35 Messy Pixie Cut Ideas for a Tousled, Carefree Look

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Messy Pixie Cut
Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

A messy pixie cut is a classy, short-length style with tons of layers for texture. It offers a tousled look, adding volume and density to tresses.

Hairstylist Maria Mazzocchi from Stones Corner, BNE, guarantees that pixies suit most women. “This haircut is great no matter if you’re young and middle-aged or even if you’re in the mature age bracket. The texture of natural grays coming through a pixie crop could always deliver a striking look.”

With several variants of a pixie cut to choose from, consultation is a must. It’s paramount to discuss your features in consideration of your preferred look.

“Your stylist must understand your hair’s direction of growth, its texture, and its density. Face shape and neckline also have a big role in deciding what haircut to get,” Mazzocchi explains.

Use the consultation to ask for some recommended hair products and styling tips.

Going from long hair to short is a commitment, which, according to Mazzocchi, is also a drawback of this trend.

“The textured style and volume of a short pixie can grow out very quickly. Restyle and trim your hair to look fresh every four to six weeks,” Mazzocchi suggests.

If you’re one of a few women who may still not feel comfortable getting a big chop, that’s okay. Mazzocchi proposes trying a wig to get the feel. It’s also an excellent way to change hair color and see if it fits.

We also have a guide wherein experts spill the secrets to finding your ideal pixie cut.

Check out more hair inspiration from this gallery. Find here the trendiest messy pixie cuts you must consider getting!

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Messy and Dimensional Pixie
Instagram @shmoakin_hair

#1: Messy and Dimensional Pixie

Opt for a messy dimensional pixie cut. Even those with fine hair can style a pixie cut to add body and texture, making it look full.

Short Messy Pixie Haircut
Instagram @hannahd.m

#2: Cute Messy Pixie

A short cut is a perfect option for women who prefer to spend less time styling their hair in the morning. Messy pixies need trimming to maintain their shape, but styling comes easy. If you wake up with a bad case of bedhead, spritz your tresses with water, and blow-dry, then you’re good to go!

Messy Tousled Pixie with an Undercut
Instagram @shmoakin_hair

#3: Tousled Pixie with an Undercut

An undercut is easy and low-maintenance when applied on a tousled pixie. The undercut on a pixie can be styled to look sleek or can also be left messy using textured products.

Messy Pixie Cut with Shaved Sides
Instagram @shmoakin_hair

#4: Edgy Pixie with Shaved Sides

Try a pixie with shaved sides for a daring and edgy hairstyle. This haircut combines a short pixie cut, shaved sides, and a disconnected top for extra length. This style benefits those with fine or thin hair looking to go shorter. It features longer, tousled top layers contrasting with the shaved sides, creating a bold and dynamic texture. This is a great option for those who want to embrace a bold and unconventional look.

#5: Sweet Salt and Pepper Pixie for Coarse Hair

A salt-and-pepper pixie is a perfect cut if you have coarse hair. Cutting your hair shorter will eliminate a lot of density and make your hair easier to style. I suggest a soft undercut on the sides and back, leaving the top as long as you can manage. Apply a softening crème such as Pureology’s Style + Protect Shine Bright Taming Serum to your hair and play with the top.

Jet Black Long Messy Pixie with Bangs and Choppy Ends for Long Faces
Instagram @hairbyisaura

#6: Cute Long Pixie with Bangs

Are you looking for a way to update your style? If you want to, consider the long, messy pixie with bangs and choppy ends. This look is perfect for those with longer faces. Consider giving them an edgy yet chic style that will set them apart from the crowd. If you want extra texture and hold, add light styling cream and work it with fingers or a wide-toothed comb. With just this easy step, you can have an effortlessly tousled hairdo!

Jet Black Messy Pixie with Shaved Sides
Instagram @yanica_lee

#7: Incredible Pixie with Shaved Sides

Check out this messy jet black pixie with shaved sides! These types of edgy looks are perfect for those looking to make a statement as long as you have the confidence and attitude to pull it off! The tousled texture gives a chic vibe that can be maintained with regular trims. Use a lightweight styling product like mousse or sea salt spray to keep your style looking its best. Both products add texture and volume without weighing down your hair.

Tousled and Messy Pixie for Older Ladies
Instagram @ele_gold

#8: Stylish Tousled Pixie for Older Ladies

A tousled pixie is perfect for older ladies. If you want to add texture to your pixie cut, I suggest styling it with a pomade. Use your fingers to mess it up, enhancing some pieces with the product. This look is perfect for an older lady who wants to have a bit more edge to her style.

Copper Messy Pixie Cut with Long Bangs
Instagram @beto_fariaa

#9: Trendy Copper Pixie Cut with Long Bangs

A pixie cut with long bangs with a copper color is an edgy short hair style that will make your hair stand out. Consider getting this cut asymmetrically to add even more character to your hair. To prolong the intensity of the copper color, you can use Wella Colour Fresh mask to apply after shampooing.

Chocolately Messy Pixie with Sideburns
Instagram @mo_safi_

#10: Chocolately Pixie with Sideburns

The pixie with sideburns is an evergreen hairstyle extremely trendy at the moment because it incorporates some elements of the shag. Opt for the longish sideburns if you want to emphasize or enhance the shape of your cheekbones.

Pixie Cut for Messy, Curly Hair
Instagram @allthingsneena

#11: The Perfect Pixie Cut for Messy, Curly Hair

A pixie cut for messy, curly hair is a low-maintenance haircut that only requires a curl cream and a diffuser when styling it. Messy pixie haircuts are popular as they offer an effortless, lived-in finish.

Asymmetrical Messy Pixie Cut
Instagram @diegomarcsant

#12: Beautiful Asymmetrical Pixie Cut

An asymmetrical pixie cut suits women who desire an alluring yet cool longer pixie hairstyle. This cut is a versatile piece that requires little to no styling. Use a styling paste to achieve this messy pixie hairstyle.

#13: Gorgeous Pixie Bob Cut

A messy pixie bob cut has the fun of a pixie haircut and the sleekness of a bob haircut. You can get the best of both worlds with this adorable style. Messy styles are easier to manage and create a soft look to help you look feminine and edgy at the same time.

Short Messy Pixie Cut for Round Faces
Instagram @glotovaira

#14: Flattering Short Pixie Cut for Round Faces

A short pixie cut for round faces could be what you need to make your face appear thinner! The softness of this style is flattering. Pixies are messy, making them easy to style. Enjoy more time in the morning with this gorgeous cut.

Androgynous Pixie with Textured Ends
Instagram @chroma.moscow

#15: Lovely Androgynous Pixie with Textured Ends

An androgynous pixie with textured ends is a stunning cut that will make you the center of attention. This messy cut creates an edgy, lived-in look that requires little to no styling. Ask your stylist if this style will suit you.

#16: Alluring Textured Pixie for Wavy Hair

A textured pixie cut for messy, wavy hair is stunning. Messy cuts require little to no styling but give you an edgy and sophisticated finish. After styling, use a couple of drops of Olaplex’s No. 7 Bonding oil for extra shine.

Edgy Pixie with Messy, Feathered Ends
Instagram @shura_wow_hair

#17: Edgy Pixie with Feathered Ends

An edgy pixie cut with feathered ends is the perfect option for women who prefer a low-maintenance yet edgy haircut. Messy haircuts are easy to style since they aren’t supposed to look perfect. Use a dime-sized amount of Redken’s Aerate all over your hair before you blow-dry for added volume and texture.

#18: Funky Pixie Cut for Women Over 40

A funky, tapered pixie cut for women over 40 is a perfect choice for women who want to stand out from the crowd! Pixie haircuts are messy and edgy, creating a lived-in, modern look. This hairstyle will make you feel feminine and funky at the same time!

#19: Classy Grey Pixie Haircut for Women Over 60

A grey pixie haircut for women over 60 might be the perfect style for you. Messy hairstyles are flexible and soft, accentuating your femininity even more. Ask your stylist if they think a messy, textured cut will work for you!

#20: Elegant Very Short Pixie for Women Over 70

This very short pixie cut for women over 70 offers a youthful radiance! Pixie hairstyles are messy, which makes them very forgiving and flattering. This short hairstyle can soften your features and make you feel like a timeless, feminine queen. Try a spritz of Kenra’s Silkening Mist for added shine.

#21: Appealing Pixie for Older Women with Glasses

A short pixie for older women with glasses is a perfect choice for women who want to stand out. This cut highlights your best features and accommodates your spectacles seamlessly into the look. In styling your pixie haircut messy, use a pinch of Moroccan Oil’s Molding Cream on your ends to give your straight hair some added texture and shine.

#22: Edgy Pixie for Women Over 50

If you love to show your fun character through your blonde hair, ask your stylist for an edgy pixie for ladies over 50. This messy hairstyle will make you feel like you are in your 20s again but will not give the impression of trying too hard. The softness around the perimeter of his cut is flattering and feminine.

#23: An Attractive Pixie for Older Women

A short pixie for older women is modern and flattering. Asking your stylist for this messy haircut is a good option if you’re looking for a hairstyle that is soft yet edgy. Shorter styles need trimming more often, but styling comes easy. Before you blow-dry to achieve a messy version of a pixie cut, spray some Redken’s Guts 10 onto your root area and rub it in for extra volume.

Brown Messy Pixie
Instagram @hair_at_karens

#24: Eye-Catching Brown Pixie

A brown pixie is a perfect option for women who love to wear their hair short. The good thing about this disheveled pixie haircut is it’s one of the messiest out there, so it never has to be perfect! The less perfect, the better. Use a dime-sized dollop of Osis Thrill by Schwarzkopf to get this piece-y texture.

Razored Short Pixie Cut
Instagram @shearpulp

#25: Superb Razored Short Pixie Cut

The razored short pixie cut is perfect for creating texture and bends to locks. The style helps open up the face while softly framing it. A pixie haircut with a messy look works best for hair textures that are straight to slightly wavy. In styling, apply a small amount of styling cream or texturizing mousse and blow-dry with a diffuser placing it in the hair to separate the hair. Styling should take 10 to 15 minutes.

Low-Maintenance Messy Pixie
Instagram @katpat_0408

#26: Low-Maintenance Pixie

A low-maintenance pixie is for women needing a quick morning routine but wanting to achieve some style on their tresses. This pixie is a mess with short and choppy layers. Adding dimensional honey and caramel highlights accentuate this haircut even more.

Messy Pixie for Fine Hair
Instagram @velatozdamar

#27: Fantastic Pixie for Fine Hair

A chic pixie haircut for fine hair lightens the weight of hair by removing some length. It’s a good option for women who prefer to stop chemically coloring their hair and decide to go naturally gray. This pixie cut with a tousled look is age-appropriate and alluring.

Shaggy Pixie Hairstyle
Instagram @nickyquackhair

#28: On-Trend Shaggy Pixie Hairstyle

A shaggy pixie hairstyle is a perfect way to modernize the trendy shag that is extremely popular now. The vertical lines are a beautiful way to showcase cheekbones, eyes, and sass-up round and heart-shaped faces. Razoring and heavy texturizing are vital to achieving messy pixie hairstyles. When styling the fringe area, use no crease metal hair clips to set the hair encourages the bangs to flip to the sides in a middle-split shag fringe without over-flipping.

#29: Fresh Choppy Pixie Cut

A choppy pixie cut with a modern shag flair is all the rage. Creating razored pieces gently shaping your facial features adds an edgy and soft silhouette on round face shapes. Each piece adds a shadow to give the illusion of a cheek hollow. This hollow is an elongation of the face and neck with the diminishing of the forehead.

#30: Striking Pixie with Bangs Hairstyle

When you want to shake things up, a cute pixie with bangs hairstyle is the perfect way to go! Pixies haircuts are great for showing off your hair texture without spending hours styling. They are an excellent way to add volume to fine hair textures and frame your features without overwhelming the face. Don’t forget to keep hair volume to a minimum for an oblong and diamond-shaped face. If you’re wearing glasses, avoid unkempt pixie cut with a long side-swept fringe or styling your long bangs forward, as it will irritate your eyes.

Blonde Pixie for Messy, Thin Hair
Instagram @brittenelle

#31: Youthful Blonde Pixie for Messy, Thin Hair

A blonde pixie for messy, thin hair adds interest and volume to the tresses. To create a piece-y and tangled pixie cut look, apply a spray wax or texturizing spray to damp hair, then blow-dry roughly using the fingers to move the hair and add lift. Once dry, use a curling iron or flat iron to flip sections of the hair out and below. Add some hair clay or wax to your fingertips, then lightly pull sections of the hair to create a “hair is a mess” look.

Related: See more pixie cuts for thin hair.

#32: Flawless Pixie for Women Over 30

A pixie for women over 30 is a cute way to update your haircut. A pixie cut with a messy style adds extra volume and symmetry to round face shapes. Be sure to choose styles with extra piece-y and spike volume in the crown, which narrows the front section of the face. Styling a longer top or front section gives some height, narrowing down the sides of the face. Ask your stylist for a balayage to enhance your tousled pixie haircut even more!

Messy Pixie Cut with Bangs
Instagram @rodrigocintra

#33: Chic Pixie Cut with Bangs

A pixie cut with bangs is a fun way to balance heart and oblong face shapes. The fringe makes the eyes stand out, softens harsh lines, and brings symmetry to the face shape. Messy texture adds light volume and enhances natural wave patterns. To easily encourage wavy textures on your disheveled pixie cut, lightly spritz some sea salt spray and blow-dry with a diffuser.

Layered Pixie for Thick Hair
Instagram @rodrigocintra

#34: Modern Layered Pixie for Thick Hair

A layered pixie for dark, thick hair brings lovely balance to round, heart, and oval face shapes. Messier layers create a fuller look. This untidy pixie cut is perfect for women of all ages who aspire to achieve effortless style on their tresses.

Undercut Edgy Messy Pixie Cut
Instagram @maciej_kasica

#35: Fun Pixie with an Undercut

An undercut, edgy, pixie cut is an androgynous and boyish fashion statement that suits women of all ages. An undercut pixie frames your face, highlighting your features in the best light. Use a styling paste to achieve this lived-in, messy style.