Need a reason to do a big chop this season? Meet the Whisper Pixie—the edgier sister to the classic short haircut. As someone who keeps a close eye on rising trends, I predict this one is going to be a popular pick in the coming months. I wanted the 411 on the haircut, so I asked celebrity hairstylist (and actual creator of the trend) Danielle Priano to share everything about the buzzy cut that everyone from Florence Pugh to Zoe Kravtiz is rocking this season.
The Whisper Pixie Is the Short Haircut of Our Dreams
I spoke to the creator of the cut herself
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Published Jul 25, 2024
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Meet the Experts
Danielle Priano is a celebrity hairstylist and an ambassador for SexyHair. She has decades of experience in the industry, working on brand campaigns and launching her very own accessories collection, PSxDanielle. Her previous clients include Vanessa Hudgens, Hailey Bieber, Mariah Carey and Hailee Steinfeld.
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What Is the Whisper Pixie?
According to Priano, “The Whisper Pixie is a short pixie haircut with soft, feathery layers [that give it] a lighter, airier appearance. It’s designed to frame the face gently and provide a whimsical look.” She first coined the name back in April, while revealing the trendy cut to her Instagram followers.
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Why Is the Whisper Pixie So Hot Right Now?
While Priano introduced the trendy cut this spring, requests for it continue to surge throughout the summer. “It’s popular due to its versatility and low-maintenance style. It offers a chic, modern look that can be easily worn in various ways. The lightweight and airy feel is also perfect for warmer seasons and complements a wide range of face shapes and hair textures,” she says.
How to Ask for the Whisper Pixie at the Salon
It’s always helpful to come prepared with photos of your desired cut (in this case, the Whisper Pixie), and don’t forget to consider your hair type and face shape when choosing specific photos to show them. As for the cut itself, “A stylist typically uses a combination of scissors and razors to create soft, textured layers. The key is to cut the hair in a way that allows it to fall naturally, with subtle graduation and wispy ends. They might also use thinning shears to remove any bulk and add movement,” explains Priano.
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Does the Whisper Pixie Work on All Hair Types?
“This cut works best on fine to medium hair textures. These hair types naturally create the soft, wispy effect desired with this style,” says Priano. “However, with the right cutting techniques, it can also be adapted for thicker hair to reduce bulk and enhance movement.”
Note: A stylist may also adjust the cut based on your face shape. “The Whisper Pixie best suits oval, heart and square faces,” shares Priano. “The cut accentuates balanced proportions for oval faces, softens the forehead and highlights the cheekbones for heart-shaped faces and the layers can help soften angular features on square faces,” she adds.
How to Maintain the Whisper Pixie
Priano recommends a trim every four to six weeks to maintain its shape and keep the layers from getting too long. (Of course, this may vary depending how fast your hair grows.) Luckily, the grow out for the Whisper Pixie isn’t too awkward. Who knows, you might just end up with a very cool Wixie.
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How to Style the Whisper Pixie at Home
The beauty of the Whisper Pixie is that it’s a low maintenance cut that doesn’t require much styling. Once you wash your hair, simply add some products that enhance your natural texture, which I’ll walk you through now.
- If you have wavy hair, Priano suggests a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray to style and shape your hair.
- If you have thick or curly hair, use a styling cream or pomade to define the layers and give your curls a flexible hold.
- If you have fine or straight hair, use a texturizing spray to shape and lift your hair.
- If you want more volume, Priano says to blow dry your hair with a round brush to add more fullness and movement.
- If you want a polished finish, the stylist suggests using a flat iron to define the ends.
Styling Essentials
