For years I have debated whether or not to get a pixie cut. I always liked the idea of subverting society’s expectations of me—chopping my hair instead of wearing it long. But despite my desire to go against the grain (of society’s standard of women’s beauty), I’ve always felt the weight of that expectation. We are sold the idea that long hair is more favourable, feminine and desirable, but when I moved to Victoria, I noticed lots of women sporting pixie cuts (as well as Blundstones and tuques, among other apparel). I was inspired, and the idea of committing to the “big chop” has resurfaced time and time again. But before knowing for sure if this hairstyle is right for me, I decided to ask some women about their experiences to prepare me for what may be:
Emma de Blois
Mine is grown out now, but I cut my hair super short right after high school graduation! My advice isn’t super new 1. bring reference photos to your hairstylist. Not just of the front of the cut, but try to get an idea of how you want the back to look too. 2. Be open to trying new things. Hair grows faster than you think. I started with a longer cut, and then I took it a step further and got it buzzed on the sides and back (which feels AMAZING) 3. Short hair has so many benefits! You might need to cut it more often, but it dries quickly and your hair is healthier and stronger. 4. If you’re scared you’ll hate it (you won’t), hair grows faster than you expect, and the awkward growing out stage is a myth, if you take care of your hair. I avoided the dreaded mullet by buying some cheap clippers and maintaining my undercut until the rest of my hair caught up. You just need to get creative with parts, little braids and bobby pins and you’re set!
Astrid Antonia
I guess for me it’s been a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand I think pixie cuts are super cute and also a really nice way to limit the amount of upkeep you have to put into your hair. But it also increases the likelihood that someone is going to call you a boy. Maybe that isn’t a dealbreaker for everyone, but I have even known some cis women who get that often enough to be frustrated by it.
The other thing is that if you decide to grow your hair out again you will inevitably go through a phase where it isn’t quite short enough or long enough for you to like it.
Alexandra Ages
My advice would be not to be scared of the big chop—it’s just hair, and it will grow back! I spent years wanting a pixie cut, but was so scared because I thought it couldn’t work with curly hair. Once I finally did it however, it felt so freeing, and I was really happy with the result!
So, should I do it? Those words of wisdom were certainly convincing…