The pixie cut is still a huge trend but what if you went for the big chop and decided it’s not for you? Or maybe you just feel like a change and want to go long again?
Here is your pain-free guide to growing out your pixie cut. There’ll be no “awkward” phase in this hair plan.
Through my own experience growing my hair out from a super short pixie I can tell you it doesn’t have to be an unpleasant process. You can have fun with your hair on the way.
Have a game plan
Although you may think you want to avoid your hairdresser when growing your hair, they will be your best friend when growing out a pixie cut.
Talk to your hairdresser about your ideal hair length and they can help you work out the stages to get there. You’ll have a different cutting strategy depending on whether your ideal cut is layered or all one length. You won’t need to get your hair cut as often, but regular trims will get rid of split ends and any mullet that will appear. You can plan for different styles along the way and really enjoy the growing out phase.
Distract with colour
Talk to your stylist about using colour to add style while you’re growing your hair. My super short pixie was dark brown and I dyed my hair pink and white through the first growth phase. It became one of all my all time favourite hairstyles.
Pink hair may be extreme for you, but what about balayage highlights or semi-permanent colour? Your hair is still very short and a change of colour is the perfect distraction when you’re in between styles.
Learn a new style
Talk to your hairdresser about how to style your hair at home. You might want to try a new styling product for short hair like a styling powder or paste to keep your hair in shape. You can try a short twisted upstyle or braids in short hair.
Show your hair some love
Conditioning treatments and head massages are fabulous. Why not treat yourself while you’re growing your hair? There’s no proof they make your hair grow faster, but they will keep your hair in top condition and you’ll feel amazing.
Eat well
There is one way to make your hair grow faster and that’s by speeding up your metabolism. Exercise and a balanced diet that’s high in protein, iron and zinc will have a positive effect on your hair growth cycle.
Be patient
Hair grows around 1 inch per month, so calculate how long it will take to get to your ideal length so you can keep your expectations in check.
Accessorise
Hair accessories are the perfect distraction for growing out your hair. Stock up on headbands, bobby pins, clips, turbans and hats to keep your distracted from thinking about cutting your hair.
Looking for some hairspiration for that “in between” time? The pixie trend has been a celeb trend for long enough now that we can see how these styles grow out. One of my favourites is Carey Mulligan as I think she’s created some great looks for what you previously thought were the “awkward” stages.
Have you grown out a pixie haircut? What are your tips for growing your hair?
Images – Getty, Wire





















{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you so much for this post! I am trying, AGAIN, to grow out my pixie. Seeing these 9 pictures of Carey Mulligan has shown me I have come a long way – however I’m now at the dreaded back flicking out stage. I’m thinking maybe a quick trip to the hairdressers for some colour could get me through! Thanks again. Love your blog!
Thanks Tina! Or you should try some twist & pin hairstyles to keep those flicks out of the way until they get a bit longer x
I’m trying to grow my hair long enough so I can get hair extensions put in. Its so frustrating, its just not growing fast enough. I keep telling myself, everyday I get closer to it being long enough so keep going, don’t up!
I’ve had short hair – as in boy cut, for about 17 years so its going to be crazy weird having long hair. I love your site as I’ve never really thought about my hair, but I’m loving all the different styles and looks you can have, I’m really excited at the chance to have a new me!
Courtney @ Nobashake recently posted..Prose Poem ~ Desiderata
Thanks Courtney! Stay strong with growing your hair, I think after 17 years the change will be crazy!
I love you. I know one day I’ll need to grow my hair but now you’ve assured me that I’m gonna be okay and won’t look so awful. I LOVE YOU.
Nora
No need to grow your hair – pixie is always in style, especially now xxx
My hair is medium long and I am always looking for fun things to do with my hair. Your twist and pin idea is amazing, thank you for sharing. I plan to buy the ebook and try every one!
Val
Thank you so much Val! Let me know if you have any questions about the hairstyles x
Love this post! I cut my longish hair (a long bob) short only yesterday. Although I like the cut – and will probably keep short it for a while – I just know that I’ll want to grow it out at some point. This post actually has me excited for the growing out phase!
Thanks Judith!
