How to Decide Whether to Cut Your Hair into a Pixie Hairstyle

A short pixie haircut is a flattering hairstyle for many women.

The "pixie" hairstyle is so named for its short, playful shape. It is much shorter than other women's hairstyles, making it ideal for those who want a low-maintenance look that will carry them from day to night. While many women look great with a pixie hairstyle, there are some face shapes which the pixie style does not complement.

Instructions

1. Pull your hair back tightly away from your face into a ponytail. Clip up any excess hair, removing it from the neck or around the cheeks. For many women, medium to long hair gives a sense of comfort -- it can create a more balanced face shape or make the individual look slimmer. If you are comfortable exposing this much of your face and neck, however, a pixie haircut might be right for you.

2. Assess your face shape. Pixie haircuts flatter some faces more than others. For example, narrow faces with pronounced cheekbones can usually wear a pixie cut very well. Rounder faces with more subtle features will tend to look even more round with a short, tight haircut. Oval-shaped faces can typically wear any hairstyle, particularly if the individual has a long neck.

3. Consider how much time you want to spend styling your hair every day. A pixie haircut is very low maintenance. For many women, there is no styling necessary. Simply wash, add a touch of product and let it dry naturally. Others might require a few minutes with a hair straightener or comb to achieve the desired look. Regardless, it takes much less time to style this hair than long hair. This should be a consideration if you are looking for an easy look that won't take up too much of your time.

4. Consider how much money you can invest in routine touch ups. The pixie hairstyle will grow out and require regular trims to maintain. If your hair is thick, you also may have to invest in razor cuts to help it lay properly on the head, instead of growing outward. Women with longer hair generally can get away with being a week or two behind on a trim, while women with pixie cuts will need to be more diligent with their trimming plans.

References

• Style Goes Strong: Pixie Haircuts for Older Women; Cynthia Nellis; January 3, 2011
• New Fashion Trends: Selecting Your Perfect Pixie Haircut
• World Hairstyles: Low Maintenance with Short Pixie Hairstyles for Women

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Spanish