“I want something easy but not boring” is a phrase that comes up regularly when someone sits in my chair, and I know we are about to have the messy pixie cut conversation. I enjoy these conversations. There is an odd myth that says no one over 40 should get a pixie cut, which is absurd and shows how out of touch the rule makers are with hair. Some of the most complimented and happiest clients that leave my chair are the ones that have waited the longest to get a short textured cut, not just a length that does nothing for them.
I had a client last year who was a retired professor and had a shoulder length bob for 20 years. When she walked into my salon and said, “do whatever you want,” I knew I had my work cut out for me. I was able to give her a choppy messy pixie cut, and she cried happy tears. For a week after the appointment, she sent me a selfie every day, and that is what a great pixie cut can do. It is more than just a haircut; it can give people the confidence to stop being so self-critical and learn to love the way they look. I am sharing 25 messy pixie cuts because I enjoy them and because I have an opinion about each one.
#1: The One I’d Recommend to Almost Anyone
I see this, and think, “good guess that does not appear to be a good guess.” All the layers create more movement, but do not make you have to do a lot of styling every morning. They also put in some lighter shades to create the illusion of fullness where you want it most at the roots. If you’ve never gone short before and you’re a bit scared, this is the cut I’d start you with.
#2 Soft Waves Without the Effort You’d Expect
This haircut has fallen so well, it gives fine hair a little secret. The shape it creates is so nice around the face and there is enough length on top to keep it fun if you like to change things up based on your mood. Basically, all you have to do to style it is a little scrunch with some texturizing spray on damp hair and you’re good to go.
#3 Tousled and Unapologetic
I like this one because of the whole idea of looking like you rolled out of bed and look amazing, which is all the idea of a messy pixie. Those highlights are also speaking for themselves when they pop the texture of the hair. The cut is also one of those that you’ll appreciate that less styling looks better, which is rare and a beautiful thing.
#4 Choppy in All the Right Places
This is where things start to get exciting. The short sides and choppy bits on top give you that unique ratio that makes your whole face more interesting. The waves that go through the top layers give off a messy just got back from vacation vibe and I am always there for it. It will take effort to maintain the shape and you will definitely have to come in for a trim every five to six weeks, but honestly that’s a small price to pay.
#5 Curls That Actually Cooperate
This haircut will help you learn to love your hair’s natural texture instead of struggling against it! The balayage adds a beautiful sun-kissed dimension, making it look like you’ve been on vacation, no need for an all-over color. The length is right at the jawline, which can be stunning. Just a touch of curl defining cream and you’re out the door!
#6 Bouncy and Full of Personality
This haircut is full of vibes! The curls are bouncy, the warm highlights add dimension without being too much, and everything else says that the stylist is living her best life. This layered cut will give you that flowy look if your hair is at all movable. I’ve seen it happen and it never gets old.
#7 Understated but Not Boring
This cut is for you if you want to look great, and want to keep it more under the radar. These highlights don’t stand out in the worst way, and make it so you avoid looking flat. With a clean shape and some texture, things won’t get too serious. It’s also true that some cuts are more subtle, and in these cases they tend to get more compliments. People will notice even when they can’t put their finger on what exactly it is.
#8 All Lift, No Fuss
This cut is perfect for fine hair! Look at this layering. These layers add volume instead of just making your hair flat, which is how bad layering works. The warm, blended tones add depth and trick your eyes into thinking there is more hair. A round brush along with volumizing mousse will be your best friends with this style.
#9 Short Layers with Big Impact
It’s obvious the stylist is taking advantage of the natural waves and texture of the hair, which is a sign of good haircutting. The face framing softness is really flattering and it’s something I wish more people would let me do. This is the sort of haircut you wash, scrunch, diffuse for 2 minutes and walk out the door looking like you tried a lot more than you did.
#10 Silver and Completely Owning It
If you are going for silver hair, this is how to do it. The texture stops it from looking like grandma hair, and the volume stops it from looking like I give up hair. It really screams I know exactly what I am doing and don’t need your opinion. The maintenance of silver hair is real. You are going to need a purple shampoo to keep the brassiness away, plus you will need to try to make it to toning appointments every few weeks based on your natural base.
#11 Choppy and Confident
This cut may look easy, but with longer hair, it’s pretty much impossible to get it without taking 40-45 minutes curling your hair, and let’s be honest: no one has that kind of time. You’ll have to get regular upkeep to keep the shape as the hair grows out a little; the look will lose that intentional messiness and just look plain messy, and trust me, there’s a big difference.
