Beauty
Fact-checked

At BeautyAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Pixie Haircut?

B. Miller
B. Miller

A pixie haircut is a very short hair style for women, where hair is cropped close to the head and face. It is a slightly boyish cut, but is very easy to style, and many women are able to simply "wash and wear" a pixie haircut. A stylist will be able to cut pixie haircuts at different lengths depending on the client's preferences.

A pixie haircut may be cut extremely close to the head, or some spiky pieces may be left for a different, interesting style. Some choose to leave some pieces longer in this type of short haircut, to allow them to be pinned back with a stylish barrette or headband. These pieces may be left on the side or the back, and some choose to have bangs in the front with a pixie cut as well. These bangs are virtually never blunt bangs, straight across, but are instead sideswept, spiky bangs to match the rest of the cut.

A pixie cut is a short haircut for women.
A pixie cut is a short haircut for women.

There are many benefits to a pixie haircut. It is easy to wash and condition, and such short hair may not need to be washed every day. This will lead to healthier, moisturized hair. Because it is so short, it will also take less time to wash and dry. Pixie haircuts may be dried with a hair dryer, or they may be left to dry naturally.

Pixie haircuts may be styled with a small amount of gel or pomade, depending on the look desired. Gel or hairspray may create a smoother look, while pomade can be used to create spiky pieces. Leave-in conditioner can be used on its own to create a messy, beachy look. In addition, a pixie haircut is an excellent choice for summer, because it is light and cool. It is simple to dye hair that has been cut in a pixie style, and this type of cut is also excellent for covering grays.

Pixie haircuts may be styled with a small amount of gel or pomade, depending on the look desired.
Pixie haircuts may be styled with a small amount of gel or pomade, depending on the look desired.

There are a few reasons not to choose a pixie haircut. First, with such a short haircut, it is important to have good bone structure; a well defined jawline and cheekbones, along with delicate features, tend to look best with a pixie haircut. Those with an extremely square or round face may want to choose a longer, more flattering haircut. In addition, a pixie haircut requires regular trims and maintenance at a salon, which may take extra time and money out of an already busy lifestyle.

Discussion Comments

anon945683

Don't know why they changed the name. We always just called it a "butch", or a "man's haircut" when I was growing up, at the salon where my mom worked. And really, they do not look good on most women unless you are twig thin with perfect bone structure. Otherwise, they look like guys.

anon346660

I think a pixy is fine for many girls, but my husband is crazy about me having a short flattop. I have to wear a lot of make up with it. I hate it, but he insists. You girls are lucky!

anon213059

I hope you kept it long. I'm a husband who loves my wife's long hair. Long hair properly styled is beautiful and youthful. Short hair looks OK on some, but the best that can be said is that it's practical.

cafe41

@Sunny27 - I would love to have a short pixie haircut because it is so easy to maintain and you always look up to date. The problem is that my husband hates short hair and really does not like any hairstyle cut below the shoulders.

I agonize every summer when it gets hot and I want to cut off my hair for something with little maintenance.

I also agree that pixie haircuts for women especially pixie haircuts for older women really bring out all of the best features of the face like the eyes and the cheek bones. It also makes the makeup application stand out more and provides more definition in the eyes.

Sunny27

I think that pixie haircuts for women are very flattering because it draws attention to the other features of the face. Sometimes I think that long hair draws attention away from the face and becomes a little bit of distraction. It also elongates the face and it might also make someone look a little older than they actually are.

The only time that I think that a short pixie cut is not flattering is if you have large ears because it will draw more attention to your ears.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A pixie cut is a short haircut for women.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      A pixie cut is a short haircut for women.
    • Pixie haircuts may be styled with a small amount of gel or pomade, depending on the look desired.
      By: kazzakova
      Pixie haircuts may be styled with a small amount of gel or pomade, depending on the look desired.