A pixie haircut is a short haircut for women that is cut close to the head to accentuate the face; it's fairly easy to maintain. Although frequently chosen by women with small features, a pixie cut is versatile enough to be worn by women of all shapes and sizes. A pixie cut can be styled neatly or tousled slightly to give it a messy, freestyle look.
Shampoo and condition the hair. Towel dry the hair, leaving it slightly damp. Use a detangling comb to brush out any tangles.
Attach a medium clipper gate to electric hair clippers and secure.
Cut the edges of the hair, beginning at the front hairline. Angle toward the side of the head over the temples to just before the ear. Repeat on the other side of the head.
Cut the hair in the back of the head to an even, sloping length. Trim the edge of the hairline above the neckline in a crescent shape that runs all the way to one ear. Repeat for the other side of the head.
Use thinning shears and a cutting comb to cut sloping layers (texturizing) into the sides and the back of the head, working from top to bottom to help preserve the length. The hair should be about 2 to 3 inches long on the top, sides and in the back.
Brush and blow dry the hair.
Refine the pixie cut with scissors and the cutting comb. Trim away any uneven lengths or spots that appear to have too much volume after blow drying; a pixie haircut should lay close to the head when styled.
Style with hair gel, mousse or hair spray as desired.
Warning
When texturizing hair (thinning the bulky areas), don't take too much hair from any single spot. Make no more than three cuts in one specific area to avoid creating holes in the cut.
References
- Laura E. Carlson; Cosmetology Student: Rudy & Kelly Academy; Virginia Beach, Va.; August 2011
- Hairfinder: Hairstyles, Hair Care & Fashion; Short Pixie Haircut: How to Cut This Flattering Short Pixie Hairstyle
Writer Bio
Based in Virginia Beach, Mark S. Baker has been working in editorial for more than 20 years. He has served as a writer and editor for publications such as the "Houston Post," "Boca Raton News" and "Interactive Week," among others. Baker also has a culinary arts degree from Johnson & Wales University and has his own catering business.