Is a pixie haircut good for thin hair?

Pixie cuts are an excellent choice for thin and fine hair. That’s because they can add a lot of lift and texture to hair that tends to go flat. The cut itself can create the look of added volume.

What is a layered pixie cut?

A layered pixie cut includes both longer and shorter layers. These mixed-length layers are cut into your hair in a way where it isn’t obvious that your hair is different lengths. Rather, the layered pixie cut gives the illusion of volume and texture throughout your hair. It’s a great cut for anyone looking to add volume to their short hair.

What is a classic pixie haircut?

A classic pixie cut is a short hairstyle that is usually short all over but slightly longer on top than on the sides and in back. What exactly a classic pixie cut is has changed over the years, according to Arizona hair stylist Erin Powers . She tells Byrdie that pixie cuts have especially evolved in recent times. There are now more variations of the pixie than ever before.

Does a pixie cut make you look older?

Assuming your hair is cut in a way that suits your face shape, a pixie cut shouldn’t make you look older at all. It’s a youthful style overall. However, if your pixie cut—or any haircut, for that matter—isn’t done properly, it could potentially make you look older. This is particularly true if it’s cut too short or without any interesting layers.

The 6 Best Styling Products for a Pixie Haircut

From Mia Farrow to Zoë Kravitz, the pixie cut is a classic. Bold and chic, this super-short hairstyle puts your best features of your face at center stage. Theoretically, it seems like less hair should be low-maintenance, right? No. Cowlicks, bedhead, and flat hair days happen. A little help from flat irons, texturizers, and serums might be in order (followed by a super fresh and glowing face and accessories!).

Here are the best products to keep a pixie cut smooth and well-behaving.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

TRESemmé Protective Spray Heat Tamer at Amazon ($9)

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Best for Texture:

Bumble and bumble Surf Spray at Sephora ($16)

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Best Paste:

Oribe Rough Luxury Molding Wax at Amazon ($39)

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Best for Volume:

Living Proof Style Lab amp² Texture Volumizer at Amazon ($32)

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Best Iron:

Drybar Tiny Tress Press at Sephora (See Price)

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Best for Dry Hair:

John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum at Amazon ($22)

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Best Overall

TRESemmé Protective Spray Heat Tamer

TRESemmÃ© Thermal Creations Protective Spray Heat Tamer

Target

View On Amazon $9 View On Target $7 View On Walmart $7

If you use a flat iron on a regular basis, a heat protectant is a must. TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray is a budget-friendly option that works hard to keep hair from getting fried. Spray and slay.

Best for Texture

Bumble and bumble Surf Spray

Sephora

View On Sephora $16 View On Ulta $33 View On Target $33

Texture is key for keeping a pixie cut from falling flat. The best types of texturizers are really a matter of preference. Sea salt sprays like the iconic Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray are perfect if you want no fuss. Just spritz it on, and you've got instant volume and lift. Not to mention, the beach vibes are good any day of the week.

Best Paste

Oribe Rough Luxury Molding Wax

Amazon

View On Amazon $39 View On Walmart $35 View On Shop.com

For pixie styles, a molding paste or wax can mean the difference between awesome and "meh" hair. If you want more control over styling, reach for Oribe Rough Luxury Soft Molding Paste. It adds texture to fine hair and helps smooth unruly hair. Warm a dime-sized amount between your hands and work it into your hair, using your fingers to style.

Best for Volume

Living Proof Style Lab amp² Texture Volumizer

Living Proof Style Lab ampÂ² Texture Volumizer

Amazon

View On Amazon $32 View On Ecosmetics.com $30

Pixie cuts are a nice choice for those with fine hair since short hair is much easier to add body to. Living Proof amp² Texture Volumizer can help you achieve luscious locks. This flexible-hold styling cream creates texture with a natural finish. Just take a dime-sized amount and work it through your hair as you style.

Best Iron

Drybar Tiny Tress Press

Sephora

View On Sephora

If your hair is wavy, curly, or frizzy, a flat iron is an essential tool for keeping your pixie style neat. You'll need a half-inch iron for short hair; anything larger than one inch will be impossible to work with. Drybar The Tiny Tress Press is a great investment. It's compact, it travels well, and it leaves hair smooth and shiny.

Best for Dry Hair

John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum

Amazon

View On Amazon $22 View On Target $12 View On Walmart $11

If you have extremely dry or coarse hair, John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Hair Serum is going to be your haircut's best friend (along with proper microfiber drying off of hair!). For a sleek, smooth finish, apply it to each section of hair before flat ironing.

The Perfect Pixie

Whether you're going for a dainty or edgy look, pixie cuts call for confidence. Keeping these high performers in your beauty arsenal makes having a good hair day one less thing worry about.

What to Look for in a Styling Product for a Pixie Cut

Holding Power

Short hairstyles like pixie cuts can be difficult to manage because they lack the weight that longer hair has. Using products with a stronger hold will ensure your hair maintains its style all day. How much hold you’ll need depends on the look you’re going for. There are products that offer flexible hold, while others provide a firmer hold.

Heat Protection

If you’ll be doing any flat ironing, blow drying, or curling your hair, heat protection is key. Split ends and other signs of heat damage can become obvious on short strands very quickly. There are many different products with heat protection in them, and some are designed specifically for natural hair. You can use a heat protector by itself or along with a styling product like a leave-in conditioner that has heat protection incorporated into it.

A Volumizing Formula

If you have fine hair, a pixie cut will definitely require some added volume. Otherwise, it might stick to your head and look flat. For fine hair, celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak tells Byrdie that it’s best to only apply product on the ends, and to start with a small amount. Stylists do recommend pixie cuts for fine hair, as they can look full and lifted with proper volumizing. Even if you don’t have fine hair, volumizing ingredients will help to create lift and shape in your pixie cut.

FAQ

Is a pixie haircut good for thin hair?

Pixie cuts are an excellent choice for thin and fine hair. That’s because they can add a lot of lift and texture to hair that tends to go flat. The cut itself can create the look of added volume.
What is a layered pixie cut?

A layered pixie cut includes both longer and shorter layers. These mixed-length layers are cut into your hair in a way where it isn’t obvious that your hair is different lengths. Rather, the layered pixie cut gives the illusion of volume and texture throughout your hair. It’s a great cut for anyone looking to add volume to their short hair.
What is a classic pixie haircut?

A classic pixie cut is a short hairstyle that is usually short all over but slightly longer on top than on the sides and in back. What exactly a classic pixie cut is has changed over the years, according to Arizona hair stylist Erin Powers. She tells Byrdie that pixie cuts have especially evolved in recent times. There are now more variations of the pixie than ever before.
Does a pixie cut make you look older?

Assuming your hair is cut in a way that suits your face shape, a pixie cut shouldn’t make you look older at all. It’s a youthful style overall. However, if your pixie cut—or any haircut, for that matter—isn’t done properly, it could potentially make you look older. This is particularly true if it’s cut too short or without any interesting layers.