There’s an inconceivable beauty in very short hairstyles for women that challenge the traditional symbol of long hair associated with youth and femininity. Among the boldest are very short pixie haircuts that have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Are pixie cuts celebrated mainly because of their low-maintenance feature, or is there more to it than just a haircut that requires less time to style?
To answer this question, we’ll talk about the brief history of the very short pixie haircut trend in the next section. After that, we’ll go through bold inspiration photos you can take to your hairstylist.
We’ll wrap up with essential maintenance tips that will make your short pixie journey more fun and easier.
Ready to join the women who confidently challenge the traditional symbol of long hair? Then keep reading.
The Story Behind The Very Short Pixie Haircut Trend
Pixie mania officially began when Audrey Hepburn wowed audiences with her super-short pixie haircut in Roman Holiday in the late 1950s.
“Popularized by the actors Audrey Hepburn and Jean Seberg, who boldly rejected the long waves and coifs of their silver-screen counterparts, the pixie became a symbol of nonconformity and empowerment”, says Vogue.
Pixie trends have varied over the years, but one thing has remained constant: a bold and daring personality.
Not everyone is born for a pixie cut, and not everyone knows how to rock this edgy hairstyle. Bold ladies like Mia Farrow and Jean Seberg in the 1960s popularized even edgier pixies, inspiring women to embrace shorter, more personalized styles.
Halle Berry and Charlize Theron followed in their footsteps, becoming the icons of the ’90s pixie cuts. Today, stars like Zendaya and Emma Watson represent modern takes on the very short pixie cut.
And what about us ordinary humans?
Women who connected with the trend and felt inspired fantasized about the big chop in front of the mirror (myself included).
We wanted to look like our favorite movie star with a trending pixie cut, but we were also worried about what society or our parents would say about our daring new look.
We didn’t want to feel ostracized by the coolest girls or boys at school. After weighing the pros and cons, many of us went all in for the big chop, while some didn’t, and that’s totally okay.
As you can see, the pixie mania is still going strong today, and maybe this is the motivation you needed in your younger years to finally try this bold haircut.
Get Inspired: 23 Very Short Pixie Haircuts
Ready for some serious inspiration? These photos are a testament to the sheer beauty of very short pixie haircuts: bold, versatile, and full of personality.
1. Voluminous Layered Short Pixie Haircut For Women
Oh, that glorious volume! Just because you opted for a pixie cut doesn’t mean you can’t boost your hair’s volume to magnificent proportions even Marie Antoinette would be jealous of.
For those unfamiliar with her, Marie Antoinette was the Queen of France, renowned for her ultra-voluminous and elaborate hairstyles. Way to go, Marie!
2. Blonde Pixie With Black Peekaboo Highlights
Contrasting pixie looks are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique allure. If you want to join the trend, a blonde pixie with black peekaboo highlights will get you there.
Advice: Be cautious with bleach if your hair is already damaged.
3. Very Short Pixie Haircut For Black Women
Very short pixie haircuts are a real blessing for 3C and 4A to 4C hair types when it comes to maintenance and that tedious detangling. Pixie haircuts for black women thrive on just a bit of hair gel and curl cream.
4. Textured Pixie Cut
Textured pixie cuts can be created using texturizing scissors, razor cutting, point cutting, and layering.
Depending on your hair type and desired look, your hairstylist may use one of these techniques or a combination of them.
5. Messy Pixie Cut With Side Bangs
Side bangs, curtain bangs, or layered side bangs (whichever term you prefer) are reigning supreme in the bangs category.
They beautifully frame every face shape and add a touch of flair to curly pixies.
6. Short Layered Pixie Cut With Spiky Bangs
Question: Recognize the lady in the photo? This super short haircut for women features a short layered pixie cut paired with trendy spiky bangs for an edgy look.
Answer: The woman rocking this iconic pixie cut is Katy Perry.
7. Short Feminine Pixie Cut With Bangs
This short, feminine pixie cut with bangs falls somewhere between a bowl cut and a heavily layered pixie. Who can really tell the difference, right?
8. Very Short Pixie Haircut For Fine Hair
Fine hair is characterized by soft, delicate strands that can appear flat and lifeless. Luckily, a very short, strategically layered pixie cut can easily fix that.
9. Very Short Pixie Haircut With An Undercut
If you want to achieve Scarlett Johansson’s striking pixie look with an undercut, consider this your green light.
A pixie cut can help you shed your inhibitions and, who knows, maybe even inspire others to follow in your footsteps. Long live the pixie mania!
10. Pastel Pink Very Short Pixie Haircut
This fresh, soft, and feminine pastel pink pixie haircut is a reminder that you don’t need an undercut to make a statement.
Not a fan of pastel pink? There are plenty of other shades waiting for you to rock them.
11. Very Short Pixie Cut With Choppy Bangs
Pair edgy, choppy bangs with a heavily layered, super-short pixie haircut to highlight your bold side and showcase your fearless personality.
