The other week one of my clients came in for a consultation, and I really enjoyed talking with her. One thing she mentioned stuck with me; she said, “I want to do something different, but I don’t want to look like I’m TRYING to do something different.” This is a perfect way to explain what most people seem to want. We decided to do a pixie cut, and she ended up crying tears of joy because she was so happy. The great thing about a pixie haircut, or pretty much any haircut, is that it can really help people to see a different version of themselves. More importantly, it helps them to feel more confident.
Having done a lot of haircuts for women aged 60 and above, I have grown to appreciate a good side part. The side part is very underrated. A side part can make a haircut look fuller and creates dimension. It can also make the hairstyle look softer and directs the hair exactly where you want it. A side part allows for asymmetrical hairstyles without a lot of commitment. I have seen this cut work on every hair type, whether it is super fine hair, thick coarse hair, wavy, straight, and everything in between. I have collected thirty examples of what a good haircut looks like and I’m excited to share this collection of side parts because It has been difficult to narrow it down to thirty!
#1: The Softest Little Textured Pixie That Just WORKS
I love the “I woke up like this” feel. The layers are so subtle that most people probably won’t notice them, but they provide the perfect amount of movement and keep the cut from being flat or helmet-y. If you have finer hair, this type of cut will be your best friend because it doesn’t demand a lot of effort to be styled; it just allows your hair to do its thing. You could put a little texturizing spray in your damp hair, but you could definitely just go without it and still look great.
#2 That Effortless Ash Blonde Pixie Everyone Asks About
I get asked to replicate this look frequently, and it’s easy to see why. It certainly portrays that easy beautiful, just-returned-from-a-holiday look. A sun-kissed balayage is more reason to throw those tresses. You can have all the volume just where you want it, on top to avoid that mushroomy shape on the sides. You will need to return for trims quite a bit and, even better, closely spaced ones because it does it’s thing until it starts to grow out. But when it’s fresh, oh wow.
#3 Curly Girls, This One’s for YOU
Let’s discuss how fabulous curls look in a pixie! It’s a styling option that people don’t consider, which honestly drives me a bit insane! These soft, curly layers give the haircut so much life and personality without it looking round or mushroom-y, like side parts tend to do (which is a common fear with curly pixies). I won’t sugarcoat it: a curly short cut does require a bit more maintenance. You’ll need a good curl cream (and probably a diffuser for wash days and I know that sounds like a pain). But the results are so worth the work when you look this fabulous!
#4 A Classic That Never Misses
I would classify the cut as a “gateway pixie.” It’s short enough to be considered a pixie cut but flattering enough to suit nearly everyone. The delicate layers frame the face in a way that highlights the bone structure. The length is also short enough to feel like a real change but not long enough to freak out every time you look in the mirror. If you’ve been thinking about highlights, this cut is fantastic for them. The layers will catch the light, and in a way that will add depth to the hair!
#5 Fluffy Volume That Actually Stays Put
It’s time to appreciate the fringe. It truly is a showstopper. It directs attention straight to the eyes and cheekbones although the fringe itself isn’t even heavy. The blonde and highlighted strands bring in a lot of dimension and you can see every layer. This hairstyle will have people asking what you’ve done differently, and they won’t be able to put their finger on it because it brightens your whole face. Fine haired girls, this is your volumizing mousse moment. Okay, maybe just a little mousse.
#6 The Sweetest Highlighted Pixie I’ve Seen in a While
What stands out is the soft highlights throughout the layers, instead of bold and distracting, they reflect and give warmth. I love a pixie that looks as if it has grown into the perfect shape, you know? As if it has never been cut and just decided to look that way. The side part is positioned nicely too, creating that diagonal sweep which elongates the face. It will be important to keep your trim schedule to maintain that look intentional rather than grown out, but that is a small price to pay.
#7 Silver Fox Energy in the BEST Way
Fantastic Cut! Nice confident look, “I know who I am”, vibe with the side and back close crop and slightly longer on top. Love the silver, and the torn up texture at the top balances the strong, and not too masculine vibe of the cut. Please do not cover up naturally beautiful gray hair with box dye if you are naturally gray or silver, it looks awesome. Also women hide naturally beautiful gray hair all the time, they really don’t need to. Love the sides and back, means you’ll be back in my chair often and I think the cut is worth it!
#8 Soft and Pretty with That Perfect Blend of Tones
I adore the mixture of both light and dark hues, The warmth and depth they provide give a certain dimension to the color choice and don’t seem forced. The layers really support and frame the face and the side part is lifted just enough so you won’t have to struggle for volume. This option is ideal for polished and classy looks without requiring twenty minutes every morning and a round brush.
