25 Very Short Pixie Cuts Women Over 70 Are Loving Right Now

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Are you interested in very short pixie cuts for the over 70s? You probably want something that is quick and easy to style that is flattering around the face. You probably want it to be light and airy to give thinning hair a lift and some volume. A good stylist can achieve all of these things, especially when the cut works with the natural growth patterns instead of against them.

Here is something that most people don’t understand about cutting pixies on mature hair. This particular understanding took me years to refine and I was fortunate enough to be able to practice this five times a week. When you look at finished pixie cut photos and get inspired, most people see the outer shape of the cut. That is only the last 10%. 90% of the work is done on the inside of the cut and how the layers are structured, how to remove bulk at the top of the crown area without it feeling too hollow, and whether the weight line at the nape of the neck flows with the direction of natural growth. I remember years ago I had a beautiful client named Doris. She came to see me every six weeks for about 8 years and one day she told me that her pixie was the first haircut she had ever had to get to the point where she didn’t have to “fix” it herself in the morning. She didn’t need to blow dry it, she just finger styled it and left.

I appreciate the feedback extremely because I finally got one right after three tries, which isn’t unusual really.

I always think about the softer internal layering, and making sure to take out weight at the very crown, where the finer strands tend to lay down and give up. I also enjoy a small taper at the nape and light feathering at the temples because it softens the look of the eyes and jawline, without the cut looking too busy. When the structure of the cut is there, it can take you two minutes to style it with a bit of lightweight mousse and your fingers, and it will still look good for the rest of the day. Check these out and see what speaks to you.

Photos
Chic Softly Layered Pixie Cut

#1: Soft Layered Pixie That Practically Styles Itself

One of the best parts about this style is the soft layers that help with movement. Without those layers, this cut would look really bland. The length is short enough to give you that weightless feeling and, honestly, one of the best perks of a shorter cut is you almost forget you have to deal with hair every day. That light grey color has a really nice quality to it. It reflects light in a way that brightens and evens out complexion. That is a detail that a lot of women overlook when they focus on the cut. It will be necessary to trim the shape every four to five weeks, but the work is almost zero.

Chic Textured Pixie with Subtle Volume

#2 A Textured Pixie That Gives You More Than What’s Actually There

I like how the layers make the hair look thicker. It’s also cool to see an artistry trick used. The texture looks light (but not in a crunchy way) and adds movement so the hair doesn’t just sit flat against the head. This haircut is the answer if you’re medium to fine hair and have been stressing how it looks thin. No one has been able to identify why, but that problem is solved. The hair sits close to the head, which makes the face the focal point, and that’s what a good short haircut should do at the end of the day.

Chic Textured Pixie with Fluffy Layers

#3 Fluffy Layered Pixie with a Little Lift Where It Counts

I appreciate that this one has a bit more height and fluff at the top. It adds life that some pixies miss out on. I think the way the layers are cut encourages movement. It does something interesting when you turn your head or run your fingers through it. This kind of layering is great for fine hair because it creates more volume, and that’s even more true with the lighter color. It does require some upkeep though. You can use a round brush or your fingers with some product to keep the height, but hairstyles like this usually don’t fall apart before lunchtime.

Textured Pixie Cut with Defined Curls

#4 Curly Pixie with a Bit of Personality

What I like about this style is that the skirted curls add a sense of originality to the style. Most pixie cuts at this length show more hair, and the curls add that extra element of interest. They are very soft and playful, and although the hair being cut to one or two inches at the back and sides of the curls may suggest that not much is going on, the curls give the illusion of more detail. If your natural hair has any waves or curls, it’s a style you should definitely consider as you will be able to work with your natural curls instead of fighting them every morning. You will not need to use a lot of product, so defining the curls will just use a small amount of cream or gel.

