Every great pixie cut starts with a little curiosity – and a brave decision.
I remember when my little niece once asked me what a pixie cut was after overhearing a chat I had with one of my clients. Honestly, I didn’t know where to start, and that’s when I realized how versatile pixie cuts are, which inspired me to write this complete guide.
Pixie cuts are more than just haircuts – they’re a statement that’s been reinvented through the decades. Pixie hairstyles became a symbol of female empowerment in the late ’50s during the Audrey Hepburn era, which very likely started the trend. The history of the pixie cut never ceases to impress.
So, what is a pixie cut? A classic pixie cut features a cropped style with shorter sides and slightly longer hair on top. It can be edgy, sleek, textured, choppy, with an undercut, curly, short, long – the list goes on.
Winona Ryder, Emma Watson, Halle Berry, and Emma Stone are among the celebrities who have dared to embrace the boldness of a pixie haircut, inspiring us to do the same.
But WAIT! Before going all in for the big chop, I feel it’s my holy (hairdresser) duty to inform you about the different types of pixie cuts and how to choose the right one for your face shape.
We’re also going to talk about hair texture, pixie maintenance, and styling tips. We’ll wrap it all up with pixie haircut ideas you can take straight to your hairstylist and start your brave, unique pixie hair journey. Ready when you are!
Table of Contents
16 Different Types Of Pixie Cuts
I have to admit, it’s relatively easy to get lost in the sea of pixie cuts if you aren’t familiar with the types and variations, or at least the most common ones.
This guide will help you decide which pixie suits you best, and you can always combine different styles to create a unique look that expresses your personality. Here we go:
1. Classic Pixie Cut
A classic pixie cut serves as the foundation for all other variations. It typically features short hair on the sides with slightly longer hair on top. You can wear it in your natural hair color, or spice it up with vivid hues and unique color combinations.
Important: A classic pixie cut doesn’t mean boring. It simply describes the prototype of all pixies, which can be customized to suit any hair type and personal preference.
2. Short Pixie Cut
A short pixie cut is more cropped than a classic pixie, featuring minimal hair length on top with short sides that are sometimes tapered or even buzzed.
In terms of style, short pixie haircuts are modern and daring, often paired with undercuts or creative hair designs. They look great on all hair types and textures, but keep in mind that short pixies don’t offer much styling versatility.
3. Long Pixie Cut
Closest to the classic, a long pixie cut features longer hair on top, usually paired with tapered sides that are subtle or barely visible. Long pixies offer plenty of room for experimenting with different styles.
This haircut is a great choice for anyone who wants to preserve some length for versatility or is looking to grow their hair out while avoiding frequent maintenance. If you have very long hair, a long pixie haircut is a gentle way to transition to shorter styles.
4. Layered Pixie
Layers are the holy grail when it comes to short haircuts like the pixie. Almost every type of pixie cut can be layered, and it’s a great way to maximize volume and enhance your hair’s natural texture. Here are the most common types of layers:
• Short layers: As the name implies, short layers are cut close together with less distance between each layer. Short layered pixie creates a dynamic appearance and adds impressive volume to thin or fine hair.
• Long layers: A long layered pixie cut has more distance between layers, featuring a softer, more blended look. Long layers are ideal for thick hair that needs debulking.
• Textured layers: These layers are achieved by combining uneven, short, and long layers to create an effortless, textured pixie cut.
• Graduated layers: A graduated pixie cut is shorter at the back and gradually shifts to longer layers at the front. The result is extra volume and lift at the crown.
• Feathered layers: These layers feature softly tapered ends that create a feathery, light, and airy look. A feathered pixie cut works great for thick hair.
• Disconnected layers: A disconnected pixie cut has layers that don’t blend smoothly, resulting in a bold, dramatic, and edgy appearance.
• Face-framing layers: Shorter sections of hair around the face create a flattering face-framing effect that enhances your best features.
