Once a staple haircut pioneered by Winona Ryder and Halle Berry in the ’90s, the textured French pixie hairstyle has long reigned supreme among lovers of short haircuts. Breezy, flattering and brimming with effortless movement, the choppy style has a timeless allure, and now it’s making a bold return for 2026.
The latest adopters include Kristen Stewart and Gracie Abrams, who have both traded longer lengths for this ultra-short, shapely pixie cut. Stewart debuted a slightly longer take on the style during a recent appearance at the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals this week, while Abrams turned heads at this year’s Met Gala with a sleek, polished interpretation of the trend.
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A quick glance at this haircut instantly evokes memories of Winona Ryder’s iconic vintage cut. A short, uniform length is paired with lightly tousled texture, delicate waves and a rich brunette hue.
‘Ask for a short, textured pixie cut with softness through the ends and slightly longer layers on top for versatility,’ recommends hairstylist Elliot Bute pf Berner’s St Hershesons. ‘Request point cutting or razor detailing to avoid heaviness, and be clear that you want something lived in, piece, and low fuss.’
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For styling, work a small amount of Almost Everything Cream through dry hair, using the fingers rather than a brush, he says.
‘The idea is to enhance natural texture. Push it forward for a casual fringe, sweep it back for something sleeker, or rough it up for added edge. It should feel undone, never overworked.’
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As both A-listers prove, the look works beautifully across both closely cropped and slightly longer styles. For a cut that will grow seamlessly into a choppy bob within a few months, try Stewart’s latest take. If you’re after a statement style that feels elegant and modern, Abrams’ shorter look is the perfect choice.
Notably, this cut also looks fantastic on shorter, curlier styles, as Zendaya’s latest string of appearances effortlessly proves.
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