All About the Butterfly Bob Haircut, the Ultimate Flirty, Fall-Coded Chop

The seasons are changing and the air is officially starting to get crisp. You know what that means: It's time to order pumpkin spice everything, pull out your cream-colored cardigans, marathon Gilmore Girls, and undergo a major hair transformation, obviously. While fashion has taken over food aesthetics (butter yellow this, dill green that), hair has dominated the animal kingdom (hello, calico hair and jellyfish haircuts). When autumn rolls around, butterfly haircuts enter the chat.

Butterfly cuts—characterized by wispy layers that create soft movement, akin to fluttering butterfly wings—have been all the rage, with the airy layers being a popular ask for cascading long lengths. Now, it's time to pass the baton to its bob counterpart, which embraces the same idea just with shorter hair, giving way to a bouncier, cropped look and a more textured, fresh take on the classic bob.

This hairstyle is fun and flirty—and considering it's gained popularity with celebrities like Zendaya and Jenna Ortega, it's no wonder that it’s trending. In fact, it's become a major go-to for the former, who often seesaws between waist-skimming locks and a full-bodied layered bob. Laura Harrier, Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, and more are also fans.

Not only does the butterfly bob breathe new life into the standard bob, but it also provides a minimalistic yet well-defined look. It's a perfect choice for those who desire a hairstyle with shape and body that’s not overly elaborate or time-consuming to style.

To navigate trying this style, InStyle reached out to the pros to break it all down. Together, they shared everything you need to know before you embrace the playful butterfly bob.

What Is the Butterfly Bob Haircut?

"The butterfly bob is a less structured version of a traditional bob," Wright says. The playful and romantic style features soft, feathery layers with shorter pieces that frame the face. The name "butterfly" bob comes from the shorter layers at the front of the hair, which resemble butterfly wings. The combination of layers and shorter strands gives way to a bouncy, voluminous chop with lots of movement.

Does the Butterfly Bob Suit Any Face Shape?

When it comes to choosing a new hairstyle, determining what will complement your face shape can be quite challenging. According to Redway, the butterfly bob has the unique ability to adapt to any face shape simply by adjusting the face-framing pieces. Wright concurs, adding that the length and direction of your layers, too, can be customized based on specific face shape. “For a more oval face shape, the layers flow or sweep away from the face, which is very flattering,” he says. “Individuals with round or square faces can also rock the butterfly bob because it frames the face and creates an illusion of a longer shape.”

Can the Butterfly Bob Work on Any Hair Texture?

Butterfly haircuts are loved for their versatility in both the length and texture departments, and that certainly holds true for the bob version. “The cut of this hairstyle has flow, which makes it easier for wavy or textured hair to have an effortless shape that is accentuated with minimal time styling,” Wright says. “If you have thick and coarse hair, find a stylist who has done this style before and incorporates texturizing techniques into their cuts.” He adds that the curtain bang effect can be more challenging on tight curls and coils, but not impossible. “For those with finer, thinner, straight, or unruly hair, you may have to incorporate hot tools in order to maintain this style,” Wright says.

How to Style the Butterfly Bob

There are a plethora of ways to style a butterfly bob. One option is to create a simple, elegant look by blow-drying the hair with a round brush and using a lightweight product to create a smooth, sleek finish. Another way is to create a more voluminous look by blow-drying the hair with a diffuser and using a volumizing product for extra body.  “I love a version that is slightly wavy and a little tousled, almost like rockstar hair,” Ledway says; Billie Eilish's platinum iteration serves as a great example. “I also love a glamorous blown-out version, with big and bouncy curls.”

To create a sleek, blown-out butterfly bob, Wright recommends following the steps below.

Step 1

Start with clean, dry hair. Then apply a leave-in conditioner. “A good leave-in conditioner/detangler will keep your hair smooth and manageable. I recommend the Ourx Treatment Leave In for lightweight hydration that doesn’t weigh the hair down while rocking this style,” Wright says.

Step 2

Once hair is prepped, separate your hair into four sections—two in the front and two in the back. Use hair clips or bands to keep the sections separate.

Step 3

Begin styling the back sections. “Remember to use a heat protectant before using any heat styling tools; it will help protect your hair and maintain your style,” he says. Take one of the back sections of hair and comb it thoroughly to remove any tangles. Then, grab a small section of hair from the bottom and use a curling iron to create loose curls. Repeat this step until all the hair in the back section is curled.

Step 4

Move on to the front sections. Take one of the front sections of hair and comb it out. Use a straightener to create sleek, straight hair with a slight bend at the end. Repeat this step for the other front section of hair.

Step 5

Once all sections of your hair have been styled, carefully remove the clips or bands and let the hair fall into place. Use a brush or comb to blend the curls and straightened sections together for a seamless look. Use a flat iron to smooth out any unwanted frizz or flyaways. 

Step 6

Add some finishing touches. To enhance the butterfly shape, you can use bobby pins or hair accessories to pin back the sides of your hair, creating a slight "V" shape at the back, then apply a product that adds a light shine.

How to Maintain a Butterfly Bob

First and foremost, to prevent any potential harm to your locks, it's crucial to minimize heat use. “Refrain from excessive heat styling and always apply a protective product,” Wright says. Additionally, ensure that you maintain the shape of your haircut. "This particular style demands regular maintenance to style the numerous layers on a daily basis properly," he emphasizes.

In order to keep the bob looking its best, Redway suggests allocating a portion of your budget to visit a stylist for shaping regularly. "In addition to maintaining the cut, it is equally important to maintain the health and moisture levels of your hair by utilizing products that are suitable for your specific hair type," she adds.