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Pixie Haircuts for Women Over 60

By Sandra Roussy January 09, 2024 Health and Fitness

Have you been thinking of opting for a short hairstyle? Pixie styles are a modern and contemporary way to wear your hair when you’re over 60. Actually, pixies look great at any age. These super short cuts are excellent for thick or thin hair, and you have more styling options than you probably think.

Let’s take a look at pixie haircuts for mature women over 60.

  1. Feathered Pixie Hairstyle with Highlights – This short haircut features layered, textured ends that create a feather-like appearance, and is often paired with highlights to add depth and dimension.
  2. Spiky Pixie with Colored Ends – This haircut features short, textured layers that can be spiked up for a punk-inspired vibe, while the colored ends add a pop of color and playfulness to the style.
  3. Sophisticated Brushed Back Bangs – This hairstyle features longer bangs that are brushed back away from the face, creating a sleek and elegant look.
  4. Smooth and Slick Side-Parted Pixie – This chic and polished haircut looks professional for the office and cool for dinner out.
  5. Side Swept Pixie – Classic pixie with a twist! This cut is excellent for thin hair.
  6. Smooth Asymmetrical Natural Pixie – This haircut features short, textured layers that are cut into an asymmetrical shape, creating a unique and edgy look.
  7. Bowl Cut Pixie – Longer bangs with a shorter back create a flattering frame for the face. It also provides the hair with a little flirty movement.
  8. Natural Curls Pixie – Got natural curls? Don’t fight them, work with them.
  9. Brushed Forward Brown Feathered Pixie – This longer pixie style is excellent if you have thin hair or a long forehead.
  10. Natural Messy Pixie – A perfectly disheveled pixie cut that looks great with gray, thick hair.

Pixie haircuts first gained popularity in the 1950s when actresses like Audrey Hepburn and Mia Farrow wore them in iconic films. Today, the style is still popular and has been worn by many celebrities, including Halle Berry, Emma Watson, and Charlize Theron.

Read WHAT ARE THE BEST SHORT HAIRSTYLES FOR OLDER WOMEN? (VIDEO).

Time to Go Short?

It may be a little overwhelming to chop off your long locks all at once. Many women choose to do it gradually over time. Start with a shoulder-length hairstyle and eventually move shorter and shorter.

Read EXPLORING THE BEST MEDIUM LENGTH HAIRSTYLES FOR OLDER WOMEN (VIDEO).

Natural or Colored

Pixie hairstyles look amazing in all colors, especially natural salt & pepper or completely white. This is also an excellent style to experiment with bright colors. How about a vivid red or deep purple if your personality calls for it?

Read SPECTACULAR HAIR COLOR OPTIONS FOR FABULOUS OLDER WOMEN (PHOTOS).

How to Care for Your Pixie Hairstyle

Short hair is typically easier to style and care for than longer hairstyles. Not to mention less time-consuming. The thing to consider when going for a pixie style is the upkeep. You will have to visit your stylist or hairdresser more often to keep your short locks looking fresh.

Spiky, Sleek, Edgy, Messy, Curly…

There are countless ways to style short hair. I’ve put together a few examples of pixie hairstyles that look great on older women.

15 Best Pixie Haircuts for Older Women

Feathered Pixie Hairstyle with Highlights

Feathered Pixie Hairstyle with Highlights

This short haircut features layered, textured ends that create a feather-like appearance, and is often paired with highlights to add depth and dimension. 

To achieve this look, your hair stylist will likely use angled cutting techniques to create the feathered layers, which will give your hair more volume and movement. The highlights can be done using either balayage or foiling techniques and are typically concentrated around the crown and face-framing layers to draw attention to these areas and enhance your facial features.

Have you ever tried coloring and highlighting your hair at home? Boxed kits are now easier to use and can give you an affordable alternative to expensive salons.

