Keep a shape you like as your pixie grows.
Choose what to keep at the next trim.

Pick the shape you’re growing toward

Choose an intermediate cut you would enjoy: a longer pixie, ear-length crop or short bob. Bring front, side and back photos, preferably on hair with a similar wave or curl. Ask which sections need more length for that shape.

Tell your stylist what a trim should keep

Point out what bothers you, such as a long nape or fringe in your eyes. Say which sections you want to keep growing. Ask your stylist to show how much they would remove from each area before cutting.

The side pieces kick out

• Lightly dampen the section that sticks out.
• Smooth it with your fingertips in the direction it falls most easily, then leave it to dry.
• Check the dry result before adding hold.
• If it springs back, try a shape that leaves that piece loose.

The fringe is in your eyes

• Try sweeping the fringe to one side.
• If it reaches your temple without pulling, a pin can hold it there.
• Remove any pin that pinches or points toward your eye.
• If the fringe still falls into your eyes, ask for a fringe-only trim and explain that you want to keep the length elsewhere.

Your curls make the outline look uneven

• Check the outline when your curls are dry and worn as usual.
• Wet or stretched curls can hang farther down, so show your stylist the dry shape that bothers you.
• Ask which pieces can stay while shorter sections grow.

Use hold for one job at a time

For dry, loose short hair that needs separation or hold, choose a paste whose label permits dry use. Spread a small starting amount thinly over your hands, then shape one reachable area. Check the first pass before adding more.

Browse styling products. Tell the consultation how much hold you want and which stylers you have tried.

Adjust conditioner as the lengths grow

Spread rinse-out conditioner through the ends that catch when you detangle. If dry or curly hair needs more slip, distribute it farther along the lengths. Start with enough to coat that hair lightly, and follow the label’s rinse instructions.

Browse rinse-out conditioners. Your tangles, past treatments and preferred finish help guide a personal conditioner recommendation.

Set the direction while it’s damp

Use the illustrated method to guide a damp front or side section, then check where it settles once dry.

Pin only what reaches

For a reachable section on dry, detangled hair, follow the photos to twist loosely and secure with one pin. If the hairline tugs or the pin presses, support the section and remove the pin. Choose a closer point or leave it loose.

Keep the brush and comb clean

Use the cleaning method for your tool’s material. Check for rough or broken teeth first; replace a damaged comb that catches on hair.