Whether sophisticated and androgynous or soft and gamine, the best pixie cut can be adapted and styled to suit any individual mood. Popularized in the 1950s by actors Audrey Hepburn and Jean Seberg as part of a visual rejection the long locks of their bombshell counterparts—and a want of European sophistication—pixie cuts have remained a symbol of nonconformity. The crop launched the career of supermodel Linda Evangelista in the late ’80s, thanks to the wizardry of French hairstylist Julien d’Ys, but makes an equally strong statement when interpreted for the feminine ingénue (think Mia Farrow and Emma Watson).
These days, the modern pixie cut is all about subversive, idiosyncratic style, as demonstrated by the likes of Teyana Taylor, Taylor Hill, and Iris Law. “The general vibe of the pixie cut now is cool girl." says hairstylist Rio Sreedharan, a go-to of Law's. “Everyone wants to look cool, chic, and a little more grungy.” The takeaway? If you're thinking of taking the lack-of-length leap, you're in fantastic company.
Here, everything you need to know about the pixie cut, according to the experts.
Are pixie cuts in style for 2023?
“The pixie cut has been an iconic style throughout the years,” says hairstylist George Northwood. “It’s now very of the moment once again, we saw lots of variations of the style coming down the runways at the autumn/winter 23 shows.” In addition, models like Law and Hill are proving that the style need not be reserved for a certain set or style. Still, the classics offer a worthy starting point. “Personally, I’m a fan of the ’90s take on the pixie—think Winona Ryder and Princess Diana—who both had very wearable versions with a slightly longer fringe and more texture," says Northwood.
What’s the difference between a pixie cut and short hair?
While short hair is a key characteristic of the pixie cut, not all short hair styles are classified as pixies. “The pixie has a very feathery texture,” says Kumi Bella, creative stylist at John Frieda Salon. “It’s cut close to the head and is about 5 centimeters all over.” That said, not all pixie cuts look the same and that’s down to fringe length, whether it’s micro a la Mia Farrow or more grown out, like the punk-ish iterations rocked by Kristen Stewart.
What should you consider before getting a pixie cut?
As with any hair style there are a few things to take into account before making the cut. “Consider your face shape, hair type, and how drastically your styling regime will change once you opt for a pixie cut, as these will be factors at play in committing to your new style,” says hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. The best pixie cuts are those that require the least maintenance and can be easily switched up to suit your look. If in doubt, start with a consultation. “My main number one tip is to start long and gradually go short,” says Sreedharan. “Style it choppy and shattered to give it a soft, feminine look.”
What face shape looks best with a pixie cut?
Getting the best pixie cut for your face shape is key here. Generally speaking, and as the name might suggest, the style is usually suited to those with more angular face shapes and pixie-esque features. Although it works well for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces, too.
After that, it becomes about balance. “If you’ve got quite pronounced features, you might want to go with something softer,” says Northwood. “Whereas if you have a bit of a baby face, you would likely be able to carry off a more blunt, sharper version.” Alternatively, if you’re into a more androgynous vibe, the angular version may be for you. Styling matters, too! “I love a greasy wet, gelled, pixie look,” says Sreedharan. “Very undone, nothing to groomed, and as close to natural texture as possible to maintain the look.”
Do pixie cuts make you look older or younger?
The best thing about pixie cuts is their versatility and the fact that they work on all ages. “Personally, I feel the older/younger ideology is a big misconception,” says Marlon Hawkins, artistic director of Brooks and Brooks “It’s not about a haircut—it’s about a style, texture, feeling. All things that keep an individual modern and comfortable whilst giving self-confidence is the most important.”
Below, we round up some of the best pixie cuts of all time.
Modish Pixie
Twiggy's trademark look was largely down to her polished pixie cut. The chop marked a pivotal moment in both the model's career and the Mod era in general.
Peroxide Pixie Cut
Model Iris Law has been making the case for mutable pixie cuts, shaping the style to suit her mood. This pinned and peroxide version feels like a nod to the '90s.
Parted Pixie Cut
Taylor Hill recent parted ways with her long brunette, and her mop of a pixie is just as appealing. Though she's been wearing the cut air-dried, this sleek and parted style is easy and occasion-ready.
Volumized Pixie Cut
A bit of extra length affords Angela Bassett's take on the pixie some extra lift. Invest in a styling paste and style with your fingers.
Pixie with Deep Side Part
Léa Seydoux's pixie is made all the more sophisticated with a dramatic side part. When gelled neatly in place, this style red carpet-ready.
