Pixie haircuts manage that rare trick of being both timeless and of the moment. From iconic 1960s stars like Diana Ross and Twiggy to modern-day muses like Ruth Negga and Dame Judi Dench, the pixie crop’s popularity has barely wavered through the decades.
And while going ultra-short can feel intimidating if you've never tried it before, pixie crops can actually be some of the most low-maintenance, easy hairstyles around. So what makes these particular short hairstyles for women so appealing? As the shorter cousin of bob hairstyles, the secret of pixie haircuts' success is in their simplicity. As long as you stay on top of your trims, day-to-day styling becomes a breeze.
"With this style, it’s all about the cut, so if you’re someone who just wants to jump out of bed and be ready for the day this could be for you," agrees Nicole Petty, Haircare Expert at Milk + Blush. A chic look and low-maintenance styling—who wouldn't want that?
32 pixie haircuts for every hair type and face shape
Short pixie haircuts are seriously stylish—just look to celebrities like Charlize Theron and Rihanna, who have all dabbled in elfin crops with beautiful results. Pixie crops also make very flattering short hairstyles for thick hair, with plenty of shaping to create a softer look.
And how often should you cut your hair? To keep the style looking fresh, you’ll need to visit the salon around every four weeks or it'll start to resemble a long pixie or bob before you know it. Keep that cut in check and you'll only need the best hair dryer to look super elegant every day.
1. The super short pixie haircut
The short pixie cut is both statement and low-maintenance rolled into one. It can be left alone, for that "undone" cropped look - which the likes of Judi Dench and Jamie Lee Curtis often favour - or spiked up into this edgy style, as worn by Charlize Theron. It's a timeless cut that can be made to look very modern and contemporary, depending on your styling.
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2. Short and spiky pixie cut
If you're planning to keep a teensy bit more length than the previous cut affords but still want a statement look, this spiky pixie hairstyle is the way to go. Here, Halle Berry looks so chic and we just love how this crop adds a slight edge to her elegant red carpet gown.
3. The bleached super-short pixie
If you're toying with the idea of changing both your hair colour and style, a bleached blonde pixie cut offers both style and statement. Lightening your hair is also made much easier with shorter hair, as is maintaining it - with the likes of root touch-ups and the best toning shampoos.
4. The elfin pixie haircut
Emma Watson's iconic elfin-style pixie cut is so angelic and youthful and is again, one of those cuts that can be left un-styled - for a softer effect - or carefully secured into this angular, sleek look. If you've had long hair for a while, or perhaps have never had short hair, this pixie variation is very manageable and versatile.
5. Textured pixie
Textured pixie haircuts with layers add an extra 'lived-in' element to this classic style. A perfect example of this is actress, Audrey Tautou's iconic tousled crop, which just oozes elegance. The layers offer a volume, without the style looking too "done" - giving an effortless and modern effect. To achieve something similar with your own short crop, the best texture sprays are a must!
6. The polished pixie
We're convinced that few hairstyles look quite so good slicked down as a pixie cut, as proven by No Time To Die actress Léa Seydoux. It looks timeless and elegant, without overpowering her features or even her outfit.
7. The short coily pixie
For those with coily or curly hair, this super short pixie cut is so sophisticated and offers the perfect, low-maintenance solution to styling. Lupita Nyong'o herself has sported several shorter styles over the years, so if you need inspiration for how your hair texture will carry this type of statement cut, she's a great celeb to have on your radar.
8. The Pompadour pixie cut
If you've opted for a longer in the middle/shorter on the sides style of pixie, a quaffed look- like Pink's - is a must-try. It's a statement but if you've already exhausted all the other ways to style your pixie cut, this pompadour moment will make a fun addition to your rotation. Plus, there's no shortage of celebrity reference pictures as the likes of Halle Berry and Rihanna have also rocked this look previously.
9. The finger-wave pixie
We're obsessed with this finger-wave pixie 'do, as modelled by Dune actress Zendaya. The effect is so elegant and helps to accentuate her features. If you've got a textured hair type, this is the perfect way to style your hair into an elevated, slicked-back look.
10. The side fringe pixie
If your love for the side-fringe has never ebbed, a pixie cut is the perfect way to introduce the sweeping bangs back into your everyday look. We'd recommend opting for a wispy fringe, like Anne Hathaway's as it softens the overall style and can also be slicked back or spiked up.
11. Short pixie with bangs
Speaking of bangs, Keira Knightly famously debuted a short crop in the noughties, complete with a long and wispy fringe. As we can see, the length allowed Keira to wear her fringe to the side but also with a middle parting.
12. Curly French Girl pixie
Curly hair ranges from loose beach hair waves to fabulously coily natural hairstyles, and they all look incredible in a short pixie haircut. Not only does curly hair give a short style body and texture, with the best hair styling products a defined, curly pixie crop is the epitome of elegance.
13. Shaved gradient pixie
If you're looking for an easy, low-maintenance hair 'do, a short-short pixie complete with shaven sides could be a game changer for you. There is minimal styling involved and yet the look is bold and downright cool - as actress, Florence Pugh proves.
