It's no wonder that the pixie cut — with its its iconic shape and versatility, from demure to punk rock — hasn't gone out of style since pretty much forever.
As every stylist knows, cutting a perfect pixie takes practice and skill. Sam Villa cutting educator Adrian Sandoval gives his go-to steps for mastering this eternally trendy cut.
“It’s not just about cutting short hair on our guests. It’s about creating a silhouette that most flatters their face shape,” Sandoval says.
“We need to be architects when working with short shapes. Shorter hair requires creating proportions with intent and balance from every angle," he says. "Architects design buildings based on landscapes; stylists design hair based on face shape.”
For this cut, Sandoval uses Sam Villa's Streamline Series Shear 5.5” and Signature Series InvisiBlend Shear.
“InvisiBlend Shears are my favorite when it comes to blending and removing weight. They glide right through hair without leaving any cut lines behind,” he says.
Step by Step
Partings: Part off the halo section at the parietal ridge. It is important to understand the different areas of the head.
Back and Sides: Working top to bottom, take center back profile section. Cut parallel following the angle of the head. While working towards the sides, sections should gradually go from vertical to diagonal forward behind the ear. Then to diagonal forward to horizontal when reaching the parietal ridge. Continue to follow head shape.
Crown: Working bottom to top, take a center back profile section cut at 90° following head shape. Continue to take vertical sections and match cut at 90° to complete the crown.
Top: Using guide from crown take center profile section. Cut square by elevating the hair straight up off the head. Match cut remainder of top with square elevation.
Texturizing: Visually blend unwanted weight and corners from shape. Use shear-over-comb and twist-cutting techniques for this look.