So, you’re pondering a big chop. That’s a big deal, we know, so you’ll want to be sure you get your chosen haircut exactly right. 

At this crucial juncture, information and inspiration are absolutely key. After all, there’s a big difference between a cub cut and a mixie – what might be one short hair lover’s dream is another’s nightmare, and thus research to nail down exactly what you like, what will work for you and what to ask for is essential. 

We’re here to help, with a guide to one of the cuts we propose should be on your list of potential styles: the wixie. 

Read on for everything you need to know. 

Wixie: a catchy name, but what does it mean? The ‘ixie’ bit, as you may have guessed, comes from the classic pixie cut, meaning a short, elf-ish crop. Then the ‘w’ is for ‘winged’, referring to the winged-out face-framing pieces at the front of the style. 

“The wixie is a softer and slightly more relaxed version of the pixie cut,” Jo Dyer, creative director at Yoke, Plymouth, tells Stylist. “Think soft perimeter, perhaps keeping some tendrils around the ears or back of the neck.”

Jo Robertson, education director at Eleven Australia UK, adds: “The ‘wixie’ is a modern take on the 1960s mod-inspired cut made famous by Vidal Sassoon’s muse Twiggy. It is a softer, longer and more versatile cut than the pixie cut. There is length left over the ears and neck which can be worn ‘winged’, which adds the illusion of fullness and length, making it a much softer option for shorter hair.”

“These sorts of cuts usually suit heart, round and oval face shapes, but we say if you are daring enough, just do it,” says Alysia Grimshaw, stylist at Spectrum One Salon. Hear, hear!

Texture-wise, a natural curl or wave will work gloriously with the wixie, to stick to that soft, natural vibe. 

“The wixie is perfect for anyone with natural movement in their hair and can be adapted for most face shapes,” notes Roberston. “You’ll be able to wear the fringe cropped or left longer for longer face shapes. We would not recommend this for anyone with poker-straight hair as it requires the hair to have natural movement.”

“Ask for soft tendrils and a longer perimeter to the usual crop style,” suggests Dyer. “Maintaining as much texture in the hair and releasing weight so the hair can move and be styled without heat is the dream. Opting for a razor cut would create this beautiful cut perfectly and really add texture to hair that’s a little straighter and naturally on the flatter side.”

As always, make sure to bring in plenty of photos to guide your stylist towards exactly what you want. What one person sees as a wixie might be totally different to what another sees, so visual references are vital. 

Make sure, too, to talk to your stylist about your natural hair texture and how much effort you’re up for putting into daily styling. That will allow them to make sure the wixie is right for you. “This style can be tweaked and personalised and really is all about giving your stylist free rein to give you the truest bespoke haircut,” notes Dyer.

Good news: if your stylist nails the cut, the maintenance is minimal. 

“This should be the easiest haircut of your life,” Dyer tells us. “For the undone look either leave the hair to dry or create a little more movement by using a mousse and diffusing the hair.”

You can also play around with wax and texturing sprays to change up the look day-to-day. 

Indecisive types, rejoice: the wixie is a dream to grow out if you sway back to wanting long hair. 

“It will grow out well with it being so textured and wispy looking,” says Grimshaw. “There are no harsh lines and it’s very low maintenance.”

Dyer adds: “It’s a great transitional haircut and just by bringing the back and perimeter up it will quickly evolve into a neat little French bob, or keep it more relaxed and allow it to migrate towards a mullet/shag.”

Main image: Getty