A butterfly cut at medium length works differently than it does on long hair, and it is worth knowing which version you are asking for. The whole effect depends on contrast between a short top section and a longer one underneath. On hair down the back that contrast is dramatic. At collarbone length there is far less distance between the two.
That means the fringe carries more of the work. Nearly every medium-length version in this collection has a curtain fringe or a feathered front, and it is not decoration. With less length below, the framing at the front becomes the main structure rather than a finishing touch.
It also makes this the gentler version to try first. A medium butterfly is closer to a well-layered lob than to a dramatic two-tier cut, so if you dislike it there is nothing much to grow out. Anyone curious about the shape without wanting the full commitment should start here.
Twenty-five medium butterfly cuts are gathered below in copper, chestnut, and warm-toned shades, feathered, textured, wavy and rounded, with curtain fringes and face-framing layers. Less contrast, more fringe. That is the medium-length version.
Burnished Copper with Feathered Layers That Earn Their Keep
I really like this style, especially the color. I think it’s doing a lot of the work. The warm copper color can go south really quickly if it’s too orange or too red. But that almost ember tone is really rich. The cut itself is a classic butterfly cut at shoulder grazing length, with face framing feathered layers, and a little internal grad at the nape that lifts the whole shape up from underneath. What works on finer hair is all the point cutting through the ends, which keeps the flip really light and not heavy. I want to be honest though, this is going to be a styled look. A round brush or hot air styler are going to be necessary tools for most days, and the color is going to need gloss work to stay as stunning as it is. It won’t hold itself. But if you’re someone who blow dries your hair regularly, this is a stunning direction.
Wispy Curtain Fringe on Textured Butterfly Layers
I wouldn’t call it a crime to have a soft spot for curtain fringe. It is super face framing and softens the look of the hair parting, especially when the hair is silver. The curtain fringe is really versatile. It can be tucked behind the ears or worn down, and it grows out so much nicer than a blunt fringe/bang. This curtain fringe is soft and wispy so it will not feel heavy or stiff and will move when the wearer does. The underlying butterfly layers are just enough to create a soft flip out which gives the whole style the personality it needs to be fabulous. The silver, along with the darker base, is very flattering and I would leave it alone instead of battling against it.
A Chestnut Lob That Lets Wavy Hair Be Wavy
This cut has a great interior stacked grad which does something nice as it creates an S-curve through the mid-lengths giving wavy hair a reason to behave instead of just frizzing and falling flat. I suggest the chestnut colour with the root shadow to clients who are a bit nervous about going darker because the shadow root makes it look creek completely intentional as it grows out and you don’t have to chase a line of demarcation every 8 weeks. A light anti-frizz cream should be enough before you blow dry.
Collarbone Length with a Flip That Doesn’t Look Forced
I appreciate that this length hits the collarbone as I think that is quite underappreciated. A lot of people stop at the shoulders, but going another inch or two really helps the flip form more organically, plus it gives the face framing layers room to do a full arc instead of a short one. This is for wavy hair that tends to frizz, and the interior texturizing keeps the weight moving instead of sitting. The flip here is meant to be soft, not dramatic, more like the hair is choosing to turn up rather than styled that way, and I think that is the best version of this look.
The One I’d Recommend If You’ve Never Tried This Cut
This cut looks good and is very well done; someone who has never had a butterfly cut before to get a sense of the style would appreciate this. The root shadow is soft, and while it looks neutral, it does two things: it provides depth to the hair so that it doesn’t look too flat, and it gives you a longer time frame between color appointments because the regrowth will blend. The side sweep is long and soft, and not at all dramatic. That restraint is what makes it elegant. This is particularly good for fine to medium straight hair because of the radial layering; it provides the look of more hair without the bulk.
Rounded Face-Framing That Feels Genuinely Current
I keep coming back to this hairstyle, and every time I appreciate how it has that rounded, face-framing effect that looks soft rather than harsh, and how it looks modern without trying too hard. This type of face framing is usually more versatile and can work with a bunch of different face shapes. It’s also nice for fine to medium wavy hair. This hair type is very nice with low maintenance. I think a chestnut brown with lowlights is best for color. It is more forgiving on the eyes and looks less harsh with roots. It also photographs with a soft tone rather than a harsh tone. It also ages the best out of all the hair colors. I would recommend getting a glaze done at every other color appointment because it really brings the ends back to life when they look dry, and layered hair looks healthier with layered ends.
When a Cowlick Works in Your Favor
This client has a little cowlick at the crown, and I do want to note it because most stylists would see this as a problem to fix. It’s actually giving crown lift which would otherwise take product and styling time to fake. If you have a cowlick in a good spot, don’t let someone thin out the area to make it behave. The center fringe is not swept too much here, and it’s not really a fringe, more like the front pieces are being directed rather than cut. It’s a great low commitment option if you’re wondering about bangs but not ready to fully commit.
