How To Grow Out A Pixie Cut Without That Awkward In-Between Phase

You have good reason to believe that getting a pixie cut is one of the bravest things you've ever done. Be sure to take lots of pictures to record this period in time because you're actually about to embark on an even braver feat: growing it out.

If you thought that letting bangs return to their full length tested your patience, you may soon wish you had such a minor endeavor on your hands now. Depending on how long your pixie cut is at this moment, it will probably take between six months and a year to reach the length of a medium bob (via The Right Hairstyles). This estimate is based on your hair growing one-half inch per month.

In the meantime, you'll have to master some challenging grow-out tactics, sometimes juggling several at once. You'll have to learn the value of experimentation. And you'll have to sharpen your sense of humor because you face many days of looking in the mirror and saying, "Who's that?" Growing out a pixie cut is a goal you may as well regard as an adventure because, well, it is. Since it's one you may as well enjoy, try taking a selfie every two weeks. Once you have enough pictures to start flipping through them in quick succession, you'll see the progress you're making unfold before your very eyes. A self-awarded medal for bravery shouldn't be too far behind. Now, here's how to best grow our your pixie cut.

Logically, you know it makes sense to get regular trims while you grow out your pixie look. But emotionally, you may let out a shout of protest. Try to make it a little shout.

Regular trims will help keep split ends to a minimum and ensure your hair stays healthy while it grows, according to Love Hairstyles. And this suits your goal to a T. To pull it off, realize that this is one of those times when you want to be vigilant about booking your next appointment before you leave the salon. Strive to slide into your stylist's chair every six to eight weeks. The regimen will help you sidestep many of the awkward in-between phases you're likely to endure as your pixie cut grows out. If you want to convey to your stylist that you understand the industry's lingo, ask for a "dusting." This is when one-eighth of an inch is cut from the length — not enough to notice but enough to tidy your hair and invigorate the ends (via Rush Hair & Beauty). 

Begin working toward achieving a bob right from the get-go. And start styling it that way, too, though your early efforts will obviously — pardon the pun — fall short (via Hello Giggles). Bobs are a good choice because hair is cut to the same length all around, with no layers, per Beauty Answered. Since your pixie cut probably looks very similar, your grow-out plan will be straightforward: you'll just go longer. Your first goal should be growing out your hair to a chin-length bob. You may like it enough to keep it or grow it to a shoulder-length bob.

Either way, bobs are often parted down the middle, though there is no hard-and-fast rule dictating this style. And bobs are usually worn straight — a sleek look that has a knack for looking attractive on nearly everyone.

You may be surprised to discover that doing something as simple as creating or changing your part can make growing out a pixie an entirely new experience. This has to do with more than looks, though your appearance may change considerably, too. When you make or change your part, you redistribute the weight of your hair (via The Right Hairstyles). Since your hair carries weight, it "falls" differently depending on how it's parted. So, if you have a middle part, try a side part. And if you already have a side part, make a deep side part, according to Love Hairstyles. But first, your hair may need a little coaxing to cooperate.

You may not consider yourself a styling product expert, at least not yet. But by the time your pixie has grown out, you'll probably know your way around all the creams, styling gels, mousses, and, of course, hair sprays at your favorite beauty products store. Styling products can help you coax your hair into submission, literally bend it to your will, and create a hairstyle that would otherwise be beyond your grasp as your pixie grows out, per The Right Hairstyles.

It's great to have a styling plan, but you're probably learning that some of your best looks of the day resulted from happy accidents — those unintentional and "messy on purpose" moves. The "mousse and scrunch" move dominates this category. Work mousse through your wet hair with your fingers and start scrunching until you start homing in on a good look. When you get there, try blow-drying the rest and spritzing your hair in place with hairspray.

Many adults (and even some adolescents) equate hair accessories with childhood. But then, they probably formed this judgment before they decided to grow out a pixie cut. If you think that styling products will help you keep your sanity while you grow out a pixie, then hair accessories may help you reach a higher bar by creating a hairstyle that is distinctly your own. 

You may tip-toe back into the realm of accessories with bobby pins, move up to claw clips, and graduate to fabric or plastic headbands (via Love Hairstyles). It's even worth considering ponytail holders or scrunchies when your hair gets long enough to style in a half-up, half-down 'do. If you have no clue about where to start, aim for one of those happy accidents. Toss sections of your hair about or flip it over a few times and see where your hair naturally falls. Inspiration is bound to strike, and accessories can help you finesse the look. With any luck, you'll go from wondering "Who's that?" to "Who's that looker?"