After all, bold spirits are the ones who make real change, and you can start with your hair.
12. Vibrant Pink Pixie Bowl Cut
Think you can rock this vibrant pink pixie bowl cut with an undercut and yellow highlights?
If you’re unsure, try the cut on your natural hair color first, then decide if you want to go bold with the vibrant hues.
13. Sun-Kissed Short Pixie Haircut
Myth debunked: Sun-kissed looks aren’t just for long, flowy waves. A short pixie with blonde highlights or balayage is an epic summer hairstyle you’ll want to revisit year after year.
14. Bronde Layered Pixie Cut With An Undercut
Are you a natural brunette? Then I might have just the thing for you: a bronde layered pixie cut with an undercut.
If you have a cool skin undertone, platinum blonde highlights will suit you best. For warm undertones, opt for honey blonde or strawberry blonde highlights.
15. Very Short Pixie Haircut On Natural Gray Hair
Natural gray hair is an excellent canvas for all kinds of pixies, including very short styles. Use a silver shampoo to enhance your gray and give the impression of a professionally dyed silver hue.
16. Short Textured Messy Pixie
A short, textured, messy pixie doesn’t beg, conform to societal norms, or bow to long-haired trends. It lives by its own rules and sets trends rather than following them.
17. Voluminous Pixie Hairstyle
Fewer layers don’t mean a less voluminous pixie. You can rock straight hair with minimal layering and still achieve the full, voluminous look you’re dreaming of.
Pssst. The secret lies in using the right hair styling products.
18. Edgy Super Short Pixie Cut
A mohawk or a pixie? Why not a pixie mohawk?
You can go for shorter sides with longer hair on top to create an edgy mohawk, or keep the top messy for an effortless, undone look.
19. Very Short Pixie Haircut For Women Over 60
Are you a woman over 60 looking for a practical, youthful style that will make you age like fine wine?
Look no further than a layered short pixie cut with bangs that gives you the ultimate face-framing effect. Pixies for older ladies need only strategic layering to achieve a fabulous result.
20. Voluminous Layered Short Pixie Haircut
A voluminous, layered short pixie haircut reduces the time you spend styling, boosts your hair’s volume, adds definition, and blends edgy vibes with sophistication.
It truly checks all the boxes.
21. Short Layered Pixie With Tapered Sides
Not ready for shaved sides? No problem. A short layered pixie with tapered sides is a great alternative, adding edge to your haircut without the need to shave.
22. Blonde Asymmetrical Pixie Cut With Shaved Sides
For those ready to go all in, dare yourself to try this blonde asymmetrical pixie with shaved sides and a pink money piece. A swipe of eyeliner and a touch of mascara can complete the look.
23. Very Short Choppy Pixie Hairstyle
A very short choppy pixie looks stunning on all hair types. Whether your hair is curly, wavy, or straight, you’ll love the added texture and effortless style this cut provides.
Maintenance Tips For Very Short Pixie Haircuts
Pixies don’t require much maintenance or expertise. You don’t need to be a professional hairstylist to bring out the best in your very short pixie haircut.
Here are the five commandments to follow if you want your pixie to live long and prosper:
1. Don’t underestimate the importance of regular trims: Trimming your pixie every 4 to 6 weeks will keep your haircut in top shape, unless you’re planning to grow it out into a long pixie cut or a pixie mullet.
2. Lightweight styling products are your best friends: Waxes and texturizing sprays are far better options for a super short pixie haircut than hair gel. Why? Hair gel can make your hair look stiff or sticky, while waxes are softer and flexible.
3. Leave-in conditioner is a must: According to Healthline, “Nearly every hair type — curly or straight, natural or color-treated — can benefit from the use of leave-in conditioners, but you may find them particularly useful if you have dry, damaged, or frizzy hair”. Moisturizing your short hair is essential, and if you’re not a fan of using leave-in conditioners, then invest in a quality serum.
4. Here’s how to reduce frizz: Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases to avoid frizzy situations. Bonnets are a great alternative if you’re not prone to overheating during the night.
5. Use dry shampoo for volume: The most important thing for pixies is maintaining volume at the roots. To kill two birds with one stone, I suggest using dry shampoo to keep your pixie looking fresh, non-greasy, and voluminous. Skipping a wash day is always a lifesaver when you’re a busy lady.
Embrace Your Pixie Journey!
From my personal experience, I’ve come to realize that every hair journey has its ups and downs. Sometimes, you’ll have good hair days for weeks, and then your pixie may start behaving wildly (especially if not regularly trimmed).
And you know what? I think that’s totally normal hair behaviour. You need to consider that what you eat and drink also influences how your hair looks.
You can use the most expensive hair styling products, but your hair will still look dull if you don’t nourish it from the inside as well.
Healthy hair = healthy diet. You are what you eat, and your hair reflects the nutrients you provide, or the lack thereof. Take good care of both your body and your hair because that’s the least you can do for yourself.
