FAQ: How Should A Pixie Style Be Cut?

Question:
I am a cosmetology student and my friend asked me to cut her hair in a pixie style. Are there any special ways of cutting this pixie style?

Answer:
Pixies style is a short hair cut with "uneven", kind of pointy, strands through out the hair. Now, It depends how long you want the hair to be as a finished product. It could be an ultra short style, a short style, a medium length pixie or a long pixie style. What is great about pixie styles is that even a stylish older lady can look absolutely gorgeous in this style, taking into consideration the facial features.

An Ultra Short Pixie: The sides and back are cut either with clippers or scissors over a comb. The top is cut much longer in comparison to sides and back but still shirt (I would say between 2-3 inches long) and gradually blended with the sides and back. The top can be either cut with scissors and then you can use either thinning scissors or razor to give the hair a wispy look. You could razor cut the hair right away, but you need to have some experience with a razor. If you pre-cut hair prior to using razor, leave the hair a bit longer as it could get shorter. The image on the left has longer top, but if you recall a beautiful actress Halle Berry, she is famous for a short pixie styles. Credit - to the left is an example image from pixiehaircuts.net and bellow an image from instyle.com

A Short Pixie: The entire haircut should be about 1-2 inches longer than An Ultra Short Pixie. It could be pre-cut with scissors and then the ends could be razor cut for the textured look OR cut entirely with the razor. Again  ides and the back should blend with top . Credit: below is an example image from hairstylesezine.com

A Medium Length Pixie: Again the hair cut would be again about 1-2 inches longer than A Short (Long) Pixie. It could be pre-cut with scissors and then the ends could be razor cut for the textured look OR cut entirely with the razor. Again sides and the back should blend with top. Credit: below is an example image from hairstylesdesign.com

A Long Pixie (also called a shag): should be cut about 2+ inches longer than A Medium Length Pixie. And again it could be pre-cut with scissors and then the ends could be razor cut for the textured look OR cut entirely with the razor. Sides and the back should blend with top. Credit: below is an example image from womenhairdesing.com

Note: 

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.