The pixie cut may be a classic cut, but in recent years, the super-short style has skewed more cool and individual. Today’s punk pixie cuts are designed to be worn by everyone. “In the last year, I’ve seen a lot more cropped pixies with shapes that are a little bolder,” says hairstylist Bobby Elliot, the brain behind actress Julia Garner’s ever-evolving pixie. “Whether it’s a bold heavier fringe, micro fringe, or a soft textured pixie, they can be so versatile and suit many different face shapes.”

“The pixie genre has expanded substantially over the years,” notes hairstylist Lauren Bailey-Chaidez. and owner of New York City salon FeverFew. She cites the bixie (a bob/pixie hybrid) and the mixie (mullet/pixie) as evidence, adding that nothing should be off-limits when it comes to the cut. That being said, keeping features in mind will help maximize a pixie’s flattering effects. “Keeping side bits  around the cheek is essential for keeping softness and feminine lines, and longer bangs can help minimize larger features,” she says 

Elliot adds that keeping your bone structure in mind can help in choosing your final style. “You can evaluate and highlight features if you know what works best for your bone structure,” he says. “Getting a proper consultation with your stylist is going to be the best thing you could do so they can give you expert advice on what is suitable before a big cut like a pixie.” Be sure to bring references around style and shape, too!

And finally? “Have fun with it!” encourages celebrity hairstylist Rena Calhoun. “It’s hair, it always grows back!” Here, 20 punk pixie cut ideas for those looking to lop off some length.

Meet the expert

• Bobby Elliot is a celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Julia Garner and Taylor Hill.
• Lauren Bailey-Chaidez is a hairstylist and the owner of New York City salon FeverFew.
• Rena Calhoun is a celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Emma Chamberlain and Sadie Stanley.
  

Slick Punk Pixie Cut

Consider Iris Law the reigning queen of the contemporary pixie. Each week seems to come with a new iteration, this one marked by a center part and brunette roots—and likely a fair amount of styling. If your hair is textured, consider the heat tools necessary to achieve this look before making the cut.

Lived-In Punk Pixie Cut

Another recent Law look is a gentler and more mussed counter to her straight and separated style. “I think hair in general in 2023 feels less stylized and more lived-in,” says Calhoun. “Textures are softer and more natural and people are really embracing a less is more attitude toward beauty and hair.”

Soft Punk Pixie Cut

Zoë Kravitz’s past pixie is sweet and soft, in keeping with Calhoun’s current forecast. Fans of timeless takes (think Mia Farrow) can start here—and get creative during the grow-out process.

Mixie Punk Pixie Cut

This coifed punk pixie has subtle mixie vibes, and plays best when gelled to perfection. “Your lifestyle should be a big determining factor in your cut,” cautions Calhoun. “Someone who frequently air-dries and is low maintenance shouldn’t go for a cut that’s going to require a lot in terms of styling.”

Overgrown Punk Pixie Cut

Kristen Stewart has mastered the art of short hair styling, rocking everything from mullets to wolf cuts with her specific brand of cool. This overgrown pixie veers into mullet territory, but its easy texture lends to a low-maintenance look.

Curly Punk Pixie Cut

Snipped to frame her forehead, Teyana Taylor’s pixie features soft curls at the crown, a texture that can only be furthered with the help of a texture spray. Bailey-Chaidez recommends applying Undressed from Hairstory before blowing the style dry.

Polished Punk Pixie Cut

Should you possess a statuesque bone structure like Charlize Theron’s, a polished and parted pixie could work in your favor. Again, those with textured hair should consider styling time and effort if the goal is a pin-straight take.

Subtle Part Punk Pixie Cut

Turner-Smith’s natural hair enhances this subtly parted pixie, offering lift and a perfectly wavy finish. Be sure to invest in a gel, paste, or styling cream (Bailey-Chaidez loves MyOrganics The Organic Matte Paste) to keep hair pinned in place.

Romantic Punk Pixie Cut

Is your mane defined by soft curls or waves? A thoughtfully overgrown pixie like this one from Joey King feels romantic, all while celebrating your organic texture—and allowing for an air-dry.

Piecey-y Punk Pixie Cut

Piece-y and with stylized snippage throughout, Cardi B’s pixie lands somewhere between Elvis and Elvira. This option feels like a nod to gothic glamour and is ideal for someone with straight hair who wants to make a major statement.

Wavy Punk Pixie Cut

Another pixie made stronger through a natural wave, Halsey’s cut toes the line between rockstar and romance. To play up the texture while keeping things loose, reach for a flexible styling paste.

Finger Wave Punk Pixie Cut

Finger waves were a mainstay on the runways this season, and a ‘20s-inspired pixie is a lovely way to rock the reference. Should you be willing to commit to this style, get ready to turn heads—and likely inspire some copy-cats.

No-Fuss Punk Pixie Cut

Another Farrow-esque classic, Michelle Williams’ pixie is a no muss, no fuss style for those with the lengths to support it. An air-dry and a standing appointment with your trusted stylist should be all you require!

Sculptural Punk Pixie Cut

Tight texture lends well to sculptural styles. This cut is an ideal choice during a buzzcut grow-out, or for anyone who wants to get a little playful in their pixie approach.

Close-Cropped Punk Pixie Cut

Julia Garner has kept length short for years now, but her natural curls, close-cropped and deeply parted, feels like a signature style. Hairstylist Elliot recommends shaping and sculpting with R+Co’s Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste for a frizz-free finish. 

Textured Punk Pixie Cut

Whether you consider Lupita Nyong’o’s cropped curls to be a pixie or a mini-Afro, the style’s texture is the center of its chic.

Faux Hawk Punk Pixie Cut

Miley’s rooted peroxide pixie is meant to be pushed into an easy faux-hawk and calls to mind P!nk and her Y2K-era cuts.

Side-Swept Punk Pixie Cut

Halle Berry’s side-swept, multi-tonal pixie asks that you think outside of the box. While a classic pixie serves as the foundation of the style, grown-out sections at the crown are designed to be combed to one side—neatly or not.

Voluminous Punk Pixie Cut

Another pixie borne of a buzzcut grow-out, Cara Delevingne’s bleached and pieced pixie comes with some volume at the back. Wear it swept across the forehead for a spritely look, or take a cue from Stewart and push things back for some messy appeal.

Air-Dried Punk Pixie Cut

Full and glossy, Audrey Tatou’s pixie is one for the curly girlies. Though the style should air-dry well given the correct texture, zhuzh it up with your fingers in the morning and throughout the day to maintain bounce and body. 

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