Rock a messy pixie, a style that exudes both edginess and effortless charm. This short, tousled ‘do is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance, yet chic hairdo. Whether you have fine hair that needs volume or thick locks that crave texture, a messy pixie can be tailored to flatter your features and suit your lifestyle. Dive into this comprehensive guide to master the art of styling a messy pixie, empowering yourself to achieve a captivating look every time.
To begin crafting your messy pixie, start with clean, dry hair. Apply a volumizing mousse or root lifter to the roots, creating a foundation for height and texture. Using a round brush and blow dryer, direct the airflow towards the roots, lifting the hair as you dry. For added volume, tease the hair at the crown, gently backcombing it to create a base for your messy style.
Once you have achieved the desired volume, it’s time to define the texture. Apply a texturizing spray or cream to damp hair, scrunching it upwards to create separation and movement. Alternatively, you can use a sea salt spray to add a beachy, tousled effect. For a more polished finish, use a small amount of hair wax to shape and define individual strands, adding a touch of edginess to your messy pixie.
Embrace Natural Texture
A messy pixie cut is all about celebrating your hair’s natural texture. Whether you have fine, wavy, curly, or coily hair, there’s a way to style your pixie to enhance its unique beauty. Here are a few tips for embracing your natural texture:
Fine hair: For a messy pixie that adds volume and body to fine hair, start by washing your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Use a root lifter or mousse to create volume at the roots, then blow dry your hair upside down. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep your style in place.
Wavy hair: If you have wavy hair, you can enhance your natural waves with a curl-defining cream or mousse. Use a diffuser to dry your hair and scrunch it up slightly to encourage curl formation. To create a more messy look, add a little texture spray and finger-comb your hair.
Curly or coily hair: If you have curly or coily hair, you can rock a messy pixie by using a curl-enhancing product that defines and moisturizes your curls. Use a diffuser to dry your hair and avoid brushing it too much, as this can cause frizz. If you want to add more volume, try using a curl cream or gel that provides hold and definition
| Texture | Styling Tips |
|---|---|
| Fine hair | Use volumizing shampoo and conditioner, root lifter or mousse, blow dry upside down, light-hold hairspray. |
| Wavy hair | Use curl-defining cream or mousse, diffuser, scrunch, texture spray, finger-comb. |
| Curly or coily hair | Use curl-enhancing product, diffuser, avoid brushing, curl cream or gel. |
Use Pomade for Definition
Pomades are a great way to add some definition to your messy pixie cut. They come in a variety of hold strengths, so you can choose one that gives you the desired level of control. To use pomade, start by applying a small amount to damp or dry hair. Work the pomade through your hair with your fingers, focusing on the areas where you want to add definition. You can use a comb or brush to smooth out the product and create a more polished look.
Styling Tips for Using Pomade
Here are a few tips for styling your messy pixie with pomade:
- Start with a small amount of product and add more as needed. Too much pomade can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.
- Apply pomade to damp or dry hair, depending on the desired look. Pomade applied to damp hair will give you a more controlled, sleek look, while pomade applied to dry hair will give you a more textured, messy look.
- Use your fingers to work the pomade through your hair, focusing on the areas where you want to add definition. You can also use a comb or brush to smooth out the product and create a more polished look.
- Experiment with different pomades to find the one that works best for your hair type and desired style.
| Pomade Type | Hold Strength | Shine |
|---|---|---|
| Water-based pomade | Light to medium | Low to medium |
| Oil-based pomade | Medium to heavy | High |
| Wax-based pomade | Heavy | Low to medium |
Create Lift with Mousse
Ever since we first laid eyes on Kate Moss’s androgynous pixie crop in the ’90s, there’s no denying there’s something inherently chic, nonchalant, and utterly modern about the pixie cut. While this cut is popular for its low-maintenance nature, it can look flat or one-dimensional if styled incorrectly. For those with a pixie cut that lacks volume and lift, mousse is an essential styling product.
To achieve a voluminous, effortless pixie, apply a nickel-sized amount of volumizing mousse to damp hair and distribute it evenly throughout the roots. Before blow-drying, use your fingers to scrunch and lift the roots, creating the foundation for a lifted and airy style. Once dry, use a small amount of mousse on your fingertips and dab it onto your hair, focusing on the crown and top layers. The mousse will create texture and hold, allowing your pixie to maintain its volume and effortless shape throughout the day.
Here are some tips for using mousse effectively:
| Tip |
|---|
| Use a quality mousse specifically designed for fine or limp hair. |
| Apply mousse to damp, not soaking wet, hair. |
| Be careful not to overuse mousse, as it can weigh your hair down. |
| Use a diffuser to dry your hair and enhance volume. |
Experiment with Hairspray
Hairspray is a great way to add texture and hold to your pixie cut. There are many different types of hairspray available, so experiment until you find one that works best for your hair type and style.
For a natural, tousled look, try using a light-hold hairspray. Just spray it lightly over your hair, and then use your fingers to tousle it into place. For a more polished look, try using a firm-hold hairspray. Spray it over your hair, and then use a brush or comb to style it into place.
If you have fine hair, you may want to use a volumizing hairspray. This will help to give your hair more body and texture. If you have thick hair, you may want to use a smoothing hairspray. This will help to control frizz and flyaways.
