How to Cut a Pixie Cut at Home

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Expert hair stylists weigh in on achieving the perfect pixie
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Pixie cuts are beautiful, fun hairstyles that suit most face shapes and hair textures. Chopping off your hair can be intimidating, but your hair will be much easier to maintain—and your new look will be intoxicating! In this article, we’ll explain how to cut a pixie cut, with advice from professional hair stylists about how to make a pixie work with your face shape . Read on to learn more!

Cutting Pixie Cuts at a Glance

If your hair is long, cut it to shoulder length, then trim down the hair along the nape of your neck. Clip up the front of your hair, then snip the hair along the back and sides of your head in alternating vertical and horizontal sections. Do the same with the top and blend your bangs into the rest of your hair.

Section 1 of 5:

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 it into a ponytail , then cut it off. This is known as rough-cutting; it will make the length more manageable and give you a starting point for the pixie cut. [1]
    • Don’t worry if it looks uneven. You will continue to take off length to even things out.
    • 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. It also gives the client the option to donate their hair.
  2. Run 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. [2]
    • 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.
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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 the head. Brush the hair in front of the ear forward so it’s out of the way. [3]
    • If the hair won't stay forward, secure it with clips.
  4. 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. [4]
    • Remember, 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. [5]
  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 the already-cut strands against the un-cut strands. Stop when you get to the vertical parts just behind the ears.
  7. To blend hair , 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. [6]
    • You should only remove small quantities of hair at this time. If you realize you have a lot of hair to cut, recut it using the techniques above, then try blending again.
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Section 2 of 5:

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 hairdressing shears. Do one side first, then the other. To make sure the sides are even, pull the hair on both sides straight out, then visually compare them in the mirror.
    • Pinch some of the cut strand against the un-cut strands so that you know how much to cut off.
  2. Comb the hair downward, 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. [7]
  3. Begin by combing the hair on the back of the head upward, then cutting whatever is sticking out of the comb. Work your way across the back and along the sides. To finish, pull the hair away from the head with a comb, then go over it with a buzzer . Buzz around the hairline along the nape and ears, as well. [8]
    • Not every pixie cut needs an undercut, so this is purely a stylistic choice.
    • If you are doing an undercut, consider blow drying the hair straight first.
  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 that’s sticking out of your fingers. [9]
    • 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. Then, do the same with the sides. If you have any hair left over on the top, measure it against the already-cut strands on the tip of the angles. [10]
    • For the top of the head, gather the hair parallel to the hairline and cut straight across. Then, 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, you could end up with a mushroom shape.
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Section 3 of 5:

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, holding the scissors vertically to point cut. [11]
    • Choose a length and style that you think will flatter the client’s (or your own) face shape. Many stylists recommend long, feathery bangs to flatter a square face or side-swept bangs for a heart-shaped face. [12]
    • Hair shrinks when it dries, so be careful not to cut the bangs too short. Leave them longer than the desired length and trim them once the hair dries if they are too long.
    • Remember to measure the un-cut strands against the already-cut strands.
  2. Pinch a vertical section of the bangs between your fore and middle fingers. Pull the hair upwards and measure it against the already cut strands on the top of the head. Angle your fingers down into the bangs, then cut the hair that's sticking out of them. Work your way from one side of the bangs to the other. [13]
    • By angling your fingers down into the bangs, 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 as you go. Repeat this technique wherever you think the hair should be thinned. [14]
    • 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.
    EXPERT TIP

    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

    Use thinning shears to remove bulk and create texture. Thinning shears should be used mainly towards the end of the hair versus the center or roots of the hair. Using them incorrectly could cause shorter hairs to stick out in random places, which creates frizziness.

  4. A pixie cut is a fun and cheeky haircut, so a simple blow dry is all most people will need. If you want to style your pixie further, try spiking it with a little bit of hair wax or pomade . Or, to add some volume, spritz a little dry shampoo on the roots to create a tousled texture. [15]
    • If your hair looks frizzy after you dry it, use a styling cream or foam to tame it down.
    • Check the hair after you've styled it. If necessary, trim any areas that are too long.
    • Hair stylist Matt King says using different hair products can help you achieve different styles: “A matte finish wax… is going to be a little bit harsher and a little more defined. If you want something that’s more light and airy, you want to be using a texture spray or even a hairspray.” [16]

    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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Section 4 of 5:

What is a pixie cut?

