Embark on a transformative hair journey by giving yourself a chic pixie cut. This timeless style exudes a blend of elegance and edginess, effortlessly framing your features and accentuating your bone structure. Whether you’re seeking a bold change or simply refreshing your look, mastering the art of self-styling a pixie cut will empower you with the confidence to embrace a fresh and captivating style.
Before embarking on your pixie-cutting adventure, meticulous preparation is key. Gather essential tools including a high-quality pair of hair scissors, a wide-toothed comb, clips or hair ties, a mirror that provides clear visibility, and optionally, a mannequin head for practice. Ensure your hair is clean and towel-dried, maximizing visibility and precision during the cutting process. Sectioning your hair into manageable parts will also facilitate a controlled and even cut.
Commence the transformation by determining the desired length and shape of your pixie cut. Short, layered styles like the classic pixie or the modern messy pixie offer versatility and volume. For a more structured look, opt for a tapered pixie, characterized by its gradually shorter sides and longer top. Utilize the wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair and section off the areas you want to cut, securing the rest with clips or ties. Gradually trim your hair in small sections, carefully blending and shaping as you proceed. Once the overall shape is established, refine the cut by trimming any uneven sections or flyaways, paying close attention to the neckline and sideburns.
Section Your Hair
Before you start cutting, it’s crucial to section your hair properly to ensure precision and accuracy. Divide your hair into four distinct sections: the top back, bottom back, top front, and bottom front.
Top Back Section
Begin by parting your hair down the center from the nape of your neck to the crown of your head. Clip the bottom back section away to keep it out of the way.
Next, create a horizontal part from ear to ear across the top of your head, separating the top back section from the top front section. Secure the top front section with a clip.
Finally, divide the top back section into two by creating a vertical part down the center of the back of your head. This will give you two smaller top back sections, one on the left and one on the right.
Table: Top Back Section Division
| Section | Parting |
|—|—|
| Left Top Back | Vertical part from nape to top of head, horizontal part from ear to ear |
| Right Top Back | Vertical part from nape to top of head, horizontal part from ear to ear |
Cut the Back
Now, it’s time to tackle the back of your head. Using your clippers and a size 6 guard, shave the hair on the back of your head to about an inch or two above the hairline. Be sure to hold the clippers parallel to your head and move them in a sweeping motion. If you’re not sure how short you want to go, it’s best to start with a longer length and gradually work your way shorter.
Once you’ve shaved the back of your head, you’ll want to blend the shaved area with the longer hair on the top and sides of your head. To do this, use blending shears to cut short, choppy layers into the shaved area. Start by cutting short layers around the perimeter of the shaved area and gradually work your way inward. The goal is to create a seamless transition between the shaved and longer hair.
To achieve a more textured and lived-in look, use a texturizing razor to cut short, choppy layers throughout the rest of your hair. Hold the razor at a 45-degree angle to your head and move it in a downward motion. Be sure to vary the length and depth of your cuts to create a more natural look.
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Shave the back of your head with a size 6 guard. |
| 2 | Blend the shaved area with the longer hair on the top and sides of your head using blending shears. |
| 3 | Use a texturizing razor to cut short, choppy layers throughout the rest of your hair. |
Cut the Sides
Once you’ve established the base of your undercut, it’s time to cut the sides. This step is what will give your pixie cut its signature short and tailored look.
To cut the sides, you’ll need to use a pair of hair clippers with a guard attached. The guard will determine the length of your hair, so choose one that corresponds to your desired length.
How to Use Hair Clippers
Here’s a detailed guide on how to use hair clippers to cut the sides of your pixie cut:
- Start at the nape of your neck and work your way up. Hold the clippers against your scalp and move them in smooth, even strokes.
- Be careful not to press too hard. This can cause the clippers to pull on your hair and create uneven cuts.
- Use a mirror to check your progress. This will help you ensure that you’re cutting the sides evenly on both sides.
- Use different guard sizes to create a tapered effect. This will give your pixie cut a more polished and sophisticated look.
If you’re unsure about how to use hair clippers, it’s always best to consult with a professional stylist.
| Guard Size | Length |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1/16 inch |
| 1 | 1/8 inch |
| 2 | 1/4 inch |
| 3 | 3/8 inch |
| 4 | 1/2 inch |
| 5 | 5/8 inch |
| 6 | 3/4 inch |
| 7 | 7/8 inch |
| 8 | 1 inch |
Blend the Sections
Once you’ve cut the initial sections, it’s time to blend them together for a seamless and polished look. Here’s how:
1. Dry Your Hair
Before blending, ensure your hair is completely dry. This allows you to see the natural texture and movement of your hair, making it easier to blend the sections.
