Every other article on hairstyles starts with, “Looking for a new cut?” So I won’t say that, but I do want to describe the newfound confidence that comes with discovering the right short cut a little later in life. I’ve seen so many women transform while sitting in my chair and I love witnessing these women go from nervous and sometimes clutching their phone with a Pinterest board, to a completely different person. Because of that haircut, she is sitting taller and has stopped apologizing for “wanting something cute”.
Some of these clients of mine have been able to keep their hair long for longer than I have been alive. Back in 2011 I had a client that was a grandmother of 4. She came in every six weeks like clockwork for the same trim. One day she decided to bring her teenage granddaughter with her. The granddaughter said, “Grandma, you’d look so cool with something choppy.” Just like that, we did it! I would call that cut short, edgy, textured, and a little more than you would expect for a grandma. I’m not exaggerating when I say this grandma called to tell me she got 3 compliments at the grocery store. The initial design and my expectations were exceeded with that cut. With all of the styles below, I think they are good and appropriate for real life.
#1: Chic Short Pixie Cut with Soft Layers
Haircuts like this one are rare to find. For fine hair, achieving a polished look without too much effort is exactly what the goal is with the soft layers. The shape around the nape and ears is smooth, and the light color does a great job of complementing the face. If you’re looking for a style that looks good without needing a lot of upkeep, then this is it. The only downside is that you will have to get a trim fairly soon because the shape won’t last very long.
#2 Rich Burgundy Cropped Pixie with Choppy Fringe
I love when a client requests a deep burgundy color and actually goes for it! This one is sitting right around 1-2 inches on top with tapered sides and a little stacked nape in the back for some structure. The choppy micro fringe does modernize the look without going overboard. I also love how the stylist embraced the natural cowlick at the crown instead of trying to battle it; that is always the best call. With a color like this one thing I would mention up front is that red tones tend to fade quicker than almost anything else, so you may want to plan on a glaze every few weeks to keep it from going muddy.
#3 Feathered Ginger Pixie with Wispy Micro Fringe
The soft copper tone matches beautifully with her skin tone. The light airy crown will help it not look too helmety and the micro fringe will sit nicely on her forehead. The point cutting and some razor at the temples adds movement without going too far. If your hair is fine to medium, this is all very achievable. A light mousse and tiny round brush will be required to keep the lift in the crown.
#4 Soft Feathered Blonde Pixie with Temple Blending
This is a good cut for someone thinning on the temples, to be honest the diagonal blending is so good people will not be able to tell unless they were looking for it. The crown is about 1 to 3 inches and the side swept fringe sits just right, and the stacked nape gives it that clean finished feel from every angle. This is the type of cut that is very rewarding to precise technique, so it is a little more than usual to find someone who really knows what they are doing with the shears. The root shadow keeps it from looking flat and elongates the time between color appointments a bit.
#5 Light Ash Blonde Wispy Pixie with Lifted Crown
What I noticed was how the stylist accentuated the natural crown cowlick instead of trying to tame it. That is the type of thing that differentiates a good haircut from one you are going to battle with each morning. The wispiness of the fringe just softens the forehead while the tapered nape keeps it all tidy. This ashy, blonde hue is a beautiful choice if you’re going gray and wish to mix it with gray instead of completely covering it. However, it should be noted that if your hair has any significant coarseness or wave, this particular silhouette might not translate the same way.
#6 Warm Chestnut Pixie with Feathered Crown
I appreciate the warm quality of the chestnut shade that isn’t too overwhelming. The crown layers are feather layered which are enough to maintain interest. The grazing ear sideburns, along with the diagonal wisps at the temples, contribute to a softened profile without concealing anything. This is ideal for straight to softly wavy hair, so if you have tight curls, then this particular shape isn’t the best for you. Micro fringes take a bit of effort each morning since a quick damp finger comb should do the trick, but we are talking about thirty seconds, not a whole production.
