How to Cut a Pixie Cut

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Long hair is beautiful, but it takes a lot of maintenance and effort. Short hair is much easier to take care of, and it can be both beautiful and fun. It is suitable for most face shapes (especially long and heart-shaped faces!) and hair textures, including curly . [1] They’re also great for either thin or thick hair! This wikiHow will focus on cutting someone else's hair, but you can use it on your own hair as well; you may have to adjust some techniques so that they will be more comfortable.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Cutting the Back

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  1. Hair that is already cut somewhat short will be a lot easier to work with than long hair. If the client's hair falls past their shoulders, gather their hair into a ponytail , then cut it off. This is known as rough-cutting, and will make the length more manageable. [2]
    • Don't worry if it looks uneven. You will continue to take off more length in the following steps and even things out some more.
    • Don't cut too close to the person's head.
    • The ponytail will make the cut hair easier to manage, as it will stay tied together. Also, it gives the client the option to donate the hair.
  2. Pull a comb through the hairline, pulling it up. Placing your fingers just behind the comb, make a V-shape with your fore and middle fingers, closing them against the hair at the nape. Then, cut the hair just below them. Repeat the process along the hairline, holding your fingers at a slight angle. [3]
    • Work with a thin section of hair, no longer than the length of your first knuckle to your second knuckle on your finger.
    • If you are cutting curly hair, plan on cutting it 1½ to 2 inches (3.81 to 5.08 centimeters) long. [4]
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  3. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create a vertical part on each side of the head, just behind the ears. Each part should meet on the top of your head. Brush the hair in front of the ear forward, out of the way. [5]
    • If the hair won't stay forward, secure it with clips.
  4. Cut a vertical section of hair on the back-center of the head . Take a vertical section of hair from the back-center of the client's head, comb through it, and pinch it between your fore and middle fingers. Slide your fingers down to where you want to cut, then snip the hairs sticking out in front of your fingers. [6]
    • Pixie cuts are short—no longer than 2 inches (5.08 centimeters).
  5. Pinch a horizontal section of hair, right across the section you just cut. Slide your fingers down until you see the cut ends of the vertical section. Cut the horizontal section so that it aligns with the vertical one. [7]
  6. Work your way towards the right side of the head, then repeat for the left side. Keep alternating between vertical and horizontal sections. This technique will allow you to measure up the already-cut strands against the un-cut strands.
    • Stop when you get to the vertical parts just behind the ears.
  7. Blend the hair by combing it upwards and snipping it. Comb the hair upwards with a fine-toothed comb. Snip the hair that's sticking out through the bristles as you comb upward. Create a soft, round line that follows the curve of the client's head. You won't cut everything that's in front of the comb, which is the point. [8]
    • You should only remove small quantities of hair at this time. If you realize you have a lot of hair to cut, then you should recut using the techniques discussed above, then try blending again.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Cutting the Sides and Top

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  1. Pinch thin, vertical and horizontal sections of hair between your fore and middle fingers, then snip them with the hairdressing shears. Do one side first, then the other. [9]
    • Pinch some of the cut strand against the un-cut strands so that you know how much to cut off.
    • To make sure the sides are even, pull the hair on both sides straight out, then visually compare them in the mirror.
  2. Comb the hair downwards, over the ears. Carefully cut into the hair around the ears, pointing the shears upwards. Use the natural hairline around the ears as a guide. Work your way back-to-front, then front-to-back. [10]
  3. Begin by combing the hair on the back upward, then cutting whatever is sticking out of the comb. Work your way across the back and along the sides. Finish off by pulling the hair away from the head with a comb, then going over it with a buzzer. [11]
    • Finish off the undercut by buzzing around the hairline along the nape and ears.
    • If you are doing an undercut, consider blow drying the hair straight first. [12]
  4. Pinch a vertical section of hair between your fore and middle fingers. Include a few cut strands from the back, and angle your fingers outward, away from your head. Cut the hair sticking out of the fingers. [13]
    • How much you angle your fingers depends on how long you want the top to be. The further you angle your fingers upwards, the longer the top will be.
  5. Work your way across the back of the crown, using the same angling technique as before. Use the same technique when you do the sides. If you have any hair left over on the top, measure it up against the already-cut strands on the tip of the angles. [14]
    • For the top of the head, gather the hair parallel to the hair line and cut straight across. Then, you need to check the hair on the top of the head against the other sections and the sides of the head. If you don't cut enough from the top, then you could end up with a mushroom shape.
    • Leave the bangs alone for now.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Cutting the Bangs

