Buzz
First, we had the bob, then came the pixie—and now, meet the 'wixie' cut, also known as the 'winged pixie.' This fresh take on a short, choppy haircut is a stylish and easy-to-maintain option that’s perfect for anyone looking for a modern, chic look. We consulted with stylists to give you the inside scoop on how to style it and which hair types work best.
What exactly is the Wixie haircut?
The wixie haircut is essentially a short pixie with longer, winged pieces framing the face. It's often styled with more length at the nape, resembling a shag cut with a textured, chunky look. This trendy style is perfect for anyone who wants short hair but is over the bob trend that has dominated for the last few years, according to celebrity MUA and hairstylist Ashley Gomila.
"The wixie cut is a versatile and edgy style that can suit a variety of face shapes," says L'Oréal Professionnel Global Ambassador Min Kim. "It's particularly flattering for those with heart-shaped faces, as it highlights the cheekbones and jawline. However, this cut works well for anyone looking to make a bold statement with their hair." The choppy layers can enhance facial symmetry, making it a great choice for oval, round, long, and square faces. For oval and round faces, adding volume at the crown and using angled layers can reduce roundness. For square or long faces, longer layers add softness to strong jawlines and bring horizontal volume to create more dimension.
Wixie vs. Pixie
Both the wixie and pixie are short hairstyles, but they differ in some important ways. The wixie cut features longer layers on top, making it a more flexible style that allows for various ways of styling. These layers add texture and movement to the hair. In contrast, the pixie cut is more sleek and polished, with a smoother, less voluminous look. The wixie is intentionally messier and has more volume overall.
What hair types suit the Wixie Cut?
The beauty of the wixie is its adaptability—it works for nearly all hair types. For curly or wavy hair, the wixie cut enhances the natural curl and wave, giving them more definition. It also adds volume and movement, creating a stylish, tousled appearance.
For straight hair, the wixie cut may require more styling with texturizing products like sprays or a curling iron. The choppy layers, however, create an illusion of texture even in straight hair. It also works great for fine hair, preventing it from looking flat with the added layers. For thick hair, the wixie can still be a good choice, but thinning the hair may be necessary to reduce bulk. Using the right products will help manage the volume and shape the hair as desired.
How to Request a Wixie Cut from Your Stylist
If you're aiming for the wixie style, it's important to have a detailed conversation with your stylist. Discuss your hair's texture, face shape, and the look you desire. Understanding how the wixie cut will work with your unique features will help you decide if it's the right choice. Also, keep in mind that a wixie may require frequent trims to maintain the shape and keep the layers fresh.
Wes Sharpton, Hairstory Lead Brand Educator and Stylist, explains, 'Hairdressers achieve this by cutting from shorter to longer, carefully shaping the side and back to create a smooth flow.' Make sure to communicate your desire for a pixie-inspired cut, but with slightly longer edges around the perimeter for the signature wixie look.
As always, reference images are a stylist's best tool when you're considering a new haircut. Bring along pictures of people with similar hair textures to yours to guide your stylist, advises Sharpton.
How to Style Your Wixie Cut
Styling a wixie is a breeze—it's easy to maintain and incredibly versatile. For a more relaxed, tousled vibe, simply apply a product like wax or pomade to damp hair, then use your fingers to rake through and move the hair forward, adding texture to the cut.
To ensure your hair maintains volume, apply a volumizing product such as Living Proof Amp² Texture Volumizer or Balmain Hair Couture Volume Mousse at the crown before blow-drying with a diffuser.
For those who prefer a sleek look, a flat iron is perfect for straightening or curling sections of hair, as Kim suggests. Pro tip: always use heat protection before styling with tools. A few drops of L’Oréal’s Professionnel Metal Detox Concentrated Oil will add shine and safeguard your strands.
