Originally rocked by iconic Audrey Hepburn and further popularized by Twiggy and Mia Farrow, 65 years later the pixie haircut has been still starring on both red carpets and streets. Featuring shorter tresses on the sides and nape, this ‘do opens the facial contours and neckline, bringing into sharp focus the beautiful bone structure of female faces. Gamine and feminine, fun and elegant, pixie cut styles are versatile and low-maintenance, with the potential to flatter any woman.
Short, Medium and Long Haircut Variations
From bold fades to pixie-bobs, there are different types of this exciting hairstyle to fit every taste. Longer versions come with more styling options, while tight crops offer our favorite wash-and-go style, not to mention a bunch of in-between hairdos. However, your lifestyle and styling abilities are not the only things to consider prior to taking the plunge.
Long Pixie Cuts for Versatility
The long pixie leaves more length either throughout the cut or only on the top, thus granting plenty of space to play with styling, as well as a kind of security blanket to balance some downsides. “Keeping it longer on top gives you that versatility to sweep it to the side, part it in the middle, pull it back, or create waves. It’s also flattering for almost everyone. You can play down a square jaw or round face,” says Anh Co Tran, hair wizard behind Coco Rocha’s cut, to Allure. Besides, it’s a go-to option for those who grow out their crops and fringes with the next stop at the pixie bob haircut.
via @nikolay_soghomonyan
This pixie arrests the eye with its strongly wedge-shaped back, leaving much space for thick hair to show its lush body.
via @_hairbysilvana
Added volume at the crown is always great for a round face, since this gives it the required height. Here, shorter choppy layers on top truly succeed.
via @quecolour
While fine hair tends to fall flat, this pixie sparks with texture and movement due to choppy tresses styled in different directions.
via @lynzeecorbett
However, you can also go sleek with your thin hair, letting the color transition bring some depth into your hairstyle.
via @hirohair
Piece-y bangs in the front coupled with tapered strands at the crown – drum-roll, and your super-duper pixie is all ready!
via @hairbyklavre
This hair is heavily sliced and layered to radiate a shaggy texture, with an undercut serving to elevate the longer tresses.
via @maygovintage
The short cut at the back works to set off this amazing bush of curly hair, carved for a more defined feel. And look at that flirty ear lock!
via @lisaturleysalon
Don’t hesitate to blend shaggy and polished styling within one look. The contrasting textures are eye-catching, and you’ll get a more airy feel.
via @hairlover603
This thick hair shines through a very long pixie cut. It allows for displaying soft and natural highlights, brightening the tapered pieces.
via @hairbyblancajanet
Here, the jet-black color and clean shape are combined together to please us with a sassy asymmetrical pixie adorned by a fun little detail just below the ear.
Medium Pixie to Flatter Hair Texture
Straight, thick hair, which is dense or coarse, can look too poofy when packed into a long pixie cut. If that’s your case, it makes sense to keep your style on the shorter side by choosing a medium length and adding texturizing products to tame your mane. On the other side, girls having natural curls should also consider this option, since a mid-length is better suited for showing the beauty of ringlets than short hairdos. And we bet medium pixie hairstyles are on a par with longer versions in their diversity, featuring stacked, shaved, polished, tousled, wavy and other alternatives.
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A medium length is just the thing for nailing a faux Mohawk, softened with rounded bangs and delicate shades of gray.
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This pixie stands out for its vibrant feathered styling, creating a constant hair flow from the bangs and up to the back. Bookmark the highlights!
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This back view shows a cute undercut of a contrasting color that works to give a lift to back tresses and to emphasize the ice blonde.
via @hairbyy_kayla
Sport your dark hair with this clearly shaped straight pixie. It’s just amazing for showcasing your cool highlights.
via @kimberlymorganhair
This haircut boasts movement with its feathered side tresses, wavy back and razored crown, pulled frontward.
Short Pixie to Open the Face
Short pixie cuts can be really jaw-dropping for their expressiveness and rejuvenation. It’s not only about a bold length, but about a strong personality, since with your locks, you are also loosing the comforting camouflage long hair offers. But if you don’t mind to reveal the shape of your head and every sculptured angle of your face, then you’ll get a hot, cute and low-maintenance hairstyle to kill. Do you need to have flawless features to rock a short pixie? No whit! “It’s less about the shape of your face and more about your attitude and confidence — anyone can pull it off if they own it,” Chase Kusero, celeb hairstylist and co-founder of IGK hair care line, told Allure.
via @mista.willis
For girls daring enough to show their scalp, a super short pixie with an undercut is a nice chance to play with unique colors. This bold lavender fade is really wowie.
via @styledbyreece
Having rebellious curly hair may be pain in the ass, but not with this perfectly outlined and skillfully carved hairstyle. Don’t miss to style baby hair!
via @latelier_e.r_
An undercut teamed up with dense textured tresses at the crown add drama to this white blonde hairstyle.
via @jrossbeauty_
We can’t but fall in love with this edgy pixie for its sculptured bangs that accentuate the texture of black hair beautifully.
via @heatheratbloom
When you want to have something to play with, opt for long bangs like this stylish pixie girl did. Wear them straight or wavy, side-swept or slicked back, while giving a new twist to your routine cut.