Here is a table summarizing the different types of hairspray and their benefits:
| Type of Hairspray | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Light-hold | Adds texture and hold, but doesn’t weigh hair down |
| Firm-hold | Provides strong hold and control, but can make hair feel stiff |
| Volumizing | Gives hair more body and texture |
| Smoothing | Controls frizz and flyaways |
Add a Hint of Color
If you’re looking to add a touch of personality to your messy pixie, consider adding a hint of color. This could be anything from a subtle ombré effect to a bold and vibrant hue. Here are a few tips for adding color to your messy pixie:
Consider your skin tone: When choosing a color for your messy pixie, it’s important to consider your skin tone. If you have fair skin, opt for light and pastel shades, such as blonde, lavender, or peach. If you have medium skin, you can wear a wider range of colors, including both light and dark shades. If you have dark skin, consider bold and vibrant hues, such as red, purple, or blue.
Think about your personality: The color you choose for your messy pixie should also reflect your personality. If you’re a fun and outgoing person, opt for a bright and vibrant color. If you’re more reserved, choose a more subtle shade.
Get the right products: When coloring your messy pixie, it’s important to use the right products. Look for color-depositing shampoos and conditioners, which can help to add and maintain your desired color. You may also want to use a color-protecting spray to help prevent fading.
Don’t overdo it: When adding color to your messy pixie, it’s important to not overdo it. A little color can go a long way, so start with a small amount and gradually add more if desired.
Have fun: Adding color to your messy pixie is a great way to express your personality and have fun with your hair. So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect color for you.
Recommended Hair Products for Adding Color to Your Messy Pixie:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière Shampoo | A purple shampoo that helps to neutralize brassiness and add shine to blonde hair |
| Davines Alchemic Conditioner in Pastel Pink | A pink conditioner that helps to add a touch of color to light-colored hair |
| Oribe Colorants Color Reviving Butter Mask | A hair mask that helps to revive and maintain color-treated hair |
| Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner | A shampoo and conditioner that helps to protect color-treated hair from fading |
| Amika The Shield Anti-Breakage Heat Protectant Spray | A heat protectant spray that helps to prevent hair damage from heat styling |
Play with Layers
To achieve a messy pixie with natural volume and movement, experimenting with layers is key. Here are a few ways to incorporate layers into your cut:
| Layer Lengths: | Vary the length of your layers to create a more textured and dynamic look. Shorter layers near the crown can add height, while longer layers on the sides and back can frame the face and create softness. |
|---|---|
| Choppy Layers: | Intentionally creating choppy layers can enhance the messy effect. Uneven ends and disconnected sections give the pixie an edgy and undone vibe. |
| Asymmetrical Layers: | This technique involves cutting layers on one side longer than the other. Asymmetrical layers add movement and interest while highlighting facial features. |
Incorporate Braids
Braids can add a touch of femininity and elegance to a messy pixie. Here’s a step-by-step guide to incorporating braids into your pixie cut:
French Braid
– Start by sectioning off a small portion of hair at the crown of your head.
– Divide the section into three strands and begin braiding, crossing the right strand over the middle strand, then the left strand over the new middle strand.
– Continue braiding down the back of your head, adding small sections of hair as you go.
– Secure the braid with an elastic band.
Dutch Braid
– Similar to a French braid, but the strands are crossed under each other instead of over.
– Start by sectioning off a small portion of hair at the crown and divide it into three strands.
– Cross the right strand under the middle strand, then the left strand under the new middle strand.
– Continue braiding down the back of your head, adding small sections of hair as you go.
– Secure the braid with an elastic band.
Fishtail Braid
– This braid requires some practice but creates a beautiful, intricate look.
– Start by sectioning off two small portions of hair at the nape of your neck.
– Cross the right strand over to the left, then cross the left strand over to the right.
– Continue alternating strands, pulling each strand from the outer edge of its section and crossing it over to the opposite section.
– Secure the braid with an elastic band.
| Braiding Style | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| French Braid | Easy |
| Dutch Braid | Moderate |
| Fishtail Braid | Challenging |
Maintain a Regular Haircut
Regular haircuts are crucial for maintaining a stylish and healthy pixie. Overgrown hair will lose its shape and volume, leaving you with a messy and unkempt appearance. Aim for a trim every 4-6 weeks to keep your pixie fresh, remove split ends, and prevent breakage.
Frequency of Haircuts
The frequency of your haircuts will depend on the following factors:
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Hair growth rate | Faster growth requires more frequent trims. |
| Hair texture | Fine hair needs more regular trims than coarse hair. |
| Style preference | Shorter pixies require more frequent trims. |
| Specific concerns | Addressing split ends or uneven growth may require more frequent trims. |
By maintaining a regular haircut schedule, you can ensure that your pixie hairstyle remains chic, effortless, and healthy.
How To Style A Messy Pixie
A messy pixie cut is a great way to add some edge and personality to your look. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, and it’s perfect for those who want to embrace their natural texture.
To style a messy pixie, start by washing and conditioning your hair. Then, towel-dry your hair and apply a volumizing mousse to the roots. Use your fingers to style your hair, creating a messy, textured look. You can also use a blow dryer to add volume and movement.
Once your hair is dry, use a hairspray to hold your style in place. You can also add a few drops of hair oil or serum to tame flyaways and add shine.
People also ask
How to cut a messy pixie?
To cut a messy pixie, you will need a pair of sharp scissors and a comb. Start by wet your hair and combing it through. Then, section off your hair into the top, sides, and back. Begin cutting from the nape of the neck, and use a razor blade to create a choppy, textured look.
How to style a messy pixie with curly hair?
To style a messy pixie with curly hair, start by washing and conditioning your hair. Then, use a leave-in conditioner to detangle your hair and add moisture. Next, use a curl cream to define your curls. Finally, use a diffuser to dry your hair on a low heat setting. Once your hair is dry, use your fingers to style your hair into a messy, textured look.
