19 Butterfly Haircut Medium Ideas You’ll Totally Want to Try

So, you’ve probably seen the butterfly haircut popping up all over Instagram and TikTok, right?

Those face-framing layers, that soft, bouncy shape—it’s basically the love child of the ‘90s Rachel cut and today’s effortless “I woke up like this” vibe.

And let me tell you, when you try it on medium-length hair, it hits that sweet spot between chic and low-maintenance.

I’ve been there: stuck between wanting long hair drama and short-hair convenience. The butterfly haircut gave me both.

If you’ve been scrolling through inspo pics wondering whether this style works for you, spoiler alert—it probably does. Let’s break down 19 butterfly haircut medium ideas that will have you calling your stylist ASAP.

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1. Classic Medium Butterfly Cut

This is the OG. Medium length, soft layers, face-framing perfection. It adds bounce and makes your hair look thicker (hello, volume!). If you don’t want to go too bold, this is your safest bet.

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2. Textured Butterfly Layers

Want that messy, “I just tossed my hair and it fell perfectly” look? Add extra texture to your butterfly layers. Use a texturizing spray, scrunch, and boom—you’ve got effortless cool-girl vibes.

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3. Shoulder-Length Butterfly Cut

If your hair sits right on the shoulders, the butterfly cut gives you movement without bulk. It’s chic, but still casual enough for every day.

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4. Butterfly Cut with Curtain Bangs

This combo is pure magic. Curtain bangs melt right into the layers, framing your face in the softest way possible. Ever wondered why every influencer seems to have this cut? Yeah, this is why.

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5. Medium Wavy Butterfly Cut

Got natural waves? Girl, you basically won the hair lottery. The butterfly cut enhances your waves, giving them that beachy bounce without any extra effort.

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6. Sleek Straight Butterfly Haircut

Not into texture? No worries. A butterfly cut on straight, medium hair still looks amazing. It adds shape and keeps it from looking flat. Pro tip: run a straightener through the ends for that “glass hair” finish.

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7. Butterfly Cut with Layers Around the Jaw

If you’ve got round cheeks or just want sharper definition, jaw-length layers are a game-changer. They slim the face and draw attention to your smile (or killer jawline, IMO).

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8. Medium Butterfly with Subtle Highlights

Highlights + butterfly cut = chef’s kiss. The layers help your highlights pop, creating depth and movement without you having to try too hard.

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9. Butterfly Haircut with Balayage

Balayage takes the butterfly cut from cute to Pinterest-worthy. The soft, blended tones play beautifully with layered cuts. Seriously, it’s like peanut butter and jelly—meant to be.

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10. Shaggy Butterfly Cut

Think butterfly, but with a little rock-n-roll edge. A shaggier version gives you more texture, more drama, and a little bit of attitude. Perfect if you’re not about that polished look.

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11. Butterfly Cut with Side-Swept Bangs

Not a curtain bangs person? Side-swept bangs blend into butterfly layers flawlessly. They add mystery (and cover a bad brow day, FYI).

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12. Butterfly Lob (Long Bob)

Yes, you can have a butterfly lob. Medium-length lobs with butterfly layers look classy and modern. It’s great if you’re not ready to fully commit to long hair.

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13. Medium Butterfly with Flipped Ends

Want to channel full-on ‘90s vibes? Flip the ends out with a blow dryer or round brush. The result screams supermodel chic.

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14. Butterfly Cut with Volume Blowout

This one’s for the drama queens (in the best way). A butterfly cut with a big, bouncy blowout is the definition of glam. Honestly, you’ll feel like you walked out of a shampoo commercial.

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15. Medium Butterfly with Subtle Layers Only

Not everyone loves dramatic layers. This version keeps the butterfly silhouette but tones down the volume. Great for a more professional, polished look.

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16. Butterfly Cut with Middle Part

The middle part gives symmetry and balance. Add butterfly layers, and suddenly your hair looks thicker, shinier, and way trendier.

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17. Medium Butterfly with Choppy Layers

If you’re not about soft and flowy, choppy layers give your cut a bold, edgy twist. It’s still butterfly, but with more personality.

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18. Butterfly Cut with Face-Framing Highlights

Think money pieces, but softer. Highlights around your face combined with butterfly layers literally light you up. It’s flattering on everyone.

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19. Medium Butterfly Cut for Thick Hair

Got thick hair that usually feels like too much? A butterfly cut helps remove bulk and gives you that lightweight, airy feel. Bonus: it’s way easier to style than just chopping it blunt.

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Why the Butterfly Cut Works So Well on Medium Hair

Here’s the deal: medium hair often feels like it’s in no-man’s-land. Not long enough for big drama, not short enough for instant edge. The butterfly cut saves the day because:

• It adds instant volume. Layers = bounce.
• It frames the face. Who doesn’t want cheekbones that pop?
• It’s versatile. Straight, wavy, curly—it works across the board.
• It grows out gracefully. No awkward mullet phase here.

Ever notice how some cuts only look good the day you leave the salon? Yeah, not this one. Even air-dried, it has shape and style.

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Styling Tips for a Medium Butterfly Cut

Okay, so you’ve got the cut. Now what?

• Round brush + blow dryer = magic. Use them together to flip those layers.
• Texturizing spray is your best friend. Keeps the cut from falling flat.
• Dry shampoo adds volume. Even on clean hair, a little puff at the roots works wonders.
• Don’t skip trims. The cut looks best with fresh, sharp layers.

And honestly? The butterfly cut is forgiving. You don’t need a full glam squad to make it work every morning.

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My Honest Take on the Medium Butterfly Cut

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. I thought it would look too “done” for my lazy hair routine. But the reality? It gave my hair more movement with less effort. The face-framing layers make me look like I put thought into my hair—even when I didn’t.

Would I recommend it? 100%. Especially if you’ve been stuck in the “straight across trim” rut. This cut is like an instant refresh button.

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Final Thoughts

So there you have it—19 butterfly haircut medium ideas that prove this cut is way more versatile than you think. Whether you’re into sleek and polished, textured and messy, or glam and voluminous, there’s a version that’ll make you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if you don’t).

My advice? Take a few of these ideas to your stylist, see what fits your vibe, and don’t be afraid to play around. Hair grows, but the confidence boost this cut gives? That’s instant.

Now, are you ready to book that salon appointment or are you still scrolling through inspo pics pretending you’re “just thinking about it”?