How to Know If Summer's Trendiest Haircut Will Suit You, According to an Expert Stylist (2025)

The pixie is a haircut synonymous with cool girls. Zoë Kravitz, Halsey, Emma Stone...the list goes on. But contrary to popular belief, there are many iterations of the short style. I mean, there's the flapper pixie, textured pixie, asymmetrical pixie, and more, but my favorite—and the one you're about to see everywhere this season—is the undercut pixie.

To fill you in on what's about to be one of the most popular hair cuts of summer, we consulted London-based hairstylist Polly Levy, who shared everything to know about the trending style.

What is the undercut pixie?

To put it simply, the undercut pixie is a traditional pixie cut but with a bit of an edge. The sides or back (or sometimes both) are shaved or clipped super short (think clippers, not scissors), while the top stays longer and textured, Levy explains. "It’s got that cool contrast of soft and bold, which makes it feel really modern and wearable."

Who is best suited to the undercut pixie?

Here at Cosmo we believe that anyone can sport any hairstyle. In other words, we don't like subscribing to the idea that you've got to have a certain haircut just because you have a specific face shape. However, if you are seeking the most flattering 'do to enhance your features, fear not because Levy says that the undercut pixie looks great on just about everyone.

"Honestly, anyone can rock it," Levy says, adding that "it just depends on how it’s cut and styled to suit your features." So, whether your face is oval, heart, or square-shaped, you've got the green light! Round faces can wear it too, "especially if the top is styled with volume to elongate the face a bit," Levy explains.

Better yet, Levy says that "if you’ve got strong cheekbones or a defined jaw, this cut will highlight them big time."

In terms of hair texture, Levy says that, again, the undercut pixie can work for almost everyone. "It works well on fine hair because the undercut gives it structure, and it can help thick hair feel lighter and more manageable," she says. If you've got coily or curly hair, Levy advises going to a trusted stylist who understands how to shape and layer curls so they fall right. "It might need a little more styling, but it can look incredible."

How to style the undercut pixie?

The beauty of this cut? It doesn’t take much styling! Levy says that "texturising spray, pomade, or wax" will be your BFF. "Just mess it up with your fingers and go."

That or you can "smooth it down for a sleek look, spike it up for a rocker vibe, or curl the top for softness." It’s low effort with high payoff.

That all said, while it's low-maintenance in the styling department, the undercut part of the look grows out fast. So if you like it crisp and clean, Levy recommends a trim every four or so weeks. The top part of the undercut can go six to eight weeks without a trim, depending on the length.

It’s not crazy high maintenance, but it's worth noting that it needs a little upkeep.

Benefits of the undercut pixie:

It’s versatile

Not all undercut pixies are the same because you can play with the length. Levy says you can go "super short and choppy on top or keep it longer for some swoopy fringe."

It's trending!

Levy is the director of Myla and Davis in London and sees many people come through the salon doors. With this, she's identified that the undercut pixie is trending, "especially with people wanting low-maintenance cuts that still feel bold."

"People are asking for it—it’s a fave among anyone looking to shake things up without going full buzzcut," says Levy. And not only that, but she says it's a timeless rebel look. Think: Audrey Hepburn meets Ruby Rose.

Not convinced? Let the inspo pics do all the talking...