The Undercut Pixie: A Guide To Styling The Look The Modern Way In 2025 (2025)

Short haircuts have maintained a reputation for being edgy, androgenous and effortlessly cool; much of that is thanks to the original it-girl style, the undercut pixie. A soft, choppy 'do with a spunky statement allure, the undercut pixie has graced the heads of some of Hollywood's most glamorous women, from Scarlett Johansson to Katy Perry.

However, as with many dramatic haircuts and make-up styles, the undercut pixie had its heyday around the mid-2000s (think Tilda Swindon or Pink), taking a backseat in recent years to make way for trendy micro-bobs and wispy, longer pixie cuts. Despite no longer leading the charge when it comes to eye-catching shorter crops, there are sleek ways to wear the undercut pixie to keep it modern and fresh, while maintaining its classic shape.

We asked expert hairstylists to weigh in on the best ways to wear the undercut pixie for spring 2025, including how to style it and grow it out.

What Is An Undercut Pixie?

'An undercut pixie is like the edgy sister of the classic pixie cut,' says celebrity hairstylist and ghd ambassador, Samantha Cusick. 'It’s where a section of hair, typically at the sides or back, is shaved or closely clipped, creating a bold contrast with the longer top. Think punk rock meets polished sophistication.'

In short, the style is longer on the top of the head than it is around the perimeters, creating a disconnect and contrast in lengths. This makes the dimensional haircut ideal for every hair texture - not to mention, it cuts styling time down dramatically.

How Do You Cut An Undercut Pixie?

While we would never recommend cutting any pixie at home, particularly if you're starting off with longer lengths, it's important to understand the process of the haircut so you know what to ask your stylist for.

'To cut an undercut pixie, we separate the top and cut the underneath very short with scissors over comb. It can also be cut with the clippers for a more masculine effect,' says Christophe Potin, Artistic Director and Educator at Aveda UK. 'Then, we shape the top with choppy layers which is a nice combination of sharp meets texture and gives a very cool silhouette.'

How Do You Style An Undercut Pixie?

To start, Cusick recommends using your fingers to tousle your hair at the roots for texture and lift. 'The ghd Mini Styler is perfect for adding volume—lift sections of hair at the top and straighten them slightly away from the scalp to create soft height and movement,' she says. 'Finish with a light mist of the ghd Perfect Ending Final Fix Hairspray to lock in your look while keeping it touchable and polished all day.'

According to Potin, the cut is particularly good for thick hair as it reduces unwanted volume, although it needs a frequent shaping every 6 to 7 weeks to maintain that perfect shape.

'It is so easy to style as the haircut defines the style so the hair can be washed almost every day then using a prep product like Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam, dried with your fingers or a brush for smoother finish,' he says. 'Add Aveda Control Paste for separation if you would like it to be styled more spiky. This cut is very versatile.'

How Do You Grow Out An Undercut Pixie?

As with any haircut - bobs, layers, pixies - all good styles must come to an end, and eventually you might want to grow your undercut pixie out.

'Luckily, growing out an undercut pixie doesn’t have to be a nightmare—it’s all about maintenance and styling,' Cusick assures us. 'Regular trims are essential to avoid awkward uneven growth. Use the ghd Mini Styler to tame any rebellious sections and create a smooth, styled look while transitioning to your next hairstyle.'

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