Welcome to one of the most difficult hair dilemmas you will ever face. OK, it’s not really THAT bad, but it can seem like your short pixie will never become a longer style.
Growing out a pixie cut into a bob, lob or even longer will take time and some adjustments, but these 10 tips will ease your transition and help you avoid throwing in the towel and shaving it all off.
1. Know the Timeline
The idea of growing out a bad pixie cut is one of the main things keeping women from cutting long hair short. Of course, the grow-out timeline will differ for everyone, but on average, hair grows a half-inch a month, which gives a pretty good idea of when you will be able to grow out your short hair to a shoulder-length hairstyle.
You also need to factor in trims along the way to keep your hair healthy and in some sort of style. All in all, for most people, growing out a pixie cut into a medium bob will take from 6 months to a year, depending on the length they’re starting from. Thus, start your transition with realistic expectations and keep your patience.
2. Get Regular Nape Trims
To get it trimmed or not to get it trimmed, that is the question. For my clients who are growing out their pixie cuts, I offer ‘clean ups’, which consist of trimming at the nape. This area will get long, flippy and bushy repeatedly throughout the growing process and keeping it in check maintains a polished look. At the same time, avoid trimming hair on the top unless it’s damaged or needs to be reshaped. You won’t need to get all of your hair trimmed frequently because that would be counter-productive, but those nape trims can save your sanity and prevent a mullet look. This is especially helpful if you’re growing out a pixie into a bob, as you will start to see a vision of the bob more with each nape trim.
To grow out short hair with grace, get your nape trimmed every four weeks or so, depending on your hairline, density and direction of growth. If your hair is fine, it might be easier to let it grow out without trims. Thick-haired beauties are definitely going to require some reshaping along the way with some texturizing and blending. Those with awkward swirls and flips at the nape may require more frequent clean-ups too.
3. Redistribute the Bulk
Changing the way you style your hair while you’re growing out a pixie will most likely be necessary as your hair gets bigger, wider and longer. Experimenting with where you part your hair will help to redistribute the bulk and weight to sit in a more balanced shape. This can also give you a new look while you’re getting through boring and awkward stages of the grow-out.
The biggest impact when redistributing bulk is when you refrain from directing all the hair to each side. You’re going to resemble a mushroom real quick if you’re parting and brushing straight down to the sides. Instead, comb all the hair forward first, and then sweep the front out of your eyes. The hair on the sides will fall into place, and you’ll suddenly have a much narrower shape. You will notice that you don’t have a definite part and that your style now emphasizes the length that you do have.
4. Tuck Behind the Ears
Once your pixie cut gets long enough to tuck behind the ears, the game is changed. This also provides a narrower silhouette to your style, and your ears can majorly assist in taming a bulky mane. Doing an extreme side part and tucking the side the part is on gives a really fresh look, especially if it’s slicked with some strong-hold gel or secured with a cool hair clip. There are more hairstyles for growing out a pixie cut than you think!
5. Master Hairstyles for Short Hair
Long swooping bangs that we often get when our pixie grows longer may look awesome, but this is not something all women enjoy to have. Don’t get discouraged though; there are many hairstyles for short hair that help keep hair away from your face and add an alluring form to naughty, grown out hair.
Headbands, scarves, clips and all-time-favorite bobby pins will help you set hair in place. Also, try some bouffants, twists, braids and other hairstyles that help hide the grown-out bangs – these work equally well to style your grown-out pixie. Experiment with various ‘dos to have fun while transitioning from short to longer hairstyles.
6. Ace Styling Products
When your pixie is cut the right way, a fresh wash & go if often enough to create an excellent hairstyle. When you avoid trimming your short hair to grow a longer pixie or bob, rely on volumizing and strong-hold products to perfect your style. A cream, a gel, or a mousse will provide control over the grown-out locks and help you create the desired hairstyle. Bringing long hair up for a bold look and face elongation is just one option to try.
7. Curl Hair to Add Direction and Texture
How about adding curls? Curling short hair is not what we are used to and your length may be too short for your efforts to resemble an actual curl or wave. Still, you can get some nice direction and texture with your curling iron or flat iron. This can be especially helpful if you’re suffering from uneven lengths or unruly sections.
