Butterfly locs hair has quickly become a favorite for women seeking a stylish and low maintenance protective style. This love child of Goddess Locs and Passion Twists combines the elegance of loose curls with the bohemian charm of messy boho locs, giving a playful, textured look. Perfect for short butterfly locs or flowing long butterfly locs, this trend works for all hair types while minimizing natural hair tension during installation. Whether you choose pre loc’d butterfly hair or a DIY crochet installation, pre looped locs hair allows flexibility, creativity and durability. It is a trend that is here to stay, offering beauty and versatility in one look.
What Are Butterfly Locs?
Butterfly locs are a form of curly textured locs that feature loose, bohemian loops along the length of each loc. Unlike traditional locs, butterfly locs intentionally leave little loop of hair sticking out, creating a textured, voluminous effect. This style is also sometimes referred to as distressed locs style, because the loops give it a lived in, natural look. The foundation is often a base braid, which provides stability and reduces natural hair tension during the styling process.
The beauty of butterfly locs is that they are adaptable. You can choose pre loc’d butterfly hair, pre looped locs or perform a crochet installation using your own hair or extensions. The style works well with fine, thick or coarse hair and can be worn in protective styles for weeks without causing damage. For beginners, understanding the difference between twisting vs braiding is essential to achieve the right texture while maintaining scalp health.
Why Butterfly Locs Are Trending
Butterfly locs have exploded in popularity due to social media influence and celebrity endorsements. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made the style mainstream, as many beauty influencers post tutorials showing everything you need to know about pre looped locs. This trend also stems from the versatility of messy boho locs and the ease of maintaining them compared to other protective styles. The ability to have curly textured locs that still look styled after a few weeks keeps this trend alive.
Another reason for the trend is the mix of fashion and practicality. Women are drawn to the low maintenance factor where you can go from install to maintenance to takedown with minimal effort. The style also allows for color experimentation, making colored butterfly locs particularly popular among younger audiences. With vloggers with Butterfly Locs documenting the process, the style has become aspirational yet accessible and pre loc’d hair is still on the come up in beauty supply stores across the world.
Types of Butterfly Locs
Butterfly locs can vary widely depending on the installation method and desired finish. Common types include soft butterfly locs, distressed locs style, crochet installation locs and goddess locs inspired versions. There are also short butterfly locs for a chic, shoulder length look, long butterfly locs for a dramatic effect and colored butterfly locs for those who enjoy experimenting with bold shades like burgundy, platinum or ombre. Each type has a unique look and feel, catering to different hair textures and styling preferences.
Choosing the right type involves considering hair length, desired maintenance and scalp comfort. For example, the braid and wrap method produces a textured, boho look while minimizing tension. The pre looped locs and pre loc’d butterfly hair options save time for beginners, especially when style can take several hours to install manually. Women with finer hair may prefer twist vs braid for less tension techniques to prevent breakage, while thicker hair types can handle more layered, voluminous messy boho locs.
Best Butterfly Locs Hairstyles (2025)
In 2025, short butterfly locs paired with a shoulder length bob are trending in urban areas like New York and Los Angeles. These styles are perfect for everyday wear, school or work and can include highlights, balayage or subtle streaks to complement curly textured locs. On the other end, long butterfly locs reaching waist length create a bohemian vibe ideal for summer festivals and vacation photos. Many women are experimenting with goddess locs finishes, colored butterfly locs and even passion twists hybrid styles to diversify their look.
The most popular techniques for styling these locs include wrapping the ends into a soft curl, leaving messy boho locs loose for casual days or pinning them up into elegant updos. Social media has shown that used 6–8 packs of hair is common for long styles and buying the right hair is critical for achieving a natural look. A table comparing options can help:
| Style | Length | Texture | Recommended Packs | Notes |
| Short Butterfly Locs | Shoulder | Curly, soft | 4–5 | Easy daily care |
| Long Butterfly Locs | Waist | Voluminous, boho | 6–8 | Best with pre loc’d butterfly hair |
| Colored Butterfly Locs | Variable | Curly, bold | 6 | Protect with mousse |
| Messy Boho Locs | Variable | Loose loops | 5–6 | Combines goddess locs look |
Before You Start: What You Need to Know
Before installing your butterfly locs hair, it’s important to understand protective styles and hair preparation. For tips on maintaining similar low tension styles, check out our guide on Boho Knotless Braids Understanding your hair type is crucial: fine hair may require lightweight loc extensions, while thick hair may handle heavier pre looped locs. Always plan for style can take several hours, especially if performing a full crochet installation or the braid and wrap method.
It is also important to choose your hair carefully. Buying the right hair is critical, whether from a beauty supply store hair section or online. Pre stretched synthetic hair can save time but may require extra care to blend with natural hair. Knowing the takedown process ahead of time helps avoid breakage or shedding when removing the locs. Beginners should also review twisting vs braiding techniques to find what works best for their scalp and desired look.
DIY Butterfly Locs Tutorial for Beginners
A beginner friendly DIY tutorial starts with braiding small sections of your natural hair into a base braid, then wrapping the chosen pre looped locs around the braid. Using curly textured locs or pre loc’d butterfly hair can speed up the process, though beginners often run out of hair doing it yourself. Applying light mousse or gel along the loops ensures a tidy, messy boho locs appearance.
