Yahoo Finance The ‘Whisper Pixie’ Is Spring’s Coolest Cut
A few ways to tell that spring has sprung: The daffodils are blooming, you're dressing in fewer layers, and the girlies are making hair appointments for a fun new haircut. While there's always a place for lengthy locks, there's no better time to go for an edgy chop than during spring and summer months. And model Taylor Hill feels the same, per her new “whisper pixie.” Hill herself wrote in her Instagram that her new cut was indicative of spring: “Sunny weather and fresh cut, it’s starting to feel like spring.”
According to celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano, who coined the name “whisper pixie” and created the cut for Hill, the name “was inspired by the idea of combining something delicate and ethereal (whisper) with something playful and magical (pixie),” much as the classic pixie cut itself does.
Now, it's certainly not the first time that a cut like this has been done. In fact, Priano likens it to the hairstyles that Audrey Hepburn was once known for. “Taylor and I have been working together for over a decade, and we have referenced so many Audrey Hepburn images as Taylor resembles her,” she says.
In terms of how this particular whisper pixie came about, Priano says that Hill's hair was recently cut for a shoot, but afterward, she thought she wanted to grow it out. That is until she decided to let someone else cut it, which led to Priano having to do some damage control. When it came time to cut, Hill shared that she “wanted something that reassembled a pixie, something modern yet timeless, with a nod to classic elegance and personal flair,” says Priano, and that's how the whisper pixie was born.
Should you want a similar style, Priano says it's important to communicate with your stylist. “Mentioning key elements like ‘short and layered with a soft, feathered texture around the edges’ can give a clear idea.” And she along with celebrity stylist (and House of Frieda Partner) Dave Stanwell agree that bringing reference photos with you to the salon is key.
Scared that the whisper pixie isn't for you? Stanwell assures us, “This haircut is great because you can adjust the cut based on how you want it.” Especially if you have a hairstylist whom you really trust to take things like face shape and hair thickness into consideration. “For example, if you have thicker hair and curls, you'll need lots more texture than if you have naturally straight or fine hair,” explains Stanwell.
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Other than Hill, there are plenty of other celebs with similar cuts that you can look to for inspo. Coi Leray, Florence Pugh, Halsey, and Teyana Taylor come to mind as those who have recently made the chop. And of course, there are the mainstays with this style like Michelle Williams and Zoë Kravitz.
But there were lots more before them too, especially when the pixie cut had its last wave of popularity, in the ’90s. Halle Berry, Winona Ryder, Linda Evangelista, and even Kate Moss may jog your memory.
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Convinced to snip yet? If so, we have some pointers on how best to style your new chop. And if you're on the fence, maybe knowing a little bit more about the maintenance that a whisper pixie entails will help you decide whether it's for you.
“You can wash and go, which is the joy of shorter styles,” says Stanwell. “They always take much less time to style and it's fun to switch up your look.” He says that all you need in your arsenal is “a little styling cream, sea spray, or pomade just to really lock the look in place all day long.”
Priano is on the same wavelength in terms of products, adding that it comes in handy to have a “good texturizing cream or pomade for definition, a lightweight serum for smoothing, and perhaps a volumizing spray at the roots for those looking to add a bit more lift.” She adds, “The key is to use products sparingly to avoid weighing down the hair.”
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As for maintenance for a cut like this, Priano says it “generally involves regular trims every four to six weeks to keep the shape and texture looking sharp. The precise frequency can vary based on how quickly your hair grows and how structured you want the cut to remain over time.” But, as you can see from Hill and how her cut has evolved over the years, you can have some fun along the way, allowing your style to grow out a little, cut it a little, and then maybe cut it a lot.
We'll leave you with this sage advice from Priano: “When considering a ‘whisper pixie’ cut, think about your lifestyle and how much time you want to spend on styling each day. It’s a versatile cut that can be styled in minutes, making it perfect for someone looking for a low-maintenance yet chic hairstyle. Also, consider the cut’s adaptability with your personal style and how it complements your wardrobe and aesthetic.”
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Lisa DeSantis is a beauty writer and editor based in Nashville. Follow her @lisa_desantis_.
Originally Appeared on Glamour
