Curly hair is beautiful and unique, but it can also be challenging to manage. If you’re new to embracing your curls, don’t worry! This beginner’s guide will walk you through a simple yet effective routine to help you achieve defined, bouncy, and frizz-free curls. Let’s embark on this curly hair journey together!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHAMPOO
The “right” shampoo is one that’s gentle and designed to enhance your curls. With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming, but starting with a sulfate-free shampoo is a great choice—these are increasingly common as more brands release sulfate-free ranges.
Most products will be clearly labeled as sulfate-free, but if you’re unsure, you can easily check. Just search for the shampoo’s ingredients online, then copy and paste them into CURLSBOT, a tool that instantly tells you if it’s Curly Girl-approved. I keep CURLSBOT saved on my phone—it’s a lifesaver at any stage of the curly journey!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONDITIONER
The “right” conditioner for curly hair means opting for a silicone-free formula. If you’re used to products with silicones, going silicone-free may feel like a big change, but it’s an important step in a curl-friendly routine.
Many commercial conditioners contain silicones, so it’s worth checking labels. Silicone-free conditioners don’t need to be expensive—they simply avoid silicones that can build up on your hair, causing greasiness, weighing curls down, and reducing bounce.
A T-SHIRT FOR DRYING
That’s right—a simple t-shirt is perfect for drying curly hair! Unlike a regular towel, a t-shirt is much softer and won’t roughen the hair cuticle.
You can use it as you would a towel, or you can try “plopping.” To plop, gently lower your hair forward into the t-shirt, then wrap and secure it around your head. Leave it on for 10-40 minutes to absorb moisture while helping curls form into defined clumps.
Alternatively, there’s “micro-plopping,” where you scrunch each curl individually with the t-shirt to remove excess water. Whether plopping or micro-plopping, a t-shirt is gentler than a towel, though a microfiber towel is also a good option for curly hair.
CHOOSING A STYLING PRODUCT – GEL, MOUSSE, OR CREAM
When starting a curly hair routine, it’s common to use a gel, mousse, or cream. Some people even layer all three! For beginners, starting with one product is ideal; you can experiment and build up your routine as you get to know what works for your curls.
It’s a good idea to check product ingredients, avoiding “nasties” like drying alcohols (e.g., Alcohol Denat) and silicones. This extra step helps keep curls healthy and bouncy.
Apply styling products on soaking wet hair to lock in moisture and minimize frizz. Scrunch the product up to the roots, aiming to shape your curls while wet and keep that definition as they dry.
GEL
Gel is great for setting curls in a “cast” as it dries, holding the shape until you’re ready to scrunch out the crunch, leaving soft, defined curls. A favorite gel for many is the Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly.
CREAM
Creams reduce frizz and add moisture, giving a softer look and more volume, though they typically don’t define curls as much as gel.
MOUSSE
A lightweight mousse helps define curls and add volume, especially at the roots. It should be light and non-sticky, so curls feel soft once dry. Each product offers unique benefits—try one and see how your curls respond!
A DIFFUSER
While air-drying is a solid option, many people find that a diffuser becomes an essential tool for styling curls. Air-drying can take a long time, especially since curly hair tends to dry in clumps and retains more moisture with the products you’re using.
Using a diffuser can speed up drying while encouraging curl formation by lifting and holding curl clumps closer to the scalp. For best results, use a low heat setting to reduce potential heat damage.
Avoid using a regular dryer without a diffuser, as it can disrupt curl clumps. If you don’t have a diffuser attachment, it’s actually better to air-dry. And as you transition into a new curl routine, try to minimize the use of heated tools like curling wands—your curls will thank you!
A DEEP CONDITIONER
Deep conditioning is key to keeping curls hydrated and healthy. Aim to deep condition at least every two weeks, or even weekly if your hair needs the extra moisture. A quality deep conditioner helps rehydrate naturally dry curls, while also softening and detangling them.
