How To Style A Pixie Cut For Any Chic Short Hair Aesthetic

Short hair communicates a certain kind of confidence. While face-framing lobs and mermaid manes offer a softening distraction (as well as a curtain to literally hide behind), abbreviated cuts put the face on full display, centering complexion, posture, and a general “Here I am, take it or leave it,” vibe. But with very little hair to work with, the pixie cut in particular can feel intimidating — until you know how to style it.

Of all the short styles — buzz cuts and bobs, shags and modern mullets — the pixie skews the most romantic, tending toward pretty and polished. Blame it on the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Mia Farrow, who championed the cut in the 1950s and ‘60s with all of their doe-eyed waifishness. “Mia farrow’s Vidal Sassoon cut in Rosemary’s Baby is my all-time favorite pixie. It’s absolutely perfect,” says Lauren Bailey-Chaidez, owner of Feverfew in Los Angeles. “The soft textured neckline makes it so sweet and demure when juxtaposed with the short ‘masculine’ silhouette.”

These days, though, the pixie comes with some edge, personalized to match the attitude, hair texture, and overall aesthetic of the wearer. It also functions as a single step in a larger grow-out, a natural pause between buzz cut and bob that wearers have opted to embrace rather than rush through to obtain length.

Here, ten ways to style the pixie cut, along with expert tips to get the most out of your super-short style.

Classic Pixie

“Anyone with any kind of hair can pull off a pixie cut,” says hairstylist Thanh Vo. That said, there’s something about the classically elvish interpretation that captures the aspirational appeal of the style. To bring the would-be retro take into the present tense, Vo suggests reaching for wet-look gels to achieve a modern, slicked and sleek variation.

R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Gel$31Gel meets styling cream with this option from R+Co, which offers both stylized hold and flexibility. See On DermstoreBumble and bumbleBb. sumogel$34Opt for this option from Bumble and Bumble for a seriously high-shine hold. See On Sephora

Super Cropped Pixie

“It’s such a bold, chic haircut,” says Vo of the super-short pixie. “It just gives bad bitch energy (e.g. Zoë Kravitz).” Cropped a bit further than the classic variation, this pixie leans extra gamine — and, though super-short, requires an equal amount of effort. “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.”

Kevin Murphy Night Rider Matte Texture Paste$35This molding paste provides all of the hold, shaping, and control minus any greasy residue. See On Kevin MurphyOuaiMatte Pomade$28Control flyaways while encouraging piece-y appeal with this option from Ouai.See On Sephora

Shaggy Pixie

Bailey-Chaidez likens this iteration of the pixie to a ‘60s-era Edie Sedgwick or a ‘90s Winona Ryder — in short, the shaggy pixie is incredibly iconic. “I love this cut for all hair textures,” says the stylist, who suggests using a great leave-in conditioner like Reverie Milk followed by a wealth of sea spray. “It’s definitely a less-is-more style.” To avoid a mushroom grow-out, Bailey-Chaidez suggests removing lots of weight during the initial cut.

ReverieMilk Anti-Frizz Leave-In Nourishing Treatment$44Oil meets cream in this anti-frizz, shine-enhancing formula.See On Credo BeautyReverie MARE Mediterranean Sea Mist$34More is more with this lightweight styling mist that encourages tousled texture. See On Credo Beauty

Almost-Bixie

One of 2022’s most popular crops, the bixie is born of a pixie grown to irreverent, near-shag length — and those with finer hair would do well to embrace this in between style. “The layers will help give that illusion of thickness,” says Vo, who recommends finishing with a sea salt spray for extra texture. For extra oomph (and a silky finish), opt for Moroccanoil’s Volumizing Mousse.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray$32This cultish sea salt spray is designed to give you ocean-touched texture, even when you're miles from the beach.See On SephoraMoroccanoil Volumizing Mousse$30Argan oil ensures hair features a silky finish in addition to beach-inspired texture.See On Moroccanoil

Pixie With Bangs

“A great choice for someone who is ready to commit to the short crop without losing softness around the face,” says Bailey-Chaidez of this bangin’ pixie. “It’s super flattering.” After applying a lightweight balm or styling cream, spritz the fringe with ample dry shampoo to absorb excess oil while boosting volume.

HairstoryHair Balm$37$35Style, protect, and revive lengths with this lightweight (and refillable!) cream. See On HairstoryHairstoryDry Shampoo Powder$37$35This translucent dry shampoo will help ensure bangs stay fresh and oil-free.See On Hairstory

Curly Pixie

Cropped and curly pixies center on shape: From cut to styling, it’s about focusing on a cloud of curls that best accents your face. Depending on your curl type, the addition of layers can create a insouciant, slightly rumpled effect similar to the shag pixie. Shape with a favored styling cream for hold and shine, and finish with an ample spritz of volumizing spray. “Powders add a bit more grit to the hair, which gives you more control,” says Vo.

Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream$26Keep close-cropped curls defined and in place with Ouidad’s light and protective cream.See On UltaOribe Dry Texturizing Spray$49Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray adds a touch of grit to curls, making them easier to shape.See On Sephora

Asymmetrical Pixie

“This one can be tricky!” says Bailey-Chaidez, who focused on soft texture all around the perimeter and lots of texture on top to avoid eliciting comparisons to The Karen. “Style with lots of texture spray at the root, and finish with a light cream to define the ends and piece out texture,” she adds, citing Hairstory Undressed and Cult + King Balm as her asymmetrical product heroes.

Undressed Texturizing SprayHairstory$38See on HairstoryVeer & WanderCult + King Balm$40Organic botanical ingredients combine in a multi-use balm ideal for de-frizzing and achieving a perfectly mussed look.See On Veer & Wonder

Pixie With Undercut

If you’re a fan of devil-may-care aesthetics, the ‘80s revival, or both, a pixie with an undercut may be for you. A fantastic option for those wishing to transmute their buzz cut grow out into a full-on journey of looks, this cut is androgynous and edgy — but certainly requires some styling and forethought. “I’d use lots of texture and weight removal on top and keep the sides clean and tight,” says Bailey-Chaidez, adding that she loves the contrast between soft and hard. To maintain this pixie’s punk, finding the perfect hair wax or paste is a must.

WaxHairstory$29See on HairstoryAfterworld Afterworld Organics Matte Paste$32A blend of beeswax and castor oil teams to create hold while maintaining piece-y separation.See On Afterworld Organics

Fluffy Pixie

For a unique look that is adaptable to many mane textures while veering into ‘70s disco territory, opt for the fluffy pixie. “This cut is great for wavy or curly hair,” says Bailey-Chaidez. “Keep extra length around the ears to help create more volume, and comb out the curls to create fluff. Bigger is better.” To achieve great heights, invest in texturizing and volumizing products that help create body without weighing lengths down.

Cult + KingJelly$35Salt spray meets softening, weightless jelly, offering both texture and hydration.See On Cult + KingOuai Volume Spray$26This spray offers zhoosh and volume to even the finest of lengths, adding body without too much weight.See On Sephora

Pixie Buzz

A full-on look that can lead into any of the aforementioned pixies, if you so choose. This cut makes a strong statement all on its own, calling for equally strong accessorizing (think: a bold lip color). Bailey-Chaidez recommends buzzing the sides a little shorter than the top to keep the shape round while avoiding any odd proportions throughout the grow-out. And for barely-there hair? All you need is a touch of balm to smooth down frizz and flyaways.

Featherbalm Weightless StylerOribe$42See on OribeReverie Rake Styling Balm$36This whipped balm is packed with essential oils so that it nourishes while offering shape and hold.See On Credo Beauty

This article was originally published on July 19, 2022

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