As a parent, one of the most exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) parts of raising kids is watching their style evolve. Kids’ haircuts, in particular, provide an excellent opportunity for them to express their personality—whether they’re shy and quiet or bold and outgoing. One haircut that’s recently taken off in popularity is the butterfly haircut, and for good reason! The butterfly haircut is not only fun but also a versatile choice that works for all types of hair textures and lengths.
Having worked with a wide variety of young clients, I’ve seen firsthand how a great cut can transform not just their look but their confidence. And as a stylist who’s obsessed with finding fresh trends that make a statement, the butterfly haircut is one of those cuts that combines playfulness with style. Whether your little one is a toddler or a preteen, I’ve gathered 18 trendy butterfly haircuts for kids that you’ll absolutely love!
1. Classic Butterfly Bob for Little Ones
source @nazisbeautysalon
The classic butterfly bob has quickly become a go-to for parents who want their child’s hair short and manageable but still full of personality. This cut is perfect for young girls who aren’t ready to fully commit to longer hair but still want the layered, bouncy look. With short layers that frame the face and longer sections that create movement at the back, this haircut gives a youthful vibe while being super practical.
I’ve had parents rave about how low-maintenance this style is, yet it still holds its charm. You can play with textures or curls to add a bit of flair. As a stylist, I recommend this one to any parent looking for a cut that’s both cute and easy to maintain, especially if you have a busy schedule!
2. Fluffy Butterfly Cut with Curly Ends
source @hairbyravenc
For those with naturally curly hair, the fluffy butterfly cut is one of the best ways to embrace those curls while keeping things light and airy. The cut layers the hair, focusing on the curls at the ends, creating a ‘fluffy’ look that’s equal parts fun and trendy. This style gives a playful energy, and the curls add bounce, which can be particularly adorable on younger kids who have a lot of energy.
One of my favorite aspects of this cut is how it works with different curl types—from looser waves to tight ringlets—allowing your child to embrace their natural texture in a way that’s easy to manage.
3. Butterfly Pixie Cut for Bold Kids
source @beautytrendzbyadarahalli
The pixie cut has always been associated with bold, daring styles, and it works beautifully with the butterfly theme. The butterfly pixie cut combines short layers on top with longer, wing-like sections on the sides, creating an edgy yet whimsical look. This is a fantastic choice for any child who enjoys experimenting with their look, as it’s a bit more out-of-the-box than a traditional pixie.
I recently styled a little girl with this exact cut, and the transformation was incredible. Her confidence skyrocketed, and her parents loved how easy it was to style—especially since the cut naturally gives volume and shape. If your child is ready for a bold change, this is the one!
4. Layered Butterfly Shag Cut
source @isabellehaircreative
The shag haircut has made a big comeback recently, and when you add butterfly layers to it, it becomes an even more dynamic and stylish choice for kids. This cut features choppy layers that create volume, and the butterfly twist comes in with longer, sweeping sections around the face. This style works wonders for kids with fine or straight hair, giving them the illusion of thicker, fuller hair without too much bulk.
From my experience, the layered butterfly shag is not only trendy but also functional. It’s a cut that transitions effortlessly from school days to weekend adventures, making it a great choice for families always on the go.
5. Butterfly Cut with Highlights
source @amanda_beauty_hair_
If you want to add a little extra flair to your child’s haircut, consider adding some highlights to their butterfly cut. Soft blonde or caramel highlights can add dimension and depth to the layers, giving them more movement. This style works great on both darker and lighter hair, adding a playful pop without being overwhelming.
I’ve seen kids love how the highlights catch the light, especially when they’re running around or playing outside. It’s one of those subtle, yet noticeable, changes that can elevate the overall look.
6. Choppy Butterfly Layers with Bangs
source @hairbyravenc
For those looking to make a bigger statement, adding bangs to the butterfly cut can create a youthful yet sophisticated vibe. This version combines choppy layers with full or side-swept bangs to frame the face, offering a cut that’s chic without being too grown-up. I’ve had several parents request this style for their teens, as it combines trendiness with an edge that feels a bit more mature.
This cut is also incredibly customizable, as you can go with full bangs, side bangs, or even curtain bangs, depending on your child’s preference. My clients who’ve opted for this cut love how it can be worn messy or sleek, making it perfect for any occasion.
7. Butterfly Cut with Braids
source @braidsforyoubyme
Want to add a little something extra? Incorporating braids into a butterfly haircut gives it an exciting, bohemian vibe that’s perfect for summer. Whether it’s a few small braids along the hairline or a more intricate design woven into the layers, braids can elevate the butterfly cut and make it stand out.
I’ve styled this look for kids going to a special event or birthday party, and it’s always a hit! It’s fun, it’s creative, and it adds a sense of personalization that allows the haircut to truly reflect the child’s personality.
8. Butterfly Cut with Side Swept Layers
source @lifeunisexparlour
For those who prefer a more classic, less voluminous butterfly cut, side-swept layers can offer a softer, more elegant look. The layers are longer and angled, making the hair flow to one side in a smooth, flowing motion. This style gives a timeless feel while still capturing the lightness of the butterfly shape.
One of my clients, a young girl who was preparing for a family wedding, asked for this cut specifically because of how graceful it looks in photos. It’s simple yet beautiful and works well with any hair texture.
9. Textured Butterfly Cut with Shaved Sides
source @nazisbeautysalon
Looking for something edgy? The textured butterfly cut with shaved sides offers a unique blend of boldness and softness. The top of the hair is layered and voluminous, while the sides are shaved close to the scalp for a daring contrast. This cut is perfect for kids who are confident in their style and ready to experiment with a bold, fashion-forward look.
