Hairstyle comparison
Compare the Long Waves and Butterfly Layers by length, shape, finish, maintenance, salon wording, and how each changes your overall outline.
Published 15 September 2026
The short version
The Long Waves is defined by long length shaped by loose, continuous bends, while the Butterfly Layers uses short face-framing layers floating above a much longer base.
Both are rated medium for maintenance in this guide, so the stronger distinction is flowing and elongated versus voluminous and cascading.
| Feature | Long Waves | Butterfly Layers |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | long length shaped by loose, continuous bends | short face-framing layers floating above a much longer base |
| Length | long | long |
| Shape | flowing and elongated | voluminous and cascading |
| Finish | wavy | airy |
| Maintenance | medium | medium |
Long Waves
You prefer a flowing and elongated outline with a wavy finish and the defining feature of long length shaped by loose, continuous bends.
Salon wording: Ask to preserve the overall length while adding enough long layering to stop the waves from forming one heavy block.
Butterfly Layers
You prefer a voluminous and cascading outline with a airy finish and the defining feature of short face-framing layers floating above a much longer base.
Salon wording: Ask to keep the long baseline while adding sweeping face-framing and upper layers that create movement without thinning the ends excessively.
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