Note: A blunt pixie doesn’t have layers. All the hair is cut to the same length, creating a clean and sharp look.
5. Choppy Pixie
I deliberately didn’t include choppy layers in the previous section because a choppy pixie cut is a more familiar term and stands strong on its own. A choppy pixie features uneven, irregular lengths with plenty of texture and movement.
This look is achieved using techniques such as texturizing shears, point cutting, or razor cutting. If you’re a fan of an edgy, messy style, this pixie type is perfect for you.
6. Undercut Pixie
A pixie with an undercut, or undercut pixie, features tapered or shaved sides for a cool, edgy look. Undercut pixie haircuts create a dynamic, contrasting appearance thanks to the longer hair on top and the undercut design.
Freestyle hair designs have become an increasingly popular way to achieve a personalized, edgy pixie that makes a statement. Bold colors and choppy, textured layers are also great additions to undercut pixie cuts.
7. Pixie Bob Haircut
A pixie bob haircut combines two signature cuts in one: a long pixie and a short bob. It’s one of the most feminine pixie cuts due to its longer length, which allows for various personalization and styling.
Pixie bob cuts look best with layers and added volume on top. They’re also known as bixie haircuts, so if you come across that term, it refers to the same style as a pixie bob.
8. Pixie Cut With Bangs
Cute short haircuts with bangs are timeless and will always be considered one of the most charming styles. A pixie cut with bangs is incredibly versatile, but two types of bangs remain the most popular: side bangs and curtain bangs.
Side bangs are usually swept to one side of the face to create a side-parted look, while curtain bangs are symmetrically cut to frame the face from both sides, like real curtains. Choppy bangs and wispy bangs are also popular additions to edgy pixie cuts.
9. ’90s Pixie Cut
Remember the iconic pixie cuts from celebrities like Winona Ryder and Halle Berry in the ’90s? Who wouldn’t? ’90s pixie cut styles are still being recreated today, offering a variety of textures and looks.
From choppy and textured to sleek and polished, these ’90s pixies have inspired modern celebrities like Emma Stone and Zendaya to keep the trend alive.
10. Shaggy Pixie Cut
Nothing beats volume like shaggy short hairstyles. A shaggy pixie cut is heavily layered to embrace a messy, choppy look.
If you have thick hair and want an effortless, lived-in style reminiscent of ’70s and ’80s rockstars, a shaggy pixie is the perfect choice.
11. Edgy Pixie Cut
Those who want to bring out their bold side should go for the most popular style in the edgy pixie category: the edgy messy short pixie cut.
Undercuts, unique hair designs, and funky pixie cut styles with bold colors and messy textures are all designed to make a statement.
There’s no recipe for the perfect edgy pixie. It’s a mix of your personality, preferences, and current trends. That’s how new trends are born.
12. Very Short Pixie Haircut
Very short pixie haircuts certainly don’t care what other pixies think. When it comes to styling, they’re ideal because they require minimal time and effort.
Some very short pixie haircuts resemble buzz cuts, while others keep a little more length on top (but not too much). You might go for shaved sides with slightly longer hair on the crown. There’s no strict rule when it comes to a super-short pixie.
13. Asymmetrical Pixie Cut
As the name implies, an asymmetrical pixie haircut features longer hair on one side and shorter hair on the other. This creates an uneven, stylishly off-balance look that enhances your features and adds a cool, modern vibe.
Asymmetrical pixies are also considered slightly edgy, and side bangs are the most popular addition to this style.
14. Messy Pixie Cut
Ever heard of a low-maintenance messy pixie cut? This type of pixie doesn’t require much styling and grows out easily.
The term messy pixie can refer either to the tousled, textured styling or to the layering itself (choppy, textured, or disconnected layers). Usually, it’s a mix of both.
15. French Pixie
What is a French pixie cut? Short pixie and short bob, also called a French bob, combine to create the modern French pixie style. Its signature features are softness, a rounded shape, and a long fringe.
