A pixie cut is a short haircut that's cropped close at the back and sides and left slightly longer on top, often with a short fringe. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your stylist for and how to style it.
Pixie cut at a glance
- Length: 1 to 3 inches on top, shorter at the sides and nape
- Shape: Tapered sides and back, longer top
- Maintenance: Low day to day, high for trims
- Trim every: 4 to 6 weeks
What makes it different
It shows off the face: eyes, cheekbones and jawline. It's quick to wash and dry, but it needs regular trims to keep its shape.
Pixie cut vs bob
A pixie is cropped at the nape and around the ears. A bob keeps one length at or below the jaw.
Who it suits
Oval and heart-shaped faces and delicate features. On a round face, keep height on top and a side-swept fringe; on a long face, add a fuller fringe. Fine hair looks thicker short, and curls make a great pixie with the right shaping.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to face shapes.
How to ask your stylist for a pixie cut
- Say how short: over the ears or showing them, and how close at the nape.
- Say how long to leave the top and fringe.
- Ask for texture on top if you want a messy finish, or a smooth cut if you'll wear it sleek.
- Bring a photo. Stylists use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
Work a pea-sized amount of paste or pomade through dry hair with your fingers. Blow dry forward for a soft look or upward for height.
Variations
- Long pixie cut: more length on top and at the fringe.
- Curly pixie cut: shaped to the curl pattern.
- Pixie cut with bangs: a fuller fringe to soften the forehead.
- Bixie: halfway between a bob and a pixie.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes months to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see a pixie cut on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
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FAQ
What is a pixie cut?
A pixie cut is a short haircut that's cropped close at the back and sides and left slightly longer on top, often with a short fringe.
Who suits a pixie cut?
Oval and heart-shaped faces and delicate features. On a round face, keep height on top and a side-swept fringe; on a long face, add a fuller fringe.
How often does it need a trim?
About every 4 to 6 weeks.
