10 Hairstyles That Make Butterfly Clips Look Cool Again

Butterfly clips are no longer a trend of the past, so you know what that means. Break out the old plastic pastel makeup case, the big hair scrunchies and the frosted eyeshadow because this mega ‘90s and Y2K style is making its way back onto our social media feeds and we’re going all in. This nostalgia-inducing hair accessory is flooding our Instagram feeds, Pinterest boards and “For You pages” on TikTok with people of all ages and hair types donning a butterfly clip or two. 

Aside from the fact that butterfly hair clips are having a style moment, they also genuinely make an easy accessory addition to hairstyles for a trendy, fun upgrade. Ahead, we’re sharing insight into this revolving hair trend of butterfly clip hairstyles along with copy-worthy styles and the products you’ll need to recreate the look. 

Are Butterfly Clips Still in Style?

Let’s be real, butterfly clips never really went out of style. This hair accessory is stylish simply because you say it is. Trends come from a lot of different places and ultimately, if you like how you’re wearing your hair then we consider that to be “in style.” 

Butterfly clips are one of those trends that constantly make their way back onto the heads of different people because they’re cute and add a fun flair to any hairstyle. The hair accessory was originally popular in the ‘90s and 2000s as a functional way to pin hair back while adding a colorful detail. We consider this a “forever style” since it popularity comes around every few years.

How to Style Hair With Butterfly Clips

Styling hair with butterfly clips is very easy. The most difficult part of this process is trying to pick from the expansive range of glittery, colorful, mini and large butterfly clips. The key to styling your hair with butterfly clips is the same with any hairstyle — start with a good hair base. This means picking a shampoo and conditioner that’ll cleanse hair while strengthening strands. 

We recommend using the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo to cleanse hair of dirt, oil and other impurities while adding shine. Follow up with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Length Super Detangler Conditioner which gently detangles hair to reduce breakage. Both products are formulated with castor oil and vitamin B3 and B5 to repair hair without oversaturating strands that may leave hair looking limp. 

Specific hairstyles and hair types may require different products, but as long as you have a good shampoo, conditioner and styling product you’ll be ready to rock a butterfly clip hairstyle. And if you’re in need of some inspiration, try one of the below hairstyles.

1. Half-Back Flat Twists

This hairstyle is so quintessentially ‘90s and Y2K that we had to make it the first recommendation on this list. You’ve probably seen this style on the heads of celebs from classic teen RomComs or TV series featuring magical witches. Flat twists are similar to braided cornrows since both styles require hair to be manipulated to the scalp in rows vertical to the head. Hair is pulled back to let your face be the center of attention while the length of your hair is left down. Finish your look with a row of butterfly clips at each twisted line and add shine to your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In to combat humidity and support a silky hair all day. 

2. Side Part Twists

The side part meets the twisted cornrow in this hairstyle that embraces the two trends with the flirty addition of butterfly clips at the back edge of the twists. With part of your hair twisted back, the other side gives off an illusion of volume with that hair being left out. If your strands are lacking volume, add some texture to your hair before you start twisting back pieces. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Volume Inject Mousse which thickens hair in a lightweight hold, without weighing down strands. 

3. Layered Blowout

Butterfly clips are used as a functional way to pull hair back and as a general accessory for some added fun. This hairstyle evokes that fun by adding a mod podge of clips all over the length of your hair for a wavy, flowy look. From pin-straight hair to kinky curls, this hairstyle shows off your natural length and texture with a springtime vibe that can be worn any time of the year. For your best mane possible, wash and detangle your hair with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Simply Clean Shampoo with Essential Oil and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Simply Clean Conditioner with Essential Oil. Follow up with the creamy L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate Free Simply Clean Elastic Fiber Masque which wraps hair in moisture to renew shine and soft strands all with a subtle scent of added rosemary essential oil.

4. Money-Piece Strands

Face-framing strands are having a moment in the beauty world, from styles that take a colorful route with eGirl hair money pieces to cuts like the curtain bangs which favor long layers. Whether you’re rocking one of the latest trends or simply want to highlight your facial features, this is a comeback butterfly hair clips style we can get behind. Embrace this style with a sharp Gen-Z middle part that frames each butterfly clip-filled strand on each side of your face. Take a blow dryer to your hair for a slight blowout look that’ll create a sleek foundation for the hair accessory. Before using any hot tools on your hair, use a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Heat Slayer Leave In. The formula protects up to 450 degrees and you only need a little to get the job done. 

5. Space Buns

Get intergalactic with this duo-bunned updo. This style works well with all hair types for a quick hairstyle that takes minimal maintenance. If you’re working on second-day curls or have wavy strands that just won’t behave, try this style that gets a whimsical, creative upgrade with the addition of butterfly clips. For rounded buns that are flyaway-free, set your style with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray, which defies frizz and humidity. 

6. Braided Front Pieces

Another version of the money-piece strands, this style embraces a quick up-do with braided strands left out. Style your hair in a messy bun, sleek bun or something in between and finish it off by pulling two strands of hair at the front of your face before accessorizing with butterfly clips at the start of the strand. Remember, you can add as many (or few) butterfly clips as you like. And if you’re worried about clips falling out and ripping parts of your hair, add protection to strands using a styling product like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave In which helps heal spilt ends with the added castor oil and vitamins B3 and B5.

7. Half-Up Pigtails

An updated version of another classic hairstyle is the half-up pigtails that gets personalized with the addition of butterfly clips. The two front quadrants of your hair are pulled up into high ponytails that add a flick of volume, with the rest of your hair left down in the back. Pump your hair with shine to really lean into this whimsical style with an in-shower treatment that’ll give you laminated hair before you style. 

After shampooing with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo, pH Balanced spritz the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing In Shower Acidic Glaze to the length of your wet hair, making sure to avoid the scalp, and let it sit for one to three minutes before rinsing. You can do this treatment two to three times a week. Finish with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner, pH Balanced for softer hair. As your hair dries, you’ll notice shinier strands without a buildup of product. 

8. Braided Pigtails

Yes, even more pigtails, we can’t get enough of this look. We love this braided style for the days you can’t be bothered to do your hair, but still want a cute style. Braid your hair down into two pieces as normal before clipping butterfly accessories to the length. Keep strands flat for better braiding with a stronghold gel like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Invisi Gel. If you're dealing with extra greasy strands, spray some dry shampoo along the roots of your hair, or add more butterfly clips because who cares, we’re here to have fun.

9. Low Bun

A low bun is known for being chic and polished and can be worn on any occasion — from office meetings to drinks with friends after. Instead of using small butterfly clips, get a big butterfly claw clip that’ll hold hair back as a simple statement piece. Keep hair moisturized by adding a leave-in cream like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave In, which also heals split ends that you may be hiding in a low bun. 

10. Stretched Afro

Natural hair and butterfly clips are such an iconic pair that we recommend everyone with curly and coily hair have a few in their arsenal of hair accessories. Butterfly clips add a touch of magic to coily strands since the accessory looks like it's a natural part of the hair with subtle crimps and zig-zag curls enveloping the clip. This style is best worn after taking out a protective style since that’s when hair is naturally stretched and at a longer length. For dry pieces that need some extra love use the L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Curls Refresh & Reshape leave-in spray. 

Next: How to Wear the Trendy Butterfly Haircut for All Hair Types and Textures

Photo Credit: IG/@_susana.lima, Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier