Finessing a Fine Hair Pixie

By Sam Villa 

“Simplicity blended with precision is today's polished elegance. Fine hair that’s naturally straight to moderately wavy is soft, flowing and head hugging. An ideal texture for this quintessential pixie,” explains Teresa Romero, creative director for Sam Villa. This go-to haircut can be worn by many personalities and face shapes, the customization is reflected through texturing. Remember to: 

• Keep cutting sections thin and precise 
• Avoid excessive over direction 
• Save texturing for when hair is dry for maximum refinement  

“Since fine hair is already visually soft and hugs the head, it’s important to texturize with a plan. Deliberate point cuts in a ‘V’ shape across the top and in the fringe will create movement and depth, while random point cuts create soft floating pieces,” adds Romero. 

How to Cut a Fine Hair Pixie 

1. Use Sam Villa Signature Series 5.75” Shears on damp hair and starting behind the right ear, use diagonal back sections to elevate hair 90 degrees. Fingers should mirror the section line. Allow hair to remain 2–3 inches long.  
2. Working with a traveling guide, repeat sections until just past the center back.  
3. Repeat the process at the left back of the ear. 
4. Using vertical sections through the crown and sides, blend with the hair behind the ears.  
5. On the top, elevate the hair straight up and blend to the sides and crown.  
6. Leave a longer fringe to soften and highlight eyes or create drama with micro fringe.   
7. Air dry with Redken One United Leave-In Conditioner or blow dry with a Sam Villa Professional Light Ionic Blow Dryer and Redken Big Blowout for volume and texture.  

Credits:

• Creative Director: Teresa Romero 
• Hair: Becka Bradshaw Sam Villa Ambassador 
• Photographer: Nico Nordstrom Obsidian and Blush 
• Wardrobe: Michi Lafary Obsidian and Blush 
• Tools: Sam Villa 
• Products: Redken 
• Makeup: Leticia Tapia and Delia DeLeon 
• Model: Tana Rose  

Sam Villa is the co-founder and chief creative officer of the Sam Villa Company (Allvus, LLC), a leading education and styling tool company for the professional hair industry. He is also Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken 5th Avenue, a L’Oreal brand. Villa is the 2021 NAHA Educator of the Year, Hair Awards USA Hall of Fame Inductee, 2021 AHP Icon Stylist Influencer of the Year, 2020 International Hairdressing Awards ‘International Hair Influencer of the Year,’ the 2017 NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Intercoiffure America/Canada Member, Behind the Chair Stylist Choice Award Winner for Favorite Platform Artist and Educator (2012, 2011 and 2007) and Favorite Overall Educator of the Year (2015). His inspiring education and innovative ergonomic styling tools can be experienced at samvilla.com. The Sam Villa brand brings free digital education to everyone, including hot tips and techniques, as well as access to livestreamed educational events. The company also offers professional tools for consumers so they can achieve salon-quality results at home with minimal effort.   

Facebook: @SamVillaPros; Instagram: @SamVillaHair;  YouTube: @SamVillaHair;  

Twitter: @SamVillaPro;; Pinterest: @SamVillaHair. Contact: Glow Communications / squinn.glow@me.com, 207-781-2598. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is a pixie haircut? A pixie cut is a short hairstyle that is short in the back and on the sides of the head and slightly longer on the top. It usually has very short bangs.  
    
2. How do I cut a pixie? Starting at the nape, establish a guide and length desired. This can be cut feathered or in a blunt line. Working your way up the back of the head, cut at a 90-degree angle. Once the back of the head is cut, transition behind the right ear, using diagonal back sections to elevate the hair 90 degrees. Fingers should mirror the section line. Allow the hair to remain 2–3 inches long, depending on the desired finished look. Working with a traveling guide, repeat sections until just past the center back. Repeat the process at the left back of the ear. Using vertical sections through the crown and sides, blend with the hair behind the ears. On the top, elevate the hair straight up and blend to the sides and crown. Leave a longer fringe to soften and highlight the eyes or create drama with micro fringe.    
    
3. How do you add texture to a haircut? If you’re curious how to add texture to a haircut, point cutting the hair, using texturizing shears, or cutting on an angle can help create texture. Cutting in a straight line or a “blunt” cut will do the opposite. 
    
4. What is fine hair? Fine hair is smaller or thinner in width, diameter, or circumference of the actual hair strand. 
    
5. How do you style fine hair? If you want to know how to style fine hair, here are a few tips on styling fine hair: Use volumizing shampoos and conditioners to help reduce the oil in the natural hair and add thickening like agents to the individual hair strands. Use a dry shampoo to keep the oil away in between washings. Use a volumizing mousse or root booster when the hair is damp for fullness and volume when blow-drying. Use a thickening spray to increase fullness and thickness of the individual hair strands. Use rollers after curling or blow-drying to set the hair as it cools and add volume. Don't over-brush the hair. Overbrushing distributes the natural oils throughout the hair strand, causing it to become limp.
    
6. What haircut is best for fine hair? A short haircut such as a pixie or bob will help add volume to fine or limp hair. A blunt cut will give the appearance of thickness, and a pixie cut will create fullness throughout.