I’ve worked with several teenagers who requested this cut as a way to express their individuality, and the results were stunning. It’s a bold choice that’s sure to turn heads but can still be softened with styling for those days when they need a more toned-down look.
10. Soft Butterfly Layers with a Middle Part
source @zazzlesalons
For a classic look that’s chic yet effortless, soft butterfly layers with a middle part are always in style. The layers are gently feathered around the face, creating a soft and natural frame. This cut works well on straight hair or even wavy hair, providing volume without being too heavy.
This style works wonders on kids who have a more laid-back personality and prefer low-maintenance cuts that still look put-together. I’ve seen many clients who wear this style every day for school and extracurricular activities because it’s easy to manage but still flattering.
11. Short Butterfly Cut with Textured Tips
source @nazisbeautysalon
If you’re looking for a shorter cut that still offers plenty of movement and volume, the short butterfly cut with textured tips is a fantastic option. The layers are kept short and sweet, with the ends of the hair cut into textured, choppy layers that give it an airy, fun feel. This is one of my favorite looks for kids who want a no-fuss haircut that still makes an impact.
One of my clients, a spirited little girl, asked for this cut because it was simple but still allowed her personality to shine through. It’s an ideal choice for younger children who love a fresh, lively style.
12. Asymmetrical Butterfly Cut
source @lvstylesllc
For a more avant-garde take on the butterfly haircut, an asymmetrical butterfly cut creates a modern, edgy look. The hair is cut at different lengths on each side, giving it a slightly uneven, yet purposeful, shape. This cut is for kids who love standing out and are unafraid to try something different.
One of my teenage clients, who is passionate about fashion and design, chose this cut to match her unique sense of style. The asymmetry allows for a more dramatic shape, and it looks absolutely stunning when styled with some texture or waves.
13. Long Butterfly Cut with V-Cut Ends
source @hairbyravenc
The long butterfly cut with V-cut ends offers a sleek and elegant look, perfect for kids with longer hair who still want the layered, bouncy texture that’s typical of the butterfly style. The layers create volume around the face, while the V-shape at the ends adds a sharp, stylish finish. This cut can look incredibly chic, with a bit of modern flair while still keeping it youthful and light.
I’ve had several young girls ask for this look, especially those with longer hair who want to avoid feeling weighed down by all the length. The V-cut gives the hair a sense of movement, making it look fresh and effortless. I’ve found this style to be great for special occasions like birthday parties or family photoshoots.
14. Butterfly Lob with Wispy Layers
source @headstudio
The lob (long bob) with wispy butterfly layers is the perfect medium-length option for parents who want a modern, stylish cut that’s still easy to maintain. The wispy layers give it a textured, airy vibe, while the lob keeps the hair at a manageable length. This style is all about creating a lived-in, relaxed look that still has plenty of personality.
I had one client who requested this look for her daughter, who had always worn her hair long but wanted something different that wasn’t too drastic. The results were amazing. The lob offered a great balance—stylish yet functional. The wispy layers gave the cut just enough volume without being overly bulky.
15. Messy Butterfly Cut with Tousled Waves
source @girls.haircuts
The messy butterfly cut is perfect for kids who love that “just woke up” hair that looks effortlessly cool. It’s all about tousled waves and lightly textured layers that give the hair a natural, carefree vibe. This cut is especially flattering for kids with wavy or curly hair who want a more relaxed look without sacrificing volume.
I’ve had a few young clients who came to me with this specific style request. It’s a great option for active kids who don’t want to spend a lot of time styling their hair but still want to look fashionable. The tousled waves give a fun, energetic vibe while maintaining a youthful, carefree style.
16. Bold Butterfly Cut with Streaked Tips
source @crystalbeauty007
If your child loves experimenting with color, the bold butterfly cut with streaked tips is a great option to make a statement. Adding bold streaks of color—think bright pinks, blues, or purples—along the ends of the hair can take the butterfly cut to the next level. This look works especially well with darker hair, as the contrast between the streaks and natural hair color really stands out.
One of my clients, a young artist, requested this for her daughter, who had recently taken an interest in color expression. The streaks brought her butterfly cut to life in a way that was both stylish and personal. For anyone looking to add a bit of fun and creativity to the style, streaked tips are a fantastic option.
17. Classic Butterfly Cut with Feathered Layers
source @beautyconamor
For a more timeless and delicate version of the butterfly cut, feathered layers are the way to go. These soft, feather-like layers create volume without feeling too heavy or overpowering. This cut is perfect for kids who want a stylish, sophisticated look without going overboard on boldness.
I worked with a little girl who wanted a clean, classic look for her school pictures, and the feathered butterfly cut was the perfect solution. The layers framed her face beautifully, and the soft texture made the cut look polished without being too stiff or rigid.
18. Butterfly Cut with Side Swept Bangs and Curls
source @sbhairsalonn
The butterfly cut with side-swept bangs and curls is the ultimate in versatility. Whether your child has natural curls or you’re willing to curl the hair for a special occasion, this style brings a whole new level of fun and texture to the classic butterfly shape. The side-swept bangs add a touch of sweetness while the curls give the cut an extra bounce and movement.
I’ve worked with kids who requested this look for everything from dance recitals to birthday parties. It’s a style that feels both glamorous and playful, allowing the curls to shine while the side bangs soften the overall appearance. It’s a perfect choice for parents who want a haircut that can be dressed up or down.