#7 Sunlit Textured Pixie with Wispy Fringe
Micro balayage on the fringe adds a nice touch as it brings the right contrast to lift the face without the full commitment to highlights, which is more budget-friendly and smart to keep the appointment simple. The crown sits about one to two inches with that tapered nape and feathered perimeter that gives it a nice gentle lived-in quality. It looks effortless, but I think it could use a little bit of texture paste or a quick blow dry to make it look its best. Without that, fine hair can fall a bit flat by the afternoon.
#8 Soft Copper Crop with Face Framing Layers
The cut looks great and still feels special. The lift at the crown is nice, the face framing layers are pleasantly soft, and the tapered nape is nice for glasses wearers (which is rare). It’s great to see a stylist take into account how the cut will work with your everyday wardrobe. The copper is a beautiful color, but will require regular touch ups. For daily styling, a blow dryer on low heat and a round brush is about a five minute job.
#9 Textured Copper Pixie with Stacked Nape
Noticing the similarities with the last one, but this one has a bit more personality. The micro bangs give it a nice touch and the copper plus tonal blend with lowlight grays is magnificent. I appreciate the way the point cut layers and crown razor texture work to conceal the thinning around the temples and without it appearing like anything is concealed. A little wax or mousse will suffice for styling to maintain the shape throughout the day and you will have to get the nape tidied up with clippers every couple weeks to keep that stacked line nice and clean.
#10 Soft Taupe Layered Pixie with Feathered Fringe
I like the color on this piece a lot. The subtle lowlight taupe looks modern as it combines grays while also keeping it natural and purposeful. The crown cowlick is used for natural lift which will make your mornings easier and require minimal product. Just a heads up, you might need to use some mousse on humid days to prevent the crown from flattening, but other than that, this cut is as low maintenance as a pixie cut can get. The micro fringe is also soft and feathered rather than too severe.
#11 Textured Copper Pixie with Crown Lift
I love the root shadow and the lowlights on this cut. Otherwise, a short copper pixie would look pretty flat, but with the added dimension, the hair looks fuller and more interesting. The point cutting and razor texting really help create that lived–in look, and it looks great even if you don’t style it. A good stylist who understands the crown cowlick’s directional grain will be able to cut it so that it sticks up in the right place and not just in an annoying way.
#12 Choppy Brown Pixie with Crown Lift
This is a pixie that does exactly what it is supposed to do. It has choppy layers that add some movement to the style, and the crown lift helps to add volume. Also, the babylights at the temples are a nice way to hide thinning hair because most people won’t notice them. The length on top is 2-3 inches, which will give you enough length to play with while still keeping it easy to style. You’re going to want some sort of texturizing product for it and be prepared for cowlicks to be more obvious as it grows out between cuts.
#13 Bright Copper Pixie with Soft Crown Lift
For customers who tend to play it safe, this is a great option to help them get a little more adventurous. The bright copper is a nice addition, and the cut is classic enough to avoid any costume-y vibes. The wispy fringe should work well with oval faces, and the crown texturizing with shears keeps the shape more airy and light. When it comes to color maintenance, red shades tend to fade faster than most other options. If you fall in love with this color, then budget for a root smudge and gloss to help with maintenance.
#14 Platinum Blend Pixie with Feathered Micro Fringe
What I like the most is the thoughtful detail that was involved with the uneven feathering in the fringe. It is designed to have that asymmetry, and rather than trying to hide the higher hairline and small crown cowlick, it works with them. The platinum blended with root shadow is a beautiful, and more subtle, option to all-over bleach. It also brightens the face nicely and in a way that helps mature skin. That said, this will only work and look good if the stylist has really great skill. A messy point cut will ruin the whole thing.
#15 Textured Stacked Pixie with Micro Fringe
The gradual crown and hidden inner layers are doing structural work for an impression, and an effortless cut takes a lot of technique and thought. Stacking gives volume in the back without bulk, and the soft feathered micro fringe avoids a harsh look. This shape gives a lot to fine to medium straight hair while keeping daily maintenance to a very low level. Considering how soon to book your touch-up, remember that the warm chestnut will show regrowth.