Effortlessly Chic Short Pixie with Textured Layers

#5 Light Blonde Textured Pixie That Wears Easy All Week

I appreciate coming back for cuts like this because they function day in and day out with hardly any work. The layered texture gives enough dimension that it isn’t styled ‘too’ much that you have to do a look every morning. The light blonde here brightens everything up and looks beautiful for the complexion in a natural and not forced way. The versatility is the real selling point. You can push it to one side, mess it up, smooth it down, and it’ll look intentional every time. This is a great example of a good cut.

Effortless Textured Pixie with Soft Volume

#6 Textured Pixie with Volume That Doesn’t Try Too Hard

I love this cut’s movement; there is volume but it doesn’t look over-styled. The top layers are cut longer and create this lovely soft tousled look that seems effortless, but the cut is super precise. For fine to medium hair, this cut is especially good as you achieve volume without any weight, and the hair moves just how you want it to. I’d keep a texturizing spray around for the days you want a little extra, But most days, it will only take you about 10 seconds to achieve the look and a few finger tousles.

Chic Textured Pixie Cut with Effortless Layers

#7 Layered Pixie with Movement You Can Actually See

What makes this cut special is the layering at the top. It has been cut to support whatever natural texture is there instead of imposing a shape onto it. This is something most people don’t really consider. This technique works particularly well on fine hair as it allows the strands to fall the best, instead of trying to create a shape that the hair just can’t support. The soft face framing and nape layers keep everything looking soft and approachable which is what I find most of my clients over 70 want. For styling, all you need is a lightweight volumizing product at the roots.

Stylish Textured Pixie Cut with Wispy Ends

#8 Wispy Pixie That Lets Fine Hair Shine

I always have my clients about how wispy ends are one of the industry’s best kept secrets for short hair. Wispy ends allow the hair cut to look soft and more organic rather than blunt and artificial. This cut does exactly that. The ends are textured, which is cut shallow quality and makes a greater difference with fine hair. The length is short enough so that it won’t weigh anything down, and there is enough layering through the crown to add a bit of volume and dimension. This is particularly the case with oval face shapes, but the wispy look works across most face shapes because it really helps avoid any harsh lines.

Chic Feathered Pixie Cut with Textured Layers

#9 Feathered Pixie with an Airy Feel

Feathering is a technique that many people ignore and I can understand why. Feathering does not seem to grab people’s attention when compared to some of the other more popular techniques. However, considering the fine hair, feathering works wonderfully. It gives the hair an airy quality allowing the hair to appear to be floating rather than just existing. The graduated layers help create volume on top rather than the sides which is exactly the type of balance that is needed when trying to avoid a pixie cut that looks too flat or too round. The cut and the color work together nicely, especially with the pale color highlighting the texture. Experimenting with a light styling paste will help you find the ideal amount of texture for your hair and once you find it, styling it will be a breeze.

Charming Curly Pixie Cut with Soft Volume

#10 Curly Pixie with Natural Softness

If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, you should definitely embrace it. The curls will help add movement and volume to your hair, and you won’t have to use a ton of products to keep it interesting. The nice softness around the face and the warmth compared to some of the other more straight pixie cuts are great. For defined curls, you’re going to need a good leave-in conditioner, but otherwise this haircut is going to need very little styling for it to continue looking good.

Curly Textured Pixie Cut with Natural Volume

#11 Curly Textured Pixie with Bounce

This style looks amazing! The curls above the ear really pop and create a fun, youthful vibe. This style captures the natural texture of the curls, and the shaping is very well done to keep the look wild in an unfinished way. There is a great balance with curly pixie cuts. The soft, rounded edges soften the face framing and add to the polished look. This is a great cut for fine to medium hair as well and the length is perfect to keep things manageable but long enough to allow the natural curl pattern to fully form.

Playful Wispy Pixie Cut with Soft Layers

#12 Wispy Layered Pixie That Brightens Everything Up

The wispy layers that sit just above the ears create a sense of movement for the hair. This is the type of look I aim for with clients that prefer a style with less upkeep. The softness in the layers is key; they aren’t choppy or harsh. They softly taper so the hair looks like it fades into the skin at the ends. This look is best suited for oval and heart-shaped faces as the layers enhance the natural contours rather than compete with them. It is best to keep on top of regular trims for this cut, approximately every four weeks, but the maintenance is really low.

