The 20 pixie cut with shaved sides styles in this guide prove that short hair can be daring, dramatic, and deeply personal. Shaving one or both sides of a pixie cut transforms a classic short hairstyle into a statement of confidence and individuality. Whether you want a subtle undercut that hides beneath longer layers or a dramatic side shave that announces your arrival, this style works for every hair texture—straight, wavy, curly, or coily. In this guide, we will explore twenty stunning pixie cuts with shaved sides, complete with why each works, how to style it, which face shapes it flatters, and maintenance needs. From professional-friendly options to full rockstar rebellion, there is a shaved pixie here for every personality.
Why Shaved Sides Transform a Pixie Cut
Shaving the sides of a pixie cut does more than just look cool. Here is why this style works:
- Removes bulk from thick hair that can feel heavy even when short
- Adds instant edge that makes any outfit look more intentional
- Creates contrast between the shaved section and longer top hair
- Keeps you cool during hot weather or hot flashes
- Highlights your bone structure by exposing the ears, temples, and neckline
The 20 Pixie Cut with Shaved Sides Styles
1. Classic Side Shave with Long Top
One side of the head is shaved from the temple down to the nape. The hair on top remains long enough to sweep across to the opposite side.
Why it works: The contrast between the shaved side and the long, textured top is dramatic but balanced. You can hide the shave by sweeping hair down, or reveal it by tucking hair behind your ear.
How to style it: Apply texturizing paste to the long top section. Sweep it to the opposite side of the shave. The shaved side needs no product—just keep it clean.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, diamond. The asymmetry draws attention to your best features.
Maintenance needs: Shaved side needs refreshing every 2–3 weeks. Top every 4–6 weeks.
2. Double Side Shave with Textured Mohawk
Both sides are shaved, leaving a strip of longer hair down the center of the head from forehead to nape. The top is heavily textured.
Why it works: This is the most dramatic version of the shaved pixie. The central strip can be styled spiky, swept back, or messy.
How to style it: Work styling wax or pomade through the center strip. Piece it upward or sweep it back. The shaved sides need no daily styling.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, square. Avoid if you have a very long face, as the height can exaggerate length.
Maintenance needs: Sides every 2–3 weeks. Top every 4–5 weeks.
3. Undercut Pixie (Shaved Nape Only)
Only the nape of the neck is shaved, usually in a rounded or V-shape pattern. The rest of the pixie remains soft and layered.
Why it works: The undercut is hidden when your hair is down but creates a surprising reveal when you tilt your head up or wear your hair slightly lifted. It is professional-friendly with a secret edge.
How to style it: Style the top and sides as a classic pixie. The shaved nape needs no daily work.
Best face shapes: All face shapes. The undercut does not affect face shape perception since it is at the back.
Maintenance needs: Nape every 3–4 weeks. Top every 5–6 weeks.
4. Curly Pixie with Shaved Sides
For women with natural curls or coils, shaving the sides removes bulk while leaving the top curly and voluminous.
Why it works: Curly hair can feel heavy and hot. Shaved sides lighten the load and create a striking contrast between the smooth shave and the textured curls on top.
How to style it: On soaking wet top hair, apply curl cream and leave-in conditioner. Diffuse or air-dry. The shaved sides stay clean-shaven. Never brush the curly top.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, round. The volume on top balances rounder face shapes.
Maintenance needs: Sides every 2–3 weeks. Top every 6–8 weeks.
5. Disconnected Pixie with Shaved Design
The shaved section includes a design—lines, zigzags, dots, or shapes—shaved into the hair.
Why it works: This is wearable art. The design makes your haircut completely unique and personal.
How to style it: Style the top as usual. The shaved design needs no daily styling—just keep the area clean and moisturized.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, diamond. The design draws attention, so make sure you love where your eyes are being directed.
Maintenance needs: Every 1–2 weeks. Shaved designs grow out faster than any other cut element.
6. Long Pixie with Shaved Sides and Swept Bangs
The top is kept longer—sometimes several inches—with side-swept bangs that cover part of the shaved side. This softens the edgy look.
Why it works: The long bangs create a curtain that hides and reveals the shave as you move. It is a great entry point for anyone nervous about a full side shave.
How to style it: Blow-dry the long bangs using a round brush, sweeping them across your forehead. The rest of the top stays textured.
Best face shapes: Oval, round, heart. The diagonal line of the bangs elongates round faces.
Maintenance needs: Sides every 3 weeks. Bangs every 3–4 weeks. Top every 5–6 weeks.
7. Spiky Pixie with Shaved Sides
The top is cut into short, spiky pieces that stand up. Both sides are shaved clean.
Why it works: The spikes add height and attitude. The shaved sides keep the overall silhouette clean and modern.
How to style it: Work styling wax or gel through the top. Use your fingers to pull pieces upward into spikes. The shaved sides need nothing.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, square. The height balances rounder faces.