#16 Warm Chestnut Pixie with Soft Curtain Fringe
I love how the curtain fringe draws the eye. I also love the longer fringe that parts slightly off center as it creates a lovely softness across the brow on the right person. The stylist really intelligently incorporated the little cowlick at the crown into the layers for a nice natural lift. If your hair is very fine and tends to fall flat then a light volumizing spray at the roots prior to blow drying will make a huge difference. The babylights along with the shadow root are stunning and keep regrowth soft. I appreciate the low maintenance color plan.
#17 Rose Burgundy Pixie with Feathered Crown
The demi gloss in red violet on this style is stunning! It has a juicy richness to it that is almost berry like, and reflects the light in unique ways at different angles. The feathered crown adds some height, and the stacked nape keeps the back looking nice and clean. The crown texturizing shears are blending a mild cowlick which is one of those details that you don’t notice until someone skips it, and the whole style just sits wrong. To be honest, warm red tones require more maintenance than most colors, so this one is for someone who is ready to make that commitment.
#18 Short Layered Side Swept Pixie with Root Shadow
This pixie is straight to the point which is exactly what some people want. The longer crown along with the cropped nape is nice and creates a good silhouette. The root shadow and some subtle low lights give just the right amount of depth so the style doesn’t look flat. Razor texturing at the crown should keep things feeling light. Those with hair that runs thin towards the ends may find the ends get a little wispy between cuts, so a quick trim every five to six weeks will keep everything in alignment.
#19 Warm Copper Layered Pixie with Side Swept Fringe
This cut has a little cowlick on the right side of the temple, and the stylist used it as part of the design which gives a lift that would generally require blow drying. I appreciate that this cut works with the natural fall of the hair, instead of working against it. The soft graduation at the nape with some diagonal point cutting is really airy, and the side swept bangs are really nice. You’ll have to direct the roots each morning with a quick pass of the blow dryer, but once set, it stays.
#20 Soft Silver Stacked Pixie with Side Fringe
This is a beautiful example of intentional gray hair styling! The low contrast babylights grow out seamlessly, and paired with the crown layers, give effortless lift so styling in the morning is almost a non-issue. The cut also takes advantage of a small crown cowlick, so your stylist will need to be precise with the stacking angles so that the hair looks great while being low maintenance. A slight razor pass is recommended for fine gray hair to prevent it from being too flat.
#21 Strawberry Blonde Layered Pixie with Side Fringe
The warm strawberry blonde gloss adds a level of softness to the cut that a cooler shade wouldn’t. It is one of those colors that manages to blend gray and still looks like a color choice instead of a camouflage job. Crown directional layering creates lift, and the razored texturing keeps it from being too heavy. The glaze will fade over time, but the upside is that it fades gracefully instead of leaving a hard line. A small crown cowlick requires some directional cutting, but any stylist will know what to do with that.
#22 Cropped Layered Pixie with Micro Fringe
The located lowlights are impeccable and very well placed. They don’t offer any added brightness, but do warm and dimensionally lift the face without making the cut look flat. The layering at the crown and the stacked nape add fullness to the haircut and the micro fringe draws the eye exactly where you want it – to the eyes. It does require someone with confidence in point cutting and razor work, and that is a good thing because the short lengths leave little room for error. The radial layering at the crown helps control a subtle cowlick, which tells me the stylist was watching.
#23 Short Textured Blonde Pixie with Stacked Nape
I appreciate the cut’s use of the natural crown cowlick, allowing all the volume work to be done functionally free. The lift is already there, and the stylist left it like that, so there won’t be any needs for heat or daily products created for it. The side fringe offers softness, and the babylights with root shadow add some dimension. After that, you won’t need to style it much; a paste will suffice for separation and a textured look. Also, this cut will expose your ears and neck, so if you’re not comfortable with that, we could look at a different shape.
#24 Short Feathered Pixie with Curtain Bangs
The regrowth at the temples, which is salt and pepper, adds natural dimension. It is color most people spend a lot of money to get. I would really consider leaving that and incorporating it into the overall look instead of covering it. The curtain bangs are soft and flattering, and the feathered crown has a nice lift. If you did want to tone things down a little, some soft ashy chestnut lowlights would blend everything without eliminating that natural character. The bangs will require a little light shaping each day; just a little direction with your fingers and maybe a breath of warm air from the dryer will achieve that.
