When it comes to funky hairstyles, the butterfly cut and the wolf cut are favorites among the fashion-forward crowd. Both of these hairstyles have vivid layers that represent a statement and can add personality and a bold sense of style. If you're thinking about changing your hairstyle and can't decide exactly which one to try, read on. In this article, we'll explore the differences between two popular hairstyles, the butterfly haircut, and the wolf cut, so get ready to get inspired.
Check the Difference Between Wolf Cut and Butterfly Cut
The butterfly cut and wolf cut may look similar, but they can achieve completely different and beautiful results. Typically, the butterfly cut has softer, more ethereal layers that exude elegance and femininity, while the wolf cut has fluffy, edgy layers that are more rebellious and free-spirited. Below I have listed the detailed features and differences between butterfly cut and wolf cut for you, take a look!
| Feature | Butterfly Cut | Wolf Cut |
| Style | Layered cut with voluminous top layers and face-framing pieces. | Shaggy, textured cut with a mix of short and long layers. |
| Volume | High volume at the crown and top layers. | Volume throughout, especially in the mid-lengths. |
| Styling | It can be styled with curls or waves for a softer look. | Typically worn with a more natural, messy texture. |
| Face Shape Suitability | Versatile, suits most face shapes. | Best for heart and oval face shapes. |
What Is a Butterfly Haircut?
◆ Appearance: The butterfly cut looks like a light, feathery cut that creates a light and airy look. It is named vividly because this hairstyle resembles the delicate wings of a butterfly.
◆ Style: The butterfly haircut exudes whimsical femininity that adds a touch of elegance and hormones to your overall look.
◆ Texture: The layers of the butterfly cut are more ethereal compared to the wolf cut, giving it a softer, less structured look that is usually styled with captain bangs.
◆ Versatility: This hairstyle is more versatile because it can be adapted to different lengths and textures of hair, making it suitable for all face shapes and hair types.
Butterfly Cut Hair Inspiration
Butterfly Cut Curly Hair
This version of the butterfly cut works especially well on curls. The shorter layers around the top keep the hair from feeling heavy, while the longer layers below let the curls fall freely. The overall shape feels soft and airy, giving curls more movement without making them look overly styled.
Butterfly Cut Long Hair
On long hair, the butterfly cut adds dimension without sacrificing length. The layered structure creates natural volume at the crown and a flowing effect through the ends, making the hair look fuller and more dynamic even with minimal styling.
Butterfly Cut With Bangs
When paired with bangs, the butterfly cut feels more romantic and face-framing. The front layers blend smoothly into the rest of the cut, softening the overall look and drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. It’s a great option if you want something trendy but still very wearable.
What Is a Wolf Cut?
◆ Appearance: the wolf hairstyle is characterized by edgy, tousled layers that create a bold, fierce look. We could say it's a fusion of shag and mullet.
◆ Style: It's a blend of vintage and modern aesthetics, you can use it to pay respect to the 70s without losing the modernity.
◆ Texture: Compared to the butterfly cut, the wolf cut presents a multi-layered, blunt look that is more rugged and rebellious.
◆ Versatility: While the wolf cut can be styled in a variety of ways, it is nevertheless more suited to short to medium hair lengths. This edgy look is great for those who want a striking look.
◆ Wolf Cuts Hair Inspiration
Wolf Cut Short Hair
A short wolf cut leans into texture and attitude. The shorter top layers create volume and movement, while the choppy ends give the style its signature edgy feel. It looks intentionally messy in a way that feels modern and confident.
Wolf Cut Long Hair
With longer lengths, the wolf cut becomes more relaxed while keeping its bold character. The layered mid-sections add shape and flow, making the hair look effortless rather than heavy. This version feels easier to wear day to day but still stands out.
Wolf Cut Curly Hair
On curly hair, the wolf cut looks expressive and full of personality. The layered shape enhances natural volume and gives curls a more defined silhouette, creating a style that feels wild, free, and unapologetically textured.
The Combination of Butterfly Cut and Wolf Cut
For those of you who have a hard time choosing, I'd like to recommend this wolf & butterfly haircut. the professional hairdresser in this video realized the client's request perfectly, and the layering and face-framing are very impressive.
Butterfly vs Wolf Cut: Which One Suits You?
Choosing the perfect haircut can be a daunting task, especially when considering factors like face shape and lifestyle. Fear not! Let's dive into the details to help you decide.
Face Shapes
Butterfly Cut: This style suits a variety of face shapes, including oval, round, and heart-shaped faces. The soft, feathered layers of the butterfly cut can help soften angular features and enhance facial symmetry.
Wolf Cut: The wolf cut is best suited for oval and heart-shaped faces. The edgy, choppy layers can add volume and texture, complementing these face shapes.
Lifestyle Considerations
Butterfly Cut: If you have a busy lifestyle and prefer a low-maintenance hairstyle, the butterfly cut may be more suitable. Its soft, flowing layers require minimal styling and upkeep.
Wolf Cut: The wolf cut may require more maintenance and styling due to its textured, choppy layers. If you enjoy experimenting with different looks and don't mind spending time styling your hair, the wolf cut could be a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these cuts require special styling tools or products to look good every day?
Both the butterfly cut and wolf cut will look great with very minimal effort, but adding texture spray or a light mousse helps define layers and movement without feeling heavy. A round brush plus blow-dryer gives more polished volume for butterfly cuts, while just scrunching with a bit of sea salt or dry shampoo enhances the wolf’s natural texture.
Can I ask for a hybrid of both styles?
Yes — many stylists blend into “feathered wolf” or “textured butterfly” interpretations. The key is to show clear reference images and describe what you want in terms of layer density, top volume, and overall finish (sleek vs messy).
Will these cuts help fine, limp hair look thicker?
The butterfly cut, in particular, is often chosen by people with finer hair because the way the layers are structured can create an illusion of thickness and bounce. The wolf cut can also add body, but heavier texturizing tends to show more effect with waves or natural texture.
How do these cuts grow out over time
Because both styles use layers rather than blunt lengths, they tend to grow out more gracefully than straight cuts. The wolf cut’s textured, messy aesthetic helps disguise length changes, while the butterfly cut’s cascading layers soften regrowth lines.
