Butterfly Cut Vs. Wolf Cut: What Is The Difference?

You don’t want to miss the unique features of these popular, chic, and trendy hairstyles.

Written by Manjari Uppal, MSc Manjari Uppal MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc Eshna Das BA, MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) Joyce Joyson MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) linkedin_icon
Last Updated on

The butterfly cut Vs. wolf cut debate has captured everyone’s attention, and for good reason. While both cuts cater to different tastes and personalities, they stole the spotlight from many other hairstyles as individuals were seeking stylish ways to revamp their looks.

As both these styles gain popularity, it is important to understand what makes each one special. In this article, we will further discuss the intricacies of both the hairstyles. Whether you are looking for something fresh or are just someone who loves learning about hairstyles, this article is for you. Continue reading!

What Is The Wolf Cut?

Georgie Fowler with a wolf cut
Image: Shutterstock

The wolf-cut hairstyle is trendy and edgy. It combines the shaggy haircut with the long mullet, creating a unique hairstyle with dramatic layers and varying lengths. Celebrities like Billie Eilish, Jenna Ortega, Kaia Gerber, and Miley Cyrus have flaunted this hairstyle and made it even more popular among netizens today.

Whether you want to make a bold statement or have a low-maintenance yet impactful hairstyle, the wolf cut offers a cool aesthetic that helps embrace individuality and self-expression. Before you go running to the hair salon, it is important to understand the key features of this beautiful haircut and what makes it so special. Scroll down to the next section to find out.

Key Features Of The Wolf Haircut And How To Style It

The wolf haircut is equal parts fierce and edgy. Find out what adds to its rebellious charm below:

  • Layered Texture: The wolf cut typically involves edgy layers of varying lengths that help create dimension and volume. They can be strategically placed to frame the face and enhance natural movement.
  • Jagged Ends: Unlike conventional hairstyles with clean, blunt ends, the wolf cut features uneven, textured ends that offer an edgy and messy look that contributes to its overall aesthetic.
  • Versatility: One of the most appealing aspects of the wolf cut is its versatility. It can be tailored to suit different hair types, lengths, and face shapes.
  • Low Maintenance: Despite its stylish appearance, the wolf cut requires minimal styling effort, making it ideal for those who prefer a simple hair routine.
  • Expressive Freedom: The wolf cut offers boundless opportunities for individuals to experiment with bold colors or subtle highlights that tailor reflect their unique style and personality.

The right tips and tricks can make your wolf cut stand out and get the crowd talking. Find out what they are below.

Tips For Styling A Wolf Cut

You can incorporate the styling tips below to make your wolf cut one of a kind. These include:

  • Brush or comb your hair daily to prevent tangles. You can use a detangling spray to undo the knots without damaging your hair.
  • Use a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated, smooth, and healthy. Avoid this if you have fine hair as it can weigh it down.
  • Get regular trims every six to ten weeks to preserve the layers and shape.
  • Choose bangs that complement your face shape and enhance your best facial features. For instance, those with square or rectangular faces can opt for curtain bangs, whereas those with round faces can go for side-swept bangs.
  • Achieve the best look with a combination of air-drying and blow-drying. After air-drying partially, use a diffuser and scrunch the hair upwards for a soft, wavy finish.
  • Individuals with fine or straight hair can use sea salt spray to enhance the natural bends, while those with wavy or curly hair types can use a styling cream or curl mousse to tame frizz and define the curls.
  • Spritz some hairspray lightly from a distance to avoid oversaturating the roots.

 The wolf cut is indeed a haircut worth spending all those dollars for. But before you settle on your choice, check out the following sections to explore the whimsical allure of the butterfly haircut.

What Is The Butterfly Haircut?

Shania Twain with the butterfly hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

The butterfly cut features voluminous layers on the sides that create a wing-like effect while maintaining a sleeker structure in the center. It is a modern interpretation of the medium shag haircut, designed to frame the face with subtle layering. This contemporary hairstyle has surged in popularity across all social media platforms and for good reason. With a combination of short and long layers for natural volume and movement, the butterfly cut makes an instant style statement.

Jen, a YouTuber, shares her experience of doing a modified version of the “butterfly cut” in her vlog. She recounts, “ I thinned it out at the edges because my hair is super thick. Feels so much lighter. I added a few loose curls to give it some body. I’m so in love. It feels a million pounds lighter (i).”

protip_icon Did You Know?
The term “butterfly haircut” was coined by hairstylist Susie Brook.

The butterfly cut is a subtle yet beautiful way of elevating your look. Find out what makes this hairstyle so unique in the section below.

Key Features Of The Butterfly Haircut And How To Style It

Faith Hill sporting butterfly haircut
Image: Shutterstock

The butterfly cut has gained popularity today for the following reasons:

  • Soft, Face-Framing Layers: The butterfly haircut is characterized by soft, feathered layers that add texture and movement to the hair. Plus, the way it beautifully frames the face helps draw attention to the cheekbones, jawline, and eyes.
  • Elegance And Grace: The delicate layers and sophisticated silhouette of the hairstyle provide a refined and polished look that enhances one’s natural beauty.
  • Timeless Appeal: Its classic yet contemporary design possesses a timeless appeal that transcends trends, making it a popular look for various occasions and personal styles.
  • Minimal Styling: This layered haircut requires little to no styling effort, making it an ideal choice for those seeking subtle simplicity in their look.

You can customize the elegant yet minimalistic butterfly cut to capture different aspects of your personality easily. Check out the next section for some simple tips.

