A well-crafted pixie cut with strategic layers and sideswept bangs is often considered an excellent choice for women over 50 with fine hair who wish to update their ‘do this fall, according to experienced stylists and hair experts. If you’re looking for a refreshing change this autumn, a choppy pixie cut might be the ideal option.
Expertly styled pixie cuts not only frame your face and highlight your best features but also boost your confidence and help you stand out. We spoke with professionals to learn more about layered pixie cuts with voluminous bangs and other trends that can add volume to your hair while accentuating your favorite attributes.
Read on for suggestions and insight from Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and Founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles and Krysta Guerrero, owner and stylist at Base Salon Chicago.
4 Chic Fall Pixie Haircuts That Bring Volume And Movement For Women Over 40
1. Bixie
If you can't decide between a bob or pixie, we have good news. You don't have to! A 'bixie' (or bob-meets-pixie) like Jane Fonda's is very in for fall, and can be a very flattering and chic choice, Guerrero explains. There are elements of both styles to play with here in this social media-fave cut, and now is a great time to find what works for you. "The bixie is a traditional bob haircut that’s combined with a pixie," she says.
"The nice thing about a bixie is its versatility — not only can you adjust the length and opt to have it a little longer, but there is no one way to do it when it comes to the style. The cut is totally customizable based on your preference."
2. Pixie with a Deep Side Part
Side parts evoke not only Old Hollywood, timeless glam— they also provide instant volume to short hair. As Abdullah points out, "in this manner, you can move the hair from one side to the other, as you wish." The added hair going over, she says, as seen here on Kate Mara's more modern, fresh take, will increase volume in the area as well, especially if your hair is used to being parted down the center.
"If you really prefer a center part, make a short one instead so that the hair in front goes to either side of your face," she suggests. "Then the hair in the center can be brushed back. Any difference that you create when your hair is used to lying flat and completely to the sides will create volume and make a big difference," she says.
3. Pixie with Sideswept Fringe
One specific short 'do that can highlight your eyes, cheekbones, and face shape is a pixie cut with sideswept bangs. "Ever seen a pixie cut where the bangs steal all the attention? This is what you're after: long, side-swept bangs," Abdullah explains. Halle Berry's look above is a great example. The length of the bangs is up to you, but Abdullah stresses that they should be sideswept.
"The rest of your hair should be piece-y and angled. She adds that "the cut should swirl around your head to hide hair loss." Abdullah shares that a pixie cut with layers still maintains volume that is both gorgeous and easy to manage. That way you can give off an effortlessly chic look!
4. Pixie with Choppy Layers
Rather than going for a one-length cut that can weigh your locks down, layers can add volume and movement, Abdullah notes. When you head to the salon, Abdullah says to first ask your stylist about "the amount and placement of layers that will help create volume and body in your hair" and that you would like to create more volume with your pixie cut. "Generally, pixies that add volume are cut very short in the back, a little long around the ears, and long up top,” she notes.
"The layers can be cut to swirl around the head to hide thinning in whichever areas [it's] most apparent." Of course, it's also a good idea to "take a few pictures into the salon to see what’s possible (like Jamie Lee Curtis here) and will look best on you."
The Bottom Line
The most flattering layers for a pixie "are cut on a slight angle and are meant to help create volume," Abdullah concludes. To reiterate, sideswept fringe, when added to a pixie, "neatly frames the face while drawing attention away from serious aging signs."
Rivera adds that these bangs can "also detract from the appearance of fine or limp hair and can add dimension to a style." She also notes that they "can be styled in a variety of ways which can lead to the hair appearing fuller." The more you know!
