SBButterfly bangs are a long, layered fringe that starts around the cheekbones and flicks out and back from the face, like a pair of wings. They are the front of the butterfly cut, worn without the rest of its layers.
On thin hair they are a good way to get volume at the face without cutting layers into the whole head. Here are 12 ways to wear butterfly bangs on fine hair, and how they differ from curtain bangs.
Butterfly bangs are what I offer clients who want the butterfly cut but have hair too thin for layers all over. All of the shape goes at the front, and the length behind stays dense.
I cut the shortest piece at the cheekbone and blend down to the jaw. Any shorter and fine hair won't flick back; it falls flat onto the face.
SBButterfly bangs are cut in layers from the cheekbone down to the jaw or collarbone, parted in the center or just off it. They are blow-dried up and away from the face, so the ends flick outward.
They came out of the butterfly haircut, which adds short layers around the face and crown. Worn alone, the fringe gives the same face-framing volume with much less hair taken from the head.
Curtain bangs start higher, around the brows or upper cheekbones, and sweep to each side in a curve. Butterfly bangs start lower and are cut in more layers, so they lift and flick away from the face rather than sweeping across it.
On fine hair, butterfly bangs are often easier: they are longer, so they hold a shape better and grow out into face-framing layers within a few weeks.
The fringe itself, from short to long. Start with the cheekbone version if this is your first fringe.
Layers from the cheekbones to the jaw, flicked out and back. It's the standard shape and suits almost every face.
Blow-dry each side away from the face with a round brush.
A little shorter, starting just below the eyes. It gives more volume at the face but needs styling every day.
Don't go shorter than this on fine hair, or the fringe won't lift.
Starting at the jaw and blending to the collarbone. It is the easiest version to wear and to grow out.
Air-dry it pushed back from the face, then tidy it with a few minutes of blow-drying.
A deep side part, with one longer wing and one shorter. The side part puts more hair on top, which helps if your part is widening.
Flip the part every few weeks to keep the root lifted.
The fringe looks different with every length behind it. It suits lengths from the jaw down; on a short bob, the fringe and the hem end up at the same point.
A blunt collarbone lob with the fringe flicking out above it. The heavy hem keeps the ends dense, and the bangs add volume at the face.
See the lob for thin hair.
Long hair with no layers except the fringe. It is the best way to get the butterfly look on thin hair, because the lengths stay full.
Keep the ends trimmed blunt.
The fringe flows into soft long layers. It is closer to the full butterfly cut and needs fine hair that isn't too thin.
See the full butterfly cut for fine hair.
A long bob just past the jaw, with the bangs flicking out above the ends. It is the shortest length that still works.
Turn the ends of the bob under and the bangs out.
Blow-dried, air-dried, pinned back or worn after 50, the same fringe adapts.
Rolled up and back with a round brush into big, soft wings. It's the most dramatic finish.
Set each side with a velcro roller while you do your makeup.
Natural waves flick the fringe away from the face without a blow-dry. Wavy fine hair is the easiest texture for this fringe.
Scrunch in a little light mousse before air-drying.
Starting at the cheekbones, the fringe lifts the face and draws the eye up. It's softer than a full fringe, which suits fine hair after 50.
For more cuts at this age, see hairstyles for fine hair over 50.
Twist each side back and clip it at the crown. It's the easy option on a day you can't style the fringe.
Small clips with a grip strip hold fine hair best. See hair clips for fine hair.
While the fringe is damp, blow-dry the roots up and back. Then wrap each side around a medium round brush, rolling away from the face, and cool it before letting go.
Use a light root lifter on the fringe, not a cream or oil. A mist of flexible hairspray keeps the flick in place.
Say: "I'd like butterfly bangs, with the shortest layer at my cheekbones blending down to my jaw. Please keep the rest of my length full, and don't use thinning shears or a razor."
Bring photos of butterfly bangs on fine hair, so your stylist knows you want the fringe, not the whole butterfly cut.
Butterfly bangs are a long, layered fringe that starts around the cheekbones and flicks out and back from the face like wings. They are the front of the butterfly cut, worn on their own.
Yes. They add volume at the face without cutting layers through the whole head, so the rest of your hair stays full.
Curtain bangs start higher and sweep to each side in a curve. Butterfly bangs start lower, are cut in more layers and flick away from the face.
Blow-dry the roots up and back while damp, then roll each side away from the face on a round brush and let it cool. Finish with a light, flexible hairspray.
Yes. Butterfly bangs are only the face-framing layers at the front. The rest of the hair can stay one length.
They need a quick blow-dry most days and a trim every six to eight weeks. They grow out easily into face-framing layers.
SBEleven years behind the chair, specializing in short shapes and fine-hair texture. Simone believes the best haircut is the one you can style yourself in ten minutes.
More from Simone →Results vary with hair type, density and growth patterns. Haircut guidance is not a substitute for an in-person consultation with a licensed stylist, and sudden or heavy hair loss is worth raising with a doctor.
Hairstyle images in this guide are AI-generated illustrations, not photos of real clients or results. See our image policy.