Spiky Pixie with Colored Ends

Spiky Pixie with Colored Ends

If you’re looking for a short and edgy hairstyle, a spiky pixie with colored ends might be just the look for you. This haircut features short, textured layers that can be spiked up for a punk-inspired vibe, while the colored ends add a pop of color and playfulness to the style.

Your hairdresser will use scissors and/or razors to cut the hair into short, choppy layers that can be styled in different directions. The colored ends can be achieved through techniques like dip-dyeing or ombre, where the hair is dyed with a contrasting color from the mid-lengths to the tips.

Hair dyes like Manic Panic offer semi-permanent bright color options in creams and sprays.

Sophisticated Brushed Back Bangs

Sophisticated Brushed Back Bangs

If you’re looking for a sophisticated and stylish haircut, you might want to consider brushed-back bangs. This hairstyle features longer bangs that are brushed back away from the face, creating a sleek and elegant look. This pixie style looks great in a variety of colors and even adds an inch or two to your height. 

To achieve this look, your hairstylist will likely cut your hair short or medium-length with longer layers in the front that will become the brushed-back bangs. You can use a blow dryer and a round brush to brush the bangs back and away from your face, creating a smooth and polished finish, or use a hot air brush like the Revlon One Step Root Booster Round Brush Dryer.

Smooth and Slick Side-Parted Pixie

Smooth and Slick Side-Parted Pixie

Elegantly side-parted and slicked-back short hair takes you from day to night in no time. This chic and polished haircut looks professional for the office and cool for dinner out. 

Your hair should be cut into a short pixie with longer layers on top that can be slicked back or to the side. Your hairstylist may use a combination of scissors and/or razors to create the short layers, and may also use thinning shears to add texture and movement.

Dab on some hair gel to set your style and hold it all day. 

Side Swept Pixie

Side Swept Pixie

Classic pixie with a twist! This cut is excellent for thin hair. You can style the hair to one side using a comb and styling products like gel or wax. This will create a sleek and stylish look that is perfect for any occasion. You can also add some texture and volume to the hair by backcombing or teasing it, creating a more playful and textured style.

Add a little volume-building styling product and brush it all to one side.

Smooth Asymmetrical Natural Pixie

Smooth Asymmetrical Natural Pixie

This haircut features short, textured layers that are cut into an asymmetrical shape, creating a unique and edgy look. The great thing about a natural gray pixie is that it requires minimal maintenance. The natural gray color adds to the edgy and modern feel of the haircut. 

You can also experiment with different styling techniques, like adding some texture and volume with a texturizing spray or creating a more playful look with a bit of backcombing or teasing.

Use a little texturizing product to keep the style in place.

Bowl Cut Pixie

Bowl Cut Pixie

Longer bangs with a shorter back creates a flattering frame for the face. It also provides the hair with a little flirty movement. A bowl-cut pixie is a bold and daring hairstyle that is perfect for women who want to stand out from the crowd. It’s unique and versatile making it a great choice for any occasion. So, if you’re ready to try something new and exciting with your hair, this style might be the perfect choice for you.

It’s always a good idea to have a quality pair of hair-cutting shears at home so you can do some small touch-ups in between your appointments with your hairdresser. 

Equinox Hair Cutting Scissors

Equinox Hair Cutting Scissors

Natural Curls Pixie

Natural Curls Pixie

Got natural curls? Don’t fight them, work with them. This is a great wash-and-go pixie cut that is both girlish and convenient.

Encourage your natural curls by using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to enhance the natural texture of your hair. 

Your natural curls will give your hair plenty of volume and texture, which means you won’t need to spend hours styling your hair each day. However, you will need to visit your hairstylist regularly to maintain the shape and keep the hair at the back and sides from growing too long.

INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Hair Dryer

INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Hair Dryer

Brushed Forward Brown Feathered Pixie

Brushed Forward Brown Feathered Pixie

This longer pixie style is excellent if you have thin hair or a long forehead. Set in a dark tone, the cut will make your hair look thicker. Your hairstylist will cut your hair in a way that encourages it to brush forward, creating a flattering and face-framing effect. 

