Forget the Bob, the Long Pixie Cut Is Taking Over

There was a time, not too long ago, when having short hair was considered something of a statement. Today, the omnipresence of the bob—the haircut that was once the reserve of the runway and a slew of supermodels—has fueled the return of the shortest of short crops, turning them into style choices as “normcore” to beauty as the white T-shirt is to fashion.

You need only look at the renewed fascination with the pixie haircut for your proof. Whether it’s thanks to the likes of Iris Law, Emma Stone, and Renée Zellweger, or the latest trends reviving the once-antiquated chop, the pixie cut is shaping up to be spring's most coveted cut.

Front and center is the long pixie cut: sitting somewhere between a bob and the classic gamine pixie, it’s moved away from the undercut pixie of old and now comes complete with side partings, beachy waves, and soft finishes—an infinitely cooler vibe than its previous counterpart.

What Is a Long Pixie Cut?

“As the name suggests, a long pixie has a longer appearance than a classic pixie with more texture and shape,” shares Ryan Wilkes, a stylist at Hershesons Belgravia. “It’s becoming increasingly popular as it resembles an upgraded bob haircut while offering the versatility of longer hair, which helps create texture and an effortlessly styled appearance,” he notes.

It’s easy to see why it’s trending for the warmer months too—it’s straightforward to style and keeps your nape airy and free, working with your natural hair shape and texture, without needing to use excessive tools or products.

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How to Cut a Long Pixie Cut

The long pixie can be both blunt and edgy and soft and gamine, depending on how your natural hair falls and the cut you go for in the salon. “For me, the best way to cut a long pixie is with a razor, which helps with texture and shape. It’s important to discuss the desired length and texture, as well as what suits your face shape with your stylist,” shares Wilkes.

How to Style a Long Pixie Cut

“The less you do, the better,” warns Wilkes. Creating that effortless, non-uniform effect “requires a good texturizing spray and a smoothing cream to help add volume and separation while air drying your hair,” he notes.

Specific styling is always personal and comes down to the individual. “It’s important to examine the connections between what you like and what you don’t like, and to communicate that with your hairstylist, bringing ample style references with you,” he adds.

Long Pixie Cut Style Inspiration

Hair Accessories: Cara Delevingne

Recreate Cara Delevingne’s blunt long pixie using a black hairband as your accessory of choice; it’s easy to style and requires very little in the way of product.

Soft Mohawk: Halle Berry

A softer take on the traditional mohawk, Halle Berry plays with the natural texture of her hair adding lift and volume at the roots—simply use a root lift spray and a volume mousse to recreate it.

Blunt Long Pixie Cut: Iris Law

The modern muse of the pixie, Iris Law is no stranger to experimenting with her short crop. This blunt, longer style is a move away from her tousled, undone pixie and looks effortlessly chic and put-together.

Slicked-Back Mermaid Waves: Jodie Turner-Smith

Add intrigue to your long pixie cut with wet-look waves. Trickier to master at home, ask your hairstylist to create a Y-shaped wave from the center of your hairline.

Side-Parted Blonde Pixie: Zendaya

Ever the hair chameleon, Zendaya makes a strong case for embracing a long pixie cut paired with a simple side parting and vanilla blonde highlights.

Curly Long Pixie Cut: Joey King

Playing with her natural curls, Joey King’s effortless curly pixie is perfect for spring—use a diffuser to intensify and define your natural curls or air-dry for a more natural finish.