8. Wash Hair Less
One thing that works for some people is to wash it less. Since very clean hair tends to be fluffier — and hair with some natural oils in it sits flatter — frequent shampooing will not be your friend if you’re trying to avoid poofy hair. If you can’t go without daily washing, consider using a heavy conditioner or mask to assist in controlling it.
9. Stimulate Hair Growth
From scalp massage to onion juice, there are many ways to stimulate your hair to grow faster. While not all methods will show noticeable results, stimulating blood circulation in your scalp is always a good thing. Healthy eating and hair vitamins, such as biotin, silica and collagen help hair growth, too. This can speed up the process for some, especially those who are lacking essential vitamins.
10. Keep Hair Healthy
The most important factor when growing out a pixie is to keep your hair healthy. You probably won’t need regular trims, but if your ends are damaged, they need to go. Conditioning treatments can help with dry, brittle hair. Reducing or eliminating heat styling will prevent further damage. If you’re growing out a pixie cut, be very careful with your flat iron and lower the heat setting. You might also want to consider using a heat-protectant product.
At this point, I’m hoping that you have some direction and confidence to move forward with your growth process. Growing out a pixie with success is entirely possible, and while you may experience some bad hair days or undesired awkward stages, these tips and ideas will help guide you as you make your way to a longer style (just imagine when you can get it into a ponytail). Come join me on Instagram for more style info and inspiration.
FAQs
There's no better way to get through growing out your pixie than with a few strategically placed hair clips or bobby pins. Layer a few snap clips for a '90s inspired look, or stack on some bobby pins for a sleek vibe (psst: if you mist your bobby pins with texturizing spray, they'll stick to your hair better).
What is the timeline of growing out a pixie cut? ›
When it comes to growing out a pixie cut, patience really is a virtue. It takes approximately 6-9 months for hair to grow out into a bob; you'll have to wait up to 15 months before you can tie it up into a proper ponytail (i.e. something that's not just a tufty stub of hair).
How do you style a pixie cut to look messy? ›
A blonde pixie for messy, thin hair adds interest and volume to the tresses. To create a piecey look, apply a spray wax or texturizing spray to damp hair, then blow-dry roughly using the fingers to move the hair and add lift. Once dry, use a curling iron or flat iron to flip sections of the hair out and below.
How long does it take for short hair to grow to chin length? ›
Understand How Long it Takes for Hair to Grow
Since hair needs to be around 12 to 14 inches in length to reach to your shoulders, this means that you'll need about two years of consistent growth to have shoulder length hair, or around 18 months for hair that reaches down to your chin.
Do pixie cuts make you look older or younger? ›
A pixie cut is essentially a short hairstyle that shows off your ears (and earrings) with longer hair at the top, which can sometimes be long enough to become bangs. A pixie cut can make you look younger by bringing out your features, especially your cheekbones and eyes!
How do you prevent a mullet when growing out a pixie? ›
Going from a pixie, like J Law, to a bob is the most natural route for kicking off growth. Keep hair at the nape of the neck short initially, as hair on the top of the head grows out. This process takes about 6 to 8 weeks, and will take your client to a Michelle Williams type look.
Is A pixie cut aging? ›
Pixie cuts can go a long way toward making you appear younger. Still, you can lose the game when getting the wrong shade. Given that, it's vital to make sure your next hue will work with your skin tone and eye color.
What are the awkward stages of growing out short hair? ›
The “a*wkward stage” occurs when you have decided that you no longer want short hair and you will instead grow it out. Everyone's awkward stage is a bit different depending on their styles, but inevitably, you will find that your hair looks shaggy, uneven, or simply messy at some point in the process.
How do you add texture to a pixie cut? ›
To add volume to your crown, start by applying some volumizing mousse. Blow dry your hair, using a nozzle and flat brush. Dry it up and in several different directions to create texture and volume. Use bobby pins to pin hair back.
How do you get through the awkward stage of growing out hair? ›
During the awkward phase, it's a good idea to experiment with different hairstyles to find what works best for you. Try braids, buns, and ponytails to keep your hair under control. The awkward phase can be frustrating, but it's important to stay positive and remember that it's only temporary.
