1. Pixie Cut
Detailed Description: The pixie features shorter sides and back (typically between 1/4 inch to 1 inch) with longer layers on top (usually 1-3 inches). The top length allows versatility—it can be styled forward, with side-sweep bangs, tousled for texture, or slicked back for a more formal look. Works beautifully with fine to medium hair textures and particularly flatters smaller faces with defined features.
Extended Maintenance Tips:
- Ask your stylist for point-cutting to create texture and prevent harsh lines
- Apply styling product to damp hair before drying to give direction and hold
- For everyday styling, try a pea-sized amount of pomade or texture paste
- Refresh second-day hair with dry shampoo at the roots and a light mist of water to reactivate product
- Consider subtle highlights or babylights to add dimension that grows out gracefully
2. Textured Bob
Detailed Description: This bob sits anywhere from jawline to 1-2 inches below, with invisible layers throughout that remove bulk and add movement. The ends are purposely texturized (often with a razor or point-cutting technique) to create piece-y definition rather than a solid line. This cut works well for straight, wavy, and moderately curly hair types.
Extended Maintenance Tips:
- Request texturizing on the ends but keep some weight at the bottom for shape
- Apply a lightweight mousse to damp hair, focusing on roots for volume
- For quick styling, rough-dry hair upside down until 80% dry, then finish with a round brush just on the ends and crown
- Use a wave spray and scrunch for an effortless beachy texture
- Between washes, use dry shampoo and twist sections away from your face before bed for refreshed morning texture
3. French Crop
Detailed Description: This sophisticated cut features tapered sides and back (often with a fade) while the top remains about 1-2 inches long with forward-falling texture. The top hair is cut with deliberate texture rather than even layers. Usually includes short, textured bangs that sit just above or at the eyebrows. Excellent for fine hair as it creates the illusion of density on top.
Extended Maintenance Tips:
- Ask for scissor-over-comb technique on sides for a softer look than clippers
- Style while damp with a tiny bit of styling cream worked from roots to ends
- For additional texture, blow dry against the natural growth pattern using fingers
- Use a light finishing hairspray to maintain shape without stiffness
- Consider a matte clay or fiber for definition without shine
4. Layered Pixie-Bob
Detailed Description: This hybrid cut sits between ear and chin length with graduated layers throughout. The back is typically shortest, gradually lengthening toward the front with face-framing pieces. Contains significant internal layering to remove weight and create natural movement. Versatile for various hair textures including wavy and curly.
Extended Maintenance Tips:
- Request “interior layers” to create volume without compromising the overall shape
- Apply volumizing mousse or spray to roots before blow drying
- Use a small round brush to create slight bends at the ends for movement
- Try a texturizing sea salt spray for effortless tousled finish
- Pin back one side with decorative clips for an instant style change
5. Short Shag
Detailed Description: This modern shag features choppy layers throughout with lots of texture and movement. Typically includes curtain bangs or textured fringe that blends into the layers. Length usually sits at or above shoulders with significant face-framing. The abundant layers create natural volume and work wonderfully with wavy and curly textures.
Extended Maintenance Tips:
- Ask for “weight removal” throughout rather than just layering the ends
- Apply styling cream to damp hair and scrunch or twist sections to enhance natural texture
- Finger-tousle hair while drying rather than using brushes for more organic texture
- Use a texturizing dry shampoo on second-day hair to revive volume
- Apply pomade just to the ends to separate pieces and define the cut’s texture
6. Blunt Micro Bob
Detailed Description: An architectural, precisely-cut bob that sits at chin level or slightly above. The hallmark is the perfectly straight line cut across the bottom with minimal to no layering. Often includes a straight bang that sits at or just above eyebrows. Works beautifully on straight hair but can also create striking structure with wavy hair.
Extended Maintenance Tips:
- Schedule regular 6-week trims to maintain the precise edge
- Apply smoothing serum to damp hair before blow-drying straight
- Use a flat iron with heat protectant for glass-like smoothness
- For a modern twist, add texture spray to the ends only
- Sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet to prevent morning flatness or kinks
7. Undercut Pixie
Detailed Description: This edgy style features significant length contrast—very short (often clipper-cut) sides and/or back with much longer top layers (typically 2-4 inches). The undercut can be as subtle as just at the nape or as bold as encompassing both sides up to the temple. The longer top provides styling versatility while the undercut reduces bulk and styling time.
Extended Maintenance Tips:
- Consider a 2-4 guard clipper length for undercut areas that grow out gracefully
- Keep a small trimmer at home for quick undercut refreshes between salon visits
- Apply styling paste to completely dry hair for defined texture and separation
- Try blow drying the longer top in different directions for varied looks
- Experiment with temporary color spray or wax on the longer sections for fun accents
8. Side-Swept Short Cut
Detailed Description: Features asymmetrical length with one side cut shorter (typically above the ear) while the opposite side has longer pieces (usually cheek to chin length) swept across the forehead. The back is cut short and tapered. Creates a soft yet striking look that frames the face beautifully.
Extended Maintenance Tips:
- Request heavier texturizing on the longer side to prevent it from looking too bulky
- Apply root lift spray before blow drying for volume and direction
- Use a round brush and blow dryer, directing hair to the longer side
- Set the style with a flexible-hold hairspray that still allows movement
- Consider a subtle side part rather than severe for a softer growing-out phase
9. Bowl Cut with Texture
Detailed Description: This reimagined classic features a curved perimeter that follows the shape of the head but with softened edges and internal texture. Length typically sits at or near ear level all around with slightly longer pieces at the nape and crown. Modern versions include face-framing wisps and textured edges rather than the severe line of traditional bowl cuts.
Extended Maintenance Tips:
- Ask for “notching” or point-cutting on the edges to soften the perimeter
- Apply styling cream to damp hair and use fingers to create separation
- Air dry when possible or use a diffuser attachment to maintain natural texture
- For a sleeker look, use a small flat iron just on the ends to create slight bends
- Consider a root shadow color technique for dimension that grows out seamlessly
10. Curly Pixie
Detailed Description: Specifically cut to enhance natural curl patterns, this pixie features strategic layering that allows curls to spring up and create height and volume. Typically longer on top (2-3 inches when curly) with shorter, graduated sides and back. Often includes longer pieces around the face to highlight cheekbones and eyes.
Extended Maintenance Tips:
- Request dry cutting to see how curls will actually fall and behave
- Use curl-enhancing cream or gel applied to soaking wet hair
- “Plop” with a microfiber towel for 10-15 minutes to set curl pattern
- Diffuse on low heat or air dry completely before touching or disturbing curls
- Refresh between washes with a water/conditioner spray and scrunch to reactivate