Embark on a transformative hair journey as we delve into the art of mastering the pixie cut, a captivating hairstyle that exudes both boldness and femininity. Whether you seek to reinvent your image or simply embrace a fresh and edgy look, this comprehensive guide will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to achieve a flawless pixie cut in the comfort of your own home.
Before embarking on this hair adventure, it’s essential to assess your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle. Pixies thrive on straight to slightly wavy hair as they enhance the natural texture and movement. However, if your hair is naturally curly or thick, you may want to consider a longer pixie or incorporate layering to reduce bulk. Additionally, the shape of your face plays a vital role in selecting the most flattering pixie cut. For oval faces, most variations suit beautifully, while round faces may prefer pixie cuts with height on top to elongate the face. For square faces, side-swept bangs can soften the angles, and heart-shaped faces look stunning with pixie cuts featuring longer layers in the front.
Now that you have a clear understanding of what to expect, let’s gather the necessary tools and prepare your hair for transformation. You’ll need a sharp pair of hairdressing scissors, a fine-tooth comb, and a mirror to provide a clear view of your progress. Start by washing and towel-drying your hair to remove any product or oils that may hinder the cutting process. Once your hair is damp, use a comb to detangle any knots and create a smooth canvas for your pixie masterpiece.
Choosing the Right Pixie Cut for Your Face Shape
Finding the perfect pixie cut for your face shape is crucial to accentuating your features and enhancing your overall look. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the most flattering style:
Oval Face Shape
Oval faces are characterized by balanced proportions and a gentle curve. Any pixie cut will generally flatter this shape, but consider the following variations:
- Classic Pixie: A timeless choice that frames the face with soft layers and a tapered nape.
- Asymmetrical Pixie: Adds a chic and modern touch with bangs on one side and shorter layers on the other.
- Pixie with Undercut: A more edgy and daring style that shaves the sides or back of the head, creating a contrast with the longer top.
Tip: Avoid pixie cuts with excessive volume or heavy bangs, as they can overwhelm the face.
Round Face Shape
Round faces have a soft, curved jawline and fuller cheeks. To elongate the face, try these pixie cuts:
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Angled Pixie: Bangs that angle sharply forward, creating an illusion of length. | |
| Asymmetrical Pixie: One side of the hair is shorter than the other, creating a diagonal line that visually slims the face. | |
| Pixie with Volume on Crown: Adding height at the crown helps create a more oval silhouette. |
Tip: Steer clear of pixie cuts with full, rounded bangs or excessive layering, as these can accentuate the roundness of the face.
Gathering the Necessary Tools
Before you start cutting, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you have everything you need:
Scissors
Invest in a pair of sharp, high-quality hairdressing scissors. Do not use regular scissors, as they can damage your hair.
Comb
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle and section your hair. This will help you achieve a more precise cut.
Mirror
Have a large mirror available to see the back of your head and ensure an even cut.
Hair Clips
Hair clips are used to section your hair and keep it out of the way while cutting. They are convenient for managing small sections of hair.
Spray Bottle
A spray bottle filled with water will help you keep your hair damp, making it easier to cut. Spray your hair periodically throughout the process to prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
Cape
A cape will protect your clothes from hair clippings. It’s also a good idea to place a towel on the floor to catch any loose hairs.
Other Optional Tools
Additional tools that can be helpful include a fine-tooth comb for precision cutting, a razor comb for blending layers, and thinning shears for removing bulk.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hairdressing Scissors | Cutting hair |
| Wide-tooth Comb | Detangling and sectioning hair |
| Mirror | Seeing the back of the head |
| Hair Clips | Sectioning hair |
| Spray Bottle | Keeping hair damp |
| Cape | Protecting clothes |
Sectioning and Wetting Your Hair
Before you start cutting, it’s crucial to prepare your hair properly. This involves sectioning it and wetting it to make it easier to style and cut.
Sectioning Your Hair
Sectioning your hair divides it into smaller parts, making it easier to cut and style. Here’s how to do it:
1. Part your hair in the middle: Use a comb to create a clean part down the center of your head from your forehead to the nape of your neck.
2. Create horizontal sections: Using a comb or your fingers, divide your hair into four horizontal sections. Section off the top of your head, the sides, and the back of your head.
3. Pin up the sections: Clip or pin up the sections that you’re not cutting to keep them out of the way and prevent them from getting in your hair while you’re working.
Wetting Your Hair
Wetting your hair helps to soften it and make it more pliable, which makes it easier to cut. Here’s how to do it:
1. Dampen your hair: Use a spray bottle to dampen your hair thoroughly but not soaking wet. The hair should be moist enough to hold its shape when combed, but not dripping with water.
2. Comb your hair: Use a wide-toothed comb to brush through your damp hair to remove any tangles or knots. This will help to ensure a smooth cut.