14.The "Shag" pixie
Again, for lovers of minimalistic hairdo's that require little to no effort, a longer, "shag" style pixie cut is the way to go. The layers helps to add texture and volume, giving the look that effortless feel that we just adore.
15. Layered pixie
Layers and a pixie chop are truly a match made in heavy. The addition of varying lengths, even through a short hairstyle, helps to add dimension and interest whilst also offering several styling opportunities- like spiking your layers up. We'd also recommend following Mary J. Blige's lead with a few honeyed highlights to further accentuate those layers.
16. Long on top Pixie
We can think of no better example of this pixie style than Rihanna. The singer's pixie cut era was rather iconic and it's not hard to see why.
If you don't fancy a short crop, a longer pixie cut like this one is a great option. It's still bold, but is far more versatile and looks gorgeous on curly and textured hairstyles. To recreate Rihanna's '00s look, the best curlers will come in handy here!
17. '90s Pixie
Talking about the '00s made us feel all nostalgic, hence why we're now moving onto another retro look. Victoria Beckham was one of many stars to debut a pixie cut in the '90s and it's not hard to see why she inspired hoards of her fans to follow suit. This crop is choppy and will never fail to add a hint of edge to your look - with again, minimal styling involved.
18. Voluminous curly pixie
If you've got curly hair, this mid-length pixie cut is the perfect way to debut your natural coils. It's voluminous, classic and easily styled with the help of the best hair diffusers.
19. Feathered pixie
If you've got thin hair, opting for a feathered look is a great way to add movement and volume to your hair. Here we can see Michelle Williams rocking some wispy layers which make her look so angelic.
20. The short back curly pixie
If you're in the process of growing of a short pixie cut, or want a change from long hair, this style is so versatile. Here we can see Halle Berry wearing hers in a spiked-up style, but the length would also enable her to play around with different fringe styles or even opt for slicked back look.
21. The layered pixie with bangs
Angela Bassett's layered pixie haircut is the epitome of timeless. Its feathered and "undone" feel never goes out of style and suits nearly every face shape.
22. Short curly pixie
A curly pixie cut creates such a timeless look, as perfectly demonstrated by Ruth Negga. This length also offers the possibility of a fringe and is so flattering on heart and oval face shapes.
23. Wispy pixie
Michelle Williams proves just how flattering a pixie cut can look on those with thinner hair. Her wispy, feathered layers look so delicate and offer a touch of volume to the top section of her hair. We'd definitely recommend this style if you're also looking for blonde hair ideas.
24. The choppy cut
For those looking to make a statement, we adore a choppy pixie cut. It's low-maintenance but never fails to add a little oomph to an outfit and really suits those with oval and heart-shaped faces.
25. The flicky pixie
No matter your hair thickness, this flicked out option is the perfect way to add movement and volume (in the case of thin hair!) to your pixie-like look. Jane Fonda has often opted for this feathered hairstyle, so there's definitely no shortage of styling inspiration out there.
26. The swept back Pixie
If you're feeling uninspired with your choppy or spiky pixie. we highly recommend this swept-back look, seen on Natalie Portman. It's classic and gives her such an angelic look and accentuates her delicate features beautifully.
27. Grey pixie
If you're embracing your silver locks, or just want to make a bold hair change, Jamie Lee Curtis is iconic for her grey pixie cut. It's both edgy, chic and so easy to style!
28. Front swept pixie
If you have thick hair, this front-swept pixie cut offers a very chic styling option for you. The look is voluminous but not heavy and looks especially good with a few highlights - like Viola Davis'.
29. Grown-out pixie
Longer pixie crops give you a little more to work with in terms of styling. "With length on top, the pixie is a little more versatile as you’re able to flip the hair from side to side," Bobby Collier, hairstylist at Larry King Salons explains.
"You can maintain length on the sides and sometimes tuck behind the ear to create some great silhouettes. For me, the ‘nape’ has to come in and hug the neck for profile and head shape, but this can also be left with a softer edge."
30. Full fringe pixie
A full fringe pairs beautifully with a short crop, as proven by Anne Hathaway. She debuted hers in 2013, pairing it with a long, pastel pink dress and looked truly ethereal. If you have thick hair, this is a great option for you!
31. Sleek pixie
If you're struggling with ways to style your pixie 'do, we love this slicked-back look, modelled by Léa Seydoux, especially when its also paired with one of the best red lipsticks. It's polished, chic and perfect if you want to make a statement at an event or party.
32. pixie pink
Whatever pixie cut you choose, we highly recommend following Helen Mirren's lead and opting for a pastel pink hair colour to go with it. Having short hair can mean the process of lightening your hair - and just colouring your hair in general - is so much easier than with longer locks and this shade of pink is just gorgeous. This is also great inspiration for those embracing their grey hair - in case you want to change things up with a wash-in-wash-out or semi-permanent colour.
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