A messy pixie haircut is a short hairstyle that creates a casually tousled look. As the name suggests, messy pixie cuts have an intentionally undone feel, with pieces that stick out at various angles. This gives the style a fun, playful vibe that’s perfect for someone who wants an easy-to-manage cut that makes a statement.
The History of the Messy Pixie
Pixie cuts first emerged in the 1920s and 30s as a rebellious short style worn by women like Josephine Baker. The style was considered very avant-garde and modern at the time. In the 1960s, pixie cuts had a major moment, with celebrity trendsetters like Twiggy and Mia Farrow popularizing the short, cropped look.
It wasn’t until the 1990s and 2000s that messy, tousled pixie cuts became fashionable. Celebrities like Halle Berry, Winona Ryder and Demi Moore sported sexy, piecey pixies that marked a departure from the sleek crops of earlier decades. The style has continued to evolve and remains a popular short cut today.
Who Can Pull Off a Messy Pixie?
One of the best things about messy pixies is how versatile and flattering they can be for all face shapes and hair types.
Oval faces suit the messy pixie nicely because the short layers bring out the eyes and cheekbones. Heart-shaped faces also complement the cut, since the shorter sides create balance. Round and square face shapes can benefit from messy cropped sides that add dimension.
Messy pixies work with straight, wavy or curly locks. The key is working with your natural texture. Straight hair can get piecey styling and separation. Wavy and curly hair types gain more volume and movement with a messy pixie cut.
How to Style a Messy Pixie
Achieving that perfectly undone texture is key to this cut. Here are some tips for styling a messy pixie:
- Apply a volumizing mousse or sea salt spray to the roots. This will boost lift and hold.
- Rough dry hair with a blowdryer while scrunching sections upward. Avoid over-smoothing.
- Use your fingers to rake through the hair and tease the crown area.
- Finish with a matte styling paste, smoothing small sections in different directions.
- Texture spray adds extra piecey definition. Focus on the ends and layers.
The finished look should have lots of lift at the roots and ends that stick out for that carefree vibe. Go for a tousled finish rather than anything too neat or sleek.
Maintenance Tips for Messy Pixies
One perk of a short pixie cut is that it doesn’t require a lot of upkeep. Here are some tips for maintaining a messy pixie:
- Get a trim every 4-6 weeks to keep the layers looking fresh.
- Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove product buildup.
- Apply a deep conditioner to hydrate the ends of hair.
- Use a blowdryer and fingers to restyle as needed between washes.
- Invest in a travel size dry shampoo to refresh hair.
The effortless nature of a messy pixie is perfect for busy schedules. With a few minor tweaks between cuts, you can maintain the sexy, tousled shape of the style.
Best Face Shapes for a Messy Pixie
One of the advantages of a messy pixie cut is that it can complement multiple face shapes when cut properly. Here is an overview of which face shapes best suit this cropped, tousled style:
| Face Shape | Description |
|---|---|
| Oval | The balanced proportions of an oval face shape work well with messy pixie layers that add volume around the cheekbones. |
| Round | A round face can benefit from the framing and definition of a pixie’s cropped sides. |
| Heart | A heart face shape features a wide forehead and narrow chin. A messy pixie adds fullness around the chin area. |
| Square | The messy texture helps soften the strong jawline of a square face shape. |
The layers and volume of a messy pixie provide flattering definition to balance facial features. An experienced stylist can advise on the best variations to complement your face shape.
Messy Pixie Variations
There are endless ways to customize a messy pixie cut to match your style. Here are a few variations to consider:
Short and Spiky
For a bold look, go for an extra short back and sides with longer, choppy layers on top. This creates dramatic spikes that stick out on top for major volume and attitude.
Longer Layers
Allowing the top layers to grow out longer creates a shaggy, nonchalant vibe. Softer face-framing layers provide a more relaxed take on the messy pixie.
Asymmetrical
An asymmetrical pixie uses longer layers on one side to accentuate facial features in an edgy way. It’s an unexpected twist on the classic messy pixie.
Undercut
Shaving or closely buzzing the back and sides of the head emphasizes the longer, choppy layers left on top. This high-contrast look makes a bold statement.
Work with your stylist to determine which variation of the messy pixie best suits your hair type, face shape and sense of style.
Messy Pixie Inspiration
Need some inspiration before taking the plunge with a messy pixie cut? Here are a few celebs who nail this sexy, tousled style:
Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett’s choppy platinum pixie paired with full lips epitomizes modern bombshell beauty. She adds femininity by allowing one side to be longer.
Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams makes a retro-chic case for messy pixies. Her blonde cropped cut features exaggerated volume on top with stray wispy ends.
Katy Perry
Katy’s edgy jet black pixie cut shaved on one side proves messy pixies also suit bold, artistic statements. It balances her soft facial features nicely.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence’s honey blonde pixie features lots of texture and separation for major contemporary appeal. It works with both casual and dressy looks.
Use these glamorous celebrities for inspiration as you consider going short with a devil-may-care messy pixie cut.
Pros and Cons of Messy Pixies
Like any dramatic style change, choosing a messy pixie has both advantages and disadvantages. Consider the pros and cons before taking the plunge:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Low maintenance and easy to style | – Doesn’t work with all face shapes |
| – Light and cooler for summer | -Regular trims needed to maintain style |
| – Makes a bold fashion statement | -Not ideal for formal events or workplaces |
| -Suits many different hair types | -Less versatility than longer styles |
While the messy pixie offers less styling options than longer locks, the edgy, modern vibe of this cropped cut can be perfect if you’re seeking an easy-care look with avant-garde appeal.
Conclusion
With its intentionally undone texture, a messy pixie haircut makes a fun, daring style statement. The cropped layers are versatile enough to flatter multiple face shapes and hair types. Styling focuses on adding root lift, texture and piecey separation for that sexy, tousled shape.
While the style requires more frequent trims than longer locks, it offers an easily managed, low-maintenance option. The messy pixie projects confidence with its insouciant, casually cool vibe. If you’re seeking an edgy, contemporary look, this punk-inspired pixie can be the perfect choice.