#25 Pastel Rose Pixie with Feathered Crown
Pastel rose is a color that can work scarily well or not well at all on people in their 60s. Thankfully, it certainly does on this one! The longer temple falls soften the frame and the feathered crown gives just enough height to avoid looking too close to the head. The root shadow is a smart choice because it means you aren’t having to chase a perfectly even pastel at each appointment, which would be tiring and costly due to the number of appointments. The main reality check with pastel anything is that it will always require regular toning to avoid looking brassy or washed out. Fine hair will also need interior texturizing to avoid going flat.
#26 Wine Red Pixie with Choppy Micro Fringe
My gratitude goes out to the stylist who did the bob with a side enough to show off the earrings! I realise that this might not seem like it is a big deal, but it really changes what I can do with my accessories and how I can pair them with different styles. It really means a lot because I love statement earrings. The point cut layering along with the razor texture gives it that piecy, slightly undone feel that stops the wine red from looking too dressy. Color deposit glosses will definitely be your friends for maintaining the vibrancy in between salon trips. This won’t work great on hair that is very coarse or tightly curled, as the shape depends on the hair sticking to the direction it was cut.
#27 Textured Silver Pixie with Soft Volume
The timeless, classic look that silver hair gives is enhanced with the modern touch of a pixie cut, as shown here; And, with appropriate layering, it gives just the right look of volume without excess. The cut here looks like a wash and go style, but keep in mind that you’ll want to keep regular trimming appointments to maintain the balance…and be sure to take the rin counter on this style, as the cut will quickly lose its wonder with an uneven grow out or a post trim ted cut. I tend to like cuts that let silver hair take center stage without a lot of elaborate detail, and this one fits the bill wonderfully.
#28 Delicately Layered Pixie with Gentle Texture
These layers will appear to be one length, until movement and texture come alive! Such layering is my favorite. The subtle highlights provide warmth in varying light which keeps the cut from looking flat. This is an exquisite understated style that doesn’t shout for attention, but is quite rewarding for those who look closer. The lighter layers won’t drag anything down with fine hair. This will look intentional with trims every five weeks for about this length.
#29 Silver Pixie with Soft Movement
The layered look is nice and creates movement without losing the shape. The nape hug keeps it youthful and playful without going too nape short. For someone having a level of anxiety around going super cropped, this is nice and approachable. Fine hair density appreciates the layered technique here as it gives the illusion of more hair than there actually is!
#30 Platinum Pixie with Playful Tousled Texture
This style may appear a bit unrefined, but that’s part of its charm. It gives the impression that you ran your fingers through it and just left. When good texturizing is done, it should look playful without appearing overly complicated. The cut features softer layers on top, which will add to the charm, especially if the hair has any natural thickness. If it doesn’t, all you need is a light product and a scrunch while it’s still damp. Keep in mind that platinum hair also has a lot of maintenance, so consider that when deciding about the color.
#31 Silver Pixie with Natural Textured Movement
For someone who keeps talking about how they want to look good, but don’t want to style their hair, this is the kind of cut I’d recommend. The soft layers provide movement, and the silver color compliments the natural changes. The shape is forgiving enough to look good even on day three post-wash. It also boosts natural texture as opposed to working against it, which is the most sustainable choice. While regular trims will be needed to maintain the shape, this cut is low maintenance and will achieve that self-sustaining quality in between appointments.
#32 Short Textured Cut with Soft Height at the Crown
The fine, straight hair gives the right amount of layering, especially with the volume at the crown which creates enough height visually without needing too much extra sculpting work. As for maintenance, it’s absolutely low and while you will need some regular trims, you don’t need any heat styling tools. Just keep in mind, once the ends of the texture you originally start with begin to grow out, the attitude of the style will begin to disappear so you will need to keep that in mind when deciding how long to wait between trims. Sometimes, a haircut like this can be exactly what one is looking for to feel more bold, especially without committing to something that is overly dramatic. And, the spiky texture on top of the hair does allow for the style to not get too boring or repetitive. Plus, on heart shaped faces, this style does bring some nice balance to the proportions.
