If you're considering a short haircut, it helps to go in with an exact sense of your vision, particularly if you're planning to cut several inches of hair. That's where celebrities come in. Some of our most iconic actors, singers, and personalities have rocked super-short hair, from Audrey Hepburn's classic, boyish pixie to Janelle Monáe and Cara Delevingne's modern iterations on short hair.
Though a super-short haircut may sound restrictive in terms of style, there's actually a lot of variety and possibility on offer. (Image credit: Getty Images) Charlize Theron has had a few versions of this short, blonde pixie throughout her long career (sometimes she slicked it back, other times she wore it with a ton of volume). Ginnifer Goodwin has often worn her hair in a pixie cut, but this modern iteration-blonde on top, visible roots, shorter and darker sides, a little bit of choppiness in the cut-is a cool variation. Doja Cat has given us a wealth of short hair inspiration. I happen to love this version, with her hair brushed forward and some spiky micro-bangs. Katy Perry loves to switch up her look, and when she gave us an all-blonde pixie cut, it felt very in keeping with her vivacious persona. Kate Hudson is normally known for her long, blonde hair, so when she gave us a cut that was much shorter (this is from 2018), it was a cool surprise.
Classic pixie and its modern evolutions
The more modern version of a short cut has surprising features. Zoë Kravitz has had short cuts at various lengths, from a shaved head all the way to a long bixie (pixie and bob hybrid). I like this soft version with some curl to it that still maintains a bit of the edginess that the star is known for. The Girl Meets World actor is rocking a cool cut here. This long pixie haircut has much longer pieces at the top and front than others on this list. If you want to go with the most exciting short haircut you can think of, this multicolored bowl-shaped 'do on Tati Gabrielle (actor on The 100 and You) is a great choice. I love these layered waves on Kate Mara. We had a few celebrities with iconic pixies in the '90s, and Winona Ryder was one of the best. It was a sort of modernized Audrey Hepburn cut-short and a little spiky, but still deeply feminine. Anne Hathaway often wears her hair long, but I loved her pixie cut (which she debuted around the same time she appeared in Les Miserables, in which her hair was cut off on camera).
Janelle Monae gives her fans great hair inspo-and this hairdo, which is just a little longer than a buzz cut, is no exception. Ruby Rose's short but layered pixie is an important part of their look. On top of the volume she already has, adding highlights for some extra depth makes their hair look even thicker. This short cut on Audrey Tautou is romance personified-her curls make for impressive shape and volume. There's a ton of layering going on here, which makes for a complex cut that may not work for everyone. We've never been worried about Zendaya's ability to pull off a daring haircut (whether it's her own strands, extensions, or a wig). This haircut on Kristen Stewart is just a fraction longer than a buzzcut, with longer pieces towards the front but the rest of the hair short.
Daring variations and natural textures
These coiled curls on Viola Davis were a head-turning moment for the actor, after she decided to wear her natural hair instead of a wig on the red carpet. Miley Cyrus has had a myriad of short haircuts over the course of her career, but I'm partial to this one. It's no surprise that this iconic cut made the list: when Natalie Portman had her head shaved (on camera!) as the lead in V for Vendetta, it immediately turned heads. This asymmetric cut is stunning on Amandla Stenberg, who often wears her hair intricately on the red carpet but looks just as incredible when it's simple. Coco Rocha has always had innovative, quirky style (both on the runway and off, since she's a literal supermodel).
Iconic short cuts from past and present
Valorie Curry (The Boys, Veronica Mars) has sometimes worn her hair in a pretty pixie-and wore it that way when she played Charlotte in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2. Halle Berry was the undisputed pixie queen of the '90s (and long beyond that decade!). Cynthia Erivo is proud to call herself "Black, bald-headed, pierced, and queer," and her red carpet looks are a beautiful display of that. This was right around the time Sienna Miller played Edie Sedgwick in Factory Girl, and this pulled-back version of the model's signature '60s look was instantly iconic. Scarlett Johansson really rocked this short, shaved 'do (the better to show off her many earrings!). It looks great from the front, but you really see just how much of her head is shaved from the side. Audrey Hepburn remains a touchstone of short hair, with her iconic pixie-like look rooted in utility and elegance.