The French pixie offers a romantic, playful, and effortless look. It suits round, oval, and heart-shaped faces best.
16. Pixie Haircuts For Older Women
Is a pixie cut good for older ladies? A thousand times YES! The most flattering pixie haircuts for older women are gray-blended short layered pixies. Textured and choppy layers add volume, while the shorter length makes maintenance a breeze.
Pixie cuts for women over 60 are being reinvented every year, helping them age like fine wine. Some bold ladies even experiment with pastel hues, which pair beautifully with white or gray hair (no bleaching required).
Pixie Cut Face Shape Guide
Now that you’re familiar with the most popular pixie types and variations, it’s time to learn how to choose the right one for your face shape. Whether you have an oval, diamond, or round face, there’s a perfect pixie that flatters your features. Here’s the list:
• Oval face: Congrats, you have the most versatile face shape that can pull off almost any pixie cut, even those close to a buzz cut. Thanks to your balanced proportions, you can experiment with different layers, textures, and lengths without worry.
• Round face: The best pixie cut for round face is the one that adds height and angles. Choppy, textured, layered, undercut, and asymmetrical pixie cuts with voluminous hair on top and side bangs are the most flattering options.
• Square face: Those with square face shapes have a broad forehead and a strong jawline. Layered, messy, asymmetrical, French pixies and pixie cuts with bangs help soften these features and create balance. Blunt cuts are a definite no-go.
• Heart-shaped face: A layered pixie cut with wispy bangs and volume at the crown looks especially flattering on heart-shaped faces. Side-swept bangs, long, and French pixie cuts are also great options to balance a wider forehead.
• Diamond face: 90s pixie cuts, layered, pixies with bangs, and messy pixie cuts work best for diamond-shaped faces. If you’re not a fan of curtain bangs, side-swept bangs are a great alternative.
• Long / rectangular face: Layered pixie cuts with textured bangs, pixie bob haircuts, choppy, messy, and classic pixie cuts help create the illusion of width on long or rectangular faces. Styles with excessive volume at the crown should be avoided.
Not sure how to identify your face shape? Check out this helpful guide.
Choose The Right Pixie Cut For Your Hair Type And Texture
Choosing the best pixie cut for your face shape without considering your hair type and texture is a recipe for disaster.
Your hair type and texture matter because they determine how your hair will behave and look in a particular pixie style. Think of it as having the final say, so you definitely don’t want to ignore it.
Straight Hair
If you have straight hair, you can rock almost any pixie cut. Your style range goes from a blunt pixie to a heavily layered pixie that bursts with volume and texture.
Choppy pixies also look amazing on straight hair, especially if you’re aiming for an effortless, undone vibe.
Wavy Hair
A wavy pixie cut is naturally textured, and the goal is to enhance that texture even further. Don’t worry, no curling irons required.
You can enhance your natural waves by adding layers with choppy ends (optional) and letting side-swept or curtain bangs beautifully frame your face and blend seamlessly with your wavy hair.
Curly Hair
A curly pixie cut looks best when layered to maximize bounce and enhance the natural curl pattern. The cutting method plays a key role.
The Rezo cut technique involves cutting dry curly hair to create more volume and definition. Curl specialist Nubia Suarez developed this cutting method.
Coily / Kinky Hair
The best pixie cut for black women with coily or kinky hair features plenty of layers and a shorter length for easier management. Like curly hair, coily and kinky hair can also benefit from the Rezo cut technique.
If you prefer a longer pixie, make sure it’s well-shaped, as this will affect both the final look and future maintenance.
Thin / Fine Hair
Thin and fine hair naturally tends to look flat and, well, a bit lifeless. The easiest way to bring it back to life is by adding layers.
If you also have a round face, a textured pixie cut for thin hair can highlight your best features. Feathered and face-framing layers also work wonders for thin and fine hair.
Thick Hair
Is a pixie cut good for thick hair? If you have thick hair, then look no further than graduated or feathered pixies. You can also try a choppy pixie cut for thick hair if you want to showcase your edgy side.
