Thankfully, there is a wide array of transitional hairstyles out there to help get us from our fab pixie cut to a longer look. We put together a screenshot-friendly infographic to help you get there. Plus, we’re sharing how scalp and root care play an important part in growing out your hair. After all, hair—especially when you’re growing it out—is about the journey, not the destination!
How to Grow Out Pixie Cuts in 9 Looks
Stage 1: Pixie Cut
Stage 1 is the freshly shorn pixie, which features piecey bangs and a cropped back and sides. Very popular due to its ease of wear and the low-key chic it evokes, these fun, fresh pixie cuts have now evolved from being a staple look for gamine gals everywhere to a hairdo fit for the red carpet. The pixie cut is best worn soft and natural, with a standout shine. Emulate with a shine-enhancing system such as Suave Professionals Collagen Infusion Shampoo and Conditioner.
Stage 2: Boy’s Cut
Pixie cuts grow out into this length after around 2 months, at which point your best bet is to transition into a feminine boy cut. This features a slightly stacked back, with the longest hair at the bang area. The overall effect of these different lengths is a flattering volume at the crown—not to mention it looks super cute as you tuck the bangs behind your ears, with a sexy side part to boot.
Stage 3: Short Bob
A short bob is the next stage your hair will hit after you grow out of your boy’s cut. You’ll end up with a soft, rounded bob that, when amped up with TRESemmé Volume Thickening Spray, is both feminine and youthful.
Stage 4: Shag Haircut
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the shag once you’ve noticed your bob has started to grow out—they don’t call it “shaggy” for nothing! This look has been considered the sleeper hit of the year, as its unexpected popularity—especially with the balmier climes in the West Coast—has made it a hit with gals looking for a low-maintenance yet edgy look. Enhance your texture with a salt spray that brings out some lazy waves, such as Nexxus Between Washes Beach Waves Sea Salt Spray.
Stage 5: Lob Haircut
The good thing about a layered shag is that it somehow looks cooler after it’s settled in. To transition into a long bob, blend in your bangs and layers and trim the back, evening out any choppiness or disconnect. The chunky lob is pretty democratic and can truly be a wash-and-wear look, and a touch of everyday dry shampoo, such as Dove Refresh+Care Detox & Purify Dry Shampoo, is enough to keep it swingy and revitalized.
Stage 6: Layered Lob
Adding some sultry long bangs is a great way to spice things up with transitioning pixie cuts, once your lob goes past your collarbones. A side-swept fringe gives more dynamism to your look, giving it an overall “style”—and not just a bob that’s in that ho-hum middle stage near your shoulders. This is best styled with some volumizing mousse, like Nexxus Styling Mousse Plus, using a blowdryer paired with the gentle tug of a round brush.
Stage 7: Feathered Pixie Cut
Big during the 1980s, the modern feathered hairstyle features some razor-light layers below the chin that can be either ironed straight or made to flip out, for a retro-chic effect. The best bangs for this look are usually of brow length or longer, as they can provide a flirty frame around your features if and when you decide to pull hair up in a ponytail or updo. A hair oil, like Clean & Pure Nourishing Detox 5-in-1 Invisible Hair Oil, helps keep flyaways and frizz tamed down.
Stage 8: Wavy Hair
Layers on long hair eventually taper out and into a softer, almost one-length style. Once this happens, dust your hair to keep it healthy-looking. Any stragglers or mid-length layers easily find their groove with a wavy look: First prep hair with a wave-enhancing agent like TRESemmé Make Waves Shaping Gel Cream, and proceed to create loose curls with an iron, going in opposite directions for a more modern tousle. Nearly there!
Stage 9: Long Hair
Congrats, you’re officially done with transitioning those pixie cuts! Long, luscious, mermaid hair is now literally at your fingertips. Highlight those hard-earned lengths with a shine serum or spray, and remembering to treat hair weekly to a deep conditioner to make sure your ends stay intact. We also love the daily styling protection we get from TRESemmé Keratin Heat Protection Spray, which shields our Rapunzel locks from dryness and breakage. Whew, you made it!
How to Care for Your Hair While Growing out Your Cut
1. Take Care of Your Roots
Accelerate your hair growth process by starting at the root. Make sure to give your roots proper attention so your hair starts out as healthy as possible. Consider swapping out your usual wash and care system for the TIGI Copyright Custom Care Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. These products will remove buildup from any of the other products you’re using and ensure that your hair stays healthy and nothing interrupts the growth process.
2. Scrub Your Scalp
Making sure you have a healthy scalp is extremely important when growing out your hair. Using a scalp scrub, like Nexxus Clean & Pure Scalp Scrub is a great place to start. We love this scrub because it helps rebalance your scalp by removing product build-up, dirt, and oil. Product build-up can weigh your hair down, which can eventually lead to dryness. This makes your hair more prone to breakage. Use this once every other week before you shampoo.