#33 Short Textured Cut with Soft Playful Layers
The relaxed wave in this hair complements the layered texture. There is a fun, bouncy quality to it that comes from a bit of the hair’s own personality and a bit from the cut. Either way, it’s a good thing. It really shows the style is self-maintaining. I really like the subtle highlights, they look great. They make the texture or hair more obvious. The cut that is just above the jawline is very flattering for many different face shapes and makes it look fresh.
#34 Spiky Textured Cut with Soft Framing Sides
The spikes may need some kind of hairstyling product to hold them in place. Luckily, with this haircut, the layers provide enough movement to make the spiky look intentional. The softer sides of the cut framing the face work in tandem with the texture at the top, and the highlights together add depth and dimension to the cut. This is a fun haircut overall. This is the kind of style that makes people smile while looking in the mirror, and that really is what a haircut is all about.
#35 Softly Textured Pixie with Subtle Crown Volume
This pixie haircut is more on the quieter side. It is more subtle in the big staments and preferes to sit pretty and do her job. The soft texture layers create volume to the crown which gives it shape. The soft color makes the texture more visible without the color being too loud. The layers on the haircut also give a little elongation for a rounder face and that is a nice bonus. A light product is needed to help keep the shape throughout the day. Nothing heavy though, just something to give the hair a little bit of memory.
#36 Short Pixie with Soft Edges and Gentle Dimension
The best thing about this style is how the edges are soft. There are no hard lines; just gentle ones that form around the head and face. The light color adds some dimension and the lesser density of the hair keeps the texture light. This style is practical and pretty, which is not as easy to accomplish as it sounds. This style works really well on oval and heart shaped faces as the soft edges compliment those shapes.
#37 Bold Spiky Pixie with Height and Dimension
Out of the entire collection, the most personality has been shown here! The short sides let all the height and volume on top stand out! The spiky layers create real dimension. You can see it from across the room. It takes confidence to wear this. Not in an intimidating way, just in an “I know what I want and this is it.” confidence. These do need a little more maintenance than the others. You’ll need some product and a little styling time to get all the spiky layers just right. If this hairstyle represents your personality, the maintenance is totally worth it!
#38 Choppy Silver Pixie with Textured Layers
Choppy layers bring a youthful energy to silver that smooth flat cuts lack. The wool layers visually bring the hair upward towards the eyes which is always flattering and the extra volume and movement keeps everything from looking too prim and proper. It’s short enough to be really easy but textured enough to have character. With trims being non negotiable to maintain this fresh look probably every four to five weeks, you will be looking at a very minimal daily effort between appointments.
#39 Ash Brown Pixie with Gentle Waves
This cut has soft waves, making it unique compared to a straight, typical pixie cut. Each wave has a fun quality, while the ash brown color with highlights adds depth to the overall cut. This style can be dressed up or down, and even looks great with a t-shirt while running errands. If you have any natural waves in your hair, this cut will work to your advantage.
#40 Textured Pixie with Subtle Warm Highlights
These highlights work to highlight the structure of the hair in a positive way rather than going against it. Soft layering adds volume and lift to the style. The shape of the cut is very versatile and short hair is great because it looks good from every angle. You can wear it like this and look very neat and clean because it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. As the hair grows, the shape will be more relaxed and undefined and the layers will not be as defined. Overall it will be a long time before the shape looks bad.
#41 Silver Pixie with Graceful Lift at the Jawline
The soft length right above the jaw is really smart and gives an overall lift to the face in a way cuts that are longer don’t. The subtle layers stop it from being stiff, and the fine hair gets a movement boost from the texture without feeling thin. With this length and this level of softness, Silver has such a subtle elegance that I really like. The only maintenance is keeping line and shape with regular trims.
