The bob has arguably been the hair style of 2023, and perhaps the a number of year’s preceding.
It’s partly because the look works whether you are young or old, or your style is trendy, edgy or classic. It’s also because it’s the mid-length style is easy to grow out, or update to evolve with the current style.
So if you’re currently rocking a bob, or you’re looking for a spring update to get on board with, may we suggest the butterfly bob?
What is the butterfly bob?
Texture has been the word on hairstylist’s lips for the past few months, cutting in edgy shags and sweeping ‘bottleneck’ bangs and fringes to give hair body and movement. The wolf cut and then the hush cut also gave layered options for those with long hair.
The butterfly bob works with similar principals. The traditional bob’s more flirty sister, the ‘butterfly bob’, has well and truly made its mark recently, with global Google searches for ‘butterfly bob’ up 93.8%, and the hashtag picking up over 382k views on TikTok.
According to stylists at London hair salon Top One, the butterfly bob is just a more flexible, laid-back version of your standard bob. It plays with layers and lengths with a lot less structure, allowing the hair to frame the face more naturally.
“The term ‘butterfly’ bob comes from its face framing, feathered layers and curtain bangs, which can resemble butterfly wings that allow for some serious movement,” stylists from the salon explained.
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Will it suit me?
Top One stylists gave the following tips if you’re considering adopting the look:
- If your face is on the round or square side, opt for a wavy, middle part that will bring attention to the centre of your face, creating the illusion of a longer shape. Using wave spray to style will give the cut more movement with this face shape. Ouai’s Wave Spray, used by the likes of the Kardashians, Gigi Hadid and Gwen Stefani, creates gorgeous separation and flexible hold.
- For an oval face shape, allow the layers to flow and sweep away from the face. Opt for chin or just below chin length, for an off centre diamond-like effect. While this length can often appear too voluminous if not styled correctly, the addition of feathered layers that work with the hair’s natural texture will achieve a look that is face-framing and flattering.
- If you have a heart shaped face, chin length curls can help soften the face and add some movement, creating fullness around the jawline, bringing balance and symmetry to the heart-shaped face.
- As for different types of hair texture, make sure to go to a professional with experience in this style that can incorporate texturising techniques into their chops. Hot tools, volumizing sprays and mousse may be needed in order to maintain the style for finer, thinner hair. With thick and coarse hair, the ‘butterfly wing’ effect can be more challenging, but certainly not off limits. The key is to keep the layers long enough to allow room for shrinkage, and cutting according to your face shape.
Variations to try
If your hair is longer, you can still adopt elements of the style into your look. Cutting in layers and a flicked-out, curtain-like fringe will modernise your hair’s shape.
Kate Middleton’s long hair is her signature, but when she sought to update her look recently she opted for a slight adjustment with a butterfly cut. Gone was the side-parting usually favoured by the Princess of Wales, and instead she opted for a middle-part and a sweeping fringe that skimmed her cheekbones in the signature ‘butterfly’ shape. The rest of her tumbled in her soft, smooth waves, meaning the look was fresh, but still familiar.
Jenna Ortega’s slightly shaggier style has also been a popular choice in recent months.
