Short hair, don’t care!
Pixie cuts are the ultimate way to refresh your look and show off your bold, fashion-forward style.
These chic, cropped cuts are sassy, low-maintenance and incredibly flattering.
Who says you need long locks to look utterly fabulous?
With the right pixie style, you can rock short strands with serious attitude and elegance.
A properly cut pixie flatters your facial shape, brings out your eyes and cheekbones, and adds lifted layers that remove bulk and create movement.
Ready to take the plunge and go short?
Today let’s talk about haircuts that will completely transform your look with sophisticated edge.
Each style includes detailed instructions on how to style it so you can recreate the look at home.
Get ready to chop it off and fall in love with these fresh, fierce and infinitely wearable cropped cuts!
The Classic Pixie
Nothing beats an iconic pixie for a low-fuss style with timeless appeal.
This is the quintessential cropped cut, with short layers on top blended into slightly longer layers in the back.
It’s a great option if you’re new to short hair because it’s flexible enough to wear sleek or tousled.
The classic pixie is cut close to the head, tapering down to the neck and ears.
The back and sides are kept very short, trimmed to around 1 inch with clippers.
This creates a tapered effect as the hair graduates longer towards the top.
On top, the hair is cut in short, graduated layers, usually between 2-4 inches long.
The top layers fall across the forehead to one side in a soft fringe that skims the eyelashes.
Behind the fringe, the crown is left just slightly longer, around 3-5 inches, to allow for lift and volume.
When cutting, point cut the ends of the layers for movement and bend.
Stack the layers shorter in the back to longer moving forward.
The graduated shape flatters the cheekbones and jawline when swept to the side.
To find the most flattering side parting, have your stylist hold the fringe sections up and across your face, observing what direction looks best with your features.
Most classic pixies favor a deep side part, but sometimes an off-center part is ideal.
This versatile cut works well on most face shapes.
The sideswept fringe and volume on top help balance out wider jawlines or square face shapes.
For oval, heart and diamond face shapes, a classic pixie shows off elegant bone structure and accentuates the eyes.
The blend of shorter back and sides with lifting crown layers is ideal for thinning hair or disguising a retreating hairline.
It removes bulk while still providing softness to balance facial features.
This cut also works nicely on older women, adding lift and movement around the jawline.
Styling is easy breezy with the classic pixie.
To emphasize the sideswept bangs, apply volumizing mousse at the roots and blow dry the fringe smooth using a round brush.
Create a side or diagonal parting and sweep the fringe dramatically off to one side.
Use the round brush to encourage volume at the crown.
Lift the roots and direct hair up and forward.
The angled fringe should lightly graze the eyelashes and cheekbone.
For second day styling, simply mist hair with water to refresh.
Finger style fringe and layers back into place.
Pomade adds excellent shine and flexible hold.
Use your fingers to loosely tousle the short back and sides for added texture.
For a piecey finish, work a styling cream through the top layers and scrunch as you blowdry.
Create a side part and let the choppy top layers fall across it naturally.
Spritz with medium hold hairspray to keep the tousled shape intact.
You can also enhance texture by applying sea salt spray to damp hair before scrunching and air drying.
On second day hair, refresh by misting strands with water and work in some pomade.
Finger style the fringe and top layers back into place.
Pomade offers a great lived-in look with flexible hold.
The classic pixie is universally flattering and works well with various personal styles.
For an edgier vibe, enhance the cropped texture with wax or gel.
Sculpt the fringe into peaks and spike the crown.
Keep it feminine by embracing natural soft waves and curls.
Mist with a curl defining spray and scrunch fringe and sides as you air dry.
Finish with serum for frizz control and shine.
The options are endless with this iconic short cut.
It’s perfect for both classic elegance or punk rock edge.
Embrace the sassy cropped layers and make the classic pixie your next go-to look.
The Tousled Pixie
For a cool, undone vibe, the tousled pixie is perfection.
This cut has lots of choppy, piecy layers cut to create loads of natural texture.
The longer layers on top allow for a soft side-swept fringe while the undercut sides and nape keep it punk.
The tousled pixie works best on naturally thick hair with some wave or bend to it.
The heavy layers remove bulk while encouraging natural texture and movement to show through.
To cut, leave approx 4-6 inches of length on top, tapering down the back and sides.
Point cut vertical layers throughout the top and fringe area for raw, shattered texture.
Keep the layers longer in the front to allow for an uneven, side swept fringe grazing the cheekbone.
The interior layers should stack shorter to longer as you move up the head.
This graduation allows the tousled texture to show through the interior of the cut.
Undercut the sides and nape close to the head using clippers.
This type of pixie looks best with high contrast between the longer layers on top and the super short undercut sides/back.
The closely buzzed areas also show off the cool chopped texture of the longer layers.
For fine or straight hair, enhance the roughly layered texture with sea salt spray.
Mist onto damp hair and scrunch strands from roots to ends before air drying.
This adds grit and piecey separation that improves the lived-in vibe.
