2025 has been the unexpected year of the pixie cut, and the ‘Tinkerbell haircut’ is the latest trending take.

Super-short haircuts dominated red carpets this year, from Emma Stone’s viral pixie debut at the Golden Globes to the sea of celebrities in 1920s-coded crops at the Emmys. “Pixie cuts tap into blend of confidence and ease that a lot of people are craving right now,” celebrity stylist Jenny Cho, who created Carrie Coon’s platinum Emmys pixie cut, tells Glamour. “They feel expressive, modern, and a little rebellious – but still timeless.”

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Now that all those crisp celebrity pixies have had time to settle in, a more romantic, grown-out look is taking over: Enter, the Tinkerbell haircut. This softer spin on the classic pixie is also a great option if you’re planning for a major chop.

“We’ve been in a long era of mid-length to long hair, and now clients are excited to try something that feels fresh and empowering,” says hairstylist Jennifer Korab. “This cut highlights your features, gives you instant personality, and photographs beautifully. I’m seeing more and more clients coming in ready to make a bold change.”

What is the Tinkerbell haircut?

Named after the fictional fairy from Peter Pan, the Tinkerbell haircut shares some of her best-known characteristics: It’s sprightly, stylish, and a little mischievous. “The Tinkerbell pixie is much softer and more whimsical than a classic pixie,” Korab says. “It has those longer fringe pieces, lots of movement on the top, and feathered, wispy edges.”

When asking for a Tinkerbell haircut at the salon, Korab advises describing it as “a soft, textured pixie but with wispy edges and longer layers in front.” Unlike a traditional pixie, which is more structured, the Tinkerbell cut adds texture and shape. “The key is emphasising movement and softness,” Korab says. “Mention that you want a light fringe, feathered sides, and some length on top.”

Which hair types work best with the Tinkerbell haircut?

Not sure if the Tinkerbell cut will work with your specific texture? Cho says that it’s surprisingly versatile: “Fine hair can get soft, airy movement with piece-y layers, while thicker or wavier textures can be shaped close to the head for that sleek, modern silhouette.” Korab notes that if you have straight, fine hair that doesn’t typically hold shape well, the Tinkerbell cut could be a game-changer, adding, “The layers add fullness without weighing it down, and the wispy texture really shows.”

Face shape also tends to dominate the pixie cut conversations, but Cho says that the Tinkerbell haircut doesn’t necessarily flatter one shape more than another. “It’s all about customisation, ” she explains. “Adjust the fringe, graduation, layers, or length to bring out someone’s natural features.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 26: Emma Stone attends the Los Angeles premiere of A24’s “Eddington” at DGA Theater Complex on June 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/WireImage)Emma McIntyre

How to style the Tinkerbell haircut at home

“A Tinkerbell pixie is about softness and a touchable texture, so your products should enhance movement without stiffness,” says Korab. When styling your Tinkerbell cut from wet hair, Cho recommends applying heat protectant on damp hair, then blow drying the hair “flat to the head to build the shape.” From there, you can refine the texture.

Korab recommends using a lightweight texturising cream or mousse for volume, followed by a soft matte pomade to define the layers. If you need extra volume, try a root lifting spray. “When styling, I always suggest using your fingers instead of a brush to keep the look effortless and natural,” Korab says.

For finishing touches, Cho advises a using lightweight oil to define the ends and add some extra shine. To lock in shape, hit your hair with a flexible-hold hairspray.

Daydreaming about a Tinkerbell haircut of your own? Keep scrolling for inspiration shots for a variety of styles and hair textures. If you’re not ready to commit to a super-short cut, you can also bring elements of the fairy-coded cut into different hairstyles and lengths.