Pixie haircut

Pixie is a short women's haircut with exposed temples and nape, and longer hair on top. The top can be left soft and voluminous or made more textured — it all depends on the result you want and the way your hair behaves.

Pixie comes in many variations: short or elongated bangs, a neat outline or a slightly tousled texture, almost shaved temples or a softer transition. That's why the cut can look both minimal and relaxed.

Pixie is often compared to garçon and short bob. A garçon usually has a more solid shape that hugs the head, while a pixie has a more noticeable difference between the short sides and the length on top. But the boundaries between the variations aren't strict — a stylist can adapt the shape to your preferences.

Who it suits

Pixie can be adapted to almost any face shape — what matters is deciding how long to leave the top, how to shape the temples and whether you want bangs. For example, elongated bangs can soften the features, while volume on the crown visually changes the proportions. Short temples, in turn, emphasise the cheekbones and the neck.

On fine hair a well-chosen shape can add volume to the upper part of the head. On thick hair the stylist works with density and texture so the cut doesn't look heavy. The result depends not only on the density but also on how your hair grows and holds its shape.

If you're unsure whether pixie will suit you, you don't have to go for the shortest option straight away. You can start with an elongated shape or leave more length around the face. During the consultation the stylist will assess your hair and help you choose the option that will be easy to wear and style at home.

How we do it at the salon

Before the cut the stylist discusses the desired length and styling with you, looks at how your hair falls and in which directions it grows. This helps choose a shape that will look good not only right after the salon but also in everyday life.

The cut itself usually takes about 40–50 minutes. The stylist shapes the temples and nape, picks the length of the top and works on the ends to give the hair the right texture. The exact time depends on the starting length and the complexity of the shape.

To keep pixie in the shape it was designed for, it's usually worth planning a trim about every 4–6 weeks. If the cut is very short, the outline may need refreshing sooner.

Care at home

Pixie is usually easy to care for, but a lot depends on your hair type and the condition of your scalp. Use your usual shampoo as needed, and apply conditioner along the length if your hair is dry or prone to frizz. After washing pat the hair with a towel and blow-dry, shaping it with your fingers or a brush.

Daily styling often takes just a few minutes. To emphasise the texture you can use a little wax or paste; for a lighter airy volume a light mousse or spray works well. Start with a small amount of product and add more as needed — too much can weigh down short hair.

A curling iron and straightener are optional: many pixie variations look great without them. The main thing is to pick a shape and styling routine that fits how your hair naturally behaves.