Proof that a pixie cut is ultra versatile

How to Style a Pixie Cut: Best Pixie Cut Hairstyles

And everything you need in your styling kit

Beauty Crew Contributing Editor / August 30 2018

Twiggy, Michelle Williams, Rihanna, Scarlett Johansson. Oh, and Halle Berry, Emma Watson… A pixie cut put these beauties’ hair on the map. Striking and brave, pixie cut styles will overhaul your look like no other haircut can. But knowing how to style a pixie cut is a whole new kettle of fish. There’s no throwing your hair up into your fail-safe topknot anymore. 

The good news is there are so many ways to style a pixie cut. And there are SO many versions of a pixie cut that you can choose from, like a super short pixie cut that allows you to roll out of bed and go, or long crops that give you more styling options.

These are five pixie cut hairstyles and the styling products you need in your short hair repertoire.

1

Straight and flicked

If you want a smooth finish, run a straightener over your strands (if there’s enough length to work with). At the ends, manoeuvre the flat iron to manipulate how you want your hair to sit, be it softly tucked under, spiky on the ends (if you have thick hair), or flicked off to the side.

Product you need: ghd gold v professional mini straightener

Celebrity inspiration: Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence Pixie Cut Hairstyle
PIXIE CUT TIP: The best pixie haircut for round face shapes is a longer style that creates balance. A sweeping fringe will help soften sharp facial features like a square face.

2

Smooth and clean

You know what’s great about short hair, besides your newfound cheekbones? How healthy your hair looks…and very likely is. Show off your glossy sheen with a smooth finish and a shine serum. Just remember that if you have fine hair, your hair may be extra fluffy when freshly washed so spritz it with dry shampoo for a touch of workable grit.

Product you need: Eleven Australia Smooth & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

Celebrity inspiration: Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams Pixie Cut

3

Lots of texture

Short hair is just begging for a sexy tousle of texture. Unless you have naturally curly hair, you will need a pomade to get the job done. Don’t use too much – a pixie cut only needs the tiniest bit of product to ensure it doesn’t look weighed down. Once the pomade is applied, rake your fingers through and shape as needed.

Product you need: Ouai Matte Pomade

Celebrity inspiration: Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose Pixie Cut Hairstyle

4

The wet look

Edgy and surprisingly effortless, a sleek finish just needs a styling cream smoothed over damp or wet hair. Slicking your hair forwards or back is up to you.

Product you need: Lush Dirty Styling Cream

Celebrity inspiration: Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus Pixie Cut Hairstyle

5

Extra volume

As your pixie cut starts to grow out, you may find your ‘do lacking in the volume department. A touch of styling mousse applied to your strands before blow-drying will give you the lift you’re after. Use a round brush to pull hair away from the root as you dry.

Product you need: Redken Stay High 18 Gel to Mousse

Celebrity inspiration: Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson Pixie Cut Hairstyle

For more hair makeover inspiration, flick through our celebrity hair transformations gallery.

Which celeb's pixie hairstyle or haircut do you like best? What's your go-to styling product for short hair?

Main image credit: Getty

Chelsea is BEAUTYcrew’s Contributing Editor. She has a sweet spot for anything that claims to make skin glow and won’t leave the house without a slick of mascara. Chelsea has 10 years of experience as a beauty editor and her words can be found on BEAUTYcrew, Women’s Health, Daily Addict, The Joye and Primped.