Copper Lob with a Feathered Fringe Worth Talking About
The most unique aspect of this hairstyle has to be the micro bangs. nnUnlike typical bangs where the hair sits above the eyebrows and cuts off the vision, these bangs look like a trimmed feathered frame at the top of the forehead that separates in the middle. They help the eyes stand out while also avoiding the shortening effect that would be created by heavier bangs. nnThe color is a warm copper hue that isn’t overly orange, and the babylights in the mid-lengths create the illusion of more depth by breaking up a solid color. nnTo be honest, this shade of copper is going to need a lot of maintenance as it is a very tricky color that can easily appear muddy. You will have to gloss it every 6-8 weeks, and you’ll need to embrace dry shampoo to get you through the weeks between bangs.
Going Darker When Everyone Else Is Going Lighter
I always offer my clients the option to go darker. It seems like when clients hit the over fifty mark, they tend to want to lighten their hair. I personally think going darker or to a deeper chocolate brown looks so much more sophisticated and alive than hair that is over highlighted. This cut combines that depth with an angled side fringe, and I believe it to be the most flattering side swept bangs since it has a lot of focus and intention, but doesn’t look severe. The internal grad lifts the crown and the temple grey is left untouched, which suits beautifully as a detail instead of something to hide.
One Bright Slice That Changes Everything
I value the lighter slice at the temple as a technique. Rather than a full highlight or a babylight all over, there is just this one brighter piece near the eye that draws the eye up and makes the whole face look more awake. Subtle, but not a mistake. The center fringe is wispy enough that it feels like less of a commitment, and the natural wave in the hair gives the butterfly layers real movement. For this cut, naturally wavy hair is a gift, this texture holds the shape without all the heat.
Silver Done the Way Silver Should Be Done
I think silver has been a long time coming, especially done like this with a melt as opposed to a hard line and with enough dimension that it reads as a color choice rather than an absence of one. The butterfly layers here are super light and airy, the flip is soft and the curtain bangs that part through the fringe area open the face in a way that’s flattering to pretty much everyone. The only maintenance note I would say is to get a purple gloss every few appointments because silver hair does yellow with heat and hard water so a gloss will keep it from looking ashy.
Precision That Disappears When It’s Done Right
There is an ease to this style, and I mean that sincerely for the stylist. The precision of the cut comes from the feathered ends and soft internal graduation, the hair falls naturally side swept (not overly styled). The contrast in the root shadow with the silver white is dimensional as well as purposeful for grow out. This layering is suitable for fine to medium hair, and offers a flattering frame as it gives the impression of density at the perimeter.
The Hidden Shelf That Does All the Work
I appreciate the internal graduation here: a short layer shelf under the crown layer, which is one of the more underused techniques in medium length cutting. Most people see layers as something at the ends or face-framing, but constructing that hidden shelf underneath is what gives you the rounded lift at the top without any product. The slide cutting ends and the root shadow + lowlight combo make this low maintenance in the best way. The color has depth but isn’t trend chasing, it’s just a really good brunette.
Wavy Gray Hair That Already Knows What to Do
Wavy gray hair naturally fits a butterfly cut since the waves add structure to the layers allowing the ends to flip and the crown to lift. For this hair type, the texture will move correctly, and with some good anti-frizz cream, and a diffuser, you’re set. The internal razoring helps prevent the hair from getting too full or frizzy which can be an issue with wavy gray hair of medium density. The cowlick provides real lift, so I would leave it completely.
A Micro-Taper You Might Not Notice, and That’s the Point
This haircut has micro asymmetries, the most noticeable being the minor taper on one side which provides a gentle softening of the face framing, and also adds to the natural feel of the cut. It helps avoid a look where the cut feels very forced and structured, and instead looks like good hair that just falls. The waves of the natural chestnut colored hair will complement the curtain bangs and pointed cut ends beautifully.
Adding Depth Back After Years of Highlighting
I’m excited to let you know that I recommend adding dimensional lowlights to my clients who have been highlighting their hair for years. Lowlights with this many layers creates depth in the color, giving it a multi-dimensional look. The soft curtain fringe here is fab for growing out, and the cowlick at the left crown is working to our advantage. The feathered ends have wonderful movement so this isn’t a cut you’ll need to babysit every morning. Some styling, and the temple silver will look fantastic peeking out like natural highlights, so instead of covering it, blend the silver more.
