4 min read
Perhaps it’s a case of styling ennui or the desire for a shake-up after homogeneous trends have held focus throughout winter, but the pixie haircut is fast becoming one of the most coveted hairstyles for spring.
Jessie Buckley and Gracie Abrams were just a few of the famous faces proving that theory at this year’s BAFTAs, where they showcased the power of embracing a shorter haircut as we transition into the new season. Gracie Abrams revived her new soft pixie adding a soft, sweeping side parting, while Jessie Buckley made a strong case for an asymmetric pixie with a modern, slicked-back edge.
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All of the fresh cuts surfacing right now have one thing in common: they adopt the foundations of the classic gamine cut (longer sides, shorter at the back), but have a far softer finish. “We’re seeing a move toward softer, more adaptable shapes. Longer pixie iterations allow for experimentation with color, texture and styling without committing to an ultra-sharp silhouette,” shares Dale Herne, stylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia. “The beauty of the modern pixie is that it suits a wide range of face shapes because it’s less severe and more personal,” he adds.
Ahead, top London hairstylists break down the modern pixie haircuts that will define the warmer months ahead, from the soft “trixie” to subtle fringes and the face-framing “contour cut.”
1. The Trixie
“This confident and versatile cut perfectly balances precise structure with soft, airy texture to highlight the features,” shares Cos Sakkas, Toni & Guy’s global creative director, who says he has already seen an uptick for this haircut in recent months. “It’s a gentle, grown-up take on the iconic pixie.”
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2. The Contour Pixie Cut
The “contour pixie” is all about embracing the natural contours of your face. “It’s designed to enhance the face frame and shape your features, with cheekbone-focused detailing that flatters from every angle,” adds Sakkas. “The cut is versatile, and regardless of hair texture, it consistently delivers a finish with effortless movement.”
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3. The Fringed Pixie
“Fringed and face-framing elements are also key this season, whether that’s a wispy bang or a softer sweep that keeps the cut feeling wearable,” shares Herne.
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A fringed pixie can be a bolder choice, so research is key. “Understand which fringe will suit you best, whether you’ve got a round, oval or square shape. The fringe shape needs to be opposite to the face shape. If your face is round, choose a square fringe; a square face should choose a round fringe. A wide face needs a narrow fringe, while a narrow face needs a wider fringe. Curtain bangs are flattering and suit most face shapes,” adds Sakkas.
4. The Sleek Pixie
A straight, sleek pixie is a perfect spring haircut, and as Sakkas notes, is ideal for warmer temperatures. “It’s a little softer, and avoids heavy layering as we are moving into spring.”
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Herne also notes that the beauty of this cut means it can be tucked behind the ear for a polished finish or worn slightly undone for a more relaxed, modern feel.
5. The 2000s Pixie
Inspired by Jessie Buckley and Gracie Abrams’ pixie cuts, the 2000s pixie is having a revival. “Their haircuts nod to an early to mid 2000s style pixie with a slight graduation and strong side parting with an A-line angle. They both have very heavy fringes and partings with minimal texture,” shares Hasan Sahin, stylist at Larry King Marylebone.
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“This cut is defined by controlled length and subtle asymmetry, which gives it a red-carpet polish,” adds Herne. It’s versatile too. “Keeping slightly more weight through the front allows the hair to be styled sleek or tucked behind the ear, creating a softer, more glamorous hairline. This style suits people who want the confidence of a short cut but still want styling flexibility.”
6. The Wispy Pixie
“The wispy pixie is all about enhancing natural movement. Air-drying is key, so use a lightweight texture spray (such as the Hershesons Air Dry Spray) to help define separation without making the hair feel heavy. Alternatively, use a sock diffuser attachment to encourage natural bend and softness, keeping the finish relaxed and modern,”shares Herne.
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A good styling cream here is also essential. “I use the Larry King Social Life cream whenever I style a pixie cut. You basically want something that is going to give your pixie some togetherness but doesn’t make it feel tacky or like you have lots of product in there. Then if you really want to go for a lived-in messy look, use a strong texture spray. Essentially, with wispy pixies, you shouldn’t try to keep them too clean, but lived-in, undone and texturized,”agrees Sahin.
How to Refresh Your Hair for Spring
The repercussions of peak-winter—cue the central heating and colder weather—can manifest differently for everyone, depending on your hair type, but split ends and dryness are usually a universal issue as we transition into a new season.
“Start the new season by trimming away those split ends, ideally every eight to 10 weeks, to get rid of heavy, dead ends,” shares Sakkas. He adds: “For instant luminosity, end your wash with a cold rinse, which can help to promote shine by closing down the cuticle of the hair.”
And if you are thinking of a bolder pixie cut? “Start by saving inspiration images and showing them to your stylist so the cut can be tailored to your hairline, texture and lifestyle,” shares Herne. “Communicate whether you want something more polished or more lived-in, as the modern pixie works best when it’s designed to feel effortless rather than overly structured.”
Sahin also adds that if you have never experimented with this cut before, you could opt for a middle ground between a bob and a pixie. “Work your way into it. Find someone who really understands your face shape and features. But also, someone that understands your lifestyle and character. A true pixie aligns more with your personality than your face shape,” he shares.