Textured Ash Blonde Pixie Cut with Defined Layers

#13 Ash Blonde Pixie with Layers That Do the Work For You

The ash-blonde hue is one of a kind! It’s cool enough to keep the look modern but without being too ashy and washing any color out. Achieving that kind of balance with blonde at this time is more difficult than most think. Defined layers in the crown area create a soft lift that can give the illusion of fullness in finer hair. Plus, those layers are cut so the hair settles in the shape you want after just towel drying. I really like this cut on round and oval faces. The layers create a bit of height which slightly elongates the face. Not in an obvious way of course, just enough so the proportions feel correct.

Bright Silver Pixie Cut with Delicate Texture

#14 Bright Silver Pixie with Delicate Detail

I really like the precision of this particular cut, especially how the lengths were used to showcase the silvery tones, and the finish is light, not heavy, which is nice. This looks great for the fine, less dense hair as the cut sits nicely without over demanding the hair; it’s just the most flattering sort of shape. This will suit you if you have more angular features as the cut will be nice to have, and the soft texture will go really well against the stronger bone structure. I think you should ask your colorist about some very subtle highlights because, even within silver tones, there are quite a few colors that lie slightly lower and give the hair a richer look.

Textured Silver Pixie with Soft Edges

#15 Silver Pixie with a Hint of Lavender

I love this one, because I think a lot of women over 70 tend to overlook how gorgeous a light lavender tint can look on silver hair. While lavender hair may sound a little crazy, it’s actually pretty understated and classy in real life. The cut is really nice and structured with soft, face-framing layers and no harsh lines. Here with medium density, the color has space to filter through and not look solid or blocky. I’ll be honest, though, it takes a lot of commitment to keep a color like this looking fresh. You will definitely need a toning shampoo at home and regular salon visits, but if you are up for it, the result is really worth it.

Chic Textured Pixie Cut with Subtle Pastel Tones

#16 Pastel-Toned Pixie with Soft Texture

I adore this cut! The soft pastel colors are so understated they are almost invisible. I think at this point in life with shorter hair, fashion colors should be more about enhancement rather than being showy, so I think it’s perfect. I also appreciate the fact that the texture is interesting without product, so it’s going to hold up throughout the day without that crunchy feel. Very short pixies like this can be tricky with fine hair because there’s nowhere to hide, but when done right, it looks cool. If your hair is fine, you may want to add a small amount of volumizing powder at the roots.

Chic Textured Pixie Cut with Effortless Volume

#17 Feathered Pixie with a Little Playfulness on Top

The top of this cut has some feathering, which adds a playful touch to the style. I always think it’s a good idea to have that balance regardless of age, and especially as hair starts to get finer and lighter. This style creates volume where it is most wanted – at the crown. These layers also taper to the sides, which means the whole shape is flattering without being too round. That subtle shine in the hair indicates that the cuticle is in good shape. Healthy hair also reflects light in a way that makes the hair look less flat and more polished. This style will be easy to finish off with just your fingers and a bit of warm air from the dryer.

Textured Pixie Cut with Softly Stacked Layers

#18 Stacked Pixie That Gives Fine Hair Some Architecture

I like the back layers because expected structure helps the cut not go flat before my next salon appointment, which is the never-ending struggle with fine straight hair. The light color and length just above the ears helps me look young without the color being childish. With regular trims (every 5 weeks) to avoid looking messy, the grow out time is much nicer with this cut compared to a single length cut.

