There's something about melting in the summer heat that puts everything into perspective—especially my hair routine. And while NYC may have survived its first heatwave, one hot and sticky day is all it takes for me to consider chopping it all off. Enter: the pixie cut. Hollywood starlets like Gabrielle Union and Kim Kardashian have long embraced the bob, but the next wave of trendy haircuts is going even shorter.
We get it: A pixie cut can feel like a big leap, especially if you’ve lived the better part of your life with long hair. But this super-short hairstyle isn’t just chic, it’s also gloriously low-maintenance, lightweight, and a huge 2025 trend. "While long hair has traditionally been associated with femininity, shorter strands challenge conventional beauty standards, allowing women to redefine their notions of beauty, womanhood, and strength," explains celebrity hairstylist Jordan Jay Brumant.
The biggest appeal of a pixie haircut is that it's so easy to style, and it makes getting ready in the mornings a cakewalk. "If you don’t want to be bothered by your hair, cut it," says hairstylist Kindra Wright-Horn. With the right cut, washing your hair no longer becomes an all-day affair, and even the time it takes to heat style gets drastically reduced. It's partly why so many celebrities (think: Emma Stone, Lori Harvey, Ciara) have embraced the look.
We rounded up some of our all-time favorite styles to inspire you and help you choose the pixie cut that's right for you. Prepare to scroll, screenshot, and take a trip to the stylist.
Pixie Cuts at a Glance
- Pixie Cut Ideas
- What Is a Pixie Cut?
- How to Style a Pixie Cut
- What Face Shape Looks Best With a Pixie Cut?
- How Often Do You Need to Trim a Pixie Cut?
- Are Pixie Cuts Trending for 2025?
Pixie Cut Ideas
Classic Pixie Cut
Brumant is the mind behind model Jourdan Dunn's timeless pixie cut, and he recalled the model's almost spiritual approach to the big chop on Instagram.
"Jourdan decided to embark on a journey of self-reinvention through the transformative power of a pixie cut," he wrote in a post breaking down the look. "We drew inspiration from iconic figures such as Rihanna, Halle Berry, Zoë Kravitz, and Nia Long, to pay homage to those who have fearlessly paved the way in redefining beauty standards."
Bleached Bixie Cut
When your hair gets long enough, it veers into bixie territory (also known as a cross between a pixie and a bob), as demonstrated by Delilah Belle Hamlin back in 2024.
"When distinguishing between a bixie and a pixie cut, it primarily boils down to hair length," explains Brumant. "The bixie seamlessly blends the sophistication of a pixie with the versatility of a bob, offering more styling options."
Veiled Short Pixie Cut
A pixie is a necessary stop when growing out your hair post-buzz-cut, and Emma Corrin accessorizes theirs beautifully. The Crown star also gave a longer pink pixie a shot in their show, A Murder At The End Of The World.
Middle-Parted Curled Pixie Cut
Jodie Turner-Smith is known for getting creative with her shorter hairstyles and provides a ton of inspiration in the process. At a December 2023 screening of All of Us Strangers, she tried out a deep red color for her pixie, styling it with a middle part and soft curls.
"Every pixie cut should be versatile. I should be able to wear it down or spike it up or curl it," notes Wright-Horn. As for specific styling trends, the stylist says that the magic of the pixie is that it's more about what works for the individual than what everyone else is doing.
"Everyone’s length is different. I think the main thing is the cut—that's what is important," she says. "Whether you’re curling it or not, that's where the focus needs to be. It's what allows people to be able to walk out the door and look, but most importantly, feel, good."
Wavy Pixie Cut
Back in 2022, Lori Harvey's pixie featured sculpted waves that framed her face for the perfect touch of old-Hollywood glamour.
"I’m one of those people who will pretty much try anything when it comes to wellness, so I don’t think there's anything that I'm not into...I'm game to try it all," the model previously told Marie Claire. Luckily, the same apparently goes for her hairstyles.
Asymmetrical Bixie Cut
While simple in appearance, the artistry of Ciara's brunette bixie cut is something to behold. Her deep side part adds volume to the sleek look while also providing a touch of asymmetry.
