When we think of “The Pixie Cut” our minds immediately think of the hairstyle queens themselves: Ms. Halle Berry, Florence Pugh, and Zoe Kravitz — to name a few.
This short and edgy cut has been spotted throughout the years regardless of trends and changes in fashion, making it a truly iconic style. Even though short hair seems easy to maintain, it can be a mental challenge chopping off your locks. For most, the Pixie cut is uncharted territory, of shorter lengths and may seem a little too daring. But, for the ones who dare to reach the shorter, edgier side of hair; they have never felt more empowered.
Pixie cuts have been a thing for as long as we can remember, but who popularized the pixie cut? Why, Mrs. Audrey Hepburn herself. The Audrey Hepburn pixie cut was seen in the epic 1956 film War and Peace. She also graced numerous magazine covers with this iconic short hairstyle.
While other women in that time were resorting towards fuller, longer locks, Hepburn paved the way for nonconformity and timeless style. To follow with more famous on screen sightings of the Pixie cut; Halle Berry, Cynthia Nixon , Charlize Theron, and many more.
These women dared to risk the chop and feel empowered with such a bold look. Each with unique features to them, showing that it doesn’t take a specific look or face shape to own the hairstyle you desire. If you’re looking for a sign to chop your locks, here it is. Now that you’ve decided it's time for the commitment, let's help you get the most out of your new do’.
Do you have the right face shape for a pixie cut?
The short answer is YES. Anyone can rock this stylish haircut, because the truth is there is no wrong shape for any haircut. If you love the look and want to try it, then it's the perfect style for you! There is also an assortment of different styles to choose from listed under the “Pixie Cut”. They can include layers, no layers, long bangs, no bangs etc. making it achievable for everyone. Finding the right Pixie cut can start with an easy option of sourcing inspiration (Pinterest is your friend).
Start with celeb inspo. Find celebs that you share similar features with. If you have dark, thick textured hair, finding a celeb with a similar texture can show you what the Pixie cut may translate to with your specific hair type. As well, finding celebs who have had a Pixie cut with a similar face shape to you is a good idea!
If you are wanting a quick alternative to understanding what Pixie Haircut is best for your face shape, we’ve compiled some options! Regardless of your features, taking on a Pixie cut enhances your facial features and let’s your natural beauty stand out.
Oval Face Shape: Ultra short pixie cut hairstyles (the most daring of them all) will suit oval face over any other! If you are lucky enough to have an oval face shape, most haircuts will be sure to suit you!
Heart Face Shape: To work with your face shape, most hairdressers suggest a classic pixie cut (i.e. Michelle Williams) because it focuses on creating length to your face and avoiding areas of excessive volume that can shorten your face.
Round Face Shape: You have the perfect face shape for a gorgeous ponytail. But when it comes to Pixie cuts, try adding longer layers and volume in your crown area. This will help slim out your roundness to give a little length and drama!
Square Face Shape: Wispy layers and bangs, mixed with a pixie cut is ‘oh so chic for you!’ Softer layers and a little length will soften any sharper, squared edges on your face. Try a side wispy bang and longer layers to your pixie for the ultimate look!
Diamond Face Shape: Choosing a pixie cut that is flatter on the top or one with shorter bangs is the perfect choice! You can choose to go epically short or a little length with a swept soft bang along your forehead!
How to style & maintain your pixie cut
With shorter hair comes more commitments? Yes. Although shorter hair should seem easier to maintain, this length can be a little more needy than you may have expected. Having a very specific length and style you can expect to see your hairdresser more often, usually every month depending on the growth cycle of your hair. Hair washing will also increase as your hair is closer to your root and chances are you’re going to be using products to style daily with a pixie cut.
This style is a great option if you find your hair has been severely damaged and needs a fresh start. Chopping off your split ends and allowing your hair to regrow can create an amazing rebirth of tougher locks! Just don’t forget to use moisturizing and scalp treatments when you can to really keep your hair at its healthiest. If your hair was healthy to start, giving your scalp and hair a little love is still important especially when it comes to styling.
Styling the Pixie cut is totally up to you. Whether you choose to spike it, curl it, swoop it, the options are endless. We love how Halle Berry and Zoe Kravitz have been seen rocking very different styles with their pixie cuts. Whichever style you choose, remember not to overuse the product as it can create a stiff look to your hair. Natural movement is always important, unless you’re going for a slicked down chic evening look!
Different pixie styles
Don’t be afraid of feeling limited with styling options, there are so many fun and edgy looks you can achieve with the pixie cut.
Sleek & Sexy: For when it’s time to hit the town or grab a drink with your girlfriends this style is the perfect go-to. Think Zoe Kravitz for inspo! Grab your fav pomade and slick away. Don’t forget to pair this look with the perfect smokey eye for added drama!
Fun & Flirty: One of the most popular pixie cut styles! Keep your hair light & airy with longer layers and a little volume! Our perfect celeb inspo are Anne Hathaway & Keira Knightley. You can use texturizing spray to get this look.
Edgy & Sophisticated: A true pixie cut staple is creating an edgy texture to your hair. Our favorite celeb inspirations are Scarlet Johansson and Katy Perry. Both have a different style of the Pixie cut but pull off the edgy look effortlessly! Try a mini faux hawk or spiky texture to your cut. Get the ultimate oomph by pairing your pixie cut with platinum dye.
Business Casual: Our Queen of pixie cut Halle Berry is the ultimate inspo for this look! Think soft layers, wispy with a little edge. The versatility of this style can be spiked upward or downward depending on your mood. Try using a texturizing spray, soft hold hairspray and a curling iron to add some waves and hold onto your hair!
The ‘Bixie’ Cut
Although the classic Pixie cut takes true commitment many are opting for the in between trending style the ‘Bixie’ cut. Just like how it sounds, the Bixie cut is part Bob length, part Pixie. And is open to interpretation of what you’re individually looking for out of your style.
This new trending style is slightly shorter than a true bob, landing right below the chin. Although it looks like it's one solid layer there are ghost layers underneath to help thin your hair and create a choppy but blunt look. The difference between the ‘Bixie’ and a very short bob is the weight of your hair. A true bob has a certain thickness and weight into it, whereas the ‘Bixie’ focuses on wispy, thinner ends that move with you.
If you’re having a hard time doing a full cut of your hair and committing to a Pixie cut, hair stylists recommend slowly cutting shorter each visit to the salon. The ‘Bixie’ cut or ‘Wolf cut’ is the perfect in between style for anyone considering going shorter.
Whichever hairstyle you choose to chop your locks into, the feeling of committing can be scary. Hair has a way of providing comfort to most and can sometimes feel like a security blanket to hide behind. Coco Chanel once said “A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.” and we couldn’t agree more! Let your face be the star of the show with a Pixie or ‘Bixie’ cut and own the fun and empowered woman you are with these major chops!
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