2. Choose the Right Scissors
Use sharp, fine-tooth scissors specifically designed for cutting hair. Avoid using blunt or serrated scissors, as they can create uneven cuts.
3. Section Off the Hair
Divide your hair into the same sections you cut initially: front, crown, and back. Clip the sections not being worked on out of the way.
4. Start Blending
Take a small section of hair from the front section and hold it upright. Slightly angle the scissors and slowly trim the ends of the hair toward the back of your head. Repeat this process with small sections throughout the front, crown, and back.
5. Use Vertical Cutting Techniques
To avoid over-blending and creating a sharp, disconnected look, employ vertical cutting techniques. Hold the scissors perpendicular to the hair strands and cut into the hair at varying lengths. This creates natural movement and helps soften the transition between sections.
| Vertical Cutting Techniques | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Point Cutting | Removes weight from the hair ends, creating texture and volume. |
| Slice Cutting | Creates a soft, blended transition between layers. |
| Notching | Adds texture and movement to thick hair by removing small sections. |
Create Layers
Layering is crucial in creating volume and texture in a pixie cut. Start by identifying your natural hair direction. Typically, the hair grows forward on the crown, towards the face on the sides, and upward at the back.
Create layers by sectioning your hair into three areas: the crown, the sides, and the back. Begin with the crown, and use a razor comb or thinning shears to remove weight and create volume.
Next, move on to the sides. Hold a section of hair parallel to your head and point-cut into the hair, snipping at an angle to create shorter layers towards the face. This technique adds shape and movement to the sides.
For the back, blend the layers by point-cutting upward, starting at the nape and gradually moving towards the crown. This creates a seamless transition between the layers and adds depth to the cut.
Using a combination of point-cutting, slicing, and thinning, you can customize the layers to suit your face shape and hair texture. The key is to create a balance between volume and weight distribution to achieve a flattering and stylish pixie cut.
| Layer Placement | Technique |
|---|---|
| Crown | Razoring or thinning to create volume |
| Sides | Point-cutting at an angle for shorter layers |
| Back | Point-cutting upward for blending |
Style Your Pixie Cut
Use Product for Hold and Texture
To keep your pixie cut in place and give it some texture, use a styling product like a pomade, wax, or gel. Apply a small amount to your hair and work it through with your fingers to achieve the desired style.
Pomade for a Sleek Look
For a sleek and polished look, use a pomade with a medium to high hold. Apply it to damp or dry hair and comb it through for a smooth and shiny finish.
Wax for Definition and Texture
If you want to add definition and texture to your pixie cut, use a wax with a medium to strong hold. Apply it to dry hair and scrunch it in with your fingers to create a messy and textured style.
Gel for a Wet Look
To achieve a wet look, use a gel with a strong hold. Apply it to wet hair and comb it through for a sleek and glossy finish. Be sure to use a small amount and avoid over-applying, as it can make your hair look greasy.
Blow Dry Your Hair
Blow drying your hair is a great way to add volume and style to your pixie cut. Use a round brush to smooth out your hair and create a sleek look, or use a diffuser to add volume and texture.
Use a Round Brush for a Smooth Look
To create a smooth and polished look, blow dry your hair with a round brush. Start by applying a heat protectant spray to your hair, then use the brush to smooth out your hair as you blow dry it. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold your style in place.
Use a Diffuser for Volume and Texture
To add volume and texture to your pixie cut, blow dry your hair with a diffuser. Start by applying a volumizing mousse to your hair, then use the diffuser to dry your hair while scrunching it with your hands. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold your style in place.
Maintain Your Pixie Cut
8. Style and Refine
A pixie cut may appear effortless, but it still requires styling to maintain its shape and maximize its potential. Use a lightweight pomade or wax to define the layers and add texture. For a sleek and polished look, opt for a shine spray. Experiment with different partings to create variations in style. Consider trimming the neckline and sideburns regularly to keep the cut fresh and clean. Also, don’t forget to wash and condition your hair regularly to keep it healthy and lustrous.
The key to maintaining a pixie cut is to find a styling routine that suits your hair type and desired look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with products and techniques to create a style that is uniquely yours.