Let the uneven fringe fall naturally across the forehead.
Tousle it gently with fingers as it air dries.
To boost volume, flip head upside down while scrunching and drying.
On wavy or curly hair types, define texture using a curl cream instead of sea salt spray.
Work it through damp hair and encourage natural waves as you let it air dry.
For extra volume, flip head upside down and diffuse hair halfway.
Let air dry the rest of the way.
To bump up the punk edge, sweep the front layers into a dramatic side part.
Spike up the fringe with pomade for height and attitude.
Wear the longer side layers tucked behind one ear to expose the undercut sections.
Use a texturizing spray to add grip.
Grab random strands and pull outward to enhance the raggedy texture.
Finish with medium hold hairspray.
The shattered texture of the tousled pixie also looks great sleek and smooth.
If your hair is naturally straight, blow dry the layers with a paddle brush to showcase the point cut ends.
Sweep the fringe diagonally across the forehead.
Dress up your tousled pixie for evening by smoothing out the texture and adding side-swept curls.
Mist hair with a bit of shine spray and scrunch for definition.
Soft curls complement the undone vibe.
This cut can be adapted for various face shapes.
Balance out stronger jawlines by sweeping fringe diagonally.
For round or heart-shaped faces, add height at the crown.
An off-center part slims wide forehead shapes.
Embrace second day bedhead texture by ruffling the tousled layers with fingers.
Mist with dry shampoo at roots and tousle fringe back into place.
Refresh wispy ends with serum.
The Asymmetrical Pixie
If you love bold style, go for an asymmetrical pixie.
It’s cropped close on one side with longer, angled layers on top.
This look makes a serious fashion statement and shows off your daring side.
The asymmetrical pixie works best on straight to wavy hair types.
Natural texture provides separation and movement to the angled layers.
Have your stylist cut the back and one side clipped close to the head, tapering up gradually to the top layers.
On the other side, leave length and create angled, pointed layers.
These swoop dramatically across the forehead, often falling past the eyebrow like an extra long side fringe.
Stacked layers in this section remove bulk and let the ends wisp naturally.
When cutting, keep the undercut side about 1-2 inches long.
Use clippers to taper the hairline up into the temple.
On the longer side, cut side-swept fringe to angle below the cheekbone.
Point cut ends lightly for movement.
Direct the fringe pieces diagonally forward to create striking asymmetry.
Tailor the angle and length to flatter your face shape and features.
An exaggerated angle slims round faces while a softer angle works for diamond shapes.
Ask for the interior layers to be cleanly cut to best showcase the precision asymmetry of this style.
Avoid over-texturizing with point cutting or razoring inside.
To bump up the drama, go for an asymmetric color scheme.
Dye the cropped side something bold like platinum blonde or cotton candy.
Leave the longer side in your natural brunette shade for high contrast.
This style makes a statement all on its own, but you can enhance the bold shapes with strategic styling.
On the longer side, mist hair with smoothing serum and dry sleek with a paddle brush.
Lift the fringe high as you direct it across the forehead.
Curl the ends lightly under to create swooping movement and separation in the fringe area.
Mist with medium hold hairspray and leave the cropped side piecey and matte for contrast.
For added edge, spike up the shorter fringe pieces with pomade.
Use the wand of your curling iron to bump shape under the longer side.
Focus height at the temples and crown.
The crisp asymmetry lends itself to fun accessories.
Weave thin braids across the longer side, maximizing the diagonal line.
Show off multiple ear piercings by tucking the short side behind one ear.
Second day style by wetting hands and re-sweeping the fringe angle.
Shorter side can be fussed up with fingers or texturizing spray.
Lock in side partings with bobby pins if needed.
The possibilities are endless for customizing this bold crop.
Go for dramatic dye variations or enhance natural texture.
Balance your features with precision fringe shapes or add height for a punk twist.
The Long Pixie
Not ready to go super short?
Ease into the pixie trend with a longer cropped style.
The hair is cut to one length in the back with slightly longer layers up top styled forward to create bangs.
It’s a youthful look that’s great for oval or heart shaped faces.
The long pixie works best when cut to one length in the back, tapering down to lightly touch the nape.
Keep the back/sides between 2-4 inches long.
This provides the ease of a short cut while still maintaining some femininity.
On top, leave 5-7 inches of length in long layers, angled towards the face.
Ask your stylist for wispy side swept bangs falling below the cheekbone to frame the eyes.
Piecy point cutting in the fringe section encourages movement and bend.
Stacked layers on top should graduate shorter in the interior, removing bulk while allowing the ends to fall softly.
For fine hair, boost body by working a volumizing mousse through the roots before blow drying.
Flip head upside down and use a round brush to direct airflow upwards as you dry.
Lift the crown while smoothing layers sleek.
Concentrate on creating volume at the roots rather than drying completely smooth from roots to ends.
On thick or wavy hair, diffuse layers with head flipped upside down to encourage volume.
