Whether sleek and androgynous or soft and playful, the perfect pixie cut can be tailored to match any personality. First popularized in the 1950s by icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jean Seberg, the style was a bold departure from the long, glamorous waves of Hollywood starlets—embracing instead a chic, European simplicity. Since then, the pixie has stood as a symbol of rebellion. It catapulted supermodel Linda Evangelista to fame in the late ’80s, thanks to French hairstylist Julien d’Ys, yet it also shines on softer, feminine looks (think Mia Farrow or Emma Watson).

“The pixie cut has always been an iconic style,” says hairstylist George Northwood. Today, models like Iris Law and Taylor Hill are proving it’s not limited to one aesthetic—though classic versions remain timeless. “I love the ’90s take—Winona Ryder and Princess Diana wore slightly longer, textured fringes that felt effortless,” Northwood adds.

Now, the pixie is all about bold individuality, as seen on trendsetters like Teyana Taylor and Taylor Hill. “The vibe today is cool, chic, and a little grungy,” says hairstylist Rio Sreedharan, who works with Iris Law. The message? If you’re considering the chop, you’re in great company.

Here’s what the experts say about rocking a pixie cut.

Pixie Cut vs. Short Hair: What’s the Difference?
While all pixie cuts are short, not all short styles qualify as pixies. “A pixie has a feathery texture, cut close to the head—usually around 5 centimeters all over,” explains Kumi Bella of John Frieda Salon. But variations abound, from Mia Farrow’s micro-fringe to Kristen Stewart’s edgier, punk-inspired look.

What to Consider Before Getting a Pixie Cut
Before taking the plunge, think about your face shape, hair type, and how much your styling routine will change. “These factors determine how well the cut will work for you,” says hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. The best pixies are low-maintenance but versatile. If unsure, start with a consultation. “Go gradually shorter,” advises Sreedharan. “A choppy, shattered cut keeps it soft and feminine.”

For inspiration, look to celebrities with similar features. “Search for stars who share your face shape,” suggests Dove stylist Lacy Redway. “Bring reference photos to your stylist to nail the look.”

Which Face Shape Suits a Pixie Cut Best?
Though often associated with angular features, pixies can flatter oval, round, or heart-shaped faces too. “Most face shapes work with customization,” says Redway. “Adjust the length on top, sides, or back to balance your proportions.”

Northwood adds, “Strong features pair well with softer cuts, while a round face can handle sharper lines.” For an androgynous edge, go angular—but styling plays a big role. “I love…””A sleek, wet, gelled pixie look,” says Sreedharan. “Very effortless, not overly polished, and as close to natural texture as possible to maintain the vibe.”

Do pixie cuts make you look older or younger?

The beauty of pixie cuts lies in their versatility—they suit all ages. “Personally, I think the idea that a haircut makes you look older or younger is a misconception,” says Marlon Hawkins, artistic director of Brooks and Brooks. “It’s not about the cut itself but the style, texture, and how it makes you feel. What matters most is that it keeps you modern, confident, and comfortable.”

Below, we’ve gathered some of the best pixie cuts of all time.

### Modish Pixie
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Twiggy’s signature polished pixie defined both her career and the Mod era.

### Peroxide Pixie Cut
Arnold Jerocki
Model Iris Law proves pixie cuts can be versatile—this pinned, bleached look channels the ’90s.

### Parted Pixie Cut
Antoine Flament/Getty Images
Taylor Hill recently swapped her long brunette locks for a chic, parted pixie. Effortless yet polished, it works for any occasion.

### Volumized Pixie Cut
Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage
Angela Bassett’s slightly longer pixie adds extra lift. A styling paste and finger-combing are all you need.

### Pixie with Deep Side Part
Karwai Tang
Léa Seydoux’s dramatic side part elevates her pixie, making it red-carpet-ready when neatly gelled.

### Pixie Cut with Wispy Bangs
Ian Gavan
Dame Helen Mirren’s wispy pixie—great for thin hair—gets a playful twist with pink color.

### Tousled Pixie Cut
Jeff Kravitz
Halle Berry’s iconic pixie, short on the sides and slightly longer on top, just needs a quick finger rake for that tousled finish.

### Elvish Pixie Cut
@lipstickkelly
Daisy Ridley’s spritely pixie features strategic layers for movement and bounce.

### Gelled-in-Place Pixie
Daniele Venturelli
Halsey’s deep side part and curled edges give this gelled pixie a modern yet vintage 1920s feel.

### Two-Toned Pixie Cut
Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Getty Images
Linda Evangelista’s late ‘80s two-toned crop, with lash-skimming bangs and elongated sideburns, was unforgettable.

### Sleek Pixie Cut
JB Lacroix
Rihanna’s glossy, close-cut pixie highlights her bone structure, with volume at the crown and piece-y fringe for shape.