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  1. A pixie cut is a very short, feathery hairstyle, often used to enhance the shape of the face and the cheekbones. This cut is usually short on the back and sides and slightly longer on the top, with short bangs. [17]
Section 5 of 5:

Who looks good in a pixie cut?

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  1. Many hair stylists agree that pixie cuts are more flattering on certain face shapes, but these days, there are many different variations of the style designed to complement different face shapes. Traditionally, faces that are heart-shaped or more angular work well, but talk to your stylist to find a pixie cut that will work best for you. [18]
    • Hair stylist Patrick Evan says, “Personally, if you want to rock a pixie, I say go for it! Just make sure your stylist is shaping and showing you how to style it to complement your face shape… At the end of the day, whatever makes you feel confident is what’s best.” [19]
    • Hair stylist Bianca Cox adds, “In my opinion, short haircuts fit many, many faces. It’s really just about that cheekbone [and] the chin area. If their face is round, that’s going to determine what you do with the front of the haircut.” [20]
    • Hair stylist Jenny Tran thinks round faces are the least flattering for pixie cuts: “If you have a rounder face and you have it in a pixie, the head-to-hair ratio is kind of off. The shape [of the cut] makes your head look rounder.” [21]
    • If you have a round face and want a pixie cut, you can still pull off a pixie ! Just make sure your stylist knows how to style the cut for your face shape.
  2. If you have thin or flat hair, King says, “Pixies are awesome… For thinner, finer hair, anything that can use the shape of the head is really important. Using the natural volume that your hair creates is a really good idea. [22] Talk to your hair stylist to find out how a pixie cut can add natural volume to your hair and to learn how to style one appropriately.
    • If you’re not sure what type of hair you have, Cox says, “The best way to determine is to see a professional and have them assess your hair…. That way, you will be able to look for the right type of products.” [23]
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Expert Q&A

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  • 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.
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    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 28
  • 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.
    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 13 Helpful 34
  • 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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    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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      References

      1. ↑ https://hanzo.com/how-to-cut-and-style-a-pixie-cut/?srsltid=AfmBOoqVJ41nDlGckYVpxLMf_Kzg_N-UPTl9Wnxj2qCoXiUpk7bh6NgV
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/d9LWpD8s9PI?t=50
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/1T6mzQr1H7U?t=26
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/1T6mzQr1H7U?t=41
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/XG8yCUPar1c?t=183
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/1T6mzQr1H7U?t=115
      7. ↑ https://hairglamourista.com/cut-your-own-hair
      8. ↑ https://www.ogleschool.edu/blog/pixie-cut-tutorial/
      9. ↑ https://www.ogleschool.edu/blog/pixie-cut-tutorial/
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/1T6mzQr1H7U?t=208
      2. ↑ https://www.ogleschool.edu/blog/pixie-cut-tutorial/
      3. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/hair/bangs/find-best-bangs-your-face-shape
      4. ↑ https://www.esteticamagazine.com/2023/06/22/how-to-blend-existing-fringe-with-a-one-length-haircut/
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/d9LWpD8s9PI?t=365
      6. ↑ https://www.self.com/gallery/what-is-dry-shampoo-dry-conditioner-dry-texture-spray
      7. ↑ Matt King. Director of Education, Fox and Jane Salon Group. Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/the-best-pixie-cuts
      9. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/the-best-pixie-cuts
      10. ↑ Patrick Evan. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2019.
      11. ↑ Bianca Cox. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. May 9th, 2019.
      12. ↑ Jenny Tran. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 19 May 2020.
      13. ↑ Matt King. Director of Education, Fox and Jane Salon Group. Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.
      14. ↑ Bianca Cox. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. May 9th, 2019.
      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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