24 Looks That Are Tempting Me to Cut My Long Hair Into a Pixie
This ethereal short cut is making a comeback for 2026, and we've rounded up all of the inspiration you need if you're considering a chop.
If long hair has been your thing for as long as you can remember, this just might be the year you make a change and try out a new hair trend. Take me, for example. I've had long hair my whole life (except for one not-so-chic VB-inspired bob hairstyle), but something about how wonderfully undone and effortlessly stylish short hair can be means the idea of chopping it all off is really starting to appeal to me.
It might have something to do with the blunt bobs I've been seeing around, but I've never been more inspired to chop all of my hair off and go for a shorter style. And whilst a bob might seem like the obvious choice right now, going even shorter is equally as chic—and it seems I'm not alone in thinking so.
Yes, that's right. I'm talking short, short. Pixie-cut short. From near-on buzz cuts to pretty cropped curls, the pixie cut is actually far more versatile than you might at first think, and it seems to be the style du jour. All it takes is a bit of styling paste and a can of Elnett, and the world is your oyster.
But I get it: a pixie cut is quite the commitment, and there's no doubt that a lot of research needs to go into choosing the right style for you. Before you embark on a pixie-cut journey, it's important to consider a few things, including how much time you have to dedicate to styling your hair every morning and also whether or not you rely on your hair as a comfort blanket. (Trust me: it's a thing.)
If, however, you're already totally set on the idea of a pixie cut being your next big hair step, keep scrolling for all of the inspiration you might need.
24 of the Best Pixie Cuts
Greta Lee's sleek, side-part pixie cut is so incredibly pretty that I almost reached for the scissors immediately.
From the lift at the roots to the texture through the lengths, Jessie Buckley's laid-back pixie cut oozes cool.
Major glam points to Sabrina Elba for this gorgeous jaw-skimming cut.
One of the most memorable hair transformations of last year has to be Emma Stone's perfectly executed pixie cut.
Jourdan Dunn is the queen of the pixie cut and wears this short style in so many ways. I love it styled here with her natural texture shining through.
When Alyssa Coscarelli has a pixie cut, you know it's a stylish choice. Seriously, how chic?
Taylor Hill's tufted pixie cut proves that short hair doesn't have to be high-maintenance.
Carey Mulligan's slightly grown-out pixie looks amazing with this deep side part.
If you're not used to shorter cuts, then teaming your pixie with a feathery fringe and longer layers at the back like Florence Pugh makes for a more wearable take on the trend.
Our jaws dropped when Charithra Chandran stepped out with a brand new pixie haircut with a wet-look finish, too.
I'm obsessed with the dimensional colours in Ariana DeBose's pixie haircut.
Zendaya's pulled-forward, caramel pixie demonstrates just how versatile this short style can be.
The short and icy crop is the edgiest pixie of them all, and Zoë Kravitz shows exactly how it should be done.
The fluffy texture of Joey's super-cropped pixie proves that sometimes shorter is better.
Maria Borges's crop is impossibly stylish—note how fabulous a pixie looks with statement earrings.
Lupita's swept-back sides give the ultimate pixie-esque finish.
Loïcka's pixie cut looks even more beautiful from the back.
Sitting somewhere between a buzz cut and a pixie crop, Cara's ice-white hair is high on my inspiration list.
If you're already toying with the idea of going for the crop, this textured style from Ciara should be enough to encourage you to take the plunge.
Opt for shorter sides and a longer top for a relaxed look, just like Ellie's.
Pixie cuts needn't always be super sharp; leave the silhouette soft for a beautiful alternative.
Embellished hair accessories never look better than when they're teamed with a short crop, as demonstrated wonderfully by Janelle Monáe.
Could Emilia look any chicer? I think not.
We love how Kamara has kept the lengths in front of her ears slightly longer for a chic shape.
Shop the Best Pixie-Cut Styling Products
Heat protection is essential for short hair, so keep your favourite spray to hand at all times.
This hair oil will help keep your strands healthy and looking their best.
Lift, flick and, yes, straighten your pixie crop with these slimline straighteners.
Embrace your natural texture with Ouai's curl cream.

Shannon Lawlor is the beauty director at Who What Wear UK. With over a decade of experience working for some of the beauty industry’s most esteemed titles, including Marie Claire, Glamour UK, Stylist and Refinery29, Shannon’s aim is to make the conversation around beauty as open, relatable and honest as possible. As a self-confessed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for hard-working perfumes, fool-proof makeup products and does-it-all skincare.