Here’s a table summarizing some styling tips for different hair types:
| Hair Type | Styling Tips |
|---|---|
| Fine hair | Use a volumizing mousse or spray before blow-drying. Add texture with a salt spray. |
| Thick hair | Use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner. Blow-dry with a round brush to smooth out frizz. |
| Curly hair | Use a curl-defining cream to enhance natural curls. Diffuse hair on low heat until dry. |
Variations of the Pixie Cut
Asymmetrical Pixie
This variation features one side of the head shorter than the other, creating an edgy and asymmetrical look. The longer side can be styled to sweep across the forehead or tucked behind the ear, adding an element of versatility.
Textured Pixie
Layers and choppy edges give this pixie cut a messy, textured appearance. It is perfect for adding volume and creating a casual, lived-in look.
Androgynous Pixie
For a more tomboyish style, opt for a short, cropped pixie cut that mimics a men’s haircut. This variation emphasizes sharp lines and a masculine silhouette.
Long Pixie
This cut has longer layers that frame the face, making it more versatile than traditional pixie cuts. The longer length allows for more styling options, including ponytails and half-up styles.
Layered Pixie
Layers add movement and texture to a pixie cut, creating a more feminine and flattering look. Layers can be cut into the sides, back, or top of the head.
Pixie with Bangs
Adding bangs to a pixie cut creates a playful and youthful vibe. Side-swept, blunt, or wispy bangs can complement various face shapes.
Choppy Pixie
For a more edgy and punk-inspired look, try a choppy pixie with uneven layers and jagged edges. This cut adds a sense of drama and rebelliousness to the classic pixie.
Razor-Cut Pixie
A razor is used to create sharp, precise lines in this variation of the pixie cut. It results in a sleek, ultra-short style with a clean and modern aesthetic.
Undercut Pixie
This pixie cut combines the classic pixie with an undercut, where the hair on the sides and back is shaved very short or buzzed off. It creates a striking contrast and adds a touch of androgyny.
Tips for Giving Yourself a Pixie Cut
1. Get the right tools.
You’ll need a good pair of sharp scissors, a comb, and a mirror. If you have thick hair, you may also want to use thinning shears.
2. Wash and dry your hair.
This will make it easier to cut and style your hair.
3. Section your hair.
Section your hair into top, back, and sides. This will help you keep track of what you’re cutting.
4. Start with the back.
Hold a section of hair at the back of your head and cut it straight across. This will be the shortest part of your pixie cut.
5. Move to the sides.
Cut the sides of your hair at a slight angle, following the curve of your head. Make sure to blend the sides with the back.
6. Cut the top.
Cut the top of your hair to the desired length. You can leave it longer in the front if you want to create bangs.
7. Blend the layers.
Use your scissors or thinning shears to blend the layers of your hair together. This will create a natural, textured look.
8. Style your hair.
You can style your pixie cut in a variety of ways. You can leave it natural, use product to create volume, or even add some color.
9. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
A pixie cut is a versatile style that can be customized to suit your individual taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lengths, layers, and styles until you find the one that you love.
10. Maintenance
A pixie cut is a relatively low-maintenance style, but it does require some regular upkeep. You’ll need to get your hair trimmed every 4-6 weeks to keep it looking its best. You can also use product to style your hair and keep it looking healthy.
| Week | Task |
|---|---|
| 4 | Trim |
| 6 | Trim and style |
How to Give Yourself a Pixie Cut
A pixie cut is a short, choppy hairstyle that is often worn by women. It is a versatile style that can be styled in a variety of ways, making it a popular choice for women of all ages. If you are thinking about getting a pixie cut, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, pixie cut is a short hairstyle, so it is important to make sure that you are comfortable with the length before you cut it. If you are not sure if you are ready for such a short cut, you can start by getting a shorter bob or lob. This will give you a chance to get used to the shorter length and see if you like it.
Once you have decided that you are ready for a pixie cut, you need to find a good stylist who can help you achieve the look you want. A good stylist will be able to assess your hair type and face shape and recommend a pixie cut that will flatter you.
People Also Ask About How to Give Yourself a Pixie Cut
What is the best way to cut a pixie cut?
The best way to cut a pixie cut is to use a sharp pair of scissors and to cut the hair in small sections. Start by cutting the hair around the ears and the nape of the neck. Then, cut the hair on the top of the head. Be sure to cut the hair in layers, so that the pixie cut has a natural look.
How can I style a pixie cut?
Pixie cuts can be styled in a variety of ways. You can wear your hair slicked back, messy, or even with a pompadour. To style your hair slicked back, use a gel or pomade. To style your hair messy, use a mousse or styling cream. To style your hair with a pompadour, use a blow dryer and a round brush.
How often should I get a pixie cut?
Pixie cuts should be trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks. This will help to keep the pixie cut looking its best and will prevent the hair from growing too long.
