10 Pixie Shag Haircuts That'll Convince You to Go Short

Let these celeb-inspired looks inspire you.

Victoria Moorhouse

Updated on February 2, 2024 @ 02:00PM

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Kate Hudson textured blonde pixie shag haircut — Photo: Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Every time I get a trim, I shudder at the thought of losing more than two inches. Whether I like it or not, long hair is my security blanket. Despite that, I still feel total envy for anyone with a pixie shag haircut, you know, that short, cropped style with lots of layers. Not only does it accentuate your facial features but it's also a statement in and of itself.

"What I like best about this haircut is how it frames the face and enhances the cheekbones," hairstylist Arsen Gurgov tells me. And aside from regular salon visits every few weeks to keep the shape of the haircut, it's pretty low-maintenance. "A shaggy pixie is a wash-and-go style," notes Gurgov. "For everyday styling, you can add some texture with a styling cream or pomade, but avoid using too much. It will weigh the hair down and make it look greasy. Less really is more in this case."

meet the expert

Arsen Gurgov is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of his eponymous salon in New York City.

Keep scrolling to see 10 celebrities who have worn the pixie shag haircut best.

01 of 10

Side-Swept

J.Law's choppy style features more length on the top and in the front, mimicking the appearance of side-swept bangs. She proves that growing out a pixie doesn't have to look awkward; in fact, it can be super stylish.

02 of 10

Choppy

Jodie Turner-Smith with a bronde pixie shag haircut — Andreas Rentz / Getty Images

A bit shorter than your standard shaggy pixie, Jodie Turner-Smith's version is anything but ordinary. Its choppy texture and bronde color work to add dimension and interest to her locks.

03 of 10

Zig-Zag Parted

Katie Holmes pixie shag haircut with zigzag parting — Michael Stewart / Getty Images

Haven't you heard? Zig-zag parting has made a comeback — just look at Katie Holmes as proof. She complements this edgy Y2K parting with a soft, shaggy pixie. The results are refreshingly modern.

04 of 10

Retro Waves

Greta Gerwig short blonde wavy pixie shag haircut — Valerie Macon / Getty Images

If the idea of chopping all your hair off is still too jarring, try a haircut that falls between a bob and pixie, like Greta Gerwig. You can wear it wavy with a center part and forward-facing, or push it to the back to get an idea of what a true choppy pixie would look like.

05 of 10

Stylized Bangs

Janelle Monáe choppy black pixie shag haircut styled underneath a hat — Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Uneven strands around the forehead — some longer, some shorter and choppier — give Janelle Monáe's haircut an edgier vibe. The lash-grazing length of her bangs also serves to bring out her eyes.

06 of 10

Tousled Texture

Kaley Cuoco dirty blonde tousled pixie shag haircut — Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Kaley Cuoco's haircut features a significant amount of length on top. The tousled, wind-blown texture brings out the variations of length within the cut and even makes the hair look thicker.

07 of 10

Volumized With Long Layers

Kris Jenner pixie shag haircut — Steve Granitz/Getty Images

This is Kris Jenner's signature haircut, and she has stuck with it for years. The momager's shaggy pixie cut always consists of volume on top and longer layers framing her face.

08 of 10

Super Sleek

Viola Davis pixie shag haircut with long sleek bangs — George Pimentel / Getty Images

While Kris Jenner prefers a tousled, spiky texture, Viola Davis is known for wearing her cut sleek, emphasizing the length on top. As for that glossy finish? A shine-inducing product, like Davine's Oi Oil ($51), is key.

09 of 10

Curly

Curly hair types can sport a pixie shag, too. To keep your coils defined, follow Ruth Negga's lead and invest in moisturizing hair products. And remember to tousle your curls for a visually effortless finish.

10 of 10

Piecey Texture

Kate Hudson blonde textured pixie shag haircut — Steve Granitz / Getty Images

Take the full plunge like Hudson and ask for less length on top, but still enough for texturizing paste to add movement to your hair. This cut might be shorter than your average shaggy pixie, but sometimes less is more.

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