As one of AW25’s defining hair trends, the pixie cut has officially been reborn- sleek, sculpted, and full of character. Leading the revival is Nestor Sanchez from the award-winning HOB Academy, who breaks down the step-by-step guide to mastering the look of the season.
“The pixie is a perfect balance of precision and freedom,” says Sanchez. “It’s about removing weight where needed while keeping structure and softness through the silhouette.”
1. Sectioning for Structure
Section the back away from the front with a section that travels from the crown to behind each ear. Then create a horseshoe section on top of the head.
2. Sculpting the Sides
Now start by cutting a square layer on the side sections, making sure the sideburn area remains longer (for personalising and detailing once the hair has been dried).
Top Tip: These areas will remove weight from the sides, giving this pixie cut a slimmer, modern look.
3. Building the Top
Now choose the optimum length for the top and cut a square layer to remove internal weight whilst creating corners on the roundness of the head.
Top Tip: This is to retain some weight to later create a fringe with a strong perimeter.
4. Shaping the Back
To start the back, take a central profile section that travels from the crown to the bottom of the nape. The guide for this section comes from the crown. Layer the profile section square, projecting the sections 90 degrees out from the head.
Top Tip: This method of cutting allows us to remove weight from the centre of the head, whilst keeping the feeling of length around the nape perimeter.
5. The Perfect Dry
Dry the hair with a Vess brush using a wrapping motion around the head to smooth and make sure the hair sits in its natural fall.
Top Tip: Use a Hydrating Lotion Spray with Light hold to control the hair and, most importantly, the roots, throughout the drying process.
6. Texture and Air
Now texturise the hair to add a softer, vintage feel to the style. This will give the hair a very airy and cool texture.
7. The Signature Fringe
The last step is to cut a framing fringe that travels from ear to ear, revealing every feature and bone structure on the face. Elevate the fringe out 90 degrees and, holding the hair through the comb, blunt-cut it with texturising scissors to achieve the strong yet gentle feel on the outline.
8. Finish with Intention
Style the hair with some Matte Clay, rubbing a small amount into the roots and fixing the style in place with a light touch of Hairspray.
The result? A perfectly balanced pixie that feels both directional and effortlessly wearable- clean in its structure, yet soft in its movement.
Created by the HOB Creative Team, current Artistic Team of the Year 2025, with make-up by John Christopher and photography by Richard Miles, the look captures the essence of modern hair artistry: precision, personality, and polish.
Founded in 1997 and led by four-time British Hairdresser of the Year Akin Konizi, HOB Academy has become synonymous with world-class education and creative excellence. With titles including London Hairdresser of the Year and Artistic Team of the Year 2025, the team continues to shape the global conversation in hair design.