This was the time when short hair was seen as an act of defiance, not as a fashion decision. Short hair acted as a heresy to the long hair that symbolised femininity in the period. Therefore, it acted as a symbol of independence and confidence.
The pixie cut symbolises non-conformity.
The pixie cut symbolises non-conformity. In 1927, the magazine Pictorial Review published how Mary Garden’s decision to cut her hair was not only to style her head but also to get rid of the shackles that came in the form of long hair. The chains had blocked women’s road to freedom.
However, it was the iconic Audrey Hepburn pixie cut in the Roman Holiday (1953) that inspired pixie cuts today. This cut was seen as revolutionary, feminine, and daring. It redefined femininity, showing a feminine and beautiful side of women without long, flowing hair.
For me, it was a radical as well as an exciting change, a step towards my new self.
In the 1980s and '90s, pixie cuts came back in a rather feminine form as the cuts were softer. However, by the 2000s, the pixie had become more of a symbol of individuality than an act of rebellion.
When I got a pixie cut during the lockdown, it was a decision I took as an individual rather than an act of rebellion. It was my way of trying to find my new self and to try a completely different look without the fear of being judged by society. For me, it was a radical as well as an exciting change, a step towards my new self, where I had cut off my older self in the form of old, dead strands.
Modern pixie cuts look amazing with vibrant colour chunks, soft blondes, or striking reds. It creates a unique and equally bold style. Hairstyle is and always will be a personal choice - so let’s embrace our true selves without fear.