Thick hair often requires debulking, so layered styles work perfectly. That said, you can still go layer-less, as blunt cuts also look great on thick hair. However, there’s a caveat: they provide slightly less volume and movement.
How To Maintain A Pixie Cut Like A Pro
You can’t truly rock a pixie like a pro if you don’t know how to maintain it. Agreed? Here are some essential maintenance tips to follow when you opt for a pixie:
• Regular trims: How often should you trim your pixie? It’s recommended to get a trim every 4–6 weeks to maintain shape and style. If you’re in the middle of a grow-out phase, you can skip this guideline. If unsure whether to go for a trim, “look for signs like split ends, uneven texture, or lack of shine. If your hair feels dry or looks frizzy, it might be time for a trim”, advises TRESemmé.com.
• Minimize washing: When washing your hair, you strip your scalp of natural oils. Curly hair and pixies often look better when some natural oils are preserved, so try minimizing washing and notice how your pixie improves.
• Nighttime care: Your nighttime care should focus on reducing frizz. Do this by using a silk or satin pillowcase or wearing a bonnet made from the same material.
• Use heat and sun protectants: This goes without saying. Always apply a heat protectant spray when exposing your pixie to heat from a blow dryer, curling iron, or similar tools. Also, protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat whenever possible to prevent dryness.
6 Styling Tips To Help You Master Your Pixie Cut
Pixie cut hairstyles require the use of specific styling products and techniques to look their best. Here’s how to style a pixie cut to improve its shape and texture:
1. Use lightweight styling products
Whether your hair is straight, curly, wavy, or coily, use lightweight hair products that won’t weigh your pixie down, as this is a common issue with all short hairstyles.
Mousse, light styling cream, wax, pomade, and leave-in conditioner are the styling products that actually work for a pixie cut. Opt primarily for water-based products with little to no oils or silicones.
2. Experiment with different textures
Create a messy or sleek pixie look depending on the occasion and your vibe.
For a messy look, rub a small amount of lightweight mousse, pomade, or texturizing cream between your hands and use a scrunching technique to add movement and volume. Air-dry or use a diffuser for best results.
For a sleek pixie, use light styling cream, pomade, and a touch of gel. Smooth your hair with your fingers or a soft-bristle brush, dry with a diffuser, and finish with a bit of serum for a polished look.
3. Choose the most flattering hair parting for your face shape
Side part, center part, or no part? Here’s a quick guide to which parting works best for each face shape:
• Side part: A voluminous side part looks best on round, square, and heart-shaped faces, balancing your features beautifully.
• Deep side part: Softens angular features and maximizes volume, making it ideal for long or rectangular faces.
• Center part: Best for oval or diamond faces, as it helps elongate the face and emphasizes symmetry.
• No part: Go with no parting if you have a textured style and an oval or round face. No part guarantees a carefree, modern vibe.
4. Use hair accessories for a more personalized look
All-time favorite hair clips add a cute, charming touch to a pixie cut, while headbands highlight sophistication.
Scarves are another popular accessory, especially for protecting your hair from the sun or for those breezy cabriolet rides.
5. Try different drying techniques
The finger-drying technique is especially recommended for wavy, curly, or coily hair. Lift and tousle sections of your hair with your fingers while diffusing or air-drying.
Alternatively, you can opt for a classic air-dry without using your fingers for a more natural texture and volume. If using a diffuser, drying your hair upside down helps maximize volume.
6. Choose hair colors that flatter your skin undertone
Adding highlights to your base color creates dimension and enhances volume. Choosing vivid, bold hues makes your pixie more personalized.
Those with cool skin undertones should opt for cooler shades, while warm undertones look best with warm colors.
How do you know your undertone?
Check the veins on your wrist: if they appear mainly purple or blue, you have a cool undertone; if they look greenish, you have a warm undertone. If it’s hard to tell, you likely have a neutral undertone, meaning both warm and cool hair colors will suit you.