Bumble and bumble Surf Spray
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.
What is a shaggy pixie cut? ›
A shaggy pixie cut is a very short haircut created with textured and choppy layers. The pixie shag is a great haircut to get if you have thin hair and want to make it appear thick. Whether you're the boyish kind of woman or the typical girlish one, you can pull off the shag trend.
How do you Volumize a pixie cut? ›
Curls and waves are one of the easiest ways to amp up your pixie cut for the volume you desire. You can get volume in a pixie cut through curls even if you don't have naturally curly hair. Simply wet your hair with a spray bottle, grab some mousse, and braid your hair overnight.
What is the chin length hair rule? ›
There's an easy, and we mean easy, way to decide if short hairstyles are in your future. We call it the 2.25 rule. Practically fool proof, this rule states that if the longest part of your chin is less than 2.25 inches from the tip of your earlobe, then short hairstyles are for you.
Does short hair hide double chin? ›
Short and Textured Pixie
Whether it's a look with a bright color or a spiky layered short hair, it's a good way to hide a double chin.
What is a bixie cut? ›
"The bixie is a combination of the pixie and the bob haircut," Jenna Spino, hairstylist at Maxine Salon, says. "Blending the two cuts gives the fullness of a short pixie while keeping the length and versatility of a bob." The bixie merges the two hairstyles in a way that is both chic and breezy.
What hair mistakes make you look older? ›
The 8 Hair Mistakes That Age You, According to Celebrity Stylists
- Assuming You Need to Go Shorter. ...
- Highlighting Your Hair to Cover Grays. ...
- Making an Extreme Color Change. ...
- Using One Color Formula to Cover Grays. ...
- Forgetting Hydration-Packed Products. ...
- Skimping on Supplements. ...
- Being Inconsistent With At-Home Touch-Ups.
Popularized by the actors Audrey Hepburn and Jean Seberg, who boldly rejected the long waves and coifs of their silver-screen counterparts, the pixie became a symbol of nonconformity and empowerment.
How do you not look like a mushroom with short hair? ›
While you're not touching the top when you're first growing it out, you should take length off the back and sides to avoid looking like a mushroom. Once the top most parts of your hair grow longer, things will even out everywhere else.
What is a pixie mullet? ›
A pixie mullet is a bold, piece-y haircut with layers cut shorter from the sides and longer from the back. “It's super on-trend right now and is used to enhance what type of hair a woman has. Plus, it suits almost every face shape if cut correctly,” says stylist Lucy Palmer from Doha, Qatar.
Trim the Back
There's a good chance you'll end up with a hockey mullet during the growth phase, since hair sprouts lower from the back of the head than it does from the front. To prevent this, Dixon recommends visiting your hairstylist for a trim every four to six months.
What hair color is best to look younger? ›
Caramel, honey, gold, copper, and strawberry give a healthy brightness that makes us look and feel younger. (Framing your face with lighter shades draws the eye away from any complexion concerns, as well.)
Are pixie cuts in for 2023? ›
Pixies are popular in 2023 as they are fairly low-maintenance and easy to style. For instance, this mix of a short pixie bob and an undercut can match any clothing style you might want to try.
What is the best haircut for a 60 year old woman? ›
A choppy bob with choppy bangs is a great haircut for women over 60 because it adds volume and hides wrinkles within the forehead. Blunt front bangs create maximum density for a thicker, fuller look. Cutting your hair to fall right at your jawline is flattering on more mature women giving you an instant younger look.
Does very short hair age you? ›
Does short or long hair make you look younger? Long hair can enhance facial features by diverting attention away from wrinkles or age spots and adding volume to your hair. Short hair does not need to age you, though, as the style and texture of shorter hairstyles can add a youthful appearance.
What length of hair is the awkward stage? ›
The awkward stage can take many shapes and forms, but the generally accepted definition for awkward length hair is from the point when it starts to look like you need a haircut until the time you can tie it up. It starts when you start to look shaggy, not so neat and tidy, a little unkempt.
How do you style hair when roots are growing out? ›
“To really hide roots, the best thing to do is increase movement and add volume. Reach for a tong or straightening iron—anything you can use to make loose waves. Once you're done, shake it all out and blast in texture spray,” he says. If you're still not satisfied, the key is the parting.