These treatments often contain nourishing oils and butters. Simply apply after shampooing and let it sit for around 30 minutes before rinsing out.
Another option is a “pre-poo” treatment, where you apply an oil or conditioning treatment like Olaplex to dry hair before shampooing. Leave it on overnight or for a few hours to give your curls a deep boost before you wash.
FINAL TIP
Keep track of your washday routine to fine-tune your curly hair care and see what works best for you. Here’s what to note down:
Which cleansing and conditioning products you used, including any deep conditioners
Did you plop or micro-plop?
Which styling products you applied, and in what order
Did you apply them with your hair hanging forward or back?
Did you scrunch the products in?
Did you diffuse until your hair was 100% dry or just 80%?
Also, take photos of your results! They’ll be invaluable when you’re figuring out what works best for your curls. I still jot down small changes I make to my routine, as even minor adjustments can lead to major differences in results.
I created a tracker for myself to keep track of my washdays, and I’m sharing it here because I’ve found it super helpful!
CONCLUSION
Congratulations, you’ve taken the first step towards embracing your natural curls! Remember, consistency is key. As you continue to experiment with your routine, you’ll discover what works best for your unique hair type.
Don’t be afraid to seek advice from other curly-haired individuals or consult with a hairstylist who specializes in curly hair. By following these basic steps and tailoring them to your specific needs, you’ll be well on your way to achieving healthy, beautiful, and bouncy curls.
40 GORGEOUS LAYERED LONG PIXIE CUT IDEAS
Have you heard of the layered long pixie cut? Starting with the timeless classic pixie cut, it has evolved into a longer version known as the long pixie, or “Lixie.” Now, we introduce the layered long pixie cut—a fantastic blend of the classic pixie, the length of a Lixie, and the added dimension of layers. It’s unique, stylish, and offers a fresh twist. If you’re looking for a change, your hair is the perfect place to start. So why not try this hairstyle for your next cut? Keep exploring with our curated collection of 40 layered long pixie cut styles below!
PIXIE CUT WITH LONG BANGS
Opt for a pixie cut with long bangs to reduce bulk and highlight your best features. A close crop around the sides and nape of the neck removes excess weight, making styling effortless. Adding a side part to an asymmetrical pixie cut creates extra volume in the fringe.
STRAIGHT LONG PIXIE WITH WISPY LAYERS
A straight long pixie cut with wispy layers is an ideal Lixie for women looking to add movement to straight hair. Blended layers create a uniform, rounded shape at the back. For a wispy finish, ask your stylist to texturize the edges and sideburns.
LONG LAYERED PIXIE FOR THIN HAIR
Choose a long layered pixie hairstyle for thin hair to add movement and create a fuller look. This style typically falls at or below the ears, with a fringe that grazes the jawline. Consult your stylist to see if a platinum blonde shade would suit your skin tone.
PIXIE WITH STACKED LAYERS FOR THICK HAIR
If you’ve been hesitant to go short because of your thick hair, worry no more! A pixie cut with stacked layers is the perfect solution. This stylish crop not only simplifies your styling routine but also helps manage the weight of your hair. A layered long pixie is especially great for reducing bulk. For the best results, blow-dry with Kevin Murphy’s Ever.Smooth and finish with Bedroom.Hair dry texturizer.
TEXTURED PIXIE CUT WITH CHOPPY LAYERS
For fine hair that needs a volume boost, try a textured pixie cut with choppy layers. Angled, cheek-skimming layers on a long choppy pixie frame your face beautifully and accentuate your cheekbones. To enhance the look, consider a rich hazelnut color with a few baby lights to warm your complexion and showcase the texture.
SHAGGY PIXIE CUT WITH CURTAIN BANGS
A shaggy pixie cut with curtain bangs is a stylish, easy-to-maintain short hairstyle that provides plenty of movement and suits straight, wavy, and curly textures. For a complete, low-maintenance look, add some soft, face-framing balayage to your long pixie cut for a wash-and-wear layered style.
