30 Long Pixie Cuts to Try for a Fuller, More Malleable Take on the Abbreviated Cut

The Gist

• Pixie cuts refer to hair that is generally short—especially on the sides and back—while having slightly longer hair on top.

• Longer pixie styles are sometimes called bixies, because they are halfway between a bob and a pixie.

• These types of pixie cuts are still on the shorter end, tending to hit between the top of the head and the nape of the neck.

A pixie is often viewed as a super-short crop. But, you're more than welcome to take an approach with a bit more length, whether that's your target from the start or a consequence of growing out the micro cut . You just need the right inspiration to make it happen.

"The long pixie is an effortless take on the traditional pixie cut," says hairstylist Amber Maynard Bolt. "It is typically short through the back and sides like a pixie, but with longer layers or bangs on top. It is a more low-maintenance alternative to the pixie. It's also a great look for someone who normally wears it shorter to change into." Bolt adds that this style is great for all hair types and textures, and there are endless possibilities for styling it.

"Really, anyone can wear a long pixie," agrees stylist Matthew Collins. "What exact cut you have, however, depends on your hair type or face shape," he adds. Ahead, Bolt, Collins, and celeb hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons share their best styling tips and industry insight.

Meet Our Expert

• Amber Maynard Bolt is a hairstylist, co-owner of Weho Hair Salon, and a K18 ambassador.

• Matthew Collins is a celebrity stylist and Dyson global styling ambassador.

• Andrew Fitzsimons is a celebrity stylist and founder of Andrew Fitzsimons haircare.

To be sure, longer pixie cuts have been a classic style since Twiggy's heyday and the mod era of the '60s. But this is still a popular haircut today—with A-listers like Emma Stone, Taraji P. Henson, and Michelle Williams all recently donning longer pixies.

Keep scrolling for 37 celebrity-approved ways to style your long pixie.

01 of 30

Pun-Up Curl

Quinta Brunson's Betty Boop-inspired pixie cut is what pin-up dreams are made of. Featuring a deep side part and a dreamy kiss curl, the style is low-maintenance enough for daily wear and still easy to elevate for fancier events. To get fluid waves like Brunson, consider a strong hold pomade.

02 of 30

Trendy Bixie

Rowan Blanchard's cut is also known as the trendy "bixie" (a.k.a. a bob crossed with a pixie). Bolt recommends using a bond-repair mask to support a healthy mane for styling.

03 of 30

Old Hollywood Glamour

According to Collins, a creative way to approach the longer pixie is to go the side-swept bangs route . Halle Berry's longer pixie with deconstructed finger waves is a spin on side bangs that supplies a glamorous Old Hollywood vibe.

04 of 30

Textured Waves

Textured pixies are great for all hair textures and face shapes because they're easily customizable. Here, Teyana Taylor shows how a little bit of texture (i.e., waves) adds tons of dimension to shorter styles. The soft curls at the forehead are also a beautiful touch, as they help soften up Taylor's strong jawline.

05 of 30

Wispy Fringe

For decades, Kris Jenner has been blessing screens and red carpets in her iconic pixie cut. One reason it stands out among the rest is that it's thick at the top and sides but features delicate, wispy, side-swept bangs in the front.

06 of 30

Braided Elegance

Give your longer pixie the plaited treatment for a stunning protective style . Danai Gurira wraps her braids in intricate, waved shapes along her face for an elegant red carpet look.

07 of 30

Shaggy Bowl Cut

Remove bulkiness from thick hair by opting for a shaggy pixie. The cut's signature short, choppy layers take out some of the hair's weight and add movement. Follow Naomi Scott's lead by opting for lash-grazing bangs that accentuate the eyes for a look that's wide awake.

08 of 30

Sleek and Side-Swept

Janelle Monáe's side-swept longer pixie is chic and classic. Simply part your hair on one side and style your longer layers in an effortless wave for a sultry look that's suitable on all hair textures.

09 of 30

With Micro Bangs

Bangs can completely transform your pixie. Here, Greta Lee's piecey micro fringe lends a French-girl vibe to her look. Collins recommends using a strong mousse or thickening tonic to add some grit and definition to fine hair before blow-drying it. A dry matte paste is a great option to finish the hair and lock it in place.

InStyle Tip

Wondering if micro bangs will look good on you? The chances are high, considering the fringe complements oval, round, square, heart, and diamond face shapes . You just have to personalize the style to your face shape and hair texture.

10 of 30

Curly Crop

Collins is a huge fan of curly, longer pixies . Logan Browning wears her natural curls here, which perfectly frame her face. There are even a few longer tendrils at the front, which give the illusion of bangs without the full commitment.

11 of 30

Soft Retro

Halsey's wavy hair gives their longer pixie cut a retro feel. The curled ends, which add extra dimension, are a particularly amazing touch. This look can go soft or edgy, as Halsey demonstrates here.

