How to Style a Pixie Cut 5 Different Ways
So, you’ve taken the plunge and gotten a pixie cut. Congratulations! You’re now part of a legacy of bold, stylish women who aren’t afraid to make a statement. But after the initial thrill of the chop, a question might arise: “Now what?” The beauty of a pixie cut is often misunderstood; many think it’s a low-maintenance, one-style-fits-all haircut. The truth is, a pixie is a blank canvas, brimming with styling possibilities.
From sleek and sophisticated to tousled and textured, your short hair can be just as versatile as any long mane. The key is knowing a few simple techniques and having the right products on hand. This guide will walk you through five stunningly different ways to style your pixie cut, ensuring you can switch up your look to match your mood, your outfit, or the occasion. Get ready to fall in love with your short hair all over again.
1. The Sleek and Sophisticated Side-Swept Look
This style is your go-to for a polished, elegant appearance. It’s perfect for the office, a formal event, or any time you want to look effortlessly put-together. The focus here is on smooth, shiny hair with a defined side part and a graceful sweep across the forehead.
How to Achieve It:
Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply a smoothing balm or a light-hold gel from roots to ends to combat frizz and add shine. Using a fine-tooth comb, create a deep side part. With a blow dryer and a small, round brush, direct the hair on top across your forehead, using the brush to create a slight curve or “bump” at the roots for volume. For the shorter sides and back, simply blow-dry them smooth, following the direction of hair growth. Once dry, you can use a flat iron on the longer pieces on top for an ultra-sleek finish. Lock the style in place with a light-hold hairspray.
Pro Tip: For an extra dose of glamour, tuck the hair behind one ear and add a statement earring.
2. The Textured, Piecey Bed-Head Pixie
Embrace the edgy, rock-and-roll side of your pixie with this intentionally messy look. This style is all about creating separation, definition, and a carefree, “I woke up like this” vibe. It’s ideal for casual days, concerts, or when you want to channel your inner cool-girl.
How to Achieve It:
This style often works best on day-old hair, as the natural oils provide grip and texture. If your hair is freshly washed, start with a volumizing mousse at the roots. Rough-dry your hair with your fingers, flipping your head upside down to build maximum volume. Once dry, the magic happens with a texturizing paste, wax, or powder. Rub a small amount between your fingertips and then pinch and pull random sections of hair, focusing on the crown and the ends. The goal is to create separation and a slightly uneven, piecey effect. Don’t overdo it—the mess should look artful, not chaotic. Finish with a flexible-hold texturizing spray.
Pro Tip: Use your fingers to gently push the front sections of your hair upward for added height and a tousled appearance.
3. The Voluminous, Old-Hollywood Curls
Who says pixie cuts can’t be romantic? This style proves otherwise. Inspired by the glamour of icons like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, this look adds soft, voluminous curls and waves to your short hair, creating a feminine and timeless silhouette.
How to Achieve It:
You will need a small-barreled curling iron (around ½ inch to 1 inch) for this style. Begin by applying a heat protectant and a volumizing spray to dry hair. Take small, horizontal sections of hair from the top and crown layers. Wrap each section around the curling wand, holding for a few seconds before releasing. Alternate the direction of the curls for a more natural, bouncy effect. Once all the top sections are curled, don’t brush them out! Instead, use your fingers to gently tousle and separate the curls, shaping them into soft waves. Use bobby pins to subtly pin back one side for a classic touch. Set the style with a light-hold hairspray.
Pro Tip: For authentic Old-Hollywood flair, create a deep side part and focus the curl volume on the side with more hair.
4. The Slicked-Back Wet Look
High-fashion and undeniably chic, the slicked-back wet look is a major statement. It’s a versatile style that can range from severe and dramatic to soft and glossy, making it perfect for a fashion-forward event, a hot day, or when you simply want a minimalist, clean look.
How to Achieve It:
This is one of the simplest styles to execute but requires the right product. Start with damp or wet hair. Apply a generous amount of a strong-hold gel, pomade, or a dedicated “wet look” styling cream throughout your hair, making sure to coat every strand from root to tip. Use a fine-tooth comb to comb your hair straight back from your hairline, ensuring there are no bumps or stray pieces. You can choose to leave it perfectly sleek or use your fingers to create a slightly more textured, “lived-in” version by gently pressing and lifting the hair at the crown. Let it air dry for a true wet look, or use a diffuser on a low setting. There’s typically no need for hairspray, as the gel will provide the hold.
Pro Tip: For a modern twist, leave out a few face-framing pieces to curl and drape loosely, contrasting the slicked-back sections.
5. The Accessorized & Playful Pixie
Never underestimate the power of accessories to transform your pixie in an instant. This is the easiest way to add color, sparkle, and personality to your short hair without any heat styling. Headbands, scarves, clips, and even earrings can become the star of the show.
How to Achieve It:
The technique here depends on your accessory of choice. For a thin headband, simply place it over your hair, pushing it back until it sits comfortably. You can leave your hair as is or puff out the front sections for a little volume. For a colorful silk scarf, fold it into a band, tie it at the nape of your neck, and let the tails hang down, or wrap it around your head like a headband for a boho feel. Statement hair clips and bobby pins are incredibly versatile. Sweep a section of hair to one side and secure it with a decorative clip, or use multiple small pins to create a geometric pattern on the side of your head. The only rule is to have fun and experiment!
Pro Tip: Use a texturizing spray before adding accessories to give your hair more grip, ensuring everything stays in place all day.
Embrace the Versatility of Your Pixie
As you’ve seen, a pixie cut is far from a limiting hairstyle. It’s a dynamic and expressive form of self-care and fashion. Whether you’re in the mood for the clean lines of a sleek sweep, the rebellious energy of a textured mess, the romance of soft curls, the drama of a wet look, or the playful charm of accessories, your pixie can deliver.
The most important ingredient in any of these styles is confidence. Wear your hair with the assurance that comes from knowing you look incredible. Experiment with these five ways to style your pixie cut, mix and match techniques, and discover what makes you feel most like you. Your short hair isn’t just a cut; it’s a statement. Make it a versatile one.