Maintenance needs: Sides every 2–3 weeks. Top every 4 weeks. Spikes lose their structure quickly.
8. Tapered Pixie with Faded Sides
The shaved sides are faded—meaning they start very short at the bottom and gradually get longer as they go up toward the top.
Why it works: The fade creates a smooth, professional transition between the shaved sides and the longer top. It looks more polished than a harsh disconnect.
How to style it: Style the top as a classic pixie. The faded sides need no daily styling.
Best face shapes: All face shapes. The fade is universally flattering.
Maintenance needs: Fade every 2–3 weeks. Top every 5–6 weeks.
9. Wispy Pixie with Shaved Sides for Fine Hair
Fine hair often cannot hold a traditional pixie shape. This version keeps the top soft and wispy while shaving the sides to create the illusion of more density on top.
Why it works: Removing hair from the sides makes the top look fuller by comparison. The wispy texture hides any sparse areas.
How to style it: Apply volumizing mousse to damp top hair. Blow-dry using your fingers. Avoid heavy products. The shaved sides stay clean.
Best face shapes: Oval, oblong, heart. The volume on top balances longer face shapes.
Maintenance needs: Sides every 3 weeks. Top every 5–6 weeks.
10. Asymmetrical Shaved Pixie
One side is shaved completely. The other side is left longer, often reaching the ear or jawline. The top is cut at an angle.
Why it works: The asymmetry is bold and architectural. It draws the eye diagonally across the face, creating a slimming effect.
How to style it: Style the longer side to sweep across your forehead or tuck behind your ear. The shaved side stays clean.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, diamond. Avoid if you have a very round face, as asymmetry can emphasize width.
Maintenance needs: Shaved side every 2–3 weeks. Longer side every 5–6 weeks.
11. Shaved Pixie with Colored Top
The shaved sides remain natural or shaved clean, while the longer top is dyed a bold color—platinum, rose gold, blue, purple, or red.
Why it works: The contrast between the neutral shaved sides and the bright colored top is stunning. The color pops even more because there is no competing hair around it.
How to style it: Style the colored top as usual. Use color-safe shampoo to maintain vibrancy. The shaved sides need no color maintenance.
Best face shapes: All face shapes. The attention goes to the color, not bone structure.
Maintenance needs: Sides every 2–3 weeks. Color touch-ups every 4–6 weeks. Top trim every 5–6 weeks.
12. Short and Tight Shaved Pixie
Everything is short—the top is cropped close to the head (1–2 inches), and the sides are shaved clean or faded.
Why it works: This is the lowest maintenance option on the list. There is almost no styling required. It is cool, clean, and confident.
How to style it: Rub a small amount of texturizing paste between your palms. Run your hands over the top. That is it.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, square. The short top keeps the focus on your facial features.
Maintenance needs: Every 3–4 weeks for the entire cut. This style needs frequent trims to stay short.
13. Shaved Pixie with Finger Waves
The longer top is styled into vintage finger waves—a glamorous, sculpted S-shaped wave pattern. The sides remain shaved.
Why it works: The contrast between old Hollywood glamour and modern edge is unexpected and chic. This is a special occasion or red carpet look.
How to style it: Apply setting lotion to damp top hair. Use your fingers and a comb to create S-shaped waves. Pin in place and dry under a hooded dryer or air-dry completely. Remove pins and finger-comb gently.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, diamond. The waves soften angular features.
Maintenance needs: Sides every 2–3 weeks. Top every 5–6 weeks.
14. Textured Pixie with Hard Part and Shaved Sides
A hard part (a shaved line) separates the longer top from the shaved sides. The top is heavily textured.
Why it works: The hard part creates a graphic, almost architectural line. It adds structure and intentionality to the cut.
How to style it: Style the textured top upward or to the side. The hard part line should remain visible—do not comb hair across it.
Best face shapes: Oval, square, heart. The hard part adds structure to softer face shapes.
Maintenance needs: Hard part and sides every 2–3 weeks. Top every 5 weeks.
15. Long Shaggy Pixie with Shaved Sides
The top is cut in a shag style—choppy, disconnected layers that fall loosely. The sides are shaved clean.
Why it works: The shaggy top adds volume and movement, while the shaved sides keep the overall look from feeling too bulky or heavy.
How to style it: Apply texturizing spray to damp top hair. Scrunch and air-dry or diffuse. The shaggy texture looks best slightly messy.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, round. The volume on top balances rounder faces.
Maintenance needs: Sides every 2–3 weeks. Top every 6–8 weeks.
16. Shaved Pixie with Baby Bangs
The top includes micro bangs (baby bangs) that sit 1–2 inches above the eyebrows. The sides are shaved.
Why it works: Baby bangs are daring on their own. Paired with shaved sides, the look becomes high fashion and editorial.