Flippy Bixie Cut
There are many reasons to watch Vanderpump Rules, but Katie Maloney's haircut may come out on top. She often wears her bixie tucked behind her ears and flipped out at the ends, a style also seen on celebrities like Allison Janney.
Faux Curly Pixie
No, this isn't technically a pixie or bixie cut—but Keke Palmer's smart updo gives the illusion of a major chop. If you're wanting to try out a short style without actually cutting your hair, a wig or high bun with carefully placed bobby pins might just do the trick.
Ear-Framing Pixie Cut
Back in 2023, Doja Cat wore this pixie to the Grammys, and I was particularly fascinated with how her stylist framed the haircut around her ears. This is face-framing at its best.
"I always tell people they'll [need to stop in the salon] in anywhere between six to eight weeks to bring that cut back," Wright-Horn shares. "In between that time, you’ll get some growth (especially over the ears)." This is how to make that grown-out look work.
Swooped Pixie
Cardi B's pixie for the 2018 VMAs was a wig, but it looked so good that we've been keeping an eye out to see if she'll take the plunge in real life ever since.
Icy Pixie Cut
Of course, a woman with a name as chic as Pom Klementieff has a haircut as that's this cool. The Marvel star's icy, side-parted short hair is slicked down with just a bit of pomade, lending itself well to that bright red lip.
Voluminous Copper Bixie Cut
Cynthia Nixon's copper locks take on major volume with piece-y, textured ends.
Straightforward Pixie Cut
This short-and-straightforward look is about as simple as you can get with pixie cut styling. But because Rihanna is our model, a new level of coolness is unlocked.
Wet-Looking Bixie Cut
"A pixie should not be over two inches, technically," explains Wright-Horn. Therefore, this cut—which Tyla wore to the 2024 Met Gala—is 100 percent a bixie. Worn down and slightly wet, the longer length allows more of the singer's natural wave pattern to shine through.
Curly Bixie Cut
Voluminous curls made Vicky Krieps' bixie cut for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival give "I woke up like this" in the greatest way—this is exactly what short haircuts are best at.
"In summertime, we sweat, so we don’t require much product because our bodies are building up oils," explains Wright-Horn. "Hair should be easy."
Brushed-Back Pixie Cut
Artist Xuan Xu took the 2024 Cannes Film Festival red carpets by storm with an elegant, pushed-back pixie that had a cool-purple tone. To get the look, sweep your hair straight back instead of pinning it off to the side when your grow-out journey begins.
Butter Yellow Pixie
Depending on the cut, shorter afros can also be classified as pixies, and Solange Knowles was proof when she wore this curly hairstyle back in 2018.
Pixie Cut with Side-Swept Bangs
Doesn't this simple pixie cut look like it was specially crafted to complement Dixie D'Amelio's face? That's because it was.
When it comes to picking the right pixie cut for your face shape, Wright-Horn said it's all about trusting your stylist's eye.
"There are stylists out there who say 'I do short hair,' but they don’t. They’ve maybe done a couple of short haircuts," she explains. "When you’re a specialist in cutting short hair and cutting pixies, you know what fits someone’s face."
Parted Pixie Cut
Ginnifer Goodwin is another star we can always count on for an amazing short haircut. Here, she lets her bold, slightly off-center part lead the way, with the rest of her dark hair pushed off to the side and pinned behind her ears.
Close-Cut Pixie Cut
Winona Ryder's pixie remains one of the most iconic haircuts of all time. The shorter style really allowed her gorgeous brown eyes to shine.
The Textured Pixie
Lupita Nyong'o showed up to the photo call for A Quiet Place: Day One in May 2024 wearing a bubblegum-colored suit, holding a live cat, and donning a deep, clean side parts.
Grown Out Pixie Cut
Fantasia Barrino's pixie cut styles are the stuff of legends. For this look, she showed off a textured cut completed by longer layers and side-swept bangs.
Tonal Blonde Pixie Cut
Zendaya is a hair chameleon like no other, as evidenced by this blonde pixie cut that she wore in 2017. It's a look that she's yet to revisit, but is one for the books, and it deserves a comeback.