Find Pixie Hairstyles by Hair Type
While different types of texture require customized approaches in pixie haircuts, the cut is doable for any hair texture, when shears are in the right hands. “It’s all in the cutting technique. The right cut will give structure and volume to fine hair and looseness and movement to thick hair, while the point cutting technique offers enough space to see the texture of coilier strands,” Nick Arrojo, renowned celebrity stylist, told to Allure. However, you need to factor in your natural texture when deciding on the length, bangs, layers, styling and even color of your future cut, since this is where the line between success and failure goes.
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It would be a shame to clap this wild curly hair into a shorter cut! The perky pixie leaves enough texture on the sides and back, letting the longer locks flow freely on the top.
via @riahmai
Look at these awesome chunky pieces radiating their brassy blonde on the background of dark roots! This is definitely a cut for thick hair to show its mighty texture.
via @hayleystyles_
This thin hair gains volume at the expense of the undercut, hidden under the longer top pieces. To get even more vibe and dimension, they are styled tousled and side parted.
via @ashleywhitestudio
Instead of fighting with your wavy hair, embrace its natural texture in a charmingly messy pixie cut with stylish tapered tips.
via @rok.klemencic
Steal this elegant look for straight hair packed into a clean shape and juiced up with piece-y tresses and a bold undercut.
Select Pixie Haircuts According to Your Face Shape
Sure, you have seen plenty of pixie cuts that have a stunning back view, yet they may be not so much flattering to the face. To avoid such an effect, take into account your bone structure prior to making a big chop. Don’t stick only to the length of your haircut, since many other factors can influence the look you’ll get, including bangs, face-framing tresses, texture, the width and height of the haircut, and more. If your facial features are too angular, go for a softening effect with waves, rounded shapes and all kinds of curves. Add asymmetrical lines or tapered layers to sharpen a round face, and remove any width or height from where they are in abundance.
via @courtneyxcentrichair
No width-adding locks on the sides, but a lifted top, an off-center parting and side bangs – that’s what works fine for round chubby faces.
via @strctmachine
Her oval face is perfectly balanced with an abundance of angled layers and a choppy fringe, which come with this neat pixie, also boasting a stunning color transition.
via @hair_god_burrito
Want to deflect attention away from your square jaw-line? Shift it to the top with this silver crop. The tresses come close to the scalp for a rounded shape enhanced with side-swept styling.
via @hairbyfransimon
Multiple layers of varied lengths and chaotic styling can keep long faces away from straight elongating lines.
via @mynt_hair_studio
A narrow chin is not the best part of heart shaped faces. Bring your cheekbone into focus through the long fashion-forward pixie.
Wear Your Pixie with Bangs
Most of modern pixie cut styles come with some kind of bangs, cut and styled in dozens of ways. From long layered fringes falling down to cover at least the upper half of the face to dramatic micro bangs barely reaching the top half of the forehead, you are encouraged to choose your signature option.”Bringing your bangs down typically helps to soften your look. Pushing them back tends to bring out your facial features, bone structure, and allows your face to take center stage,” Kristin Ess, celeb hairstylist and self-named brand founder, explains in her blog. So, go for a side-swept, asymmetrical or even backcombed fringe to get the effect you like.
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This gorgeous hairdo features extremely long bangs with a deep side part, adding a rounded shape to this almost bob pixie.
via @studio.harfager
Very short sides and spiky bangs work to open the face of this daring girl, who knows how to rock a sassy blonde chop.
via @hairbyalyssao_
Incorporate side swept bangs into your cut to strengthen its multilayered effect and get both dimension and movement.
via @lhair_48
This hairstyle is eye-popping for its metallic blue grey color solution, but it won’t be so graphic, if not for the smooth and tapered straight bangs.
via @salonink
Short well-structured bangs can be a cool adornment to a layered pixie, making the look far more sophisticated.
Blonde Pixie Rules!