Pixie Cut with Wispy Bangs
Dame Helen Mirren has mastered the art of the pixie cut. This wispy take (an amazing option for those with thin hair) is made more playful when colored pink.
Tousled Pixie Cut
Halle Berry's pixie is forever tied to an iconic moment in cinematic history. Shorn short along the sides and slightly longer at the top, a quick finger raking is all one needs when styling this tousled take.
Elvish Pixie Cut
.jpg)
Daisy Ridley's pixie is downright spritely. Sprays of strands and strategic snips throughout create movement and a buoyant sort of style.
Gelled-in-Place Pixie
Halsey is known for her short hair, but this gelled-in-place pixie is particularly memorable. Plus a deep side part and some well-place curled edges, the style is at once contemporary and reminiscent of the 1920s.
Two-Toned Pixie Cut
The late ‘80s saw hairstylist Julien d’Ys cropped supermodel Linda Evangelista’s lengths into a crop that went through a number of subsequent variations. This two-toned take has a persona all its own—one that comes down to lash-skimming bangs and elongated, face-framing sideburns.
Sleek Pixie Cut
Rihanna's pixie is glossy, sleek, and close-shorn, a look that capitalizes on her bone structure. Extra volume at the crown and piece-y fringe help create shape.
Prototypal Pixie Cut
One cannot discuss pixies without mentioning Mia Farrow. The actor's 1960s pixie is a common reference for the cut for its soft, accessible nature.
Gamine Pixie Cut
Though reminiscent of many classic cuts, Anne Hathaway's pixie is made more memorable for its framing. Elvish sideburns and slightly longer portions at back result in a playful, Parisian feel.
Full-Bodied Pixie
Fun Fact: Princess Diana's pixie was born on a 1991 Vogue photoshoot. The work of hairstylist Sam McKnight, the cut made a powerful (and fun!) statement.
Rooty Pixie Cut
Florence Pugh is one for risk-taking, as proven by the various hues she's colored her gelled pixie. The deep roots serve as a grounding element and offer each shade extra edge.
Pixie Cut with Micro Bangs
This ultra-abbreviated take on the classic pixie is perfect for Zoe Kravitz. The cut strikes an appealing balance between delicate and bold.
Windswept Pixie
Kristen McMenamy has made her career through subversive aesthetics, and her seemingly windswept pixie in no exception. Androgynous and stylized, this is a great choice for those with thick, textured lengths.
Pixie with Side Bangs
Audrey Hepburn's pixie evolved over the course of her career. This variation came with side-swept backs and some volume at the crown, details inspired by the styles of the 1960s.
Close-Cropped Pixie Cut
A pixie for a new generation, Winona Rider's coif was super short and centered on a subtle side part—a classic cut reimagined for a grungier generation.
Frace-Framing Pixie Cut
Cut to frame her face, Teyana Taylor's pixie cut is soft yet structural. Her subtle natural texture lends to the style, which is equally striking with or without product.
Pixie with Full Fringe
Kate Moss's pixie is all down to the fringe. Glossy, heavy, and side-swept, the model's bang is robust enough to create the illusion of length, ensuring that this take skews soft and feminine.
Feathery Pixie Cut
Jamie Lee Curtis's pixie features a feathery finish. Quirky and classy, this option is ideal for those with thin or thinning lengths.
Brushed-Up Pixie Cut
Agyness Deyn is all about androgyny, and her bleached pixie cut helped to define her 2010s look. Longer lengths at the top and a touch of dry texture spray are all you need for a look at once soft and subversive.
Pixie with Segmented Bangs
Pixie cuts are for classic bombshells, too. To recreate Elizabeth Taylor's super-short style, opt for segmented micro bangs that curl inward.
Perfect Pixie
Emma Watson's polished pixie is Farrow-esque in its quintessence. The cut is structured yet fluid, more delicate than many similar iterations.
Gelled-in-Place Pixie
Close-cropped and well-shaped, Charlize Theron's pixie is appropriately structural. Part to one side or gel back for a statuesque moment.
Lifted Pixie Cut
The lifted nature of Cara Delevingne's pixie feels somewhat retro. Parted and piece-y, this cut (styled correctly) can help with the appearance of volume, regardless of natural texture.
Punk Pixie Cut
From buzzcuts to wolf cuts, Kristen Stewart is a short hair aficionado. Her multi-toned take on the pixie is overgrown and irreverent, primed for finger raking and a seamless grow-out.