Bixie vs Pixie vs Bob: How to Choose

These three cuts sit on a line from shortest to longest, so it helps to see them side by side. This post sticks to how they compare. For the details of each cut, see the bixie, pixie and bob pages.

Which is the easiest to live with?

That depends on what kind of easy you mean. A pixie has the least hair to dry, but it usually needs the most frequent trims. A bob gives you more time between cuts, though it can show when it hasn't been styled. A bixie often sits in the middle, and it tends to look better slightly tousled than perfectly smooth.

If you're choosing a low-effort cut, ask how each one will look on a day when you do nothing to it. The post on how often to get a haircut can help you work out what the upkeep means for your calendar.

Which is best for fine hair?

All three can work, for different reasons. A bob's clean outline can make fine hair look thicker. A bixie's shorter layers can add lift and movement. A pixie takes away the weight that pulls roots flat.

If you have very fine hair, ask where you want the fullness. A bob puts it at the ends, a pixie puts it at the crown, and a bixie aims for a little of both. The guide to haircuts for fine hair goes deeper.

What if you've never gone short?

Go in steps. If you're nervous, a short bob is a good stepping stone, and you can decide after that whether a bixie appeals. Stepping down gradually gives you time to see how your hair behaves at each length.

The same line works in reverse. A bixie is a natural in-between shape if you're growing out a pixie, and from there you can grow into a bob.

How do you choose between them?

Answer these before your appointment:

• How often are you happy to book a trim?
• Do you need to tie your hair back for work, the gym or golf?
• How long will you spend on it in the morning?
• Do you like your hair smooth, or a bit messy?

Then bring a photo of each shape you're considering. The names aren't exact, so a photo will tell your stylist more than the word alone.

What will each cut cost?

With Karen Shardlow in Georgetown, short women's cuts start at $76 and medium cuts start at $82. Those are starting prices, and your final price depends on your hair. That's common at salons. Posh Salon, also in Georgetown, says its listed prices are a starting point that may vary with the stylist's experience and the length and thickness of your hair. See all of Karen's starting prices.