Lupita Nyong'o has given us a multitude of complex, ornate updos on the red carpet. But this simple hair (worn to a photocall of A Quiet Place: Day One) with a deep side part is just as stunning. Nyong'o has long embraced her short hair, saying, "In my adolescence, I always had long hair and it was relaxed." This is one of Cara Delevingne's signature hairdos (and one she regularly returns to). I like this white-blonde, super-short version, in part because the slightly longer top looks mohawk-inspired. Rihanna wore this short cut to a Fenty launch party in June 2024. Watching her walk the red carpet in her natural curls was an absolute treat, and felt like a callback to when she wore her hair short in previous years.
Searching for some short hair inspiration? These celebrity transformations are the perfect place to start. Bobs may have dominated our feeds for the past few years, but 2025 has shown us that the pixie cut is edging ever-closer to taking the crown for the most in-demand haircut of the year. There’s no point denying it: the pixie haircut is bold, beautiful and never goes out of style. Whether you’re after a soft crop or a slicked-back look, the pixie crop is surprisingly versatile. It’s the look that seems to be everywhere at the moment, with many celebrities donning the ’do. Whether you opt for something mega short, like Rihanna, prefer a shaggy crop, like Gracie Abrams, or are after something with a punky edge, like Iris Law, there are plenty of ways to wear it. And, with a good stylist, it really can be tailored to suit any face shape or style. So, if you’re considering going for the chop, look to these A-listers for some serious pixie hair inspiration.
Florence Pugh Since debuting the short crop, we can’t imagine Florence Pugh with any other hairstyle. Paired with a platinum blonde shade and often styled with a glossy gel to smooth things over, Pugh has made the pixie the ultimate power move. Gracie Abrams If you needed official confirmation that pixie cuts were taking over as the official hairstyle of the year, look no further than Gracie Abrams. The singer was the queen of the blunt bob, yet recently replaced her signature cut with a shaggy pixie crop. Emma Stone Emma Stone made headlines when she debuted a pixie crop at the beginning of the year, and now we can’t imagine her without one. You could say she set the trend for pixies to dominate 2025. Oti Mabuse While she may be opting for longer lengths right now, we invite Strictly fans to join us in reminiscing over Oti Mabuse’s chic pixie crop. Nicole Kidman Nicole Kidman’s mane of long red hair is almost as famous as she is, but the actor has seemingly embraced the ‘short hair don’t care’ movement earlier this year, thanks to the Met Gala. Rihanna Rihanna is no stranger to a hair transformation. She’s tried every cut and colour on for size, but we’ll always have a soft spot for the singer’s pixie cut. Iris Law No matter whether it’s her signature peroxide blonde of this new pink copper shade, Iris Law is always our go-to inspiration when it comes to pixie cuts. Tilda Swinton Tilda Swinton is proof that you don’t have to compromise on volume when it comes to a pixie cut. Which is why the actor has made it her signature look for as long as we can remember. Kristen Stewart Kristen Stewart often switches between an androgynous-chic pixie cut and a shaggy mullet. Either way, Stewart knows how to nail a cropped hairstyle. Jada Pinkett Smith Jada Pinkett Smith has never been afraid to experiment with her hair, having stuck to a buzzcut for the past few years. However, she was the queen of the pixie cut in the 90s and 2000s. Ciara Ciara isn’t just a singer, songwriter, dancer and model; she’s a short hair icon, too. The musician debuted a dramatic 90s-style pixie cut at the Met Gala earlier this year. Gabrielle Union Gabrielle Union is a full-time legend, so naturally, she couldn’t resist a modern twist on the classic 20s crop (think a chin-length cut styled into soft, deep waves). Brie Larson While the actor may have tried a pixie cut on for size, thanks to Avengers: Endgame, she’s remained loyal to the short style many years after. Kerry Washington Kerry Washington has experimented with a pixie cut a few times over the years, and we can see why. Janelle Monae If anyone could nail a pixie cut, it’s Janelle Monae. Lupita Nyong’o Is there a make-up or hair look that Lupita Nyong’o can’t pull off? We are obsessed with her fierce pixie. Anne Hathaway Anne Hathaway’s elfin crop was voted one of the most influential celebrity haircuts of all time, and it’s easy to see why. Audrey Hepburn If we were to list the most iconic pixie haircuts, Audrey Hepburn’s romantic crop would definitely take the number one slot.
- Pixie cuts offer versatility from sleek to voluminous looks.
- Celebrities continually redefine short hair with color, texture, and asymmetry.
- Modern short cuts include bixie, bowl-shaped, and blended pixie variations.
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