The pixie is a haircut synonymous with cool girls. Zoë Kravitz, Halsey, Ruby Rose, I'm looking @ you. But contrary to popular belief, there are many iterations of the short style. I mean, there's the flapper pixie, textured pixie, asymmetrical pixie and more, but my favourite – and the one you're about to see everywhere this season – is the undercut pixie.
So, to prep you for the soon-to-be most on-trend style (more on its rise to fame later), we consulted hairstylist Polly Levy, who shared everything to know about the cut.
What is the undercut pixie?
To put it simply, the undercut pixie is a traditional pixie cut but with a bit of an edge. "The sides or back (sometimes both) are shaved or clipped super short (think clippers, not scissors), while the top stays longer and textured," Polly explains.
"It’s got that cool contrast of soft and bold, which makes it feel really modern and wearable."
Who is best suited to the undercut pixie?
IDK about you, but here at Cosmo Beauty, we believe that anyone can sport any hairstyle. In other words, we don't like subscribing to the idea that you've got to have a certain haircut just because you have a specific face shape. However, if you are seeking the most flattering 'do to enhance your features, fear not because Polly says that the undercut pixie works for just about everyone.
"Honestly, anyone can rock it," Polly says, "it just depends on how it’s cut and styled to suit your features." So, whether your face is oval, heart or square-shaped, you've got the green light! Round faces can wear it too, "especially if the top is styled with volume to elongate the face a bit," Polly explains.
Better yet, Polly says that "if you’ve got strong cheekbones or a defined jaw, this cut will highlight them big time."
In terms of hair texture, Polly says that, again, the undercut pixie can work for almost everyone, but particularly those with fine hair. "It works well on fine hair because the undercut gives it structure, and it can help thick hair feel lighter and more manageable," she says. If you've got coily or curly hair, Polly advises going to a trusted stylist who understands how to shape and layer curls so they fall right. "It might need a little more styling, but it can look incredible."
How to style the undercut pixie
The beauty of this cut? It doesn’t take much styling! Polly says that "texturising spray, pomade, or wax" will be your BFF. "Just mess it up with your fingers and go."
That or you can "smooth it down for a sleek look, spike it up for a rocker vibe, or curl the top for softness." It’s low effort with high payoff.
That all said, while it's low-maintenance in the styling department, the undercut part of the look grows out fast. So if you like it crisp and clean, Polly recommends a trim every 3–4 weeks. The top part of the undercut can go 6–8 weeks without a trim, depending on the length.
It’s not crazy high maintenance, but it's worth noting that it needs a little upkeep.
Your undercut pixie styling kit
KMS Hairplay Molding Paste 150ml
Color WOW Style on Steroids Performance Enhancing Texture Spray 262ml
ARKIVE Headcare The Scene Setter Hybrid Pomade 50ml
Benefits of the undercut pixie
It’s versatile
Not all undercut pixies are the same because you can play with the length. Polly says you can go "super short and choppy on top or keep it longer for some swoopy fringe."
It's trending!
Polly is the director of Myla and Davis in London and sees many people come through the salon doors. With this, she's identified that the undercut pixie is trending, "especially with people wanting low-maintenance cuts that still feel bold."
"People are asking for it," Polly tells me, "[...] it’s a fave among anyone looking to shake things up without going full buzzcut." And not only that, but she says it's a timeless rebel look! Think Audrey Hepburn meets Ruby Rose.
Not convinced? Let the inspo pics do all the talking...
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
