long · wavy
Long Waves
Long waves combine below-shoulder length with broad bends, giving the hair visible movement while preserving a long silhouette.
Hairstyle guide
Butterfly Layers: What It Looks Like and How to Ask for It
Explore the Butterfly Layers, defined by short face-framing layers floating above a much longer base. Compare its shape, maintenance, salon wording, styling, and virtual try-on tips.
Published 19 July 2026
Quick answer
Butterfly layers preserve long lower lengths while adding shorter, airy sections around the face and upper body of the hair.
- Length
- long
- Shape
- voluminous and cascading
- Finish
- airy
- Maintenance
- medium
What defines the look
The defining feature is short face-framing layers floating above a much longer base. That distinction is more useful than relying on the style name alone, since names can be interpreted differently between salons.
- long
- layers
- face framing
- volume
What to ask your stylist
Ask to keep the long baseline while adding sweeping face-framing and upper layers that create movement without thinning the ends excessively.
Bring a saved preview and clarify which parts of the generated result matter most to you. Your stylist can translate the reference for your current hair and practical routine.
Styling and upkeep
A round brush or large rollers can turn the shorter layers away from the face and make the two-level effect more visible.
Maintenance labels are broad comparisons within this guide library. Your starting texture, chosen length, and preferred finish can change the real routine.
How to preview it
Choose a photo that includes the full existing length so the retained base and shorter upper layers can both be compared.
Try the Butterfly LayersCompare nearby looks
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