#9 Silver and Textured and Just Really Really Good
This silver pixie is stunning and the soft layers add to the style without being over-styled. The highlights are nice as well, they complement the natural gray. I prefer shorter pixies like this, but you have to stay on top of your trims. When it starts growing out, it can go from chic to I forgot to book my appointment. But for now, it is perfect.
#10 Soft Waves That Make Everyone Do a Double Take
If you have any natural hair movement, make sure to show your stylist this photo. The waves add a lot of character to this haircut. If your hair is straight, a quick wrap-and-release with a curling wand should do the trick. This style does require some styling commitment to keep the waves looking defined and not messy. That being said, the styling process is easy once you have the right tools. The medium length is so flattering because it gives you the best of both worlds; it is long enough to move around, but it is still short enough to feel fresh.
#11 Playful Layers with That Perfect Side Sweep
My favorite thing about this whole collection has to be the way the bangs are layered and how they sweep across the forehead. These bangs look really playful and modern, and have that “I definitely didn’t spend a lot of time on this” vibe, which is odd to say considering how tough that look is to pull off! The way the bangs are cut to be different lengths creates a nice taper to the bangs so they look good from every angle. Also, if you have finer hair, I’d recommend using a little bit of styling paste to hold hairs in place and add some texture. Even without product, the cut will look great.
#12 Silver Layers That Practically Style Themselves
When customers sit in my chair and ask for haircuts that are ‘polished’ and require ‘no maintenance,’ this is the type of haircut I think of. The soft layers are shaped nicely to frame the face, and the silver color is absolutely STUNNING. I love how this look is not trying to be anything other than what it is; it’s a gorgeously executed pixie, and it suits her beautifully. A bit of styling cream in damp hair is all it takes! That’s the entire routine!
#13 Soft Balayage Volume That Looks Expensive
I promise you, this is not an insult. This style costs a pretty penny. The balayage looks as if it’s part of your hair, so you have amazing dimension. The volume on top is super flattering, and the medium length gives you options. You can style it however you want, or it can dry naturally and still look good. The side part and the nice asymmetrical sweep adds intentionality to the look.
#14: A Little Pop of Purple Because Why Not?!
The purple is playful, but not overly so, possibly even bordering on neutral. Adding this color is going to give great depth to the haircut by reflecting light. With the addition of this color it makes it feel much more custom to the individual. The short length is very nice, and the simplicity is a bonus. Just so you’re aware, purple is one of the fashion colors that fades more quickly than classic colors, so be sure to get a color depositing shampoo to keep it looking fresh!
#15 Fluffy, Bouncy, and Absolutely Adorable
The volume on top of this haircut is just great. It’s fluffy but not overdone, if that makes sense? With the nice taper around the ears, it frames the face beautifully. This cut adds volume at the crown, which fine hair can also obtain by using a rooting lifting spray. Along with a little blow-dry action at the roots, a fine hair will certainly achieve that. If you’re feeling bold, I can totally see some soft highlights woven in here for added dimension. Just something to think about!
#16 Delicate and Light with That Gorgeous Crown Lift
It looks like there’s no hair at all, but I mean that in a good way, and I love the lightness of this cut! The layers are great for providing movement without extra weight. And that tiny lift at the crown? Exactly what we need to add height and ensure nothing goes flat! For rounder face shapes, this is a very good option because the height on top stretches everything out, and the side part gives a lovely diagonal. Just remember to get your trims booked, because this look needs to stay sharp to be at its best!
#17 Short and Sweet with Beautiful Layered Texture
In my experience, hair can definitely be seen as feminine. The layers are more textured to frame the face and showcase the highlights. For more balance in the style, it is more favorable to have the side part so it doesn’t look like you are losing the battle with the hair. I believe a very soft balayage would be gorgeous on this hair as the color would highlight the layers beautifully.
#18: Caramel Kissed Pixie That Gives Me All the Feels
I can’t stress how great the caramel highlights are in this haircut. It adds so much more dimension and warmth. It takes the style from, “nice pixie”, to “Wow, your hair looks incredible, who does your color?” The layered texture is so light and the side part gives a touch of elegance to pull it all together. Maintenance and touch ups are required with highlights and I’m not going to pretend otherwise. But the way highlights bring this cut to life? Totally worth the extra salon visits in my opinion.
#19: Soft Bangs Done RIGHT
Do you believe soft bangs with a pixie deserve more appreciation? I do! They look incredible and add definition to the cut and the texture used throughout the style. This cut also has a good amount of volume at the crown which boosts overall height and gives a good lift with little to no effort. While bangs do tend to require more effort to style and keep properly positioned. If you want a style you can just throw on a go this cut probably isn’t for you. But if you want to put a little work into it and style the bangs with a round brush, it is definitely worth the effort.
