Looking for a new hairstyle? Open to going shorter, but not convinced that a pixie is right for you? Maybe you’ve considered a bob for a hot second, but want something that’s just a little different and a bit edgier than the classic ‘do. If you’re itching for a trendy and flattering haircut, but can’t figure out exactly what you want, we may have just the style: say hello to the “bixie” — a bob-meets-pixie cut that celebs like Kristen Stewart, Rowan Blanchard, and Florence Pugh have all rocked. Here’s what you need to know before you rush over to your salon and request this hot, chic style.
What is a “bixie?”
Cute name, but what exactly is a bixie and what should you expect? “The bixie is a traditional bob haircut that’s combined with a pixie,” explained Krysta Guerrero, owner and stylist at Base Salon Chicago. “The nice thing about a bixie is its versatility — not only can you adjust the length and opt to have it a little longer, but there is no one way to do it when it comes to the style. The cut is totally customizable based on your preference.”
For example, while Kristen Stewart sometimes shows off the cut in a rocker fashion with grown-out highlights and piece-y layers, Rowan Blanchard has been spotted wearing it sleek and straight, sometimes accessorized with sparkly barrettes in a nod to the ’90s. In short: the bixie provides a few more styling opportunities than you might get from a shorter pixie.
What facial features does it show off most?
Good news: short haircuts, bixies included, can work on anyone. “The key to picking the right cut to accentuate your best features lies in the length and texture that best suits your face shape (i.e. heart, diamond, round, etc.),” Guerrero said. Before your stylist starts snipping, discuss the features you want to bring forth as a focal point — your cheekbones, eyes, or jawline — to give them a better sense of how to make the style work for you.
A bixie cut is also flattering for salt and pepper hair, said Jean Will, co-founder at NiaWigs. “Women with fine hair look vibrant with the bixie’s lifting effect,” Will said. “Best of all, the bixie can be modified to suit your face shape to give you a youthful and edgy look.”
What hair types does it work best with?
“The nice thing about a bixie is that it works well for both thin and thick hair because of the amount of layers and texturizing,” Guerrero said. “With that said, always check with your stylist and show them a picture of the exact bixie looks you’re trying to achieve, as some styles may not work great on ultra-thick or coarse hair.”
What else should women know before asking for this cut?
The bixie cut is a bold choice that can be tricky to pull off, but it’s also a cut that’s low maintenance to style in between salon visits. “However, like most short cuts, it requires a lot more refreshing than you may be used to — which means you may be visiting your stylist more often than you’re used to (every 4-6 weeks),” Guerrero said.
If all of that sounds good to you, the bixie may just be your haircut match made in heaven.
