The Rachel vs The Butterfly Cut: What’s Changed in Layered Hairstyles Over the Decades
Butterfly Cut
September 22, 2025•3 min read
From Feathered Layers to the Butterfly Cut: The Evolution of a Timeless Hair Trend
Hair trends always have a way of coming back around—only with a new name, a fresh styling twist, and plenty of social media buzz. One of the biggest haircut trends in the 2020s is theButterfly Cut, a layered, voluminous style that’s become a viral favourite on TikTok.
But here’s the truth: the butterfly cut isn’t new. It’s a modern revival of two of the most iconic styles from the80s and 90s. Let’s take a look at how this layered look has evolved through the decades.
1980s: The Era of Feathered Layers and “Wings”
In the 80s, hair was all aboutvolume, texture, and drama. The layered look most similar to today’s butterfly cut was known as:
Feathered Layers– Inspired by Farrah Fawcett in the late 70s, this cut featured short layers around the face that flicked outward for that “winged” effect.
Wings– A casual client term for layers that lifted away from the face and gave hair movement.
Styling the 80s way
Round brushes, mousse, and hairspray were the tools of the trade. Blow dryers with diffusers created that full-bodied bounce we now associate with retro glam.
1990s: The Rachel Takes Over
By the 90s, hair was sleeker but still layered. The most famous version?The Rachel—Jennifer Aniston’s iconic haircut fromFriends.
Heavy, face-framing layers
A polished blow-dry finish
Lots of bounce and movement
The Rachel became the most requested haircut of the decade, and it’s the closest 90s equivalent to the modern butterfly cut.
Styling the 90s way
Think large round brushes, velcro rollers, and shine serums. The result was polished, bouncy layers with a glossy finish.
2020s: The Butterfly Cut Goes Viral
Fast forward to today, and TikTok has rebranded the layered look as theButterfly Cut.
Shorter layersaround the crown and jawline
Longer layersunderneath for softness and length retention
Anairy, wing-like shapethat gives the illusion of fuller, bouncier hair
This modern version is loved for itsversatility—it flatters medium to long hair, works with both straight and wavy textures, and looks effortless with today’s styling tools.
Styling the 2020s way
Blow-dry brushes, curling tongs, and Airwraps are the go-tos for achieving lift and bounce. Lightweight styling creams and anti-frizz products keep it smooth without weighing it down.
Why the Butterfly Cut is Here to Stay
Trends come and go, butlayered haircuts are timeless. The butterfly cut combines the best of the past with modern techniques:
From the80sit takes soft, feathered layers and movement.
From the90sit borrows bouncy blow-dry glamour.
In the2020sit’s reimagined as an effortless, face-framing style that works for all hair types.
Should You Try the Butterfly Cut?
If you lovevolume, face-framing shape, and a haircut that grows out gracefully, the butterfly cut could be your perfect match. It’s especially flattering on medium to long hair and pairs beautifully with today’s salon blow-dry techniques.
Final Thoughts
The butterfly cut might be trending now, but it’s rooted in decades of hairstyling history. From80s feathered layersto90s Rachel vibes, and now its2020s viral comeback, this layered style proves one thing: great hair never goes out of fashion—it just gets a new name.
✨ Ready to Transform Your Hair?
If you’re inspired by the butterfly cut or want expert advice on finding the right style for you, I’d love to help.
📩Email me:[email protected]
🌐Visit my website:Devahairdressing
📲Follow me on Instagram & Facebook:[@yourhandle]
Let’s create a look that brings out your confidence and keeps you ahead of the trends.