Creating the Base Cut
The base cut is the foundation of your pixie cut. It will determine the overall shape and length of your hair. To create the base cut, you will need:
- A pair of sharp scissors
- A comb
- A mirror
Begin by combing your hair to remove any tangles. Then, section off the top of your hair from the bottom with a comb. This will help you to focus on cutting the base cut without getting the top of your hair in the way.
Next, hold the scissors parallel to your head and cut a straight line across the back of your hair. The length of the cut will determine the length of your pixie cut. If you want a shorter pixie cut, cut the hair shorter. If you want a longer pixie cut, cut the hair longer.
Once you have cut the back of your hair, you can start to cut the sides. Hold the scissors at a 45-degree angle to your head and cut small sections of hair at a time. Be careful not to cut too much hair, as you can always cut more later.
Continue to cut the sides of your hair until you reach the top of your head. Then, blend the sides of your hair into the back of your hair. To do this, hold the scissors at a 90-degree angle to your head and cut small sections of hair at a time. Be careful not to cut too much hair, as you can always cut more later.
Once you have blended the sides of your hair into the back of your hair, you have created the base cut. The base cut is the foundation of your pixie cut, and it will determine the overall shape and length of your hair.
Styling Your Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is a versatile haircut that can be styled in a variety of ways. With the right styling, a pixie cut can be both chic and edgy.
Classic Pixie
The classic pixie cut is short and cropped, with a long, sweeping fringe. To style, use a volumizing mousse or gel to create height and texture. Blow-dry the hair upwards, then use a round brush to curl the ends under.
Side-Swept Pixie
The side-swept pixie is a great way to add a touch of femininity to your haircut. To style, blow-dry the hair to the side, then use a round brush to create waves or curls. Finish with a light mist of hairspray.
Slicked-Back Pixie
The slicked-back pixie is a chic and modern look. To style, apply a generous amount of pomade or gel to damp hair. Comb the hair back, then use a blow-dryer to dry the hair in place. Finish with a light mist of hairspray.
Tousled Pixie
The tousled pixie is a great way to achieve a relaxed, effortless look. To style, apply a volumizing mousse or cream to damp hair. Scrunch the hair with your hands, then blow-dry the hair using a diffuser. Finish with a light mist of hairspray.
Mohawk Pixie
The mohawk pixie is a bold and edgy style. To style, apply a generous amount of pomade or gel to damp hair. Comb the hair upwards, then use hairspray to hold the style in place.
Asymmetrical Pixie
The asymmetrical pixie is a great way to add a touch of individuality to your haircut. To style, blow-dry the hair to the side, then use a round brush to create waves or curls. Finish with a light mist of hairspray.
| Haircut | Style | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Pixie | Short and cropped, with a long, sweeping fringe | Volumizing mousse or gel, round brush |
| Side-Swept Pixie | Hair blow-dried to the side, with waves or curls | Round brush, hairspray |
| Slicked-Back Pixie | Hair slicked back with pomade or gel | Pomade or gel, blow-dryer, hairspray |
| Tousled Pixie | Hair tousled with mousse or cream | Volumizing mousse or cream, diffuser, hairspray |
| Mohawk Pixie | Hair combed upwards with pomade or gel | Pomade or gel, hairspray |
| Asymmetrical Pixie | Hair blow-dried to the side, with waves or curls | Round brush, hairspray |
| Product | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Shampoo for short hair | Cleanses and conditions without weighing hair down |
| Conditioner for short hair | Moisturizes and detangles without leaving hair feeling greasy |
| Mousse | Adds volume and definition |
| Gel | Provides strong hold and shine |
| Heat protectant spray | Protects hair from heat damage |
| Hairspray | Holds hair in place |
How To Give Yourself A Pixie Cut
Have you always wanted to cut your hair short but were afraid to take the plunge? A pixie cut is a great way to add some edge to your look, and it’s surprisingly easy to do yourself at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to give yourself a pixie cut:
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Wash and dry your hair. This will make it easier to cut and style.
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Section off your hair. Use a comb to create a part down the middle of your head, from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Then, section off the top half of your hair and clip it up out of the way.
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Cut the nape of your neck. Start by cutting the hair at the nape of your neck to about 1 inch long. Use a straight razor or sharp scissors to create a clean line.
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Cut the sides of your head. Working your way up from the nape of your neck, cut the sides of your head to about 2 inches long. Use a blending shear to create a graduated effect.
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Cut the top of your head. Finally, cut the top of your head to about 3 inches long. Use a point-cutting technique to create texture and movement.
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Style your hair. Once you’ve cut your hair, style it as desired. You can use a volumizing mousse to create volume, or a straightening iron to smooth out the hair.
People also ask
What is a pixie cut?
A pixie cut is a short, cropped haircut that is typically worn by women. It is characterized by its short, layered hair on the top and sides of the head, and longer hair in the back.
How do I know if a pixie cut will suit me?
A pixie cut can suit a variety of face shapes, but it is particularly flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces. If you have a round face, you may want to avoid a pixie cut, as it can make your face look wider.
How often should I get a pixie cut trimmed?
A pixie cut should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks to maintain its shape and style.
