Pulling off a pixie cut
Things you need to know before getting a pixie cut
A short haircut can be absolutely wonderful, especially for a hot summer and early autumn months, but it also requires plenty of thought beforehand.
My rule of thumb is if you can scrape your hair back into a tight ponytail, you can consider anything, even very, very short, If you look better with wisps around the face and a softer ponytail, then you have to tailor the haircut perfectly to your face shape.
Face shape matters when it comes to short hair; one cut definitely doesn't fit all. Measurements of 5.5 cm or less from the base of the ear to the bottom of the chin is an general rule to looking less jaw heavy. Feminine facial features, great cheek bones and large eyes are a must to pull off this gamine style. If you have a heart-shaped face, you can do pretty much anything. If you have a long face or a bigger forehead, you need something with less volume--it should be softer and more swept over the face . If you have a round face, then it’s better to have more volume on top with a slightly longer length.
Arguably, though, communication with your hair stylist is the most important factor.
Things you need to know before getting a pixie cut
Don't do it after you break up with a boyfriend. This still happens a lot......Get a glass of champagne and do some damage on your credit card! If you go for it and don't like it , it will take you 18 to 20 months to grow it back out to a shoulder length bob. Not exactly permanent, but it is a commitment.
If you decide to chop, be ready to throw away all your favorite products and start fresh.You'll be saying goodbye to dry shampoos, serums (unless you bleach or have dry hair), volumizing mousse and beach spray. Your new go-tos should include a good clay-based texturizer and hair spray.
Still unsure ? You can always try out a virtual makeover app, which allow you to "try-on" celebrity hair styles. Instyle has a great one, though there aren't a ton of short styles to choose from.
Maintaining your pixie cut
PRODUCTS: You're entering into a whole new category of hair care. You should just give away all your current products and start fresh.You need to add texture. Look for words like "paste," "putty" and "wax" on the label. You want the hair to look edgy and have movement. These products should be used sparingly, too much wax and you'll be looking like an oil slick!
DAILY CARE: Everyone always assumes short hair is low-maintenance. (Insert laughing-so-hard-I'm-crying here.) First of all, if you're used to washing your hair every two or three days, I'm sorry to tell you that you're going to become a daily washer. You can't sleep in the aforementioned products and just run your fingers through your hair the next morning and go. They tend to plaster everything up in weird directions, not to mention make your hair really greasy. Find a good sulfate-free shampoo if you're afraid of stripping your hair, or try one of the new cleansing conditioners that are everywhere if you have a shampoo aversion.
MAINTENANCE: Get ready to spend a small fortune at the salon. I don't recommend a DIY pixie trim. To keep that barnet looking sharp and edgy rather than sadly grown out into a weird bowl cut, you need to go every six weeks for a trim. I recommend making a few appointments in advance so you aren't scrambling at the last minute.