You can also experiment with different styling techniques, like creating a more tousled and textured look with a bit of backcombing or teasing.

Natural Messy Pixie

Natural Messy Pixie

A perfectly disheveled pixie cut that looks great with gray, thick hair. This cut is excellent for all face shapes. This haircut features short layers with a messy and tousled look that gives your hair plenty of volume and texture. 

For a natural and effortless look, you can simply let your hair air dry and use your fingers to create some tousled waves and curls. You can also add some volume and definition with a texturizing spray or mousse.

Voluminous Pixie

Voluminous Pixie

Do you have thick hair? Do you have a lot of hair? A chunky layered pixie may be a good choice for you. This cut provides volume and is an easy cut to grow out (should you want to go back to longer locks). 

You can blow dry with a round brush or use a hot air styling brush to add volume.

10 BEST HAIRSTYLES FOR ROUND FACE SHAPE WOMEN OVER 60.

Ultra Cool Slicked Back Pixie

Ultra Cool Slicked Back Pixie

This pixie hairstyle is as chic as chic gets! Slicked back with a sexy twist and with just the right amount of volume. This haircut features short layers with a sleek and polished look, creating a bold and edgy appearance.

The hair at the crown will be cut shorter to add height and volume, while the hair at the back and sides will be tapered to create a sleek and polished look. You can also experiment with different partings, like a deep side part, to create more interest and texture.

Read 5 SHORT HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 60 WITH FINE HAIR.

Blast of Color Pixie

Blast of Color Pixie

Bright colors look striking with a pixie cut. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re too old to color your hair in vivid shades. This is a great way to express your individuality and creativity. L’Oréal offers permanent hair dyes in vibrant shades.

A bright-colored pixie cut is a fun and unique way to express yourself through your hair. It’s a bold and daring haircut that is sure to turn heads and make a statement. So, if you’re ready to try something new and exciting with your hair, this style might be the perfect choice for you.

Super Short Natural Pixie

Super Short Natural Pixie

Gradual reduction of length from top to bottom with super short sides and neck. This pixie adds just a little volume on the top to flatter the features, is easy to care for, and is perfect for older Black women’s hair.

One of the great things about a super short pixie as a black woman is that it’s a low-maintenance and versatile haircut that is perfect for women who are always on the go. It’s also a great way to showcase your facial features and bone structure.

Smooth Deep Side Part

Smooth Deep Side Part

If you’re looking for a chic and sophisticated hairstyle, a smooth deep side part might be the perfect choice for you. This hairstyle features a deep side part that is sleek and polished, creating a glamorous and refined look. A strong reminder of the pixie cut that Twiggy pioneered in the 70s has now become a classic. I love this pixie hairstyle!

Helpful Tips

  • Use several colors (highlights) in your short hair to create texture so that it doesn’t look too flat.
  • Darker roots and lighter tips will make your hair look thicker and more defined.
L'Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step Home Hair Color and Highlights Kit

L’Oreal Paris Couleur Experte 2-Step Home Hair Color and Highlights Kit

  • Don’t hesitate to use styling products like these:
Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Sculpting Foam

Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Sculpting Foam

Living Proof Amp2 Instant Texture Volumizer

Living Proof Amp2 Instant Texture Volumizer

Kristin Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Spray

Kristin Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Spray.

Read 9 HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 50 WITH GLASSES.

Also read 12 HAIRSTYLES WITH BANGS FOR OLDER WOMEN.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you thinking of going short? Have you gone pixie already? What products do you use on your hair? Which is your favorite pixie hairstyle? Please leave a comment!

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5 Comments
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Darlene

Straight back with a little lift on top…. love it! (So easy to fix… just takes a moment or two)

Sherry

I love the feathered one that’s combed to one side

Marilyn

Been thinking of a pixi cut for about 2 years. No final decision yet

Patty

Just do it! In six weeks it will be on it’s way to growing back!

Janice Temple

Side swept pixie, awesome!

The Author

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

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