

This technique creates very soft, seamless layers without blunt lines, best for experienced DIYers.

• Tutorial: After performing a basic ponytail cut, take a small section of hair. Hold your shears partially open and gently slide them downwards along the hair shaft, from mid-length to ends, to thin and soften.
• Caution: Practice on a small, hidden section first. Too much pressure can create jagged lines.
• Result: Exceptionally soft, blended layers that melt into your existing length.

17. The “Hair Flip” Method for Back Layers

A simple trick to add some layers to the back of your short hair if you find it hard to reach.

• Tutorial: Lean your head forward so all your hair hangs towards the floor. Comb it smooth.
• Cut: Lightly trim the very ends straight across. When you flip your head back up, this should create subtle layers at the back.
• Result: A quick way to add some subtle internal layering to the back of your short hair.

18. Refining and Blending Side Layers

After the main cuts, pay attention to the sides to ensure they blend seamlessly with your new face-framing layers.

• Tutorial: Take small vertical sections of hair from your side. Hold the hair out from your head.
• Cut: Gently point cut into the ends, aiming to blend any shorter face-framing pieces with the longer hair behind the ear.
• Result: A harmonious flow between your front and back layers, eliminating any awkward disconnections.

19. Checking for Symmetry (Crucial Step!)

This is arguably the most important tutorial after cutting, ensuring your DIY butterfly cut is even and balanced.

• Tutorial: Blow-dry your hair completely, styling it as you normally would. Hair behaves differently when dry, and unevenness becomes more apparent.
• Visual Inspection: Stand in front of a large mirror. Use your hand mirror to check the back and sides. Look from all angles.
• Pinch and Compare: Take small sections of hair on opposite sides of your head, pinch them at the same point, and visually compare their lengths.
• Adjust Slowly: Make very small, precise trims to correct any unevenness. Remember: less is more.
• Result: A well-balanced, symmetrical short butterfly haircut.

20. Adding Texture with Texturizing Shears

To give your butterfly cut that airy, deconstructed feel, learn to use texturizing shears effectively.

• Tutorial: After your main cut, take small vertical sections of your hair, especially at the ends of your layers.
• Cut: Open your texturizing shears, place them about 1-2 inches from the ends, and make one or two snips. Do not slide them down the hair shaft.
• Caution: Use sparingly! Overuse can make hair appear thin or stringy.
• Result: Soft, diffused ends that add volume and a lightweight feel.

21. Post-Cut Styling Tips (Making Your Butterfly Soar)

The right styling can transform your DIY cut into a salon-quality look.

• Tutorial: Apply a heat protectant to dry hair. Use a volumizing mousse or root lifter to damp hair before blow-drying.
• Blow Dry: With a round brush, blow dry your face-framing layers away from your face for the signature “wing” effect. Lift at the roots for volume.
• Finish: Apply a light texturizing spray for definition and a light-hold hairspray for longevity.
• Result: A bouncy, voluminous, and perfectly styled short butterfly haircut that showcases your new layers.

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Tutorial Focus	Best For	Key Skill Learned	DIY Confidence Level
Basic Front Ponytail	First-timers, subtle layers	Face-framing, point cutting	Beginner
Two Ponytail Method	More volume, layered look	Multi-layered approach	Intermediate
Enhancing Natural Texture	Wavy/Curly hair	Accommodating hair type, shrinkage	Intermediate
Adding Bangs	Anyone wanting a fringe	Precise bang sectioning, shaping	Intermediate/Advanced
Refining & Checking	All DIY cuts	Eye for symmetry, subtle corrections	Essential for All

You’ve now embarked on a journey through 21 Trendy Butterfly Haircut Tutorials for Short Hair, discovering that achieving this beautiful style at home is well within your grasp!

From mastering the fundamental ponytail methods to refining specific textures and perfecting your face-framing layers, you have the knowledge to confidently take control of your look.

Remember to be patient, take it slow, and enjoy the creative process.

Get ready to flaunt a stunning, bouncy, and perfectly framed short butterfly haircut that’s uniquely yours!