Tips For Styling The Butterfly Cut

Here are some easy tips and tricks to make your haircut look flawless every single time. They include:

  • Use a good volumizing product to accentuate the “wings” and add lift and fullness to the sides.
  • Apply a smoothing serum to the center to control frizz, add shine, and create a sleek, polished finish.
  • Regularly condition your hair to make it more manageable and less prone to breakage.
  • Go for regular trims to prevent split ends and preserve the shape and structure of the hairstyle.
  • Use a heat protectant spray or serum before styling your tresses to minimize heat damage and frizz.

Both the butterfly cut and the wolf cut can give you the hair of your dreams. But if you are still confused and need a bit more clarity, check out the next section for the key differences between the two haircuts.

Butterfly Cut Vs. Wolf Cut: Key Differences

The butterfly cut and wolf cut each have distinct characteristics that set them apart. These include:

FeaturesButterfly CutWolf Cut
TextureIt typically works well with longer hair and creates a seamless transition between lengths.It works well with short hair and features dramatic, choppy layers with varying lengths and a tousled appearance.
Hair Length It is suitable for various hair textures, ranging from straight to wavy hair.It is perfect for curly or wavy hair.
Aesthetic AppealThe butterfly cut exudes a polished and refined appearance, appealing to those who prefer a sophisticated look.The wolf cut projects a rebellious and edgy vibe that reflects a carefree spirit.
StylingIt is suitable for formal events as it can easily be part of intricate braids and elegant updos. You can also achieve a polished look with just a simple blowout or soft curls.It can be tucked into a messy bun or you can embrace the natural texture for a relaxed, carefree vibe.
Maintenance And RegrowthYou may need to get more frequent trims to uphold its refined look.The textured and layered style offers greater adaptability to regrowth.

While the butterfly cut and wolf cut have distinct styles that cater to different styles and preferences, there are certain similarities between them. Find out what they are below.

Similarities Between The Butterfly Cut And The Wolf Cut

Both the butterfly cut and the wolf cut share the following similarities:

  • Hair Texture Maximization: Both haircuts focus on creating a textured, dimensional look. While the butterfly cut achieves this through elevation and bounce, the wolf cut achieves it through distressed layers and thinning shears.
  • Elevation And Volume: Both styles emphasize elevation and volume in their distinctive ways. The wolf cut elevates the strands to showcase texture, while the butterfly cut adds density and bounce, particularly at the back.

If you are still finding it difficult to choose between these amazing haircuts, do not worry. Check out the next section for some simple tips to help you decide the right haircut for you.

Factors To Analyze When Choosing Between The Butterfly Cut and The Wolf Cut

Here are some of the factors you should consider before finalizing your choice:

  • Face Shape: Keep your face shape and features in mind when choosing between the two cuts. The butterfly cut accentuates facial features and is suitable for diamond or heart-shaped faces. On the other hand, the tapered outline and disheveled layers add definition and elongate the face, making them ideal for round and oval face shapes.
  • Hair Texture: Analyze your hair texture and how it will interact with each style. The butterfly cut’s soft layers work well with most textures, while the wolf cut’s textured finish complements coarser or thicker hair types.
  • Maintenance And Lifestyle: Assess your lifestyle and whether you are looking for something low-key or high-maintenance. The butterfly cut often requires minimal styling, making it perfect for individuals with busy routines, whereas the wolf cut may require more upkeep to maintain its edgy texture.
  • Personal Style: Last but not least, evaluate your personal style and the aesthetic you want to achieve. The butterfly cut exudes elegance and sophistication, while the wolf cut offers a more rebellious and dynamic vibe.
protip_icon Quick Tip
You can use virtual hairstyle apps to help you visualize how each haircut will look on you before you finalize your decision.

Keeping these important factors in mind can help you arrive at a decision that aligns with your personal style and practical needs.

The wolf cut and butterfly cut offer unique expressions of beauty and individuality. The wolf cut captures the rebellious spirit, making a bold statement for those who embrace adventure. On the other hand, the butterfly cut exudes elegance and grace, ideal for those seeking a timeless and refined appearance. So, whether you opt for the refined allure of the butterfly cut or the edgy charm of the wolf cut, ensure you keep your face shape, personal style, and lifestyle in mind before you go for the haircut of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a butterfly cut or a wolf cut be achieved with different hair colors or highlights?

Yes, both the butterfly cut and wolf cut can be achieved with different hair colors or highlights to add dimension and depth to the style. For example, you can add blonde or honey highlights to accentuate the layers in a butterfly cut. On the other hand, you can use bold colors such as blue or purple to enhance the edgy vibe of a wolf cut.

Which cut is more gender-neutral in terms of styling?

Both the butterfly cut and wolf cut can be styled to suit anyone’s preferences and aesthetics, regardless of gender.

Do either the butterfly cut or the wolf cut work well with bangs?

Yes, both cuts work well with bangs. It ultimately depends on the desired look. For instance, soft, wispy bangs perfectly complement the elegance of the butterfly cut, whereas choppy or asymmetrical bangs add to the edginess of the wolf cut.

Key Takeaways

  • The butterfly cut features a mixture of short and long layers that help add volume and bounce to your hair. On the other hand, the wolf cut combines the classic shag with the retro mullet to create a rebellious and dynamic vibe.
  • Both the wolf cut and butterfly cut focus on adding volume and texture to the look.
  • It is important to consider factors such as face shape, hair texture, maintenance needs, and personal style before choosing your hairstyle.

Deciding between the edgy wolf cut and the elegant butterfly cut can be confusing and daunting. But fret not. Check out this informative video to learn about which haircut works best for you and captures your personal style perfectly.

Personal Experience: Source

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Manjari Uppal
Manjari Uppal Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience in writing across different niches, including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has since honed her craft to perfection.

Read full bio of Manjari Uppal
Eshna Das
Eshna DasAssociate Editor
Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Joyce Joyson
Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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