#20: Lavender Highlights That Are Making Me Want to Copy This Immediately
I have to admit, every time I see lavender highlights on silver or white hair, I get a little jealous! It’s such a beautiful combination. The purple is soft and subtle, yet so ethereal. It provides a stark contrast to the white/silver base without looking overly costume-like. The layers of the cut help showcase the texture and how modern it is, plus the length that hits just above the ears is super easy to style. With that said, make sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo to keep the lavender looking fresh! For a more tousled look a light texturizing product can be used, but honestly, how pretty does this look?
#21: Short, Sassy, and Full of Life
I really like ***TEXTURE***! The layers are adding so much impact with volume and movement. The lighter color really helps add that natural shine effect too. It looks pretty without being too much. The side part is nice and the entire look is super flattering. If you have been thinking about going a little shorter this is a perfect example of how a pixie can be soft and feminine but super low maintenance!
#22: Sleek, Blonde, and Absolutely Polished
I love a pixie cut that looks neat, organized, and has a soft and touchable quality. The light blonde color adds a lot of brightness and the layered texture makes it softer. The side part is nice and neat and keeps the cheekbones nicely framed. A volumizing powder at the roots will keep fine hair from being too flat and will keep the look neat. This style is the type of look that is perfect for going out to dinner and going to the grocery store, and that is the absolute dream.
#23 Airy Layers with Gorgeous Natural Dimension
This haircut is spectacular and it is clear that the stylist knew exactly what they wanted to do. The soft layers create a very airy feel to the hair and also give the illusion that the hair is much fuller than it actually is. They also did stunning, subtle highlights that add dimension to the hair without looking too stripey. To keep the layers looking as good as they do now you will have to style them a little bit, which won’t take long. You may need a little bit of cream or spray to keep it looking nice.
#24: Frosted and Fabulous
The word “frosted” refers to an old school hairstyle technique, but this style is amazing! The ends have a texture that brings movement, and the side part is smooth and feminine. This length shows off the bone structure very well. The lighter shade brightens and softens the look, especially on fair and medium skin tones. If your natural skin tone is darker than medium then this level of lightness requires high upkeep. You’ll want to book a maintenance schedule and talk to your colorist about the upkeep, but the results are stunning.
#25: A Textured Pixie with the Prettiest Side Sweep
The soft layering adds a romantic touch that is typically not associated with a pixie. The layers increase volume at the crown while also adding a lot of shape and dimension overall, notably at the side part where it creates a great diagonal effect. I love how this cut looks modern and polished, yet is so easy to style. The cut isn’t high maintenance, but it may need a little love to keep it looking styled with some product and a quick blow dry.
#26 Softly Curled and Completely Elegant
This style is understated elegance to a T (and no ‘do’ vibes here!), and while it is polished, it still looks like hair and not a helmet, which I appreciate! The way it hits just above the nape is really pretty and elongates the neck beautifully. The subtle balayage… this is how to do balayage on a pixie- barely there. It is brightening without overwhelming the whole cut. Overall, I really lov this look, and I think it would work on a lot of different people.
#27: Effortlessly Textured with Beautiful Depth
I can’t quite put how good this looks into words. The soft layering and the mid length cut grazing the nape are all coming together to look effortless but intentional. The most important part is the texture, and I would recommend using a lightweight texture spray to keep the layers separated and defined. A few spritzes is all it takes to turn this from a nice haircut to “wow your hair looks amazing!”
#28: Lavender Tones Over Silver Is the Coolest Color Combo
I can’t get over how great this lavender and silver color combo is! It’s artsy, modern, and super fun. The layers are really textured. They add volume to thin hair and the tousled layers make it look cool and effortless. Let’s be real, fashion colors are a commitment. You’ll need to go in for touch ups regularly, and use certain products to maintain it. You’ll also have to see a colorist who knows what they’re doing with pastels and silvers. If you’re willing to do the upkeep the compliments are so worth it!
#29: Cool Silver Perfection
I appreciate the simplicity of this style! It’s pretty straight forward with no crazy colors or wild cuts, just a perfectly done silver pixie. The softness of the hair is great and the side part is done just right. For this length, maintenance is pretty easy and the natural texture is just right so it doesn’t read boring. What I find interesting about this look is how the hair feels so personal to the wearer, like it is just THEIR hair being its best self. That is always the goal. Making you look like the best possible version of yourself, not like you are wearing someone else’s haircut.
#30 The Prettiest Highlighted Pixie to End On
What a fantastic way to complete this look! This one is so cute. The side part really does help to shape the cut nicely. The soft highlights framing the face bring warmth and the finish is just playful and pretty! It is a great day to night hairstyle and the best part is that you don’t really have to do anything to maintain it, it really is everything you would want in a cut. If you’ve made it through all of the 30 styles and still aren’t sure what to go for, bring your phone to the stylist and let them help you figure it out. We’ve side-parted pixie dream and I promise you, we’ll find it!
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