Curly Pixie Cut: 10 Celebrity Looks and How to Wear It
Thinking about a curly pixie cut? See 10 celebrity looks from Zendaya to Rihanna, who the cut suits, what to ask your stylist and how to style it.
There's something about a curly pixie cut that just works. It's short, it's bold, and it lets your natural texture do all the talking.
Zendaya is the latest star to take the plunge. She debuted a cropped, curly pixie at the Prada Paradoxe party during New York Fashion Week in September, and the internet hasn't stopped talking about it. But she's far from the first. Rihanna, Janelle Monáe, Lupita Nyong'o and Halle Berry have all made short curls look effortlessly cool.
If you've been thinking about going short, here's everything you need to know, from the best celebrity curly pixie cuts to copy to how to style yours at home.
What Is a Curly Pixie Cut?
A curly pixie is a short, cropped cut designed to work with your natural curls or waves instead of fighting them. It's usually tighter around the back and sides, with a little more length on top so the curls have room to spring up.
The beauty of it is how flexible it is. You can wear it soft and fluffy, defined and glossy, slicked down, or even blown out. As celebrity hairstylist Sophie Gutterman puts it, going this short can be "extremely freeing."
It's also a lot less work than long curls. Less product, less drying time, and wash day becomes a 10-minute job.
10 Celebrity Curly Pixie Cuts to Copy
1. Zendaya
Zendaya's newest cut is short and sweet. At the Prada Paradoxe party in New York in September 2026, she showed off a close crop with her curls left a little longer on top. It's one of the shortest styles she's ever worn, and it proves a curly pixie can look just as glam as long waves.
2. Rihanna
At a Fenty launch party in Los Angeles in June 2024, Rihanna wore a short, coily pixie with a touch more length on top. Simple, soft and very Rihanna.
3. Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe went blonde for her curly pixie at the Costume Designers Guild Awards in February 2025. The bright color makes every curl pop, and it's a great example of how a bold shade can give a short cut even more personality.
4. Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong'o has been rocking short natural hair for years. For the A Quiet Place: Day One photocall in London in May 2024, she wore a cropped, side-parted crop that looked polished but totally natural.
5. Nathalie Emmanuel
Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel turned up at the Chanel show during Paris Fashion Week in October 2024 with a blonde curly pixie and curly bangs. The fringe softens the shape and frames her face perfectly.
6. Halle Berry
Halle Berry basically made the pixie famous, and she's still finding new ways to wear it. At the 2023 Oscars, she styled hers into deconstructed finger waves that swept over one eye. Old Hollywood with a modern twist.
7. Viola Davis
Viola Davis's short Afro curls with a deep side part are proof that a curly pixie can be elegant and fuss-free at the same time.
8. Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson went for something a little different at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards in February 2025: a blown-out pixie with an auburn ombré. A great idea if you want to switch up your texture now and then.
9. Lashana Lynch
At the London premiere of The Day of the Jackal in October 2024, Lashana Lynch wore a micro pixie with silver hair accessories. Super short, super chic.
10. Issa Rae
Issa Rae keeps her curly pixie playful by adding a simple metallic bobby pin. It's an easy trick to make a short cut feel dressed up for an event.
Who Suits a Curly Pixie Cut?
Honestly, more people than you'd think. Curls add natural volume and softness, so a curly pixie tends to look less severe than a straight one.
It's especially flattering if you have an oval or heart-shaped face, strong cheekbones or striking eyes, since a short cut puts all the attention on your features. If you have a round face, ask for a bit more height on top to add length.
It works on everything from loose waves to tight coils. Looser curls give a softer, tousled look, while tighter curls create more shape and definition. If your hair is very fine, keep a little length on top so it doesn't look flat.
Not ready for curls this short? Emma Stone's sleek pixie cut at the 2025 Golden Globes is a great straight-hair alternative.
How to Ask Your Stylist for a Curly Pixie
Bring photos. Lots of them. "Short curly hair" can mean very different things, so show your stylist exactly what you like.
If you can, find someone who cuts curly hair dry or curl by curl. Curls shrink, so a cut done wet can end up much shorter than you expected.
Talk about how much length you want to keep on top, how short you're happy to go on the sides and back, and whether you want bangs. And tell them how much time you actually spend on your hair in the morning. Be honest.
If you're nervous, start a little longer. Something in between, like Gracie Abrams' polished bixie, is a good stepping stone. You can always go shorter next time.
How to Style a Curly Pixie Cut
For defined curls, apply a curl cream to damp hair, scrunch it in and dry with a diffuser or let it air dry. Don't touch it while it dries, or you'll get frizz.
Want more volume? Flip your head upside down while you diffuse, or lift the roots with a little mousse.
For a sleek, red carpet look, try finger waves like Halle Berry, or slick your curls back with gel for a wet look.
And don't forget accessories. A few bobby pins, a jeweled clip or a headband can completely change the vibe.
How to Look After It
Curly hair loves moisture, so use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a rich conditioner. A leave-in conditioner and a weekly hair mask will keep your curls soft and shiny.
If you bleach or color your pixie like Janelle Monáe or Nathalie Emmanuel, be extra careful. Lightened curly hair can dry out fast, so stick to hydrating, color-safe products.
Plan on a trim every four to six weeks to keep the shape looking fresh. Short cuts grow out quickly.
Curly Pixie Cut FAQ
Is a curly pixie cut high maintenance?
Not really. Day to day, it's much easier than long curls. The main thing is regular trims, usually every four to six weeks, to keep the shape.
Can you get a pixie cut with wavy hair?
Yes. Wavy hair looks great in a pixie, especially with some length on top so the waves can move. Zoë Kravitz and Joey King have both worn tousled wavy pixies.
How do I make my curly pixie look less poofy?
Use a curl cream or light gel to hold your curls together, and avoid brushing them when dry. A cut with more weight removed from the sides helps too.
How long does it take to grow out a curly pixie?
It depends on your hair, but expect around a year to reach chin length. Regular trims on the back and sides will make the in-between stages look intentional.
Final Thoughts
A curly pixie cut is one of those styles that looks bold but is actually easy to live with. Whether you go soft and fluffy like Rihanna, bright and blonde like Janelle Monáe or cropped and chic like Zendaya, your curls get to be the star. Take a few photos to your stylist, be honest about your routine, and enjoy the freedom.
