The ‘Whisper Pixie’ Haircut Is the ‘It’ Chop of the Season

Hair trends come and go (and come back again), but one look that we’d wager will never go out of style is the pixie cut. Short, chic, and adaptable for just about every hair type and texture, this cropped cut has been a mainstay since Audrey Hepburn debuted her iconic ’do in the 1953 flick Roman Holiday. This season, the pixie is trending once again — though today’s iteration, known as the “whisper pixie,” puts a fresh spin on the classic look. If you’re considering making the chop, keep reading. Ahead, we’re spilling the details on everything you need to know about this statement-making (and summer-ready) style. 

What Is the Whisper Pixie Haircut?

The term “whisper pixie” was coined by celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano, who created the flattering chop for model Taylor Hill in early April. The cropped cut, per Priano’s social media, was heavily inspired by Hepburn’s now-famous fringe. However, it boasts a few characteristics that distinguish it from a traditional short cut.

Firstly, whereas classic pixies tend to be relatively uniform in length, the whisper pixie is heavily layered. This, along with soft feathering at the ends, gives the cropped cut plenty of piecey body and movement. It’s also typically worn a bit tousled, which lends the cut a laid-back, lived-in look. Some iterations of the style include slightly longer strands around the ears to help frame the face, or short bangs for added texture, though neither of those features is a requirement. 

Who Should Try the Whisper Pixie?

Like a standard pixie cut, the whisper pixie is adaptable for virtually every hair type and texture, though how it’s cut may vary from person to person. 

If you have fine or thin strands, you may want to ask your stylist for extra layers to create the illusion of more volume. Those with curlier hair, meanwhile, should consider opting for a slightly longer iteration of the cut to highlight their natural curl pattern. When you head to the salon, bring a few reference photos of people with a similar hair type and texture sporting the cut. This will help your stylist get a clear idea of exactly what kind of look you’re going for and help them identify the approach that is best for your strands. 

Lastly, keep in mind that while the whisper pixie is low-maintenance on a day-to-day basis (more on that shortly), you will want to hit the salon roughly every four weeks for a trim. If that sounds like too much of a commitment, you may want to consider a slightly longer cut, such as the baroque bob. 

How Do You Style a Whisper Pixie Cut? 

One of our favorite things about the whisper pixie is how easy it is to style — you can wash your hair and let it air dry, and your cut will look great. However, adding a styling product or two into the mix can make the already-chic cut look even better. 

A texturizing pomade or paste, such as Shu Uemura Ishi Sculpt Texturizing & Sculpting Hair Paste, can help emphasize the cut’s choppy layering and enhance the lived-in feel. For those who prefer a sleeker finish, we recommend forgoing texturizing sprays and pastes in favor of styling cream, such as Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream. Just be sure to stick with lightweight products and use them sparingly to avoid weighing down your shorter strands. 

Finally, if you do find yourself battling buildup, consider adding a clarifying treatment, such as The Rootist AHA+ACV Pre-Shampoo Scalp Clarifying Treatment, into your routine. The gentle scalp serum can help nix weighty residue and keep your cut light, fresh, and full of body — exactly as it should be.