Tutorial: How I Care for & Style My Redhead Pixie Cut

By: Jennifer Smith

Are you ready to be a bold & daring redhead? Has Katy Perry’s new short cut got you thinking about trying a new look for yourself? I’m here to help guide you on how to fall in love with the pixie, just like I did.

Once you take the plunge and get a pixie, the secret is knowing how to style it. Here are my secrets:

Step 1: Wash and condition

Start by washing your red hair with a super hydrating sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. In-between washing days, use a dry shampoo to give your red locks the look and feel of clean hair.

Redhead Friendly Product: L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care System Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner

Step 2: Towel Dry

Move the towel in the direction of hair growth only, not back and forth. This will help to prevent red tangles and frizz. Opt for a microfiber towel to eliminate breakage.

Step 3: Brushing

Using a boar-bristle round brush, gently brush out your red hair from the ends to the roots.

Step 4: Pre-Blow Dry

Apply your blow dry styling products to your damp hair. I particularly like this order: a dime-sized amount of Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk, a golf ball-sized amount of Big Sexy Hair Root Pump worked from root to ends and a light mist of L’Oreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray.

Redhead Tip: If your red hair is thin, you’ll want to avoid applying too much product or else your hair will become greasy and weighed down.

Step 5: Blow Dry

While blow drying your pixie cut, try to alternate between using a soft-bristle rounded brush specifically for short hair and your fingers to direct your red hair in the way in which you want it to go. Use the brush to add volume to the roots and smooth out your bangs, if you have them.

WATCH: How To Do a Blowout At Home

Step 6: Post-Blow Dry

Lock the volume into place using a styling product similar to Not Your Mother’s Plump for Joy Thickening Hair Lifter. Remember: a little goes a long way.

Use a hair pick to adds volume without “combing” and diminishing what you have been doing in steps 5.

Optional: If you’re looking for a few extra waves or voluminous pieces, turn on your flat iron. Spray your hair lightly with a heat protectant similar to Garnier Fructis Flat Iron Protector. This will protect your red locks from the heat of your flat iron; while taming frizz to seal in smoothness and shine for a lasting, sleek finish.

WATCH: How To Achieve Perfect Curls Using A Flat Iron