What to do when trying to grow out your hair? ›
6 tips to grow your hair out.
- Decrease your use of hot tools.
- Wear protective styles.
- Moisturize your hair.
- Cleanse the scalp.
- Try supportive supplements.
- Get regular trims—really!
7 Tips for Growing Out Your Hair (When You're Impatient)
- Brush Hair for a few minutes everyday. I've always avoided brushing my naturally wavy hair to allow the curls to form. ...
- Skip the shampoo. ...
- Trim the ends often. ...
- Try Supplements. ...
- Avoid Hot Tools. ...
- Use Heat Protectant Spray. ...
- Skip buns, braids, and ponytails.
The "mixie" haircut trend combines the mullet and the pixie haircut. The hairstyle is similar to the bixie, but it's longer in the back, like a mullet. You have a lot of versatility when it comes to styling this edgy hair trend.
A long pixie cut with bangs is an edgy, voluminous crop with an extended length longer than a classic pixie. The hair is cut with tapered layers to form a shape that flatters a woman's face shape. Stylist and salon owner Gretel Palacios-Austin of Pacifica, CA gives her view on this look.
What face shape can pull off a pixie cut? ›
Oval, round and heart face shapes can usually pull off a pixie, says Donna Tripodi, master stylist at Eva Scrivo Salons in NYC. "That said, most shapes can handle short hair," she adds.
How do you grow out a buzz cut gracefully? ›
Keep the back and sides tapered down
“As it starts to grow out keep the back and sides short and clean cut this will give it shape and will look less unkept.”
How can a pixie cut make you look younger? ›
A pixie cut is essentially a short hairstyle that shows off your ears (and earrings) with longer hair at the top, which can sometimes be long enough to become bangs. A pixie cut can make you look younger by bringing out your features, especially your cheekbones and eyes!
Does a pixie cut need styling? ›
Pixie Cut Styling Products Are A Must
When my hair's short, it can actually become too volumized for the shape I want, so I end up having to smooth it down with oils, mousse, or hairspray, then re-texturize for a piece-ier finish.
Does a buzz cut make you look older or younger? ›
A classic buzz cut is a great option if you're looking for a no-nonsense, low-maintenance haircut that will help you look younger—and focus all the attention on your other handsome features. This style is especially great for disguising any thinning hair or bald patches you may have.
What makes buzz cut attractive? ›
Makes Your Face Look Wider
If you have an elongated or oblong face shape, the buzz look makes it look more masculine and adds some width to it. Women in general are attracted towards masculine traits and that is what works for the buzz look.
How long does it take hair to grow out after buzz cut? ›
How long will it take my buzz cut to grow out? Genetics will influence how quickly your hair grows, but on average, humans grow about ½ inch of hair a month. Depending on how long your hair was pre-buzz cut, expect it to take 3 to 4 months to grow out to its original length.
What face shape is best for pixie cut? ›
Oval, round and heart face shapes can usually pull off a pixie, says Donna Tripodi, master stylist at Eva Scrivo Salons in NYC. "That said, most shapes can handle short hair," she adds.
How do you look good in a pixie cut? ›
"Pixie cuts should be easy to manage, almost wash-and-go depending on your hair type," Sultan says of this edgy pixie cut, which especially suits tight curls. Ask your stylist for sharply shaved sides, with a little length on top. Add a little styling serum to play up your curls and shine, while keeping frizz away.
The 6 Best Styling Products for a Pixie Cut
- Best Overall: TRESemmé Protective Spray Heat Tamer at Ulta. ...
- Best for Texture: Bumble and bumble Surf Spray at Sephora. ...
- Best Paste: Oribe Rough Luxury Molding Wax at Amazon. ...
- Best for Volume: Living Proof Style Lab amp² Texture Volumizer at Amazon. ...
- Best Iron: ...
- Best for Dry Hair:
A "pixie" cut refers to a style that is short on the sides and back and slightly longer on top—usually with short, wispy bangs styled to the side. Pixie cuts are surprisingly versatile and, unsurprisingly, fairly low maintenance.