#12 Messy Done Right
This may be messy pixie and I failed to check the mirror, so it is messy pixie, so I guess we are on borderline clarity. The waves give some body to the hair, the layers give it shape, and it all looks so effortless. If you are rounder in your face shape, the volume on top and the way everything narrows will work great for you.
#13 Volume That Doesn’t Quit
You would be so surprised how often these types of cuts miss the mark! What I think is the best part of the haircut is how light it is. Getting that much body without the bulk is *so* incredibly hard to do. This is honestly a perfect amount of body in a haircut and allows for so much versatility in styling! It is that type of haircut that is so low maintenance to achieve, but in order to define the layers and shape you will want to use some styling product.
#14 Lift Where It Matters
This style adds volume effortlessly. The crown section layers are tousled for lift in areas fine hair tends to collapse. The overall movement helps avoid a helmet-hair look. I have seen this style work beautifully with a balayage technique. Balayage adds depth without the full highlight commitment, and is certainly something worth asking your stylist about.
#15 Textured and a Little Bit Wild
This is great for a woman who does not want a super “put together” look, but still wants to look incredible. Here the texture is doing all the work. Any loose natural waves will be showcased beautifully with this cut. If your hair is thick you may need to get some extra thinning to accomplish this specific look. However, with fine to medium density hair, this shape is basically good to go.
#16 Red That Actually Works
I owe you a further explanation for my obsession with reds. I have definitely seen my fair share of bad reds, but this one? This is good red. I wouldn’t say this red is angry or aggressive; it is warm and welcoming. The soft red is interwoven as a delicate highlight and avoids an all-over commitment and the fade (please no!). The cut’s soft movement and drape is nice, and it always looks good which is an added bonus because I do not like styling my hair in the morning.
#17 Choppy Layers with Attitude
The choppiness of this cut offers added structure, which I think a lot of women over 40 want but are too shy to ask for. I’m telling you, ask for it. The volume here is playful and not too poofy, which is an important distinction. This look is really easy to achieve. All you need is a texturizing spray and dry hair. Just spray, scrunch, and leave it.
#18 Grey and Gorgeous, No Caveats
I will absolutely die on this hill. Having grey hair and a cut like that oozes personality and is amazing. Tapered sides and a fuller crown is a timeless shape that suits nearly everyone, and I don’t say that often because I don’t like lying to people. The combination of modern texture and grey is just stunning.
#19 Silver with Movement for Days
Another beautiful silver that’s earning its keep. The tiers create natural movement, making the hair look like it’s doing something cool even if you haven’t done anything to it. The tousled quality to the hair is the most important, because without it silver pixies can sometimes go into the territory that’s a little too slick and structured. This one looks like it has life in it.
#20 Subtle Highlights, Maximum Impact
This haircut is great for a subtle highlight placement! With this style, the sun will look like it did the highlights, which is the goal! You won’t need to spend a lot of time on styling because the layers are structured enough. Just a little light mousse and finger combing will keep the shape looking nice and polished. This is the kind of haircut that people will say “Did you do something different?” and mean it in a good way!
#21 Ash Blonde That Earns Its Maintenance
Let’s be honest: going ash blonde takes a lot of commitment. It can involve additional costs for toning and other products, and regular maintenance appointments are usually required to keep warm undertones at bay. That said, with this much texture and volume, plus this beautiful cool-toned finish, I can totally understand the excitement. I have to say this color and cut combination is extremely beautiful if you’re willing to go through the hassle.
#22 Face-Framing Layers That Know What They’re Doing
The face-framing layers on this cut are subtle yet draw attention to your eyes in a flattering way. The rest of the cut is tousled and effortless which creates that contrast between looking like it’s been cut well but having made no effort at all. That’s the sleight of hand with a good messy pixie and this one nails it.
#23 Curls with a Purpose
Tell that person with wavy and curly hair, who says they can’t get a pixie cut, that they are wrong and show this image to the stylist. This cut works well with the curls and the layers are designed to allow the curls to form naturally and not force them to an unnatural position. The texture does all the work to create volume and the hair looks effortless.
#24 Soft Volume That Flatters Everyone
I know it’s not common to see a haircut and style that works for almost everyone, but this is a great example. The texture adds volume and gives the hair some nice movement. I think the shape around the face is definitely positive. I’ve seen this many times. If you don’t know what to request, bring this photo.
#25 Silver Pixie That’s Doing Everything Right
In summation, this really makes a great messy pixie. The silver color for the hair is beautiful, the texture is great, the volume is perfect, and the layering looks great gives a tousled, messy, but also deliberate styled hair look. If you are over 40, naturally going gray, and are considering a short hairstyle, this is your sign! I’m your girl.
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