The Pixie Haircut: Everything You Need To Know

Pixie haircuts are a must and always on trend. Professionals need to know how to do a perfect pixie haircut and with gorgeous styling. Welcome to the definitive guide for professionals.

CONTENTS

1. Pixie Haircut: All You Need to Know [Guide for Professionals]
2. What is a pixie haircut?
3. Who can wear a pixie haircut?
4. How to cut a pixie haircut? Step by step
5. How to style a pixie haircut?

There are many reasons why more and more people are drawn to a short pixie hairstyle. Your clients may have noticed this trendy style popping up more frequently on social media, or maybe they’re just ready for a fresh new look. Whatever the reason may be, one thing stands true when it comes to the popular pixie haircut: It’s always in style! As a stylist, it’s up to you to cut and style the perfect pixie look for your client’s specific hair texture, color, face shape, and personality.

And remember, confidence is key when it comes to this bold cut. Your clients are looking to you to be decisive and assertive in your skills when helping them take the plunge into a super short style. They’re relying on you to give the best possible recommendations, while also trusting you to style their pixie (be it a long pixie haircut or ultra-short look) in a way that leaves them with the best haircut of their life. In this definitive guide for professionals, we’re covering everything you need to know about the pixie haircut—including step-by-step considerations for cutting, styling, and more.

What Is a Pixie Haircut?

When consulting with a client, you’ll want to first make sure that they understand exactly what a pixie haircut looks like and what they can expect. This haircut is very short and close to the scalp, which can help enhance the shape of the face and cheekbones when done right. The classic pixie cut has evolved with new variations, such as the edgy rocker-style pixie and the trendy boyish cut. There are many ways to cut and style a pixie haircut to suit various different styles and face shapes.

The pixie as we know it today first became a symbol of empowerment when it was made popular in the 1950s by legendary actresses, such as Audrey Hepburn. As a great way to allow your natural features to shine, the pixie haircut is a stylish look that allows your clients to really make a statement and take full control of their styling choices.

Once seen as a progressive haircut, the pixie cut is now totally achievable for everyone with the right stylist. However, this haircut requires precise skills and execution when cutting a style this short. It’s crucial to stay on-trend, both in terms of the type of styling you recommend and the knowledge to execute it perfectly. Keep reading to discover our top pixie tips to make this a reality for any of your daring clients!

Who Can Wear a Pixie Haircut?

Every haircut has its own unique set of pros and cons. When it comes to the pixie haircut, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a dramatically short cut. This means that it’s not possible to hide behind this hairstyle, like you might be able to with a longer head of hair. With the pixie, the client’s haircut is completely exposed. Now, this can be both a good or a bad thing, depending on the stylist and the client.

For example, the pixie cut puts the entire face on display, which can make the client’s facial features more pronounced. This is something that may not be for everyone, and it’s crucial to relay to your clients when discussing whether or not a pixie is the best choice for them. Fortunately, you can customize this haircut to suit any client’s face shape with the right tools and expertise. For those with a very angular jawline, for example, you might recommend a pixie with side bangs.

A pixie haircut can also impact style and makeup choices. For some, this means accentuating their new bold look with more vivid make-up colors, highlighting their favorite facial features, or accentuating the cheekbones with a highlighter. Lastly, it also inevitably means that your client will have to visit your salon chair a bit more frequently if they want to maintain their sleek pixie style haircut. Because this cut is so short, it requires more maintenance overall.

How To Cut and Style a Pixie Haircut

Once you’ve finished your consultation, and the client is clear on the expectations, style options, and maintenance, you’re ready to begin cutting your flawless pixie haircut. Here are the basic steps to follow to ensure your client leaves the chair absolutely elated with their amazing new pixie look:

1. Adjust for hair length

Begin by first making any necessary preparations based on the client’s hair length. If they have long hair, for instance, you will want to first cut the ponytail at the nape of the neck—this will make the hair easier to manage. At this point, you can also ask your longer-haired clients if they might be interested in donating their hair: Good styling and a good deed!

2. Divide the hair into sections

When cutting a pixie hairstyle, it’s much easier to work with well-defined sections. Since the top part will be done last, begin by separating the top from the rest of the hair. Next, start working at the nape, dividing sections evenly, and then move on to both sides. Remember: Dividing the sections up well will make the pixie haircut quicker and easier.

3. Use the vertical cut technique

Section by section—using the vertical cut technique—you will then begin gradually creating the pixie haircut. The nape should be closer to the client’s head, as should the sides. Here’s a pro tip to try: Place your fingers at around 45 degrees from the base to the crown of the head in order to increase the volume towards that area.

4. Cut the top part

Once you have finished the sides, it’s time to work on the top part. Gently let down the top part and start at the crown, lifting the hair towards the locks already cut at the back. And remember to separate the bangs, since you won’t be cutting them until this part is completely finished.

5. Perfect the bangs

At this point, if the hair is still wet, you’ll want to grab your blow-dryer and dry the hair completely before cutting the last part: the bangs. When drying, don’t forget to use a heat protector like Style Masters™ Double or Nothing Lissaver™. This temporary straightener and heat protection hairspray helps to prevent split ends and protects hair from the heat of styling tools. Plus, it even helps preserve color! As you cut the bangs, choose the length and direction based on the shape of your client’s face. Don’t be afraid to chop away for texture and style.

How To Style a Pixie Haircut

And finally, once your pixie cut is complete, it’s time to get the styling just right. That new pixie haircut requires some pampering, care, and professional styling to look its best. With waxes like the fantastic Style Masters™ Creator Fiber Wax™, you can make those new bangs look more texturized, sculpted, and defined. This sculpting hair wax delivers remarkable control and definition without adding unwanted weight or residue. If you want to give your look long-lasting volume, try using Style Masters™ Volume Amplifier Mousse™ to leave the hair soft, while providing hours of hold.

If there’s one thing we’re certain of, it’s that the gorgeous pixie haircut is here to stay. For more professional haircutting techniques and advice, check out our guide to finding the best bob haircuts for every face shape.