#42 Blush Toned Pixie with Delicate Face Framing Layers
That light pink is a great choice! It’s a fun color that will really brighten your complexion. The soft layers will complement your face and the light texture will keep it feeling light and not weighed down on the finer hairs. The color will help the look feel more unique and also give it a personality boost! It will require some maintenance since you will need to come in more frequently than if you had a more natural shade. But if you love the look of the color (which you definitely will), that makes it worth it. A light texturing spray will give a nice tousled finish.
#43 Silver Trixie Cut with Layered Volume
You don’t have to do anything extreme to change your look, and this haircut is a great example of that. The layers build volume and texture at the top, while the sides stay closer, and the silver coloring gives a nice, natural brightness to the complexion. The cut looks good with natural waves, and if you don’t have any waves, it has enough structured layering to hold it’s shape. If you want to keep the silver color, that will take some commitment, but this haircut can be as versatile and forgiving as a short style gets, and it’s suitable for a wide range of face shapes, which I don’t say about every haircut.
#44 Playful Trixie Cut with Lifted Texture
The tousles give the style a youthful vibe which is fantastic for photos and even better in real life which is more important. The layering gives good lift at the crown and the shorter lengths give nice framing of the face. This looks more natural than structured. You may have to manage the volume more if you have thicker hair, but with fine to medium hair density, this cut is easy to obtain and even easier to maintain.
#45 Softly Layered Trixie Cut with Crown Movement
I love how adaptable this style is. The soft layers offer motion at the top which would look just as nice dressed up for dinner as it would left alone on a Saturday morning. The fine hair density keeps it feeling light, and the layers add just the right amount of volume to shape it without causing the heaviness that some styles do. If it helps to know, this style will soften angular features and it takes highlights well if you’re considering adding some dimension in the future. It’s important to note that fine hair will require more frequent trims to keep the layers looking defined and not shaggy.
#46 Textured Trixie Cut with Warm Highlights
The shorter lengths at the nape and the longer layers around the face offer nice contrast and will keep the look from feeling one note. Soft highlights warm the look and provide dimension, and texture throughout helps manage density without the look being too thin or too thick. It’s a balanced style, and polished is the goal for those wanting a style that’s not too stiff. The maintenance on the layers will be required to keep the look fresh, but the overall styling commitment is low.
#47 Lightly Layered Trixie Cut with Natural Bounce
This cut creates a natural bounce that is enhanced by crown layers. This is a great style because it is not over engineered as it gives an effortless look. It’s simplistic and moves with you. The length that hits just above the jawline is truly one of the most flattering lengths. It really helps to shape the face especially if you have an oval or heart shaped face. This cut is great if you want a low maintenance look because you can get up and go. It is a wash and go style. You just have to run your fingers through it. People with coarse/thick hair may find that the volume is not what they expect. This is cut is really only optimal for those with fine to medium density hair.
#48 Crown Lifted Trixie Cut with Textured Finish
The interesting shape at the top makes it more unique than a simple bushy straight cut. The layers are cut right to assist with fine hair with added movement and texture, and the reduced length is more manageable. A little bit of product may be needed to maintain the volume at the top all day, especially if your hair falls flat in the afternoon. However, this style is mostly self-sufficient.
#49 Trixie Cut with Soft Bangs in Rich Auburn
Warmth around the face is always nice, and soft bangs in a rich auburn color are very inviting. Adding a playful layered look creates working volume and movement. Shorter lengths mean no time will actually go into styling. If your hair is fine, using volumizing products at the roots will keep that fullness throughout the day. This cut also shows off earrings nicely – the short length will help on display.
#50 Textured Trixie Cut with Soft Bangs and Gentle Layering
This is a nice clean cut to finish with. The soft bangs and face framing texture are lovely, and the layered shape adds volume and movement without it being high maintenance. It is a light colour that adds a youthful brightness, and the overall shape brings a nice softness to the features that suits all face shapes. It is advised that you keep up with regular trims to keep the texture and shape intentional, but really this is a style that is low maintenance, and takes care of itself. Sometimes the best kind of haircuts are the ones you don’t have to worry about after you leave the salon.
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