When it comes to hairstyles, nothing makes more of a statement than a short pixie haircut. Sure, bob hairstyles have had a major moment over the past few seasons—from tousled French-bob iterations to the sharp, structured power bob—but this summer, it’s all about going shorter, sharper, and altogether cooler.
Next to the undercut pixie and the asymmetrical pixie, the short pixie is having a style resurgence, showing up on red carpets, fashion-week front rows, and your Instagram feed alike. There’s something effortlessly confident about it—all minimal fuss, maximum impact—making it the ultimate chic update for summer. “A short pixie is the ultimate expression of confidence,” says celebrity hairstylist Jason Collier, who tends to the tresses of Victoria Beckham and Sienna Miller.
“It frames the face in a way that draws attention to the eyes, cheekbones, and jawline. It’s strong but still feminine.”
Whether you’re toying with the idea of a drastic change or you’re a short-hair devotee looking to refine your current cut, this is your ultimate guide to short pixie hairstyles—including what to ask your stylist, how to style it at home, and which A-list names are doing it best.
What is a short pixie haircut?
A short pixie is a cropped hairstyle that typically features super-short sides and back, with slightly longer layers through the top to add texture and shape. It’s a bold cut that manages to look elegant and edgy in equal measure. Plus, it works on all hair textures—so whether you’ve got fine, straight hair or textured, coily, or curly hair—there’s a cut that’ll suit you.
“The key to a great short pixie is balance,” explains Collier. “It should enhance your bone structure and bring out your natural features. With the right cut, it can look completely modern, soft, and wearable—not severe.”
What to ask your stylist before getting a short pixie cut
When booking your appointment, be clear about what kind of short pixie you’re drawn to—whether it’s ultra-cropped, slightly boyish, tousled and textured, or sleek and sculpted. “Bring reference pictures to your appointment,” advises Collier. “It’s one of the best ways for us to understand the look you’re going for and to tailor it to your hair type and lifestyle.”
It’s also important to talk about length. Do you want micro-bangs? A bit of softness around the ears? A side-swept top with volume and movement? A skilled stylist will consider your face shape, hair density, and natural growth patterns to find the most flattering variation of the pixie for you.
How to style a short pixie haircut
Styling a short pixie takes seconds but can be endlessly tweaked depending on the finish you want. “For a lived-in, textured look, work a matte wax or dry paste through the top,” says Collier. “Rub a tiny amount between your fingertips and rake it through the roots and ends for movement and definition.”
For something more polished, a light pomade or shine cream can help achieve a sleek, sculpted finish—ideal for evenings or whenever you want to feel a little more pulled together. Pixies also look amazing when pushed back with a strong side part or accessorized with statement clips and headbands.
Just avoid overloading the hair with product, which can quickly make it look flat or greasy. “Less is definitely more with a pixie,” says Collier.
Should you get a short pixie haircut?
“Pixies have stood the test of time because they’re never one-note,” says Collier. “Every few years they come back around—reinvented with new energy and attitude.” Even heritage icons like Mia Farrow and Twiggy prove that the pixie isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s a hair statement with staying power.
12 short pixie haircuts to screenshot and send to your hairstylist
Zoë Kravitz
This polished pixie features a clean silhouette with not a hair out of place. Minimalist, sophisticated and grown-up.
Jourdan Dunn
The model’s cropped curly pixie delivers instant glamour.
Charlize Theron
This sleek, side-parted pixie is all kinds of chic.
Florence Pugh
Keep things edgy this summer with a bleached short pixie complete with spiky finishes.
Ariana DeBose
For your next evening out, channel DeBose’s take on ’20s glamour with finger waves and curls.
Zendaya
This high-shine blonde pixie cut has been living rent-free on our moodboards since 2017.
Iris Law
No one loves a pixie chop more than Law. The longer face-framing pieces are equal parts romantic and cool.
Emma Stone
Stone’s pixie era is our favorite one yet. This side-parted, Old-Hollywood vibe is picture perfect.
Nia Long
Long’s iconic soft pixie stands the test of time.
Joey King
This look on King proves that a pixie works for all hair types, including thick curls.
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