Curly Textured Pixie with Defined Curls

#19 Defined Curls on a Silver Pixie

For the naturally curly folks considering going with a shorter style, this is an example of what I would want to show you. I believe it captures how incredible curls look at this length. The definition of each curl is so beautiful and how striking the silver is really adds richness to the entire cut that straight pixies can be missing. The trick with curly pixies is that they need to be cut dry, which not all stylists do and is a shame because you can see how each curl is going to sit and adjust so that everything is perfect. You will want a curl cream (lightweight) to keep the curls from being weighed down but to prevent them from getting too frizzy and to hold them enough in humidity.

Chic Textured Pixie with Subtle Layers

#20 Subtle Layered Pixie That Keeps Things Simple

This pixie cut is a great example of one that does not shout for attention. Thanks to the subtle layers, a classic pixie is not needed to create movement. The layers may be best appreciated by those with finer hair, as they steer clear of the overly thick hair problem. This cut hits the sweet spot of giving the most texture to the hair without adding bulk. This is a style that is super low maintenance and gives that wash-and-go look, which a lot of my clients tend to request, so I love the time this cut saves!

Textured Silver Pixie with Soft Layers

#21 Silver Pixie That Highlights Your Bone Structure

The layered texture offers multidimensional shaping at the crown and will also accentuate the cheekbones, which will draw attention to the most beautiful part of the face. The soft silver and warm skin tone combo is a perfect match because of the natural contrast, enhancing both. This is the ideal purpose of a color and a cut working in harmony. The length that falls just above the ears is perfect for showcasing earrings, something I always mention. I have a lot of clients with beautiful accessories that they forget to style around. It’s low-maintenance, but it’s really helpful to keep up with trims because once the layers grow out uneven, it will lose softness in the right places.

Chic Short Textured Pixie Cut

#22 Short Textured Pixie with a Modern Edge

My favorite part about short cuts are their modern editorial look, and especially when paired with a textured finish. This style works best on more confident women who know that they can pull this look off. If some of your hair is fine and straight, you may be a good candidate for this look, as the necessary end texture can either be achieved by using a razor or through point cutting. So don’t be too concerned if your hair is stick straight, this finish will still be achievable. In my opinion, the gray is well complemented by the light color. I like this look far more than attempts to cover the gray, as I find covering the gray leads to a lot more maintenance once the color starts growing out. It’s also worth considering if the amount of exposure fly by this much is to your face shape. If in doubt, I would advise starting on a bit longer of a cut, and going shorter from there.

Modern Textured Pixie Cut with Soft Layers

#23 Soft Layered Pixie for an Everyday Kind of Beautiful

I believe I could do this cut blindfolded and still get a great result. The reason being is the cut has great shape and structure and I could tell exactly where the layers needed to sit. The movement in the top layers is very effortless and nothing looks like it took ages. That is the best compliment I can give for a short haircut. It really helps to frame round and oval face shapes as the layers provide just a touch of height without any volume on the sides to keep the proportions balanced. Regular trims are a must every 4 weeks maximum. However, I’m sure you will find that your morning routine will be so much easier that you will wish you had done the chop years ago.

Textured Silver Pixie Cut with Soft Curls

#24 Silver Pixie with Soft Curls and Easy Charm

I find the soft curls in the hairstyle quite lovely. The curls have that off-duty model look because they complement the rest of the outfit without taking away from it. The fact that this style looks effortless is a testament to the skill required. The shorter sides are excellent for softening the features. This hairstyle is ideal for heart and oval face shapes. The light color helps the hair to behave as fine to medium-dense hair. It helps to ensure that the light is able to pass through the silhouette of the strands. Use a light hold product while the hair is damp to ensure that the curls look good for as long as possible.

Softly Textured Pixie Cut with Light Highlights

#25 Softly Textured Pixie with a Glow

My favorite part about this haircut is how the highlights are intertwined, it creates an effect that is warm and glow, and catches the light. No solid color can do this. The length of the cut is above the ears, which I prefer because it is short enough to be freeing, but long enough to style. The texture makes it appear fuller, which takes a little styling, by directing it forward and up at the roots while it dries to give it volume. With this cut, you can expect to spend a minute or two with a round brush and blow dryer, but the look is worth it.