The layers of layered hair
Layered hair has never gone out of style—it has just taken on more names. From its popularity in the ‘70s as the feathered cut of Farrah Fawcett, to the iconic Rachel haircut of the ‘90s (yes, from “Friends”), layered styles remain a favorite among women of all generations.
And for good reason, too. It’s effortlessly chic, and most of the time, easy to maintain.
But as trends and styles get more creative and experimental, getting a haircut now also requires a bit more specificity. If you plan to get a layered haircut—besides having a photo peg (which is a must nowadays)—you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the terms to better describe the style you want to your hairdresser.
And when you’re looking for hair pegs, you might come across terms like “butterfly cut,” “wolf cut,” “hush cut,” and a recently trending entry, the “jellyfish cut.” But which is which? Here’s a quick guide.
Butterfly cut
The butterfly cut is inspired by the flowy layers it creates. It features short layers around the face, which blend into longer layers—reminiscent of butterfly wings. This cut is ideal for those with medium-length or long hair who want a fresh spin to their hairstyle without committing to chopping it off, but at the same time, keeping their hair flowy.
Wolf cut
A style popularized by Korean hairdressers, the wolf cut is a bold and edgy cut that features short, choppy layers. It looks like a mix of the classic shag and a mullet, with shorter layers on top and longer ones at the bottom. A wolf cut also provides a lot of volume and needs to be blowdried to maintain its “shaggy” texture.
Hush cut
If the wolf cut is a little too edgy for you, the hush cut provides a gentle compromise. A hairstyle that’s popular in Korea and Japan, the hush cut trades the choppy layers for more wispy layers. This is perfect for those who want more natural-looking layers.
Jellyfish cut
Versatile and edgy at the same time, the name of this cut takes from its visual cues. The jellyfish cut is a mix of a bob and long hair—again, perfect for those who may still be indecisive about committing to short hair, but wanting something dramatic all the same.
The top part of this cut features choppy, face-framing layers, while the bottom or back are loose and flowing—much like the head and tentacles of a jellyfish, respectively. It’s an experimental style that several music stars like Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga have been spotted with recently, too.