Since the pixie is such a drastic look to make a statement, it encourages going bold with colors, including bright and pastel hues or even a rainbow palette. But if you have been mulling over bleaching your hair blond for a while, it’s just the right time to venture upon having them both – a cute pixie and a sharp blonde. Actually, short hair makes the process much easier, faster and (truth be told) cheaper, provided you have the chop first. Besides, it’s a nice chance to get rid of damaged ends for a more uniform texture of your hair, which ensures the best look at the end of the process.
via @courtneyxcentrichair
This glossy platinum pixie is drop dead gorgeous, showing both color and texture to the advantage, through subtle layering.
via @hair_by_janeth
Short, jagged pieces are what you need to accentuate beautiful highlights and to create a unique pixie cut.
via @tashpotatoes_hair
An ash blonde can glow, if you permit it to. Add long textured tresses on top to make the color glow and go bold with a side-to-side undercut.
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This look is sleek and feminine with shadow roots highlighting white hair and blended layers for a crisp feel.
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The sky is the limit for weave hairstyles, and this killer pixie looks all natural thanks to its artistic color transition.
10 Best Pixie Haircut Ideas for Easy Styling
With so much discussion about how to choose your pixie depending on various factors, don’t miss a styling issue you should also bear in mind. Even short crops leave some space for experimenting, and wearing longer versions you can refresh your look with a new twist every week. Waxes and pomades are great for adding a piece-y feel, gels and frizz fighters provide sleekness, and flat irons serve to create effortless waves.
However, you can take the easy route, since less is more for hot pixie cut styles.”Use a moisturizing oil to add some shine, then comb your hair in the direction you want it to go and let it dry naturally without touching it. Don’t overthink it,” Marcus Francis, Suave celeb hairstylist, told to Teen Vogue. Let’s browse through the best laid-back looks we have found.
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This messy pixie cut has a voluminous effect, bumped up with a lovely balayage – this is a go-to hairstyle for girls with fine hair.
via @cherise_cheveux
Having a thick mane, opt for a disheveled hairdo with shaved sides to create a striking contrast.
via @jrossbeauty_
It is really easy to turn your mundane cut into an edgy hairstyle by adding a provocative undercut and blinks of color.
via @vernicev_hair
If your hair is coarse, let it stick out in piece-y layers to deliver a modern shaggy look. Shadow roots and an asymmetrical fringe double the effect.
via @1chair1mirror
Look up to this Asian girl, who coupled her thick waves on top with a customized undercut.
via @hair_by_janeth
This hot red screams for a dramatic ‘do, and it gets a fabulous choppy pixie with tons of texture and body.
via @brileywow
Older women may find softer looks in pixie hairstyles, like this long feathered cut complimented with airy side-swept bangs.
via @hirohair
A delicate blonde will blend in perfectly with a soft shape, achieved through the longer top locks of this cute layered pixie.
via @notanothercutter
Chunky tapered pieces bring much dimension into this rebel hairdo, while the faded undercut on the sides places a greater focus on the face.
via @shorthairbyshawni
Sleek bangs and a textured crown can work together to create a chic look that features plenty of volume with no mess.
Now you are totally ready to rock a pixie cut, and it’s only a matter of your courage how fast we’ll see you starring on the Web. Start with a longer version to overcome your fear or go to extremes with bold fades, but don’t hesitate to make your statement, since it’s really fun.
FAQs
Are pixie cuts in for 2023? ›
Pixies are popular in 2023 as they are fairly low-maintenance and easy to style. For instance, this mix of a short pixie bob and an undercut can match any clothing style you might want to try.
What is the new haircut for 2023? ›“For 2023 it will have an updated feel with more layers and softer cropped fringes, like a '70s or 90s-esque curtain bang, and copious amounts of movement made easy from internal layers – perfect for that on trend cool girl,” he says. Or, if you can't decide between a bob and a pixie, combine both.
Is short hair in style for 2023? ›Short haircuts are more on trend than ever for 2023 and the number of short hairstyles you can try are endless. If you're wondering which short hair trends are in style for 2023, you're in luck because I've rounded up fresh pics from today's hairstylists of the best short hairstyles and short haircuts.
Is a pixie cut good for older ladies? ›Pixie styles are a modern and contemporary way to wear your hair when you're over 60. Actually, pixies look great at any age. These super short cuts are excellent for thick or thin hair, and you have more styling options than you probably think.
What hair color is in for 2023? ›An overall 2023 hair trend you'll be noticing? Light-to-medium brown shades. “People will be taking their color deeper this year,” says hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein, “even if it's just a darker, more blended shade of blonde, or a creamy mushroom brown.”
