The pixie cut is the most popular quarantine hairstyle - 5 celebrities show you how to wear it

Google searches of 'pixie cut' hit a staggering 1.6million at the end of 2020. Rihanna has just jumped on the cropped bandwagon,  Judi Dench consistently proves its ageless credentials and Dua Lipa paired an icy blonde hue with her trim for the recent cover of Vogue UK. All of which crystallises its position as most popular quarantine hairstyle and one you can expect to see a lot more of once restrictions lift. 

Perhaps months of hibernation are encouraging us to adopt a 'short hair, don't care' attitude. Or we're just desperate for a dramatic change and, with more time to kill, we've done our homework and discovered that the pixie is universally flattering.

At one time pixie cuts were mistakenly thought to just be the reserve of those with jawlines that looked as though Michelangelo himself had chiselled them. Not so, as the beauty of a pixie cut is that people with all kinds of face shapes can work it. Plus it works for any hair type, whether thick or fine, straight or curly.

More from woman&home:

• Best mascara – lengthen, define and volumise your lashes with our favourite formulas
• Best eye cream: our favourite formulas for every skin type
• Best foundation: Our favourite formulas for all skin types

"Chopping off all your hair can be liberating and sexy and confidence-boosting. It's making a statement for sure," says Luke Hersheson, hairdresser to Victoria Beckham. Rather than a harsh, angular cut, he prefers a classically round shape and keeping the edges soft for a less scary jumping off point for the trend.

In need of a little more inspiration? These celebrities wear the pixie cut best...

Scarlett Johanson

Johanson's pixie signature is a deep side-part and added grit, courtesy of a styling pomade. The whole look screams effortless and sexy.

Jada Pinkett-Smith

Pinkett-Smith recently jumped into the pixie trend with both feet, swapping a longer piecey fringe for this cropped-close-to-the scalp number that accentuates her stunning bone structure.

Zoë Kravitz

Whether platinum or dark, Kravitz’s gamine crop and baby bangs give her an other-worldly elfin beauty. Blow-drying with a diffuser will add lift while texture paste gives the style mussy definition.

Selma Blair

Proof that a bowl cut, tousled to perfection can work on even fine hair. With volume blow-dried into the roots and side-swept front pieces falling just above her eyes, this is the definition of low-maintenance and fun.

Zendaya

The Emmy Award-winning star may have just slipped on a wig for this occasion, but her wispy-fringed pixie offers up some serious style inspo. The side-swept bangs keep the whole look pretty and feminine.