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  1. Pinch a section of hair between your fore and middle fingers. Slide your fingers down to where you want to cut (e.g., just below the eyes), then cut the hair below the fingers. Work your way across the bangs, from one side to the other. [15]
    • Choose a length and style for your bangs that you think will flatter the client’s (or your own) face shape. For example, many stylists recommend long, feathery bangs to flatter a square face, and side-swept bangs for a heart-shaped face. [16]
    • Remember that the hair will shrink up when it dries, so be careful when you cut the bangs . Leave the bangs longer than the desired length, as you can trim them after the hair dries if they are too long.
    • Measure the un-cut strands against the already-cut strands.
  2. Pinch a vertical section of the bangs between your fore and middle finger. Pull the hair upwards and measure it against the already cut strands on the top of the head. Angle your fingers, then cut the hair that's sticking out of them. Work your way from one side of the bangs to the other. [17]
    • Angle your fingers down into the bangs. This way, the hairs on the top of the bangs will blend into the hairs on the top of your head.
  3. Pull a thin strand of hair upwards, then gently glide the scissors along the shaft, making short, tiny snips. Repeat this technique wherever you think the hair should be thinned (typically along the top and bangs). [18]
    • This technique works especially well for undercut pixies.
    • Blend the thinning by pinching the strand between your fore and middle fingers, then cutting upwards into the hair with the scissors. [19]
    • You can also use a pair of thinning shears near the ends of your hair to create texture and remove bulk. However, avoid using them near the center or roots of your hair, as that can make your hair look frizzy. [20]
  4. Comb, dry, and style the hair , as desired. Pixie hair is fun and cheeky, so a simple blow-dry is all most people will need. You can spike the hair further with a little bit of hair wax or pomade.
    • If your hair looks frizzy after you dry it, use a styling cream or foam to tame it down. [21]
    • Check the hair after you've styled it. If necessary, you can trim areas that are too long.
    • You can also add volume to a pixie cut by spritzing a little dry shampoo on the roots. Work it through to the ends to give the cut a bit of tousled texture. [22]

    Tip: You can add even more excitement to a pixie cut by adding a little color! Go for a bold, all-over color or add some pretty highlights to create more dimension and depth.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is it hard to grow out a pixie cut?
    Bianca Cox
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Bianca Cox is a Hair Stylist, Licensed Cosmetologist, Owner of The Hair Throne, and Co-Owner of Bianchi Salon. Her salons pride themselves on their modernity, individuality, art, and professional services. You can check out The Hair Throne and more of Bianca's hairstyling on Instagram @hairthrone and on her personal Instagram @biancajcox.
    Bianca Cox
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Since a pixie cut is so short it takes a while to grow out, but you can help get through the awkward stages with regular trims. For instance, you can keep your hair trimmed around your ears and your neck, and let the hair on the top grow out. Once the top starts growing over your ears, you can transition into a bob, but by keeping the back cut short in the meantime, it won't grow into a mullet.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 34
  • Question
    What face shape can pull off a pixie cut?
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients.
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Anyone can pull off a pixie cut, but they tend to look best on people with long faces or heart-shaped faces.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 27
  • Question
    How do I donate my hair after it's cut?
    Community Answer
    You should actually plan for donating your hair before you get it cut. First choose an organization that will accept your hair donation. Before you head to the salon, make sure to wash and dry your hair. After you wash your hair, don't use any hair products, such as hairspray, gel, or mousse. Bring the organization's hair-cutting guidelines, a ruler, ponytail holders, and a resealable plastic bag. Have a hairstyle in mind. Then follow the organization's instructions for contacting them after your haircut.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Hairdressing shears
      • Rat-tail comb
      • Hair clips (if needed)

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      References

      1. ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.ogleschool.edu/blog/pixie-cut-tutorial/
      3. ↑ https://www.ogleschool.edu/blog/pixie-cut-tutorial/
      4. ↑ https://www.ogleschool.edu/blog/pixie-cut-tutorial/
      5. ↑ https://www.ogleschool.edu/blog/pixie-cut-tutorial/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T6mzQr1H7U
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG8yCUPar1c
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T6mzQr1H7U
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T6mzQr1H7U
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T6mzQr1H7U
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9LWpD8s9PI
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9LWpD8s9PI
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T6mzQr1H7U
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T6mzQr1H7U
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T6mzQr1H7U
      7. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/hair/bangs/find-best-bangs-your-face-shape
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T6mzQr1H7U
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9LWpD8s9PI
      10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9LWpD8s9PI
      11. ↑ Bianca Cox. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 1 April 2020.
      12. ↑ Bianca Cox. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 1 April 2020.
      13. ↑ https://www.self.com/gallery/what-is-dry-shampoo-dry-conditioner-dry-texture-spray
      14. ↑ https://www.insider.com/how-often-you-should-get-your-hair-cut-2019-9
      15. ↑ Bianca Cox. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 1 April 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cut a pixie cut, start with damp hair that's already at least shoulder-length. Refine the hairline along the nape of the neck and separate the front part of the hair from the back. Next, cut a vertical section of hair at the back-center of the head, then continue cutting the hair on the sides in alternating vertical and horizontal sections. Feather the hair around the ears and cut the top, blending the hair into the back and sides. Lastly, comb the bangs forward and cut them to the length you want! For tips on thinning thick hair, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Wynne

        Jun 4, 2022

        "I gave myself a pixie cut and was pretty happy with the results. Better than dropping $40 right now. Thanks!"
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