What hair length is best for 2023? ›Short hair "is going to be the haircut of 2023," hair professional Larry King tells Glamour. "I think girls are going to really move forward into short hair," adding, "it gives you so much individuality and makes you stand out — it's really striking."
What is trending for hair in spring summer 2023? ›"Super-shiny and glossy hair is going to be a key look in 2023," says Eaton. In-salon glossing services and at-home treatments are key for maintaining that high-shine finish, helping to add depth and gloss to your natural hair colour or add dimension and lustre to coloured hair too.
Are side parts out of style 2023? ›Basically, consider 2023 to be the year of the comeback with the voluminous curls of the '70s, the shaggy mullets of the '80s, the bouncy blowouts of the '90s, and the side parts of the '00s being bigger and better than ever.
What can I put on my pixie cut? ›Super Cropped Pixie
“I would recommend styling pomade or styling cream, which will help provide that texture and hold while taming any unruly strands,” says Vo. “Warm the product in your hands first, and work it into your hair using your fingers, molding where you want your hair to go.”
Loose waves are more younger-looking, while straight hair can be aging. Play around with face-framing layers to give your hair some softness and movement. Layers can also make your hair appear to be more luscious and healthy. Parra recommends asking your stylist for perimeter layers that are cut in a straight line.
What is the butterfly haircut? ›
The butterfly cut is a very layered, feathery haircut thats longest layers fall just below the shoulder. Shorter layers are cut around the crown of your head to create the illusion of having shorter strands. “The shortest top layer falls about two to three inches below your chin,” Brook says.
What is a classic pixie haircut? ›A pixie cut is a short hairstyle, generally short on the back and sides of the head and slightly longer on the top, with very short bangs. It is a variant of a crop. The name is derived from the mythological pixie.
Does a pixie cut look good with glasses? ›Short hair can make you look fresh-faced, and a pixie cut is one of the best hairstyles for glasses wearers. You get to show off your face shape and your amazing eyeglasses frames. You can even get creative with different ways of styling your short hair.
What is the best short hairstyle for over 60? ›- Beautiful Blonde Pixie. We all love Dame Judi Dench and her wonderful blonde pixie haircut. ...
- Sleek White Pixie. ...
- Grey Side-Swept Pixie. ...
- Short Bob with Highlights. ...
- Longer Bob with Bangs. ...
- Big Soft Curls. ...
- Loose Waves. ...
- Curls with Oomph.
Caramel, honey, gold, copper, and strawberry give a healthy brightness that makes us look and feel younger. (Framing your face with lighter shades draws the eye away from any complexion concerns, as well.)
What is the most attractive female hair color? ›Blonde is Crowned the Sexiest Hair Colour of 2021!
When asked which hair colour they think is sexiest, almost a third of people said they have no preference. However, of those who did have a colour preference: Most say that blonde hair is the sexiest (31.5%)
One of the most popular hair chart length options is definitely the shoulder length (12 inch). The main reason why so many women prefer the type is that it borrows the best features from the medium and long mane. Thus, any look you opt for will turn out to be trendy and chic.
Does long hair make you look younger or older? ›For older women, keeping your hair youthful (without trying to look too young) will make you look and feel younger. Long hair can make you feel youthful. If your hair is very healthy and shiny, long hair shows it off. There are many ways to wear long hair, including braids, ponytails, upsweeps and more.
What is the hair trend for winter 2023? ›Hair colors like chestnut, auburn, chocolate brown, and caramel blonde are always classic winter hair color choices. For 2023, you can also opt for an on-trend shade like ginger, ash blonde, espresso, or gray.
Is feathered hair in style 2023? ›Go for it! Modern feathered hair includes a number of trendy cuts that were made popular in the 1970s. The layered airy look is comfortable and easy to wear throughout the day. Find what you need in our comprehensive guide featuring different versions of this timeless favorite.
Is grey hair still in for 2023? ›
A layered gray or silver lob will turn heads in the natural light as well as inside, she says, "due to the delightful metallic glow it offers. It is an on-trend style suitable for women of all ages, hence it will continue to rock in 2023."
Are bangs in or out for 2023? ›"Soft bangs are a hot trend for 2023, with celebs like Anne Hathaway, Lily Collins, and Phoebe Dynevor rocking their own spins on the classic," says Velasquez.
Are bobs in for 2023? ›Bobs are still very much in vogue, and Syd Hayes predicts that the “box” style will be one of the most popular for 2023. “It's an extremely classic Vidal Sassoon bob,” says Hayes. “A sharp shape, that's striking—less about the layers and more about straight lines and angles.” It's the epitome of a power haircut.