### Prototypal Pixie Cut
Frank Edwards/Getty Images
Mia Farrow’s soft, iconic 1960s pixie remains a timeless reference for the cut.

### Gamine Pixie Cut
Jon Kopaloff
Anne Hathaway’s playful pixie, with elvish sideburns and slightly longer back sections, has a Parisian charm.

### Full-Bodied Pixie
Tim Graham/Getty Images
Fun fact: Princess Diana’s bold pixie debuted in a 1991 Vogue shoot, styled by Sam McKnight.

### Rooty Pixie Cut
Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Florence Pugh’s rooty pixie keeps things fresh with natural texture and subtle dimension.Florence Pugh isn’t afraid to take risks, as seen in the bold colors she’s experimented with on her gelled pixie cut. The dark roots ground each vibrant shade, adding extra edge.

Pixie Cut with Micro Bangs
Zoë Kravitz stunned at the 2020 Golden Globes with this ultra-short take on the classic pixie. The cut strikes a perfect balance between delicate and bold.

Windswept Pixie
Kristen McMenamy has built her career on subversive style, and her windswept pixie is no exception. Androgynous and textured, it’s ideal for those with thick hair.

Pixie with Side Bangs
Audrey Hepburn’s iconic pixie evolved over time. This version featured side-swept bangs and volume at the crown, inspired by 1960s trends.

Close-Cropped Pixie Cut
Winona Ryder’s super-short pixie, with its subtle side part, reimagined the classic cut for a grungier generation at the 1994 Golden Globes.

Face-Framing Pixie Cut
Teyana Taylor’s soft yet structured pixie perfectly frames her face. The natural texture adds effortless appeal, whether styled with product or left loose.

Pixie with Full Fringe
Kate Moss’s pixie is all about the fringe—glossy, heavy, and side-swept. The bold bangs create the illusion of length, keeping the look feminine.

Brushed-Up Pixie Cut
Agyness Deyn’s bleached pixie defined her androgynous 2010s style. Longer on top with dry texture spray, it’s effortlessly cool.

Pixie with Segmented Bangs
Even classic bombshells like Elizabeth Taylor embraced the pixie. Her 1955 version featured micro bangs curled inward for a playful touch.

Perfect Pixie
Emma Watson’s polished pixie is timeless—structured yet fluid, with a delicate touch that sets it apart.

Gelled-in-Place Pixie
Charlize Theron’s close-cropped pixie is sleek and sculptural. Style it with a side part or slicked back for a bold statement.

Lifted Pixie Cut
Cara Delevingne’s textured platinum pixie has a retro feel. The piece-y layers add volume, no matter your natural hair type.

Punk Pixie Cut
Kristen Stewart’s multi-toned pixie is rebellious and overgrown—perfect for tousling and easy grow-out.

Feathered Pixie Cut
Emma Stone’s feathered pixie, debuted at the 2025 Golden Globes, adds soft layers. For fine hair, use volumizing products and lightweight pomade.

Pixie With 20s Finger Waves
Jodie Turner-Smith gave her pixie a vintage twist with glossy finger waves. For bold styling, try sculpting products for a high-shine finish.Here’s the rewritten text in clear, natural English:

Bleached Braided Pixie
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Janelle Monáe rocked protective braids with threaded details, showcasing her natural texture. Von Cannon suggests working with your hair’s natural pattern for a pixie cut you’ll love. “It’s the easiest way to achieve a personalized, low-maintenance look,” he says.

Sleek Pink Pixie
Gotham/Getty Images
Von Cannon names Michelle Williams as a top celebrity for pixie inspiration. “[She] pulls off a pixie flawlessly,” he says. “She exudes elegance and sophistication.” At the 2024 Met Gala, Williams stunned with a sleek pink pixie paired with a jeweled headpiece for a bold, iconic look.

Textured Afro Pixie
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Lupita Nyong’o’s 2024 Oscars pixie highlighted her natural coils, styled with glitter and a deep side part for a chic Y2K feel. Pro tip: Redway advises keeping your pixie hydrated and trimmed regularly to maintain its shape.

New Wave Pixie
Dave Benett/Getty Images
For her role as French New Wave icon Jean Seberg, Zoey Deutch went all-in with a bleached blonde pixie. Her stylist, Bridget Brager, told Vogue that a healthy scalp is essential when going this short.

David Bowie-Inspired Pixie
Nicola Gell/Getty Images
Julia Fox channeled rockstar vibes with a gray pixie featuring long, layered pieces earlier this year. Ballance notes that fine hair works well with choppy, textured pixies to add natural volume.

Pixie With a Deep Side Part
Marc Piasecki
Gabrielle Union turned heads with a voluminous pixie and deep side part at Schiaparelli’s spring/summer 2025 show—now a major style inspiration. Ballance adds that if you have curly or textured hair, a soft, grown-out pixie enhances natural movement, no matter how you wear it.