Curled Pixie Cut
Curls are a great way to give your pixie cut a bit of character and flair. Ruth Negga's are the epitome of chic, and you can achieve the look by playing around with extensions if you feel like you don't have enough length.
"I also love incorporating hair pieces," Brumant says. "They enable me to experiment with various textures and silhouettes, elevating the overall look and feel [of a pixie]."
Sculptural Pixie Cut
Iris Law's version of a pixie lets the model's natural brown roots shine through, proof that you can also play with color when you have short hair.
Short Choppy Pixie Cut
Maisie Williams' texture adds some exciting depth to her choppy cut. Remember: a "perfect" pixie does not exist, and a little messiness can be a good thing.
Long Choppy Pixie Cut
In 2023, Lisa Rinna took the internet by storm when she revealed this grungy version of her pixie haircut. Going a little darker than her regular shade, the former Real Housewives star chose to have her strands stick out in every direction.
Dark Layered Pixie Cut
There's a reason Kris Jenner has kept the same hairstyle for such a long time—the pixie looks amazing on her.
Blonde Pixie Cut
The ever-elegant Michelle Williams has rocked some gorgeous pixie cuts in her day. This simple, Mia Farrow-esque style is just one example of the magic her hairstylist works with some shears.
If you've ever wondered how often short-haired stars such as Williams have to go in for a trim, Brumant has some wisdom to share. "Maintenance is key for keeping a pixie cut sharp and polished," the artist tells Marie Claire. "I typically recommend touch-ups around the ears and hairline every four to six weeks, ensuring the cut maintains its shape and structure."
Flippy Pixie Cut
In April 2023, Karrueche Tran appeared at the premiere of Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 with her hair in the cutest flippy pixie cut. After this look, red carpets were full of similar styles—and yes, I do think she was on those vision boards.
Spiked Up Pixie Cut
Halle Berry has been letting her hair grow out these days. Still, we'll never forget all her short 'dos—including this spiked up style. No, there's not a lot of length to play with when it comes to pixies, but there's still a ton of height that can be achieved.
Soft Natural Curls Pixie Cut
Halsey's pixie cut era was also one for the books. In 2018, she played around with tone and length after chopping her hair, even going so far as to wear it with her soft natural curls. Don't be afraid to set down the hot tools and let your natural texture reign.
Painted-On Pixie Cut
No, Cara Delevigne's 2016 Met Gala look probably isn't something you're going to reach for every day. But isn't it kind of fun? With a bald head and some silver makeup at her disposal, the actress painted on a pixie that rivals any naturally grown style.
Softly Highlighted Pixie Cut
Since she opened up about her journey with alopecia, it's been fun seeing Jada Pinkett Smith rock creative short styles—and sometimes no hair at all. This softly structured, pretty style is one of my all-time favorites: the golden highlights and pink makeup work oh-so well together.
Fiery Red Pixie Cut
Yes, I know Teyana Taylor looks good in any style, but there's something special about seeing her with short hair. This bright red style lends its wearer an even more effortless cool-girl look—a favorite pixie variation of Brumant's.
Vintage Blonde Pixie Cut
Zoey Deutsch stunned fans when she showed up at Chanel's Fall/Winter 2024 with her long dark locks completely lobbed off—and dyed platinum.
"They wanted her to look like Jean Seberg," hairstylist Tracey Cunningham wrote in an Instagram post at the time. "We didn’t want to look like a current bleach and tone."
Ear-Length Pixie Cut
Even though this sleek style from the 2019 Met Gala was only temporary, it goes without saying that Bella Hadid looks unbelievable in an elegant pixie.
Short-and-Simple Pixie Cut
Here, Maggie Rogers exhibits the truly chic nature—and ease—of a pixie cut. Cut short and styled extremely simply (likely courtesy of some hair gel), she paired the style with a suit jacket, which took it to a whole new level of cool.
Pixie Cut with Natural Curls
Lashana Lynch's curly pixie—made all the better with some grays dispersed throughout—is nothing short of beautiful. The simplicity of the hair also works well with her makeup; that bold lip deserves its time in the spotlight.