Love this articale
I currently am trying to grow out a pixie cut, it does not suit me at all but I had no choice i bleached it and ruined my hair so much so thought I’d get it cut really short and let it grow healthier . This really helped me Its at the akward stage at the moment but just gottta wait to payday to get it dyed to distaract myself! Big thanks to this! xxxxx
Thank you for this post! I especially love the pics of Carey Mulligan. I wish I had a professional stylist with me at all times to get me through the awkward stages. I’m having the WORST time trying to decide if I should keep my pixie (had it for 2.5 years) or grow I out. I tried when I was pregnant and started feeling so mullet-y and weird that I chopped it all off super short right before my due date. I’m breastfeeding currently and feel like the hormones are making my hair grow faster so maybe now is the time? Guess I’m just bored and feel like maybe there are more flattering styles out there for me. The husband is no help- says he likes it really short and medium length but hates the in between stages (I grew it out for 2 years before our wedding)…sorry, honey, you can’t just skip to medium length hair! Maybe longer hair would make me feel sexier…but short hair is so easy with a baby…aahhh I just can’t decide!!! I just want someone to decide for me!
Thank Rebecca! Sounds like it could be a good time to try to grow it. You can always chop if it gets too hard. As long as you keep trimming your mullet until the rest of your hair catches up you’ll make it x
Thank you for this post! My hair is growing out after chemotherapy and I cut it into a pixie and now I want it to get long again! I have horrible flipping out duck feathers mullet thing in the back that I am getting trimmed up today. I’m glad I’m not the only one going through this!
Thanks Cara, I hope you’re recovering well. You’re not alone. Just keep trimning that mullet and the rest of your hair will catch up soon x
i LOVE this, Carey has been my hair-spiration for the past few years! I cut it short about 2.5/3years ago and am now ready to grow it out..I like all of her grow out styles..but am afraid it will be hard to be constantly getting my hair re-cut and re-styled so often..what are you tips if we can’t afford to be getting our hair cut constantly (aside from ever couple months) like for the mullet hair because that is my biggest fear/pet peeve
i had an asymmetric (short on one side) cut in may which i didnt like and have been growing out since. The short side is now all pretty much the same length but its too long for the cut but too short to do anything which is driving me insane but i dont want to cut it again??
Hi:) I love your article! Great tips! I’m also in the middle of growing out my pixie cut, and i have stocked up on headbands and hats lol. However I wanted to ask any tips on curling the growing out pixie? How are the different ways i can style and curl it effectively despite the short length and especially because I’m in college?
Thanks Candy! You can curl your hair with a small curling wand. Check out The Glamourai for how she curls her short hair – http://www.theglamourai.com/2011/07/diy-curly-locks.html
Thanks for the encouragement. I’m just now growing my hair INTO a pixie, after losing it all during chemo, so I’m just trying to plan ahead for how I’ll go from there:] Great tips. My biggest question is: how do you get through that stage where it’s hitting the top of your ear and sticking put awkwardly? For now I’ll just keep trimming it…but the time will come when I’ll have to bite the bullet and let it grow…All suggestions welcome:)
ah yes, that’s an awkward time. I recommend using a pommade and making it look like it’s in purpose. Style your hair a little messier and embrace that “pixie” look. Or discretely pin it back behind your ear with a small bobby pin x
62 years mostly white hair, black in back, natural color. was super short for 30 years. no haircut since may. down to mid ear now. wonder how i’ll like it long
Thank you soooo much! I’ve had my pixie for eight months (the longest I’ve had any one style) and the only thing that’s held me back is how bad the awkward stages can be. I’m currently justin Beiber with a mullet but I’m making a hair appointment today! And now to google image Carey Mulligan for more styling ideas!
lol go get that mullet cut Alexis! And have fun with the styles as you grow your hair x
Also, I sported the cute Carey braids they’re pretty darn adorable
I just realised you’re from sydney, too. So a high-five to you.
Thank you for this guide, I’ve been trying and it’s been so hard I always cut it back off, I’ve had the pixie for 10 years now though and I am dying to go back to my long wavy locks from Highschool…
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Thans Amanda! I hope this helps, and you’ll find lots more inspiration from Emma Watson, Carey Mulligan and Anne Hathaway as they are all growing their hair at the moment x
Thank you for this post! Everyone has been telling me I should grow out my pixie, but this article made me realize I don’t want to grow it out. I’ve been so influenced by everyone lately I haven’t been listening to what I want. I personally think I look great in a pixie cut, and it makes me feel so skinny! I’m going to cut my hair, so thank you for helping me find that.
Thanks Kaila, and rock that pixie cut x
I have worn my hair in a short pixie most of my life. Mostly because I have this hideous double crown cowlick thing goin on. It just wants to stand up in every which direction on both sides of the top of my head. I try to embrace my devilish hair the best I can but I’m just plain bored!! Do you have any ideas of products or tools I can use to help control my super-powered crazy hair while growing it out! Once I get it long & heavy enough, the weight pulls those babies down. Help please.
Hi Kim, cowlicks can be hard to manage but you can get through this phase! Wet it down and blow dry your hair in the direction you want it to sit. Use a brush to hold your hair flat to your head while you blowdry that section. A little mousse or gel spray can add extra hold if you need it. Good luck x
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