The ‘lixie cut’ is for girls who aren't ready to join the short hair gang

Not so short and sweet.

24 October 2025

The 'Lixie Cut' Is For Girls Who Aren't Ready To Join The Short Hair Gang

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Shoulder-skimming bobs have dominated the hair conversation in 2025, with shorter hairstyles taking a backseat. But right now, the ‘lixie’ has emerged as the unlikely frontrunner to be crowned winter's biggest haircut trend.

Essentially a long pixie, this fashion-forward cut is characterised by face-framing fringes and feathered layers that emphasise natural movement. "It strikes the perfect balance between chic and effortless—it’s short enough to feel fresh and liberating, but with just enough length to play with texture, volume, and softness," says Mark Hayes, senior international creative director at Vidal Sassoon.

And it's catnip for anyone who wants a crop without losing too much length as the season for big collars and high roll-necks approaches.

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What should you ask your hairstylist for?

Mark recommends asking for “a pixie with longer layers on top, tapered sides and softness around the hairline. The key is keeping enough length to style it in different ways, whether it’s sleek, tousled or with a fringe.”

The main conversation you need to have with your hairdresser is about what length suits you best, especially the length around the sides, adds hairstylist Philipp Haug from the Haug London Haus salon. “The appeal of a long pixie is that it's an introduction to going short if you don't want to do so straightaway," he says. "With keeping a bit more length, you'll have more softness, more movement and texture to the hair, too.”

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Who suits a ‘lixie’?

The ‘lixie’ works brilliantly on straight hair, but it's a style that's perfect for embracing natural curls, too.

According to Sam Ashcroft, principal stylist at Josh Wood Atelier, this longer chic pixie (which he has dubbed the ‘chixie’), is “more controlled than cherub curls – a.k.a baby-fine spirals resembling a young child's – but less precise than a pixie cut.” The undone, natural shape is "versatile, soft and feminine and easy to wash and go, making it perfect for those with curls who want a quick style.”

A long pixie also suits oval and heart-shaped faces in particular, adds Mark.

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How should you style a ‘lixie’?

The ‘lixie’ is all about versatility. “It can be worn sleek with a pea-sized amount of shine serum for polish,” says Mark. "Then add a texture spray or mousse for volume and finger style for an undone result," before finishing with a mist of flexible-hold hairspray to keep your look in place without stiffness.

A good blow-dry is also key, although not necessarily with a brush. “It's nice to rough dry hair so it looks kind of messy, or to just blast it gently to encourage any natural curls to come out,” says Philipp, who likes a leave-in styling cream to add shine and a bit of weight to the hair. “You don't want a long pixie to be too big – it should sit nicely around the head," he notes.