WAVY PIXIE HAIR WITH LAYERS
For those with textured tresses, a wavy pixie cut with layers can be a fantastic choice. Pixies are incredibly versatile, flattering women of all ages and face shapes. Naturally wavy hair can be styled by letting it air dry with sea salt spray or enhanced with some loose waves created by a curling iron.
ANGLED PIXIE WITH A SIDE PART
If you’re considering a bold transformation, an angled pixie with a side part is worth considering. Short layered pixies offer sheer perfection, with soft, tousled layers and an asymmetrical side part that accentuate cheekbones and highlight your eyes. For a finishing touch, pair this chic style with a buttery shade of platinum blonde hair dye.
PIXIE WITH RAZORED CROWN LAYERS
If you have thin hair and want to add some volume, consider a pixie cut with razored crown layers. Layered long pixies for fine hair look incredibly chic with wispy sideburns and a short, swoopy fringe. This stylish razored crop is especially flattering for women over 50.
SIDE-SWEPT PIXIE CUT WITH LAYERS
Opt for a side-swept long pixie cut with layers for a look that’s both edgy and chic. This versatile haircut suits women of all ages and adds a touch of sophistication. Enhance your layered pixie with a stunning shade of champagne blonde.
TAPERED PIXIE CUT FOR FINE HAIR
A tapered pixie cut for fine hair is a lively layered style that revitalizes limp tresses. By trimming the back very close and leaving textured length around the sides and top, this creative long pixie cut adds volume and interest. For optimal lift, apply Living Proof Full Root Lift to damp hair and blow dry.
LAYERED PIXIE WITH HEAVY BANGS
Consider a layered pixie with heavy bangs for a chic, low-maintenance style. Long pixie hairstyles with layers and a full fringe can balance broad heart-shaped faces and shorten oval face shapes. Regular trims will help maintain the shape of your pixie and keep it looking fresh.
LAYERED PIXIE BOB
If you’re seeking a short cut with versatile styling options, try a layered pixie bob. This hairstyle, which falls between the ear and neck, is a perfect transitional choice if you’re not ready for a super short crop. Discuss with your stylist about adding icy beige highlights to make your new look truly stand out!
EXTRA LONG BLONDE PIXIE WITH A SIDE BANG
Opt for an extra long blonde pixie with a side bang for a classy, effortless look. To style, use a root lift product like Living Proof Full Root Lift on wet hair, or Puff.ME Powder on dry hair for added lift and separation. When blow-drying, avoid drying your hair flat against your scalp. Instead, dry in the opposite direction with a round brush, then flip your hair once it’s dry to achieve gorgeous volume.
FEATHERED PIXIE CUT WITH LAYERS
A feathered pixie cut with layers is incredibly chic and offers a soft, feminine style. It’s perfect for middle-aged professionals and older women. Feathered layers enhance medium wavy textures and are easy to maintain. For a quick, effortless look, simply wash and go, or add a bit of volume spray at the roots before a quick blow-dry to boost body.
BRUNETTE PIXIE BOB WITH LAYERS
A brunette pixie bob with layers is a stunning medium-to-short haircut that beautifully frames and accentuates the face. Layering a pixie bob adds body and movement, making the haircut easier to style. While a pixie bob does require daily styling to maintain its intentional look, the process is typically quick and straightforward.
BRUNETTE PIXIE BOB WITH LAYERS
A brunette pixie bob with layers is a stunning medium-to-short haircut that highlights and frames the face. Layering adds body and movement, making the style easier to manage. While a pixie bob does need daily styling to maintain its polished look, the process is usually quick and simple.
WHITE LONG PIXIE WITH SHORT LAYERS
Embrace natural beauty with a white long pixie featuring short layers. Adding short layers is an excellent way to create body and movement right at the crown. If your hair feels bulky at the nape or crown, removing excess weight can help it feel lighter and sit better, making styling easier.
