‘It lifts the whole face’ - why mature women are having The Bixie haircut right now

Here at GH, it’s no secret that we love bobs, and we’re just as fond of a good pixie cut. So, we know how tough the choice can be when you’re sat in the salon chair, pondering your next cut. Luckily, for anyone torn between the two styles, beauty’s latest hair hybrid solves the age-old dilemma. Enter: ‘The Bixie’. It’s the trending hairstyle that A-list hairstylist Gustav Fouche praises for its anti-ageing abilities.

Speaking with GH, Gustav shares, ‘A Bixie is essentially a hybrid between a bob and a pixie cut. It keeps a little bit of length through the back, like a bob, but has the lightness and playfulness of a pixie.’

Robin Wright, 59, is proof of how great The Bixie looks on midlife hair

The key difference between The Bixie and the classic bob and pixie cut lies in the movement and texture. ‘It’s more layered, more relaxed and more fun. The result is a style that feels effortless, modern and full of energy,’ he explains.

Just take a look at the red carpet and you’ll notice The Bixie cropping up everywhere, from Pamela Anderson to Emma Stone. It’s no coincidence that celebrities are jumping on board — as he explains, it’s one of the most universally flattering hairstyles out there.

Emma Stone keeps her Bixie perfectly tousled, for a lived-in effect

‘The beauty of the bixie is that it really opens up the face. Unlike heavier bob styles that can feel quite imposing, The Bixie is lighter and more textured, so it lifts the features rather than covering them,’ he says.

He notes that it’s a particularly great option for mature women, with the power to faux a facelift. ‘It is especially flattering as women get older because it highlights the cheekbones and creates a natural lift through the face. The textured perimeter keeps the shape soft and modern, which is why it feels so fresh and popular right now.’

So, yes, it’s a flattering cut for a midlife face. But is it just as flattering for thin, midlife hair? As Gustav explains, ‘A bixie can work very well for thin or fine hair, but it needs to be tailored carefully.’

Pamela Anderson shows how to pull off The Bixie at 58

A quick chat with your salon stylist will determine the best technique for your hair. ‘If the hair is over-layered it can lose strength, so the cut has to be personalised to the individual. It really depends on the person’s hair texture, how they style their hair, their lifestyle and how much time they want to spend on it.’

He adds that, with the right technique, The Bixie can bring life to your hair in an instant. ‘When done correctly, the layering can add movement and body, which can make finer hair look fuller.’

The real magic of the bixie lies in its versatility. ‘It’s a style that can be adapted to suit most face shapes,’ Gustav explains.

Florence Pugh’s Bixie softens and complements her strong jawline

‘If someone has a very square or round face, you want to keep a little more length through the back to soften the overall look. With an oval face shape, you have more flexibility and can play with the length depending on personal preference. The key is to adjust the proportions and layers so the style complements the individual face.’

‘Styling a Bixie should be fun and playful, as this style is all about texture and movement,’ says Gustav. He explains that for those with naturally curlier, textured hair, styling can be kept to a minimum — just a quick blast with the hairdryer for extra lift will do.

Halle Berry demonstrates how well the Bixie works with textured hair types

For those with silkier hair types, a little more elbow-grease may be needed. Luckily, Gustav has already built a low-fuss routine. ‘I would start on damp hair with a little mousse or setting spray, flip the head upside down and blow-dry to create volume and lift at the root. That helps build air and dimension through the hair.’

He adds, ‘to finish, you can use a small amount of pomade to define the ends and create a slight flick. It should feel flirty, soft and effortless.’

Shorter styles have often been seen as the default for older women, but that doesn’t mean they can’t feel intentional and fresh. As Gustav explains, when done right, The Bixie can actually feel very modern.

Emma Thompson embraced The Bixie with silver locks

‘If grey hair is cut into a very round, classic shape it can look quite traditional and potentially ageing,’ he says. ‘The trick is to add a bit of edge to the haircut, perhaps keeping the back slightly shorter, leaving the fringe or sideburns a little longer, or adding sharper details while keeping the layers soft and feminine. That combination of softness and structure gives grey hair a much more modern, youthful and confident feel.’

With that, all that’s left to do is book in at the salon.