Pixie Haircut Gallery: 21 Bold And Beautiful Styles
So, you’ve decided to try a pixie cut and just need a little extra inspiration to choose your final look. Lucky you, these pixie cut styles might have you calling your hairstylist ASAP!
1. Strawberry Blonde Pixie Cut
A warm and delicious strawberry blonde pixie haircut looks great on those with warm skin undertones.
2. Tricolor Pixie Hairstyle
Blue + yellow + orange = funky tricolor pixie. What are your favorite colors? Add them to your personalized pixie cut.
3. Textured Pixie Mullet
Textured and sophisticated pixie mullet is a great alternative to a classic pixie bob. Layers? Of course.
4. Textured Messy Pixie Cut
Messy textures not only boost your effortlessness but also make you feel super cool. Look at the proof above.
5. Copper Blonde Pixie Haircut
Copper or blonde? Why not both? Heavily layered pixie cuts thrive on vibrant color combinations.
6. Silver Messy Pixie Haircut
Silver and messy is the new hot. If you have natural gray hair, this is your go-to style.
7. Short Pixie Cut With Choppy Bangs
Choppy bangs are the hottest hair accessory a woman with an edgy pixie can wear. Period.
8. Color-Blocked Textured Pixie Cut
Color-blocked and textured? This pixie hairstyle checks ALL the boxes. Are you bold enough to pull off this look?
9. Short Choppy Pixie Cut
A short choppy pixie cut is perfect for anyone craving an undone, effortlessly cool look. Add a touch of wax for styling, and you’re ready to rock!
10. Red Undercut Pixie
Tapered sides or shaved sides? Or a classic undercut? The choice is yours. Don’t forget to spice up this look with vibrant hues for a dramatic effect.
11. Shaggy Pixie Bob Haircut
A shaggy pixie bob delivers total magazine-cover vibes for a cool queen-worthy look.
12. Pastel Pink Asymmetrical Pixie Cut
A pastel pink asymmetrical pixie cut beautifully balances your features while embracing the soft, charming allure of pastel pink.
13. Messy Edgy Pixie Cut With Bangs
Messy and edgy styles wouldn’t be complete without the ethereal touch of iconic platinum blonde.
14. Pixie Calico Hair
Inspired by the calico cat’s fur, calico hair continues to amaze with a variety of styles – from short to long.
15. Light Copper Pixie With Bangs
Light copper or peach? Or why not a mix of both? Seriously, who can tell the difference? When it comes to pixie cuts, the more shades you incorporate, the better.
16. Blonde Messy Pixie Cut
A blonde messy pixie cut has everything a pixie lover could ask for in a short hairstyle: texture, volume, and plenty of personality.
Emma Stone’s pixies nod in silent approval.
17. Layered Pixie Cut With Tapered Sides
A layered pixie cut with tapered sides has never failed to make a statement. People either love it or hate it, but they certainly can’t ignore it.
18. Golden Blonde Finger Wave Pixie
Golden blonde with a hint of light copper is a true color gem for black women, perfectly highlighting your gorgeous finger waves.
19. Edgy Super Short Pixie Cut
Ready to show off your edgy side? A super-short edgy pixie won’t wait forever.
20. Cropped Blonde Pixie Cut
This cropped blonde pixie cut deserves a medal for seamlessly combining modern, retro, and edgy elements.
21. Choppy Super-Short Pixie Hairstyle
Choppy and super-short? It’s the ultimate low-maintenance pixie cut every woman needs at least once in her life.
Final Thoughts
Still unsure if a pixie cut is for you? Don’t worry, we all fear change, especially when it involves a big chop. But if you’ve read this complete guide and your gut tells you this cut is right, there’s no need to doubt yourself.
After all, if you never try a new haircut, you’ll never know if it suits you. The greatest styles are born from experimentation and letting go of the fear of the outcome. Let that be your guide.