Scrunch in some sea salt spray for touchable texture that still has movement.
Let fringe and ends air dry.
The longer top layers allow for fun styling versatility.
For a sleek look, smooth flat with a paddle brush or curling iron.
Or, scrunch layers for an undone, touselled texture.
Create a deep side part and sweep the long fringe across it for dramatic framing.
Twist sections back and secure with bobby pins for a soft, elegant finish.
Hair accessories like headbands and barrettes look adorable with the longer pixie.
Use them to keep fringe swept off the face or pull back the sides for a half up style.
Embrace the awkward growing out phase by tucking longer layers behind the ears.
Add pretty clips or scarves to dress up the look.
The long pixie allows you to ease into short hair while maintaining girlish flair.
Show off the softly angled fringe by sweeping it side to side.
Change up your parting for an updated look.
Ruffle texture into the ends with sea salt spray or finger twist small sections before air drying.
Go sleek quickly by smoothing layers with a paddle brush for versatile styling options.
Have fun with this transitional cropped length.
The longer layers keep it feminine while you enjoy the ease of short hair.
Style it smoothed, tousled, curled or pinned up for everyday chic that fits your personality.
The Shaggy Pixie
Embrace your natural texture with a shaggy pixie full of bounce and movement.
This lively cut has lots of choppy, layered volume through the sides and top.
Shorter in the back and sides, it looks amazing when enhanced with beachy waves.
How to style: Apply salt spray to damp hair and scrunch layers together to boost texture.
Diffuse upside down, encouraging volume and bend in the layers.
Let air dry the rest of the way for touchable, fluffy texture.
The Spiky Pixie
Make a statement with a spiky pixie cut.
This style has very short sides and back with longer, choppy layers on top styled up.
It’s all about attitude so have fun playing with different heights and shapes.
How to style: Work a styling gel through damp hair and blow dry forward using fingers to shape into spikes.
Lift sections straight up from the roots and hold with a strong hairspray, sculpting desired shape.
The Wavy Pixie
Soften up your pixie cut with pretty waves and curls.
This is a great option for thick or wavy hair types, allowing natural texture to enhance the cropped silhouette.
Longer layers on top encourage bend and movement.
How to style: Apply a curl defining cream and diffuser dry hair, scrunching to boost waves as it dries.
Shake out curls with fingers to break them up and avoid tight ringlets.
Finish with a touch of hairspray at the roots for extra lift.
The Platinum Pixie
Go bright and bold with a platinum pixie!
This icy blonde hue gives the cropped cut a futuristic, edgy effect.
It’s perfect for naturally light hair or darker hair that has been pre-lightened.
How to style: Apply volumizing mousse and blow dry forward using a round brush to create lots of lift at the roots.
Smooth longer top layers to one side, sweeping across the forehead.
Pomade adds separation and sheen.
The Curly Pixie
Embrace your natural curls with a curly pixie cut.
This shape is cropped close at the neck with longer layers on top cut to encourage soft ringlets.
It’s all about letting those coils shine!
How to style: Work curl cream through damp curls, scrunching up to boost definition.
Diffuse dry on a low setting, keeping shape intact.
Finish with hands to break up uniform ringlets.
The Undercut Pixie
Make a bold statement with an undercut pixie.
It’s cropped super short up the back and sides with longer, choppy layers on top.
This high-contrast shape is edgy and radiates confidence.
How to style: Blow dry the longer top layers smooth using a paddle brush.
Brush hair across to one side so it falls across the undercut section for dramatic contrast in lengths.
The Pixie with Long Bangs
Still want some fringe to frame your face?
Go for a pixie cut with long bangs.
This style has shorter cropped layers in the back with long, side-swept bangs left intact in front.
It’s a great option for easing into short hair.
How to style: Smooth longer bangs straight using a flat iron.
Finger tousle the short back layers for airy texture.
Twist bangs lightly back on one side and secure with bobby pins for a sweet finish.
The Two-Toned Pixie
Make your pixie cut pop with two contrasting hues.
This fun style typically combines a darker natural base color with lightened blonde tips.
The result is a dynamic look that flatters both cool and warm complexions.
How to style: Blow dry smooth using a paddle brush, ensuring both colors blend together seamlessly.
Add waves and bend with a curling iron to show off the cool contrast of shades.
The Pixie with Bangs
Soft, wispy bangs breathe new life into a classic pixie cut.
The cropped back and sides are balanced out with side-swept fringe in front.
This frames the eyes beautifully and adds feminine flair.
How to style: Blow bangs smooth using a round brush, directing them to one side.
Flip the short back layers forward at the roots and tousle lightly with fingers for airy texture.
If you’re seeking a dramatic change, pixie haircuts deliver style and sophistication with minimal fuss.
Whatever your hair type and texture, there’s a cropped style perfect for accentuating your gorgeous features.
Embrace your bold spirit and refresh your look with one of these fabulously feminine short cuts!
Your inner fashionista will shine every time you catch your fierce reflection.