One brilliant tip is the brilliant idea of just twisting sections rather than over braiding, which reduces tension and creates a natural, lifted texture. Beginners should also click photos to expand their technique, documenting loop placement and curl patterns for reference. This method allows anyone to achieve a professional look at home without heavy salon costs.
How to Install Butterfly Locs (All Methods)
H3: Crochet Butterfly Locs Installation
The crochet installation involves looping hair through a cornrow or base braid using a crochet hook, then wrapping it to create a natural curl. Beginners benefit from pre looped locs to reduce natural hair tension and speed up the process.
Wrapping Method (Traditional Butterfly Locs)
The braid and wrap method starts with a base braid, then wrapping the extension hair around in a looping technique. This method gives the distressed locs style and allows for little loop of hair sticking out.
Invisible Root Method
This technique hides the braid base for a natural scalp look and is ideal for those avoiding the appearance of synthetic hair. It works well with lightweight loc extensions.
Boho / Goddess End Method
For goddess locs or passion twists hybrids, curly ends are added after wrapping. This produces a textured, playful style and is perfect for messy boho locs finishes.
How Long Do Butterfly Locs Last?
Butterfly locs generally last six to eight weeks, depending on hair type and maintenance. Humidity, scalp oils and hair texture affect longevity. Fine hair may need more gentle care to prevent unraveling, while thick hair may hold long butterfly locs longer. Keeping track of scalp health prevents tension or irritation.
A tip from experts is to regularly check the loops, gently reshape little loop of hair sticking out and refresh curls as needed. The takedown process should be slow and careful to protect your natural hair and reuse pre loc’d butterfly hair if desired.
Maintenance Guide (Daily, Weekly, Night Care)
Daily Care
Daily maintenance includes moisturizing your scalp with oils, avoiding tight hairstyles that increase natural hair tension and lightly reshaping the loops.
Weekly Care
Weekly care requires gentle cleansing and rehydrating your locs. Refreshing curls with mousse maintains messy boho locs without over manipulating the hair.
Night Routine
Sleeping with a satin bonnet and using the pineapple method protects curls and loops. Proper care extends the lifespan of your style and reduces frizz.
Pros & Cons of Butterfly Locs
Butterfly locs offer low maintenance protective styles that combine style and hair protection. They allow styling flexibility and can incorporate colored butterfly locs, curly textured locs or goddess locs aesthetics. Downsides include potential scalp tension if braids are too tight, weight from used 6–8 packs of hair and the time commitment for installation. For beginners, twist vs braid for less tension methods are recommended.
Cost & Installation Time
installing butterfly locs can range from $150 to $450 depending on location, hair type and stylist expertise. DIY options with pre loc’d butterfly hair or butterfly locs hair packs reduce costs but may require longer hours, as style can take several hours. On average, 4–8 packs of hair are needed, depending on length.
| Location | Average Cost | Time | Hair Packs | Notes |
| New York | $350 | 6–8 hours | 6–8 | Salon heavy urban trend |
| Los Angeles | $300 | 5–7 hours | 5–7 | Celebrity influence high |
| Atlanta | $250 | 4–6 hours | 5–6 | Popular for festival looks |
Best Butterfly Locs Hair Packs to Buy
Choosing the right hair is essential for achieving professional results. Options include pre loc’d butterfly hair, pre looped locs, lightweight loc extensions and beauty supply store hair. Popular brands offer curly, boho and colored textures suitable for long butterfly locs or short butterfly locs. Always ensure buying the right hair is critical to avoid running out or mismatching textures.
A curated comparison:
| Hair Type | Length | Texture | Packs Needed | Best For |
| Pre Looped Locs | 18–22 in | Curly | 6 | Long, boho styles |
| Pre Loc’d Hair | 14–18 in | Soft, voluminous | 4–6 | Beginners, short locs |
| Synthetic Curly | 20–24 in | Distressed | 6–8 | Colored butterfly locs |
This complete guide gives everything from install to maintenance to takedown for butterfly locs. By following these steps, using the right hair and paying attention to natural hair tension, anyone can achieve this hot new style in these streets and maintain it safely.
FAQ’s
What hair is used to do butterfly locs?
Synthetic hair, usually pre looped or crochet friendly extensions, is commonly used.
What are butterfly locs?
Butterfly locs are a protective hairstyle combining Goddess Locs and Passion Twists, featuring small loops that create a textured, boho look.
What kind of hair is used for locs?
Synthetic or human hair extensions designed for braiding, twisting or crochet methods are used.
How many packs of hair for butterfly locs?
Typically 6–8 packs are recommended, depending on hair length and thickness.
What is the difference between butterfly locs and regular locs?
Butterfly locs are softer, looped and textured, while regular locs are tightly matted and uniform.
Conclusion:
Butterfly locs are a versatile, stylish protective hairstyle that blends creativity with practicality. Whether you’re going for a short, long or colorful look, proper preparation, the right hair and careful installation are key to achieving flawless results. With regular maintenance and a little patience, butterfly locs can keep your hair looking fresh, unique and effortlessly chic.