Mia Farrow Pixie Cut
A pixie cut story without Mia Farrow's famous '60s haircut? It simply couldn't be done. This super-flattering style requires very little styling; the magic is found in its softness.
"The hairdresser was aghast, and the producers were upset, and people with wigs were summoned,” wrote Farrow of the chop in her 1997 memoir, What Falls Away. “It looked fine to me.”
Wet Look Pixie Cut
It doesn't get more stylish than this super-shiny finish on Taylor Hill. Pile on the pomade (or the product of your choosing) to achieve a glossy shine.
One-Sided Feathered Pixie Cut
I now present another queen of the pixie cut landscape: Tilda Swinton. While a quick Google image search for the actress will give you plenty of pixie inspo, this style does something special. The deep side part offset by a feathered bang is unexpected yet delightful.
Lengthy, Highlighted Pixie Cut
Actress Storm Reid's sultry pixie is on the long end of the pixie cut hair length spectrum, but a pixie nonetheless. Grazing her eyebrows, she first debuted the cut at the 2022 Met Gala, and it was even Zendaya-approved.
"She gave me some words of encouragement, which meant a lot because she's the queen of the Met Gala," Reid told Entertainment Tonight at the time. "She was one of the first people I went to about cutting my hair, like what'd she think, and she was like, 'You go ahead, it's gonna look great.' So she really gave me confidence to chop my hair off."
Slicked-Back Pixie Cut
Greta Gerwig has become an expert at jazzing up her signature pixie cut, adding waves, volume, and curls to her short haircut. For this particular night in 2024, she took a different approach, slicking her hair down into an elegant helmet for a Cannes Film Festival red carpet appearance.
Tightly Coiled Pixie Cut
Dress up your pixie with finger coils like Amandla Stenberg and add a healthy amount of gel and hairspray for a long-lasting hold. The patience this style requires is well worth it.
Pretty in Pink Pixie Cut
Auli'i Cravalho's pixie is pretty in pink, a testament to a fashion color's easy ability to add some intrigue to your simple style. Still, if you ever dye your hair a color and find that you don't like it, pixies tend to grow out pretty quickly.
"The inspiration for this color came from Auli’i herself! I started doing hair in the NYC punk scene in 2013, which gave me a strong foundation in alt hair colors," shared colorist Elyssa Oliver while discussing another short pink style worn by the star with Marie Claire. "At my collectively run queer salon, Saturn Sixteen, we believe hair should reflect the individual, not just a trend. For Auli’i, I created a custom blend using Pravana colors for a pearlescent effect."
Side-Swept Pixie Cut
Here, Zoë Kravitz's sweet pixie was swept entirely to one side. "A classic pixie features short sides and back, with bangs framing the face, highlighting its beauty," notes Brumant.
Bowl Cut Pixie Cut
A woman with a bowl cut, but chic, is just another role Charlize Theron was born to play. Isn't there something timeless about this single-layer look?
Parted and Bling-y Pixie Cut
Florence Pugh's rhinestone-embellished pixie cut is super editorial. While hers is more structured, a bit of bling gives it a fun, laidback spin. Inspired to try the look? Grab a bedazzled hair clip.
Slick-and-Curly Pixie Cut
I love the vintage feel of this pixie cut on Euphoria's Alexa Demie, thanks in part to a few well-placed kiss curls.
Pixie Cut with Lengthy Side Bangs
Here, Julia Garner traded her signature curls for a sleek-and-straight pixie. Almost veering into microbob territory, the blonde 'do is a perfect example of short hair meeting up (and having a stellar time) with the current side part trend.
Pixie Cut With Dark Roots
The dark roots peeking through Kristen Wiig's pixie cut add so much dimension. Plus, that wet-but-not-oily slick styling is the cherry on top.
What Is a Pixie Cut?
"A pixie cut is a charming, short, and feminine hairstyle, often characterized by its soft, rounded shape and subtly textured edges—offering a less angular look than its more masculine counterpart," explains hairstylist Julie Dickson. These cuts are shorter on the back and sides and longer on the top, adds celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan, who is responsible for the classic pixies on Mia Farrow and Michelle Williams.
