The Butterfly Bob Might Be the Most Versatile Short Style—See Inspo for Your Next Chop

If you want to instantly switch up your look, getting a bob haircut is the obvious dramatic choice. But before you sit in your stylist’s chair and ask them to simply chop it all off, it’s worth doing some research into what type of bob will work best for you. We all know the classic blunt bob and the effortless shaggy bob, but the most flattering bob of all may just be the butterfly bob.With its light, airy layers and flattering shape, the butterfly bob cut combines the bounce of a bob with the soft movement of butterfly wings, making it as versatile as it is stylish.Ahead, professional hairstylist Danielle Garner breaks down everything you need to know about the butterfly bob, including its maintenance and who the style works best for. Chop, chop!The butterfly bob is inspired by the longer butterfly haircut. As Garner describes, "This style is a layered, voluminous cut designed to give the illusion of shorter hair while keeping length." This original version keeps more length overall, whereas the butterfly bob brings that same layered volume into a shorter, more manageable shape.The shape of the layers in a butterfly bob mimic the “soft, wing-like movement of a butterfly,” Garner adds. This creates a light and airy vibe, with layers that create soft, natural movement.The look typically includes “shorter, face-framing layers (curtain bangs or a soft fringe), longer, tapered layers through the back to build shape and volume, and a light, wispy finish, avoiding a blunt, heavy edge," says Garner. These elements work together to create a sculpted silhouette with plenty of texture and body, while avoiding the harsh lines of a traditional blunt bob. "Think of it as a sculpted, shapely bob that looks full and bouncy while keeping the base length short," she adds.Is the butterfly bob right for your face shape?The butterfly bob can work for anyone, but it’s especially flattering for those with oval or heart-shaped faces because it accentuates the cheekbones and jawline. These face shapes naturally work well with the contouring effect of layered cuts, which draw attention to bone structure.For rounder faces, Garner advises a strategic approach: "Ultra-short layers can widen round faces, so it’s best to cut longer, tapered layers." Longer layers help elongate and balance the face, while short face-framing pieces could have the opposite effect by emphasizing roundness. So, when it comes to the butterfly cut, you're going to want to opt for a lob or longer.For those with strong square jawlines, Garner suggests opting for “soft, wispy layers for balance." The goal here is to soften and add movement to offset angular features.Is the butterfly bob right for your hair type?Fine to medium hair types will benefit most from this cut because the “layers add lift and movement,” says Garner. That’s not to say other hair types won’t love the butterfly cut—your stylist just needs to tailor the style to your hairs’ needs.Curly hair needs precision layering to keep the shape light and flattering without creating unwanted volume in the wrong places. Make sure to visit a stylist who specializes in texturizing or thinning techniques to avoid a heavy, blocky end result.Butterfly bob inspo:@brianaguilarhair@hairinel@ryanrichmanGilbert Flores//Getty ImagesNeilson Barnard//Getty ImagesAmy Sussman//Getty ImagesKevin Mazur//Getty ImagesMeet the expertDanielle Garner is a Dublin-based professional hairstylist and founder of Wildflower Hair Studio. Why trust Cosmopolitan?Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including a deep dive on why your hair gets so oily and making a case for coconut oil for hair. She’s an authority in all beauty categories and her hair is her prized possession.Lia Mappoura is the beauty writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.