LONG COPPER PIXIE WITH SIDEBURNS
The long copper pixie with sideburns is an ideal autumn hairstyle. It elegantly contours to the head shape, adding roundness at the crown and occipital area while accentuating the cheekbones with pointy, slightly feathered sideburns. To maintain the vibrancy of the copper color at home, consider using direct dye masks like Wella’s Colour Fresh Mask.
FEMININE GREY LIXIE WITH LAYERS
Try a feminine grey lixie with layers for a beautifully voluminous look. Ideal for adding height and reducing bulk in aging hair, a lixie is flattering on anyone. Layers provide a stylish, moveable look while keeping the overall appearance polished.
SILVER LIXIE FOR OLDER WOMEN
Hairstyles for older women have evolved significantly, offering a wide range of options. Whether you opt for professional texturizing for easy wear or embrace your natural silver or gray texture, a lixie is a versatile choice for a fresh look. This haircut adapts well to both smooth and curly textures, providing a stylish transition to a new you.
LIXIE BLONDE HIGHLIGHTS AND DARK ROOTS
Being in between styles can look fantastic, especially with a versatile lixie. A long pixie cut works wonderfully for showcasing blonde highlights with darker roots, offering a stylish and adaptable short hairstyle.
CUTE LIGHT BROWN PIXIE WITH LAYERS
Opt for a charming light brown pixie with textured layers. To achieve this look, request a long, swooped bang and uniform layers. For added dimension, consider highlights with lowlights to accentuate the layers. This style is ideal for women seeking a trendy, low-maintenance haircut.
RAZOR CUT LONG SHAGGY PIXIE
Consider a razor-cut long shaggy pixie for a lightweight, textured look. If you prefer a highly piecey style, a razor will create soft, fringed layers with plenty of texture. Personally, I love shags for their low-maintenance yet incredibly stylish appeal.
CHAMPAGNE BLONDE FEATHERY LIXIE CUT
Before opting for champagne blonde, consider your current hair color, budget, and maintenance needs. If your hair has a lot of color history, a feathery lixie cut can help streamline the process by removing bulk and allowing you to achieve your desired color more quickly.
YUMMY CHOCOLATE PIXIE
To soften a squared jawline, consider a long textured pixie. The longer sides frame your face and add curvature, which helps to soften your features. If you have thick hair, be sure to include extra texturizing throughout the cut to create shape and movement.
SIDE-SWEPT LIXIE WITH LONGER BANGS
If you want a shorter style while keeping some length, consider a side-swept lixie with longer bangs. Ask your stylist to use texturizing shears to add volume and texture. For extra volume when styling, simply backcomb the top a bit, and you’ll be set for the day.
SOFT FEATHERY LAYERS
Nothing exudes elegance like soft, feathery layers. For an easy-going yet sophisticated look, a long layered pixie is a fantastic choice. Your stylist will shape the layers to complement your head’s contours, using texturizing shears or a razor to achieve a soft, refined finish. To style, use volumizing mousse and a small to medium-sized round brush to add volume and definition.
CHIC PIXIE CUT WITH LIVED-IN LAYERS
Add a modern twist to your pixie cut for a chic and stylish look. Choose shorter layers at the crown to create a lived-in feel, and opt for wispy bangs to add softness. Finish with a dry texturizing product to achieve a natural, voluminous effect.
PERFECTLY LAYERED AND TAPERED LONG PIXIE CUT
Try a short, wispy stacked shag cut to create an eye-catching look that suits any face shape! This versatile hairstyle works beautifully with straight, wavy, or curly hair. To achieve this chic style, ask your stylist for tapering along the sides and subtle layering towards the back. es all the difference!
HAND-PAINTED BALAYAGE
Hand-painted balayage offers a natural, lived-in blonde effect, even on darker hair bases. However, if you’re aiming for a very light ashy blonde, the foilayage technique is your best option. These techniques produce different results, so it’s important not to confuse them. If you’re unsure, bring some reference photos to your colorist to ensure you get the desired outcome.