What is going out of style? ›: not popular or fashionable : not stylish.
What are the trends for bangs 2023? ›In 2023, bang trends are all about matching your personality and mood. If you're looking for romance this year (à la Degas and Monet), consider soft and feathery face-framing pieces. Or are you hoping to shake things up and buck tradition (like Picasso or Pollock)? Try a grungy, piece-y fringe or spiky baby bangs.
How do I find the right pixie cut for my face? ›First, determine which part of your face is the widest (forehead, cheekbones, or jaw). Then look at the shape of your chin and jawline (rounded, square, or pointed). Lastly, check whether your face is longer than it is wide, or wider than it is long.
How can a pixie cut make you look younger? ›A pixie cut is essentially a short hairstyle that shows off your ears (and earrings) with longer hair at the top, which can sometimes be long enough to become bangs. A pixie cut can make you look younger by bringing out your features, especially your cheekbones and eyes!
Does a pixie cut make you look older or younger? ›Does short hair make you look younger? Yes, having short hair makes you seem younger since it might range from the ears to beneath the chin. The bob cut, crop cut, and pixie cut are all examples of short hairstyles. A simple and elegant pixie cut can help you seem healthier and younger.
Who looks good in pixie? ›The pixie cut can work for almost anyone as long as your face shape and hair texture is taken into account. This look generally works best on oval face shapes and fine hair, but those with other face shapes and thick hair can still support a pixie as long as the look is adapted to them.
What kind of earrings to wear with short hair? ›Wearing earrings with short hair is nowhere near as tricky as many people think. Choose either large, statement earrings, or minimalist earrings such as studs. You want to draw all the attention to your face. Earrings with diamonds are particularly suited to this.
How do I choose a new hairstyle? ›
Compliment Your Features. As well as thinking about the best hairstyle for your face shape, there are many other features to consider. Things like your eye colour, height, neck length and build could all be complimented with the right hairstyle, so it's worth thinking about all of these things too.
What is a shaggy pixie cut? ›A shaggy pixie cut is a very short haircut created with textured and choppy layers. The pixie shag is a great haircut to get if you have thin hair and want to make it appear thick. Whether you're the boyish kind of woman or the typical girlish one, you can pull off the shag trend.
What is the trend for curly hair 2023? ›Fluffed Out Curls— 2023 is going to be about making a statement with curls and “supermodel hair” entailing fluffed-out curls (think Gigi Hadid.) To give them a boost of volume, make styling easier and improve the look and feel of hair, the brand recommends Aphogee Curlific!
What faces do pixie cuts look good on? ›Oval, round and heart face shapes can usually pull off a pixie, says Donna Tripodi, master stylist at Eva Scrivo Salons in NYC.
What hair length makes you look younger? ›Shoulder-length hair (or longer) with layers
Forget what you thought about long hair past the age of 40—thick hair actually looks more youthful and polished when it falls shoulder-length or longer. Shorter hair has a tendency to expand at the ends, leaving you with an unflattering triangle effect.
Side bangs tend to soften facial features that get harsh with age and bring attention to your eyes. This style of bangs will also help you to avoid your hair from falling flat.
Do bangs make you look younger when you're older? ›Long hair with bangs can help disguise forehead wrinkles and fine lines and lower the age of a lady over 60 by several years. If you have extremely fine, thin hair, it does make you look older. However, you can always pull it off if your hair is thick enough.
Is layered hair in style 2023? ›"Lived-in and layered is going to be trending in 2023 because it's low-maintenance, encourages natural texture or wave pattern, and it's perfect for air-drying," celebrity hairstylist Ericka Verrett notes (via Allure).
What hair colors are in for curly hair 2023? ›One of the hottest hair trends for 2023 is subtle curl lights. The trend involves adding light brown or blonde highlights to natural or curly hair. This is the perfect option if you want to add some dimension to your hair without an all-over colour. For those with cool skin tones, this trend is incredibly flattering.
Does curly hair make you look older or younger? ›Women with curly, textured hair tend to look younger than straight-haired counterparts as they age. Because of the natural volume that comes with having curly hair, thinning is less noticeable. Consider your frizz and volume to be a blessing in disguise!
What does an octopus haircut look like? ›
Similar to a mullet, the style features more body and volume at the crown of the head (the head of the octopus) and then longer, thinner, shag-like layers from the mid-shaft to ends (the tentacles). Though the octopus haircut is inspired by both the mullet and shag, it is neither.