Short haircuts have long held a reputation for being edgy, androgynous, and effortlessly cool. Much of that credit goes to the original It-girl style: the undercut pixie. A soft, choppy ’do with a spunky, statement-making allure, the undercut pixie has topped the heads of some of Hollywood’s most glamorous women, from Scarlett Johansson to Katy Perry.
Like many bold haircuts and dramatic makeup looks, the undercut pixie had its heyday in the mid-2000s (think Tilda Swinton or Pink) and has since taken a backseat to trendy microbobs and wispy, longer pixie cuts. But while it may no longer be the reigning queen of short crops, there are still sleek, modern ways to wear the undercut pixie that preserve its iconic silhouette.
We asked top hairstylists to share how to wear the undercut pixie for spring 2025—including tips on styling, upkeep, and how to grow it out gracefully.
What Is an Undercut Pixie?
“An undercut pixie is like the edgy sister of the classic pixie cut,” says celebrity hairstylist and ghd ambassador Samantha Cusick. “It’s where a section of hair—typically at the sides or back—is shaved or closely clipped, creating a bold contrast with the longer top. Think punk rock meets polished sophistication.”
The style keeps more length on top while tapering or buzzing the sides and back, creating a sharp contrast in lengths. This dimensional cut works beautifully on every hair texture—and as a bonus, it dramatically reduces styling time.
How Do You Cut an Undercut Pixie?
While we don’t recommend cutting any pixie at home—especially if you’re starting with longer hair—it’s helpful to understand how the cut works so you know exactly what to ask your stylist for.
“To cut an undercut pixie, we separate the top and cut the underneath very short using scissors over comb,” says Christophe Potin, artistic director and educator at Aveda UK. “It can also be cut with clippers for a more masculine effect. Then we shape the top with choppy layers, which is a nice blend of sharpness and texture and creates a very cool silhouette.”
How Do You Style an Undercut Pixie?
To start, Cusick recommends using your fingers to tousle your hair at the roots for texture and lift. “The ghd Mini Styler is perfect for adding volume—lift sections of hair at the top and straighten them slightly away from the scalp to create soft height and movement,” she says. “Finish with a light mist of hairspray to lock in your look while keeping it touchable and polished all day.”
According to Potin, the cut is especially ideal for thick hair, as it helps reduce unwanted volume. However, it does require regular maintenance—every six to seven weeks—to keep the shape fresh.
“It’s so easy to style because the haircut defines the overall look,” he says. “You can wash it almost daily, then use a prep product like Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam and dry it with your fingers or a brush for a smoother finish. Add hair gel for separation if you want a spikier texture. This cut is incredibly versatile.”
How Do You Grow Out An Undercut Pixie?
As with any great cut—bobs, layers, pixies—every style eventually runs its course, and you may decide it’s time to grow your undercut pixie out.
“Luckily, growing out an undercut pixie doesn’t have to be a nightmare—it’s all about maintenance and styling,” Cusick says. “Regular trims are essential to avoid awkward, uneven growth. Use a flat iron to tame any rebellious sections and create a smooth, styled look while transitioning to your next hairstyle.”
