News flash! Pixie cuts are back. Last might have heralded the return mullets and the advent of lockdown buzzcuts but 2021 sees pixie cuts inching back into the mainstream hair sphere. The beginning of this year saw the likes of Dua Lipa trying out the look on glossy magazine covers worldwide and then there's Rihanna. RiRi made headlines this season by returning to a close-cut pixie crop for the first time in over 10 years. Head over heels? Us too.
The Modern Pixie Cut
A pixie cut is not for everyone. 2021's take relies on a shorter crop with texture. Ask your hair stylist to cut in layers. Longer pixie cuts speak more to noughties trends, though if the crop top resurgence of 2021 is anything to go by, it's likely we'll see this look hitting the big time again very soon.
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Bridging The Buzzcut Gap
There's a thrill that comes with cutting all your hair off, an adrenaline-fuelled delight that builds with the steady swipe of the clippers. I should know, I did it. I was a pre-teen when Rihanna first rocker her 2008 pixie cut and even back then I was living for it. Cut to secondary school and I had grown my hair long. It stayed that way throughout my teens and into my early twenties. Then came lockdown.
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It was Rihanna who saved the day for me
Lockdown, for me, catalysed a complete style re-evaluation. All of a sudden my long hair didn't feel like me. One day mid-lockdown I shaved it all off. Just like that. I experienced that thrill and the subsequent wonder that stays put for those first few days you spend getting used to your new buzzcut. A week or so later though, reality hit. Maintenance is difficult and no one prepares you for the limbo phase. Speaking to VICE five women who shaved their heads pinpointed the growing-out stage of a buzzcut as the time they felt most self conscious and I can relate. If you decided to commit to a lengthy grow-out you can quickly find yourself stuck with a pixie-style cut that you never signed up for. It was Rihanna who saved the day for me. Her short, choppy pixie cut paved the way for a new, edgy, modern take on the classic look I'd been adamant about swerving. Will I stick with the look? Who knows. But one thing's for sure, the pixie hair trend is back and it's not going anywhere for the foreseeable.
Shop: The Best Hair Straighteners To Buy Now
Best Hair Straighteners 2021
1 of 9Beauty Works X Molly Mae Straightener Kit, £99.98
Summary: Following the super selling success of the curling kit, Beauty works latest release with Molly Mae is a straightening kit, complete with paddle brush and travel case. Infrared ceramic plates to create sleek, long lasting results, and the high heat performance is adjustable to cater to all hair types.Key specifications: These hair straighteners reach temperatures between 80C and 220C to work with different hair types. They also have narrow plates which makes styling easier from root to tip
2 of 9Hur Iron Slant Straighteners, £149
Summary: Hur straighteners boast variable temperature controls, damage defence, mineral-Infused ceramic plates AND heat protect technology to help keep your healthy as well as straight.Key Specifications: The best- selling hur.iron slant model is ergonomically designed with a 30° tilt to get closer to the root, and can be bought 'naked' i.e packaging free, to abolish the need for single use plastics. Sustainable and chic.
3 of 9ghd Platinum+ Straighteners, £189
Summary: The tech behind this set of straighteners delivers a consistent temperature of 185°C, the optimum temperature for styling that preserves your hair too. The design is sleek and the results are exceptional.Key specifications: These ghd's have a unique wishbone hinge for styling control and it has a more rounded barrel compared to others for snag-free styling.
4 of 9Nicky Clarke Supershine Rose Straighteners, £89.99
Summary: Designed to rehydrate and nourish hair, the Ionic steam conditioning technology gently penetrates hair, replenishes moisture and enhances shine. Ceramic coated plates ensure smooth snag-free styling while also reducing frizz for gorgeous glossy hair. What more could you need?Key specifications: This pair has five heat settings to give more control over the heat best for your hair, and they can heat up within seconds for quick styling.
5 of 9Dyson Corrale Hair Straighteners, £399
Summary: These are the only hair straighteners with flexible plates. Yup, the plates are flexible! That maximises the control you have when styling. You can also charge up the battery for up to 30 minutes of wireless styling, or plug it in if you're set for a longer session.Key specifications: This product also comes with a heat-resistant pouch and a charging dock. It also has three precise heat settings to suit the desired style, and your hair type and length.
6 of 9T3 SinglePass Luxe 1" Straightening & Styling Iron, £145
Summary: If you're after a super lightweight straightener these are the ones to go for. Use them to straighten or curl. The sleek LA-esque white and rose gold design is a huge draw too.Key specifications: If you're someone who forgets to turn their straighteners off, this pair has an 'auto off' feature which turns them off after an hour of no use. The ceramic and tourmaline technology seals cuticles to reduce frizz, for a smoother finish.
7 of 9Cloud 9 The Touch Iron, £129
Summary: Yep, there is such thing as touch control technology in the hair straightening world! These things are speedy. They eliminate heat-up time, the plates are good to go from the first stroke, and forget about fiddling around with buttons, simply touch the plates together three times to switch between temperatures.Key specifications: As well as the touch technology, these straighteners have mineral-infused plates that lock in moisture and seal cuticles for shinier hair. On top of that, they are floating ceramic plates which glide over the hair to reduce pulling and as a result minimise breakage.
8 of 9BaByliss 2481U Straight & Curl Hair Straightener, £60
Summary: If you curl your hair with straighteners as much as you straighen it, these could be the buy for you. The stainless steel outside of the straighteners aid their curling function no end.Key specifications: The BaByliss straighteners have extra-long styling plates, covering more hair in one swipe. There is also an ionic system that releases frizz-controlling ions to boost the shine.
9 of 9Revamp Progloss Touch Digital Straighteners, £99.99
Summary: Featuring ceramic plates infused with keratin, argan and coconut oils - these sleek plates bolster shine whilst smoothing strands. Key specifications: You can choose between three hair type settings - fine, medium and thick - for the perfect finish. Whilst selecting your heat setting from the touch control on the digital screen.
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