DARK BROWN LAYERED LIXIE
A dark brown layered pixie cut is a fantastic way to try something new and trendy. However, you’ll need a skilled hairstylist to create the short layers with precision. This cut is easy to style, versatile, and adds body and movement to your look. Be sure to communicate clearly with your stylist about the type of layers you want, and bring reference photos to ensure you both have a clear vision of the final result.
SOFT ASH BROWN LAYERED LIXIE
Opt for a soft layered ash brown lixie for a look that’s both soft and feminine. A disconnected long pixie works especially well for thick hair, reducing styling time due to the lighter volume. Softly textured layers provide movement and separation. To achieve an ethereal effect, use a half-inch curling wand and hair wax to define and separate the strands.
EDGY AND DIMENSIONAL LAYERED PIXIE
If you’re looking to refresh your short hair, consider a pixie cut with edgy layers and dimensional color. Request plenty of texture, especially if you have wavy hair, to enhance its sexy movement. Keep in mind that this style requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
VISIBLE LAYERS ON A LIXIE CUT
For older women with thick brown hair, incorporating visible layers into a lixie cut can create a youthful appearance. Ask your stylist to add layers that reduce weight, making the hair more manageable while adding volume. It’s important to balance the layers and length to prevent the hair from looking too thin or short. To style, use a blow-dryer and a large round brush to achieve volume and shape. For extra body and texture, consider using mousse or a volumizing spray.
COPPER LIXIE WITH LAYERS
To add volume to fine hair, consider a longer pixie style. This longer-frame cut works well for elongated face shapes and convex profiles. Choose a side part for added softness, and ask your stylist to layer the back and crown of your head strategically. This technique allows you to style with texture paste or use a round brush for a fuller appearance.
LAYERED LIXIE FOR VERY DARK HAIR
A layered pixie cut is perfect for women with dark, short, deep-toned hair seeking a fresh, stylish update. This haircut adds movement and texture to dark locks, creating a multi-dimensional effect. The layers enhance volume and shape while keeping the hair short, making it ideal for very dark hair as they enrich the color. For styling, apply a small amount of volumizing mousse to damp hair, then use your fingers to tousle and scrunch for added texture.
DARK ASH BROWN LAYERED LIXIE CUT
Pixie cuts remain popular for their easy maintenance, requiring minimal care at home. However, it’s important to schedule your next cut promptly, as even slight growth can become bothersome. For a softer appearance, keep a bit more length around the face to maintain a feminine and airy look. As a professional tip, avoid heavy, waxy products, as they can weigh the hair down.
ICONIC LONG PIXIE CUT
Choose a long pixie cut for a modern and effortless hairstyle. It’s important to discuss your face shape with your hairstylist, as this cut may not suit round faces as well. Opt for shaggy, razor-cut layers to achieve a textured look with natural movement. Blow dry with a bit of wax and style using your hands for the best results. Remember to leave a longer section in the front to enhance the cut and style it elegantly to the side.
BRUNETTE LIXIE WITH FEATHERED LAYERS
For your next cut, consider a brunette lixie with feathered layers. If your short hair feels too thick, ask your stylist to layer and thin it out. To style a long pixie cut, use a blow dryer and round brush, directing the hair away from your face so that the front layers fall gracefully along your hairline.
CHIC LIXIE WITH VISIBLE LAYERS AND TONES
If you want to stay stylish while maintaining your personal touch, opt for a chic pixie cut with visible layers and customizable tones. This haircut allows you to tailor the tones to your preference and keeps the hair slightly longer, giving you more styling options each day.
CONCLUSION
The long pixie cut is a versatile and stylish option that can suit a variety of face shapes and hair textures. With the addition of layers, this cut can be even more dynamic and expressive. Whether you prefer a classic look or something more edgy, there’s a layered long pixie cut out there for you. By considering factors like your face shape, hair texture, and personal style, you can find the perfect layered long pixie cut to enhance your beauty and confidence.
