PureWow

Beauty

17 Pixie Haircuts That Will Make You Want to Chop, Chop

 

The coolest cut of the season

What do Emma Stone, Halle Berry and Jamie Lee Curtis all have in common (other than being extraordinary actors)? An ultra cool pixie cut. Here’s your sign to finally embrace the chop and try this beloved short haircut that works with all face shapes (really!). If you need some inspo, I compiled the 17 best pixie haircuts to show at your next appointment. Plus, professional hairstylists shared their tips and tricks on how to style and maintain your new ‘do.

Meet the Experts

• Jennifer Korab is a celebrity hairstylist and owner of Renaissance Salon in New Jersey. She has over a decade of experience working in commercial, runway and editorial spaces. She is certified in all coloring techniques, haircutting and hand-tied extensions.
• Danielle Priano is a celebrity hairstylist and an ambassador for SexyHair. She has decades of experience in the industry, working on brand campaigns and launching her very own accessories collection, PSxDanielle. Her previous clients include Vanessa Hudgens, Hailey Bieber, Mariah Carey and Hailee Steinfeld.
• Amy Abramite is a creative director and stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. She has 27 years of experience as a stylist, creative and educational director. She specializes in cutting, styling and special techniques like Japanese thermal straightening. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Marie Claire, Allure and Glamour.

1. Classic Pixie

I was in awe when Emma Stone debuted her short 'do at the 82nd annual Golden Globes, giving us the perfect recipe for the classic pixie. “It’s short and tidy with a layered shape that is round and tapered in the nape to follow the shade of her head,” explains Abramite. Although she cut it all off for a role, I seriously hope she keeps the chic look in the long term. 

2. Texture Pixie

Take note from Kate Hudson and accentuate your natural texture. Once you get the chop, use some pomade gel or styling cream to add definition to your strands. 

3. Side-Swept Pixie

A side-swept pixie offers the illusion of longer locks and a stylish fringe that is quick to style in the morning. Plus, Michelle Williams’s pixie cut and a platinum dye job are match made in hairstyle heaven. 

4. Voluminous Pixie

Add more drama to your look by taking Ruby Rose’s approach to pixies—volume, texture and more volume. This bouncy style is great for oval faces as it keeps hair off the forehead, softens facial features and emphasizes any glamorous smokey eyes if you so choose.

5. Cropped Pixie

On the flip side, the opposite approach in terms of volume can end up having a similar effect: This tight, cropped version keeps all eyes on Ginnifer Goodwin’s face, where she lets her immaculate brows and rosy cheeks be the focus of her look.

6. Layered Pixie

Believe me when I say that if you have incredible cheekbones like Annette Bening, you were born to rock this haircut. Lots of layers keep the look soft and easy to play with. 

7. Tucked Pixie

Tucked and lightly styled locks are a good example of how to manage a longer pixie and offer proof of how great it’ll look if you ever choose to grow it out like Scarlett Johansson circa 2015. 

8. Bixie

If your heart is set on a bob but you continue to scroll through endless pixie haircuts on Pinterest, boy do I have a hybrid haircut for you. The bixie (aka pixie bob) consists of shorter layers at the nape of the next and longer layers at the crown. As Korab previously explained to me, “It provides the structure and volume of a bob with the ease and movement of a pixie, making it suitable for different hair textures and lengths. The cut also allows for creative layering and texturizing, giving stylists the opportunity to tailor it to each client’s face shape and style preferences.”

9. Wixie

Speaking of hybrids, the wixie lets you rock a pixie *and* a short shaggy cut for an edgier approach. Also known as the ‘winged pixie,’ the key is wispy pieces around the face, layers down the sides that flip upward and long strands along the nape of the neck. As Korab previously told me, “The winged layers around the face add shape and definition to the cut, while still giving off a chic and un-done vibe overall.”

10. Mixie

Part mullet, part pixie, this haircut gives you the best of both worlds. The top is cut short like a classic pixie, while the back is long and tousled like a mullet. As Josh Liu, celebrity hairstylist and T3 ambassador, shared with me, “It's shaggy, it's chic and it's versatile. It also offers short, wispy hair in the front, while maintaining length in the back.” No wonder it’s caught the eye of Demi Lovato and Úrsula Corberó. Bonus? It’s a low-maintenance look that doesn’t require much styling or many hair tools to show it off. 

11. Whisper Pixie

Shh…this pixie haircut is worth whispering about to your stylist. Priano coined this buzzy cut with everyone from Florence Pugh to Zoe Kravitz sporting the look. As she previously told me, the whisper pixie has “short, feathery layers that give it a lighter, airy appearance. It’s designed to frame the face and provide a whimsical look.” While the trendy haircut can be done on all hair types, the expert says it’s best for oval to soften facial features, as well as heart-shaped faces to accentuate the cheekbones. 

12. Wavy Pixie

If you’re looking for a wavy haircut, look no further than this example from actress Audrey Tautou. Her layers provide the movement and definition she needs to show off her impressive pattern. Add some styling cream, a diffuser and you’re all set. 

13. Curly Pixie

Have curlier strands? Teyana Taylor’s curly pixie is a great way of showing her pattern and her sharp jawline. 

14. Hydro Pixie

Although it’s a wig, Bridgerton star Charithra Chandran still gives major hair inspo that I will be bookmarking for later. If you’re familiar with the hydro bob then you’re going to love this shorter version, too. The ‘wet look’ offers definition, a piecey fringe and lots of moisture. 

15. Long Pixie

Channel your Princess Di (or Princess of Genovia) and try a long pixie style. For the finer hair folks, this cut can give the illusion of fullness with its deep side part and voluminous crown. 

16. Spiky Pixie

Jamie Lee Curtis is the OG pixie gal and a great reference if you’re rocking gray hair. The spiky style enhances her shiny hue and gives her an edge that fits the scream queen. 

17. Undercut Pixie

If you want to cut it even shorter, this undercut style should be on your radar. “It has rounded layers on the top of the shape but shorter disconnected lengths on the sides and nape of the neck for a trendy look,” explains Abramite. The best example is Pink, who’s been rocking this haircut for years. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Easiest Pixie Cut to Maintain?

According to Abramite, the easiest pixie cut is a long pixie. “The shagginess of the shape keeps the details looking fresh even when it’s growing out,” she says. “It can be trimmed every eight weeks to retain its style, whereas other pixie haircuts have to be maintained every four weeks to look tidy.” 

Which Face Shapes Works Best for a Pixie Cut?

While any face shape can work with a pixie cut, the experts agree those with an oval face are ideal for this specific haircut. “It has a harmonious balance between the forehead, cheeks and chin. The petite forehead and pointy chin creates a soft outline,” shares Abramite. 

What Should You Consider Before Getting a Pixie Cut? 

Two words: Hair texture. Abramite explains, “Curly and wavy hair will expand outward and upward for volume, while straight hair will lie flat to the head to slenderize.” Luckily, you have a few choices above to get you started—and a chat with your stylist doesn’t hurt either.