Without fail, every year, there tends to be one bold haircut that dominates beauty trend reports and shoots to the top of the most-requested list at salons for those of us feeling brave enough for a change. In 2020, it was the shag. In 2021, it was the mullet. And in 2022, there is already one haircut that looks set to reign supreme: the mixie.
What exactly is a mixie haircut? And what are the benefits of adopting this hairstyle? Ahead, we tapped three haircare experts to answer common questions about this bold hairstyle. Warning: Further reading may make you want to cut off your hair.
What is a mixie haircut?
"The mixie haircut is a really fun, edgy haircut we'll see coming through in 2022 and is a cross between the mullet and a pixie—short at the front, longer and choppier at the back," explains Adam Reed, UK editorial ambassador for L'Oréal Professionnel. "The look is a renaissance of the wolf or shag retro haircut, which we've seen come through this year, and this look is ideal for those looking to experiment with short hair."
What's the appeal of a mixie haircut?
And while it might sound a little out-there, the hair experts that I've spoken to are firmly of the belief that the mixie works just as well in real life as it does on the runway. "What with being in lockdowns and surviving a pandemic, so many of us are starting to become more experimental with our looks and opting for creative cuts just like this," says Dylan Brittain, Schwarzkopf UK ambassador and international artistic director at Rainbow Room International.
Brittain continues, "But … Many of us are also in the habit of doing less with our hair and are looking for haircuts and styles that are effortless and require little to no styling."
"The mixie is ideal for those who are looking for something a little more low-maintenance, as it looks great without the use of heated styling tools," Brittain says.
"Instead, simply spritz through a sea-salt spray to give extra texture or use a matte pomade or wax at the top of the cut to give texture and movement," he adds.
Will a mixie haircut work for my hair texture?
So what kind of hair texture does the mixie haircut work best for? The good news is that it's basically universal. "The mixie really works on most hair types and textures and, like the pixie cut, can actually add volume and texture to finer hair," advises Marcus Giamattei, Joico guest artist and British Hairdressing Awards Southern Hairdresser of the Year.
Giamattei continues, "It also works equally well on thicker, coarser hair or hair that has a slight wave to it. It's a very 'free' haircut—not overstyled or overworked."
"It's also the ideal haircut for growing back your natural texture and letting your coils regain their strength after extensive hair damage," Giamattei shares.
What should I know before getting a mixie haircut?
The beauty of the mixie definitely lies in how versatile this cut is, so if you're ready to book in at the salon, then hair pros have a few tips for you. "A picture speaks a thousand words, so if you see something you like, bring in a photograph of it into the salon to use as a point of discussion with your hairdresser. They will talk you through what will work and what won't for your hair," advises Giamattei.
"Demi Lovato's version of the mixie is on the shorter side, whereas Miley Cyrus wears her mixie a little longer, which makes it more versatile," he says.
Giamattei emphasizes, "The point is to discuss with your stylist are the type of fringe you want, how short and how choppy you feel comfortable with, and how much length (the mullet part) you want to leave at the back."
Which products do I need to pull off a mixie cut?
Ready to take the plunge? Keep scrolling for the expert-approved products to keep your mixie haircut looking stylish at home.
"Adding texture is a really easy way to make the look super modern and grungy, and a product such as L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Super Dust is perfect scrunched into longer ends," says Reed.
Giamattei recommends that finer hair textures "use a diffuser to dry hair for more texture," then add a styling cream like this one from Joico to keep the extra volume and shape in place.
"For styling, my favorite products for this look are matte pomades, waxes, and gels," says Brittain. "Mousses and texturizing sprays like salt sprays are also great and can be scrunched into damp hair to add body and enhance your hair's texture."
"Another option to style the mixie is to use heat to add small kinks, additional texture, tousles to the hair and to detail the ends. You can bend the ends or top to create a very piecey look," suggests Reed.
Skipping the heat? A simple way to add depth to this haircut is to "apply mousse to wet or dry hair for extra body and bounce to your hair, and you'll make your haircut shine," Reed tells me.
Shop more haircare essentials:
Want to add some more body to your hair? Blow-dry it after washing it.
If you're applying heat to your hair, make sure you're using a heat protectant to keep your strands healthy.
For curlier hair textures, having an edge gel is an essential part of pulling off a mixie cut.
Keep your strands healthy with Olaplex's beloved bond treatment.
For anyone with curls embracing this haircut, you'll need a good gel in your arsenal.
Beachy waves are a bottle away.
Shorter hair doesn't mean less hair as long as you're emphasizing your texture's volume.
Lock moisture into your coils with hair oil.
The key to making this haircut work comes down to a great conditioner.
Wrapping your hair at night will keep your haircut looking crisper for longer.
Keep your scalp healthy with this scrub.
Shorter hair doesn't mean you can't get creative—add a statement barrette and you've got a look.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. Next up, The Low-Maintenance Haircut Everyone Is Trying Because of French Girls
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