How Do You Style a Pixie Cut?
Because pixie cuts are so short, there are two main ways to style them: messy or classic. You can air dry your hair and style it with a light pomade for the former. "This is the way to go if you want to look effortless and non-contrived like a short elfin or Winona Ryder in Girl Interrupted," says Dickson. On the other hand, you can go for a super chic, high-shine pixie with help from gels and hair glosses. "Comb it close to the head with precision for a vibe that's like a black-tie Linda Evangelista or Old Hollywood at the Oscars."
According to McMillan, you may also want to forgo the highlights. "Short hair always looks better when it's all one color," he says.
What Face Shape Looks Best With a Pixie Cut?
Every face shape can pull off a pixie cut, depending on how you style it. "For example, a round face shape can be styled with more volume on the top and an asymmetrical side-swept bang to elongate the face," says McMillan. An angular face, on the other hand, can go for a straight and polished look, or even a spiked-up style. The key is finding a stylist with the know-how to highlight your best features with an expert cut.
How Often Does a Pixie Cut Need a Trim?
You'll want to get your pixie cut trimmed every six to eight weeks, according to McMillan. "Many people assume that with less hair comes less upkeep, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While you won’t need to spend an hour blow-drying, short hair isn’t always wake-up-and-go," says Dickson. You'll want to shower in the morning or keep a spray bottle on hand to tame any flyaways or unruly sections after a night's sleep.
Are Pixie Cuts Trending for 2025?
After having a huge moment in 2024, pixie cuts are slowly making their way over to this year, too. "On the one hand, we're seeing the ultra-short, slicked-down styles inspired by men's cuts from the 1920s, and on the other, there are whimsical, pixies with a Bowie-esque mullet vibe, resembling a cap of tousled, dancing waves," explains Dickson.
Why Trust Marie Claire?
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Experts
As founder and head hair maven of Joon Drop, Julie is all about making her clients feel comfortable and listened to, while creating a look that flawlessly complements their skin tone, eye color, bone structure and lifestyle.
Julie initially made her mark in the business for her finesse with fine hair and natural looking color, but she can do just about anything with hair. Both ladies and a loyal male clientele come to Julie for her ability to infuse classically inspired looks with a downtown edge.
Originally from Minnesota, Julie’s passion for hair stems from fine art, architecture design, fashion and music, and is grounded in her rigorous training. Her first two ventures were a destination for beauty in Nolita. She’s now thrilled to bring Joon Drop to the best block in Two Bridges, where she continues to live her dream of doing what she loves in her favorite city.
Whether or not you’ve ever even heard the name Chris McMillan, chances are your life has been touched by his work.
Chris has been cutting hair for over three decades. He is the creator of The Rachel—the cut from the TV show Friends that defined the 1990s.
He’s also the mastermind behind the sexy, beachy wavy look that is currently ubiquitous on every red carpet. When Kim Kardashian got engaged, it was Chris she wanted to do her hair for the big day.
Young creative, Jordan J Brumant is a London based hair stylist and fast becoming the first option within the fashion and entertainment industry.
Jordan began his career at the age of 13 as a young enthusiastic hairstylist at the crown academy of hair extensions. Leaving as a senior stylist, Jordan was determined to establish a name of his own.
Today, Jordan’s list of celebrity clintele includes Winnie Harlow, Naomi Harris, Amandala Stenberg, Lianne La Havas, Little mix and US rapper EVE (to name a few).
Kindra Wright-Horn is not just a hairstylist; she’s a visionary, transforming the world of short hair with Pixie HeatTM. Kindra’s love affair with short hair ignited during her teenage years when she embraced a shorter hairstyle. Guided by the legacy of her Grandmother, a salon owner for over six decades, Kindra realized her gifted and talented hands would soon transform the look and confidence of many women. For the last three decades, Kindra has worked across the east coast fine tuning her craft and establishing a loyal clientele. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Kindra opened her first salon in New Jersey, “JalaMadi Signature Salon,” named after her children, which she owned and operated for 12 years.