12 of 30

With an Undercut

Taraji P. Henson's longer pixie cut, combined with an undercut, is equal parts edgy and elegant. Her caramel-colored highlights lend dimension to her hair, and hair aficionados will be taking notes.

13 of 30

Wet and Tousled

According to Fitzsimons, longer pixies are a great option if you're looking for something low-maintenance but still creative. Opt for a deep side part and layered waves to define the face and play up the drama like Tyla here.

InStyle Tip

Pixies, even in their longer iterations, are low-maintenance haircuts because they don't require much daily styling. However, to keep the length of a pixie, you'll need to get more frequent trims (about every four to six weeks).

14 of 30

Platinum Blonde

Bolt says you can always turn to Michelle Williams for longer pixie inspo. Her go-to hairstyle remains iconic and super easy to recreate with a stylist. Just ask your preferred hair curator to leave a bit more length in the front of your pixie. This way, you'll be able to feign bangs just like Miss Williams.

15 of 30

Natural and Elongating

Viola Davis has been serving up major pixie cuts for years now. In this rendition, she embraces her natural texture for a heightened style that still slays. Since this cut elongates, consider it for balancing out a rounder face.

16 of 30

Lash-Grazing Bangs

The coolest way to frame your face with a long pixie? Lash-grazing bangs, as demonstrated by Demi Lovato with their graphic crop. The key to keeping this pixie youthful is pulling the rest of the side pieces all the way to the back.

17 of 30

Silver Shag

Cara Delevingne's silver hair is chic on its own, but with added layers to her longer pixie, it's one of the best shag cuts around. Not only is it low maintenance, but it's clearly also appropriate for any occasion (like the Met Gala red carpet or a girls' night).

18 of 30

Retro Wave

Give your deep side part a retro spin. Here, Evan Rachel Wood adds a classic Old Hollywood wave to her hair for a cool, vintage effect. As an added bonus, this style will help keep your hair out of your face.

Tips

Darker roots pop against a bright blonde base to give hair some added dimension. To balance out blonde color for fall , opt for darker undertones for your longer pixie.

19 of 30

Piecey Perfection

Piecey, side-swept bangs make for a playful look. Here, Kerry Washington adds texture to her cut with layers throughout. Make sure to ask for longer pieces so that you can more closely replicate Washington's style.

20 of 30

Plaited Detail

Give your longer pixie cut some unique accents with braided layers. Julianne Hough's crop is adorned with French braid-like details along the hairline that help add volume and interest.

21 of 30

Side-Swept

If you have thick hair , a deep side part pays dividends for a longer pixie cut. Gabrielle Union's hair is swept all to one side, which adds volume to her already bold style. Plus, the asymmetrical style modernizes this classic look.

22 of 30

Swept Back

For a more casual spin on the wet hair look, give your longer pixie some movement. Maggie Gyllenhaal's layers are only partially slicked back and have that tousled feel for an effortless vibe.

23 of 30

Pop of Pink

If you're still in your Barbiecore era , give your longer pixie cut the ultimate dye job and go hot pink like Nicole Richie. The rich shade adds just enough dimension to her perfectly undone layers.

24 of 30

Tousled Layers

Tousled layers are often the way to go for a longer pixie cut, especially if you have fine hair and want to give it some added dimension. Robin Wright wears her layers in front as bangs for a nice added touch. This is a great pick for folks who have naturally straight tresses because there's virtually no styling time.

25 of 30

Gray Radiance

A longer pixie cut can be a powerful signature. For proof, look no further than Jamie Lee Curtis. The actor embraces her natural silver and styles her 'do with piecey textured bangs and a boost of volume at the crown. This is a great way to keep things youthful while still embracing your grays.

26 of 30

Soft Structure

Storm Reid wears her warm blonde, longer pixie cut in a soft-yet-structured pouf. The top of her hairstyle—full of loose, voluminous waves—lends an air of romance that contrasts nicely with the shorter sides.

27 of 30

Straight and Sleek

Those with straight strands may want to style them à la wet look for a trendy take on a longer pixie haircut. If you have a diamond or oblong face shape, consider a length that hits right at the jawline to accentuate your bone structure and avoid elongating your face, respectively.

28 of 30

Platinum and Polished

If you have fine hair, you'll want to apply product to give it body. Bolt recommends starting with a thickening or volumizing spray to add a "little oomph."

29 of 30

Springy Spirals

The easiest way to style your longer pixie is by working with your hair texture rather than against it. In the case of Ruth Negga, she embraces her curls, which lend natural volume to her longer pixie haircut. Don't forget to apply a curl cream to give your tendrils definition.

30 of 30

Sweet and Spiky

Defining Florence Pugh's spiky pixie with a statement retro curl? Not an easy task. On the one hand, it's edgy; and on the other, it's romantic—literally. This is hands-down a hairstyle that can adapt to any mood and occasion.

Read the original article on InStyle