Pixie cuts are the ultimate statement haircut; short, choppy, and completely exposing in the best way. Where long hair can be used as an accessory to shy behind, there’s no hiding behind a bold, powerful pixie cut. On fine hair, the cut can be relatively effortless to achieve—for naturally thick hair, it’s a completely different story. Similarly to getting a dramatic bob haircut, nobody should venture into the world of pixie cuts without the help of an expert stylist.
“Having a pixie isn’t just a haircut. It’s a whole vibe,” says Hershesons’ hairstylist Dale Herne. “With short hair, there’s something really empowering about it. But it’s not just about the hair itself. You've got to think about how it’s going to work with your lifestyle, your energy, and your overall look.”
Here, he outlines the need-to-know details of getting a pixie cut for thick hair, including how to style it.
How to try a pixie cut for thick hair
Unfortunately, getting a pixie cut for thick hair is far more complicated than just buzzing or snipping your lengths. There are many elements to consider beyond just looking at your face shape and hair texture.
“When you’re getting a pixie on thick hair, it’s got to be cut extremely well,” explains Herne. “You need to loosen it up at the root when removing weight or adding texture—otherwise, it can end up looking like a little microphone. A pixie is all about movement and texture. If it’s cut too thick or heavy, it’ll just sit there as a silhouette of hair, instead of giving you that lived-in texture and flow.”
While we always recommend taking a reference photo to your appointment too, it’s important to remember that not all styles will necessarily work for thicker hair densities. “When it comes to what type of pixie suits thick hair, that’s a tricky one. Because when you’re cutting hair, it’s never one-size-fits-all,” he adds. “It’s about what suits the person. Their face shape, their bone structure, and their character.”
That being said, when done right, a pixie cut for thick hair can be totally transformational. Just don’t skip the consultation appointment first.
How to Style a Pixie Cut for Thick Hair
Surprisingly, pixie cuts also require a certain level of styling finesse. It’s very rarely as simple as waking up and stepping out as is.
“Whatever pixie you go for, the key to styling thick hair is to keep the texture soft and defined,” says Herne. “Misting in an air dry spray gives that undone, natural finish—adds grit, definition, and movement—without weighing the hair down.”