How to style it: Keep baby bangs pin-straight or slightly piece-y with a dab of texturizing paste. The shaved sides stay clean. Do not curl baby bangs.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, diamond. Avoid if you have a round or very square face, as micro bangs can exaggerate width.
Maintenance needs: Baby bangs every 2 weeks. Sides every 2–3 weeks. Top every 5 weeks.
17. Curly Top with Shaved Sides and Line Design
The curly top is left full and voluminous. One or both shaved sides include a shaved line or geometric design.
Why it works: The softness of the curls contrasts with the sharp, graphic lines of the shaved design. It is artistic and bold.
How to style it: Style the curly top with curl cream and diffuser. The shaved design needs no daily styling.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, square. The curls soften the overall look.
Maintenance needs: Shaved design every 1–2 weeks. Curly top every 6–8 weeks.
18. Sleek Pixie with Shaved Sides for Straight Hair
The top is cut blunt and styled sleek and smooth. The sides are shaved. No texture, no spikes—just clean lines.
Why it works: The sleek top is professional and polished. The shaved sides add edge without looking messy. It works beautifully in corporate environments.
How to style it: Blow-dry the top smooth using a paddle brush. Flat-iron if needed. Apply shine serum. The shaved sides stay clean.
Best face shapes: Oval, square, oblong. The sleekness elongates rounder faces.
Maintenance needs: Sides every 2–3 weeks. Top every 5–6 weeks.
19. Shaved Pixie with Grown-Out Top
The top is intentionally grown out—several inches long—while the sides remain shaved. The top can be swept back, to the side, or left loose.
Why it works: The contrast between the long, flowing top and the shaved sides is dramatic and romantic. It offers the versatility of longer hair with the edge of a shave.
How to style it: The long top can be curled, straightened, braided, or pulled into a tiny ponytail. The shaved sides stay clean.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, diamond. The length on top elongates round faces.
Maintenance needs: Sides every 2–3 weeks. Top every 8–10 weeks.
20. Minimalist Shaved Pixie with Natural Texture
The top is cut just long enough to show your natural texture—whether straight, wavy, or slightly curly. No heavy styling products. No dramatic spikes. Just clean, simple, confident hair.
Why it works: This is the “I woke up like this” version of the shaved pixie. It proves that you do not need elaborate styling to look cool.
How to style it: Wash. Towel dry. Run a small amount of lightweight cream or paste through the top. Go. The shaved sides stay clean.
Best face shapes: Oval, heart, square. The simplicity puts the focus on your face.
Maintenance needs: Sides every 2–3 weeks. Top every 5–6 weeks.
How to Style a Pixie with Shaved Sides
The shaved sides require almost no daily work. Focus your energy on the top:
- Damp top hair: Apply mousse, texturizing spray, or styling paste depending on your desired finish.
- Blow-dry using your fingers or a small round brush.
- Piece out the top using your fingers for texture.
- Optional: Add wax or pomade for spikes or definition.
The shaved sides should be kept clean and moisturized. Use a gentle scrub when washing to prevent ingrown hairs.
Quick Maintenance Cheat Sheet
| Cut Type | Shaved Sides Frequency | Top Trim Frequency |
| Classic side shave | 2–3 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Double side shave (mohawk) | 2–3 weeks | 4–5 weeks |
| Undercut (nape only) | 3–4 weeks | 5–6 weeks |
| Curly with shaved sides | 2–3 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| Shaved design | 1–2 weeks | 5–6 weeks |
| Long pixie with swept bangs | 3 weeks | 5–6 weeks |
| Spiky pixie | 2–3 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Faded sides | 2–3 weeks | 5–6 weeks |
| Wispy for fine hair | 3 weeks | 5–6 weeks |
| Asymmetrical | 2–3 weeks | 5–6 weeks |
| Colored top | 2–3 weeks | 5–6 weeks |
| Short and tight | 3–4 weeks (whole cut) | 3–4 weeks |
| With finger waves | 2–3 weeks | 5–6 weeks |
| With hard part | 2–3 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Shaggy top | 2–3 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| With baby bangs | 2–3 weeks | 5 weeks |
| Curly top with design | 1–2 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| Sleek pixie | 2–3 weeks | 5–6 weeks |
| Grown-out top | 2–3 weeks | 8–10 weeks |
| Minimalist | 2–3 weeks | 5–6 weeks |
Final Thoughts
A pixie cut with shaved sides is not for the faint of heart—but if you are ready, it will change how you see yourself. The confidence that comes with this cut is real. You will touch your shaved side constantly (everyone does). You will feel the breeze on your neck. And you will wonder why you waited so long. Work with a barber or stylist who has experience with clippers and shaved designs. Bring photos from this guide. And remember: hair grows back. The shaved sides will need constant maintenance, but the freedom is worth every trip to the salon.