• The “butterfly haircut” is a viral hairstyle coined by celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook.
• One editor tried the trend to add more volume to her fine hair.
• Check out photos of the haircut and tips on how to style the look.

I’m not going to lie, I was very affected by the “Rachel” haircut when it first made an appearance in the late ’90s. Of course, I begged my mom to bring me to the salon so I could get it cut into the iconic layered ‘do. However, once I sat down in the stylist’s chair, they would always tell me my hair was too fine and would fall flat.

So when the butterfly haircut — a style that consists of face-framing layers and was originally coined by celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook — went viral on TikTok, I thought this would be my one chance to finally get the Rachel in an elevated way tailored to my specific hair type. When I went to see Lindsay Victoria, master stylist and educational director at Spoke & Weal in Los Angeles, I asked her to both keep my length and give me as much volume as possible.

Keep reading for tips on what to expect from the cut and how to style it based on your hair texture — plus photos of my own butterfly haircut.

What Is a Butterfly Haircut?

“A heavily layered ’90s-inspired haircut, the butterfly cut consists of a more uniform layer and carved-out face framing, with the shortest layer starting anywhere between the cheekbone and below the jaw line,” Victoria tells POPSUGAR. “The shape is typically more round, which allows the style to have a max amount of volume. This type of haircut has pushed the trend toward polished and refined with less of a messy undone style.”

Since there are slight variations of the butterfly haircut, Victoria says it’s best to go to the salon equipped with photos of the style and length you’re after. “Based on what length you are currently at, face shape, texture, density, and curl pattern, ask your stylist what length the face-framing layers should be and what overall length would suit you best,” she says. “Talk about your daily routine, including the products you use, to see if any adjustments need to be made in achieving this look. If you have a curl pattern and would like the option to wear it natural, let your stylist know so it is taken into consideration when designing the haircut for you.”

How to Style the Butterfly Haircut

“Depending on your texture — fine, medium, or coarse — and your curl pattern,…