Brushed Back in a Way That Still Looks Like You
The brushed-back style of this haircut is appealing to me as I think it demonstrates the flip and movement of the hair in an un-styled, effortless way. I would advise the client to not touch the silver at the part as it is more of a highlight and less of a color placement opportunity. The rotational feathering at the ends is a nice touch that keeps the movement soft. For fine to medium hair, I think this is one of the best structural choices as it adds volume without any unnecessary weight.
Espresso with a Root Smudge That Grows Out Beautifully
The mix of espresso and root smudge is really nice for photography and grows out beautifully on any dark color. Given the rounded silhouette here, I’d suppose this is the kind of cut you’d want to draw attention to. It’s quite different from the more swept or winged iterations of this style, which are softer and have a more classic feel to them, and the hidden graduation at the nape does the structural lifting without any layering being visible at the ends. On straight fine to medium hair, this shape lasts nicely with a blow dry and a bit of light smoothing cream, honestly it shouldn’t require a whole lot more.
Diagonal Face-Framing on Warm Copper Layers
What differentiates this from a standard butterfly lob is the angled layers instead of radial layering. With wavy hair, those subtle alterations impact the manner in which the ends fall. The copper glazing is pleasant as it isn’t orange, and the root shadow keeps it nice and grounded. I would definitely recommend not skipping the anti-frizz step with wavy hair in this color as the fade on warm tones can be brassy and frizzy at the same time, and that is definitely not the vibe we are going for. A good lightweight oil on the mid-lengths and ends goes a long way.
Simple and Flattering Without Apologizing for It
This is the type of haircut I would show someone who wants something basic, but also flattering because it is both flattering, and basic. The soft curtain bangs and graduated layers that start at the chin provide a nice touch of drama, in addition to that the cut will look livelier with a bit of gentle flipping at the feathered ends. The blonde is a little low-contrast. I like this because it means the upkeep is more forgiving, and you don’t get to see a stark line at the roots which is ideal. A gloss is all it takes to boost the shine and freshness for what it needs in between appointments.
Collarbone Placement That Gets the Volume Right
The length here hits right at the collarbone, which I think is actually the perfect butterfly length when the aim is volume, because there’s just enough weight for the ends to flip but not so much that the shape gets dragged down. The temple babylights here are subtle, just a few pieces around the hairline, and they do what good highlights are supposed to do, they make the color look sun-kissed rather than salon-kissed. The curtain fringe and winged layers together are flattering on an oval face in a way that feels effortless, and the internal graduation keeps the crown airy.
A Butterfly Cut on Curls, Which Is a Different Conversation Entirely
Managing and styling naturally curly hair can be very tricky. When I style curly hair, I like to use a technique known as the butterfly cut, as it allows me to give special attention to each individual curl. Each of my cuts is custom based on the form or shape of the curl and the overall look I am trying to achieve. Some of my favorite bangs are short ones that cut right above the eyebrows. I find that they help soften the look of the brows and are much more effective than longer bangs in achieving that. Curling hair is certainly a bold choice, especially considering that red dye tends to fade very quickly, but it looks great when the dye first gets applied, and the air-dry look? Perfect.
A Warm Blonde That Reads Natural Because It Is
Instead of being bleached, this blonde looks warm and natural, which I attribute to the low-contrast root smudge that stops the color from starting too abruptly. The face framing sweep has a slight inner bevel so the ends curve instead of flipping. It is a small technical difference but it completely changes the silhouette. It makes the hair look like it is moving toward the face instead of away from it. This is a really flattering cut on fine to medium hair that is shoulder to collarbone length. It would genuinely suit a wide range of clients over fifty.
Ash Beige as a Middle Path Between Silver and Staying Dark
For people wanting to avoid being all silver or staying with a dark base, I have been suggesting ash beige. It is cool enough to sit with gray without being too harsh and photographs really well on fine to medium straight hair. The lowlight band here gives depth to the roots without having the regrowth look, which is the goal. Short internal crown layers maintain the lift at the top and the feathered perimeter is clean without the blunt look. The face framing is really flattering especially for heart and oval shapes.
The One That Looks as Good on Day Three
This is one of my favorite styles because of how easy it is to wear. The soft chocolate base with silver blending at the crown, along with a curtain fringe, is so pretty with razor flip ends. It works for both straight and wavy hair with minimal product and effort. The blended silver at the crown is more dimensional than full coverage. This is the type of cut that looks just as good on day one as it does on day three, which I think is the true test to see if something really works.
Michelle King Keenan
Michelle King Keenan is the founder and editor of Haircut Tips, where she shares hairstyle ideas, haircut inspiration, and practical styling advice for women and men of all ages. A lifelong hair and beauty enthusiast, Michelle has spent years exploring cuts, color, and styling techniques and sharing them with a growing community on Instagram. Through Haircut Tips she breaks down trends into easy, real-life advice so readers can feel confident about their next look.
