If 2024 was the year of the bob, then 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the pixie cut. The notoriously bold short crop, which became a symbol of rebellion when it was first popularised back in the 1950s, is enjoying a moment in the spotlight, with hairstylists predicting it to undercut the world's fascination with the chin-length bob in the coming months.

'The pixie haircut has experienced a resurgence in popularity due to its blend of timeless sophistication and modern versatility that aligns with current fashion trends,' agrees Hershesons hairstylist, Elliot Bute, who says that haircuts are becoming far shorter, choppier and bolder for the season ahead.

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How to style a pixie cut

Styling a pixie haircut will depend on your hair type and the desired finish. 'The pixie cut's adaptability allows for both a polished and textured finish,' adds Bute. If you're opting for a more classic or undercut pixie (where the hair is cut shorter on the sides and then longer on the top), the haircut itself will be of prime importance, while modern iterations will require more styling, products and tools.

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As to why the pixie cut is trending, a number of famous faces are bringing fresh allure to the classic gamine style. Iris Law, the pixie cut poster girl, was among the first to bring back the ultra-short hairstyle, more recently experimenting with everything from wet-look curls, undercut pixies, full fringes, and more.

Then came Brie Larson, who shocked the internet by debuting a soft pixie cut and dyeing her signature long, blonde lengths chocolate brown just last month. Meanwhile, hairstyle chameleons Kendall Jenner and Camila Cabello have also demonstrated the versatile nature of this gamine cut, both stepping out with pixie shag haircuts.

It's clear that a modern iteration of the new-look cut is taking shape. 'Today's pixie cut often features softer, more textured elements compared to its classic counterpart with face-framing details like curtain bangs or fuller fringes which add a contemporary twist,' shares Bute. 'This evolution is influenced by London cool girls, such as Iris Law and content creator Alexis Foreman, who have been seen wearing the modern pixie cut,' he adds.

The 2025 iteration, as illustrated by the likes of Law, Emma Stone and Renée Zellweger, is less uniform and polished and plays on the natural texture of your hair. If you're opting for this more modern version of the pixie, you may want to utilise waxes or mousses 'to add definition and volume', according to Bute. Styling wise, you'll need a handful of tools for the job too, including a blow-dry tool, such as the ghd Duet Hot Air Styler, which helps recreate salon-worthy bangs in seconds.

How to cut a pixie

'Cutting a pixie haircut requires precision and an understanding of facial features,' says Bute, who adds that discussing length, texture, and style with your stylist is paramount to ensure the cut complements your face shape and hair type.

'To cut a pixie, "point cutting" or using a razor helps to create soft, textured ends, and I like to add personalisation via elements such as bangs or a fringe, or apply undercuts based on personal preference and suitability,' he shares.

pixie haircut inspiration
Daniele Venturelli

What is the most popular pixie haircut?

The pixie once called to mind a very specific aesthetic — think Audrey Hepburn who has forever immortalised the classic cut in Roman Holiday — but it's found its edge for 2025. Below, discover your new-season inspiration if you're considering getting the pixie cut 2.0.

The best pixie haircut inspiration for 2025

Undercut pixie

Pixie haircuts have been storming the red carpet this season. Emma Stone's Golden Globes undercut pixie cut, which featured longer, straighter lengths around the crown of the head and was created by stylist Mara Roszak, was a prime example of how to modernise the classic crop.

Side-parted pixie

Another nostalgic hairstyle we probably all thought wouldn't rear its head again (aka, the divisive side parting), Taylor Russell makes a strong case for combining it with this sleek-looking pixie haircut.

Soft pixie

Brie Larson shocked the internet when she traded in her blonde lengths for an ear-skimming pixie – this softer iteration offers a classically gamine finish while still looking chic and fresh.

Full fringe pixie

With a wet-look finish and textured full fringe, Iris Law's pixie is the epitome of the pixie 2.0.

Curly pixie

Nathalie Emmanuel is the perfect example of how to nail a curly pixie this season.

Pixie bob

Longer, softer, and more experimental than your classic pixie, the sleek pixie bob is set to dominate for 2025.

Long wispy pixie

Emma Corrin has long been our modern hairstyle muse, and this wispy pixie - sitting somewhere between an undercut and classic pixie - is no exception.

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Headshot of Amelia Bell
Amelia Bell
Multiplatform Beauty Director

Amelia Bell is the Multiplatform Beauty Director for ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and leading beauty content across both sites. Amelia has a particular interest in wellness and longevity, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.