Bob vs pixie cut: What's the difference and, most importantly, which one should you get?

Everyone seems to be getting a major haircut right now. Sofia Richie just debuted a sharp bob, and Selena Gomez went for a short, shaggy one. Then there’s the pixie—Emma Stone and Taylor Russell are both wearing the cool-girl cut as of late. So, it's official: shortcuts are the biggest summer hair trend.

I haven’t had short hair since I was three, but suddenly I’m in a quarter-life crisis and need my hair above my shoulders (I blame Leslie Bibb's White Lotus bob). If you’re feeling the same craving for a big chop, I'm breaking down the key differences between bob and pixie haircuts—including how to choose a length, how to maintain it, and how to make the cut feel intentional (and not impulsive).

Ahead, everything you need to know about bob hairstyles vs. pixie hairstyles. Plus, expert tips from celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance to help you avoid any post-salon regret, and tons of celeb bob and pixie cut inspo to help you choose your fighter.

What is the difference between a pixie and a bob?

While both styles are short, the biggest difference comes down to length and how the cut accentuates your face shape. "A pixie is short, cropped close to the scalp, often showing off the ears and neck," says Ballance. "It tends to feel bold, and face-framing in a striking way." Because of how much it opens up the face, a pixie can feel like a dramatic, edgy transformation—especially if you're coming from longer lengths.

A bob, on the other hand, still qualifies as a short haircut but offers more versatility in length and styling. "Bobs hit somewhere between the jaw and collarbone and can be tailored to feel classic, soft, or super modern," Ballance explains. You’ll see bobs that are blunt and angular, tousled and beachy, or softly layered for movement.

Ballance recommends thinking of it like this: pixies show off your features by cutting shorter lengths and opening up the face, while bobs give you more room to play with style and texture.

How short are pixie cuts?

Pixie styles are cropped, like, super cropped. These cuts typically sit above the ears or right at the cheekbones, depending on the exact shape and how much length you leave on top. Some pixies are super tight and short, while others are slightly grown-out and tousled. They’re ideal if you want a haircut that feels expressive, with zero effort required for ponytails or updos. It’s definitely the bolder choice of the two, but when tailored right, you get a modern, low-maintenance cut that shows off your face.

How short are bob cuts?

"Bobs have a little more freedom and can fall anywhere from the jawline to the shoulders," says Ballance. That flexibility is what makes them such a popular go-to for short hair first-timers. Unlike a pixie, a bob still gives you enough hair to tuck behind your ears, style with a curling wand, or clip back with accessories.

There are countless bob styles and lengths to choose from, and you can add bangs, create face-framing layers, or keep it all one length for a sleeker finish. This cut gives you a change with short hair, without the full commitment of a pixie.

How can you style a short haircut with layers and bangs?

"With a bob, there’s a lot of freedom to customise, as there’s more length to play around with—think curtain bangs, blunt micro fringe, face-framing layers, invisible internal layers. It’s a stylist’s playground," explains Ballance. Basically, if you like having styling options and want a cut that works with hot tools, waves, or updos, bobs have a lot of range.

Pixie cuts can be versatile, just in a different way. "Pixies can have layers too, but they’re more about sculpting the overall silhouette than layering for movement." You’ll rely more on product—think texture sprays, waxes, or creams—to shape and define your look. If you want a shortcut with minimal styling, a pixie is your best bet.

Do you recommend a bob or pixie cut for curly hair?

Short hair and curls can absolutely coexist, but the approach matters. "I love a curly pixie, especially when the shape is customised to the curl pattern." says Ballance. "You can work with natural texture to create something super flattering and low-maintenance." Pixies that are shaped to enhance your curl type can look chic, defined, and effortless.

Curly bobs can look amazing too, but they do come with a learning curve. Because there’s more length, you have to be careful about how layers are cut and how the movement is distributed. "You want to avoid altering the amount of weight too much, as this can cause them to get puffier and wider," explains Ballance. Aka: go to a curly hair specialist.

What is the upkeep like for a pixie vs. a bob?

Let’s talk about maintenance, because both cuts require trims, just at different paces. A pixie is definitely more high-maintenance. Since the shape relies on ultra-clean lines and proportions, regular upkeep is super important. "Trims every four to six weeks are key to keeping the shape fresh and intentional," says Ballance. "The shorter you go, the faster you'll notice grow-out."

Bobs are a little more forgiving, especially if you opt for a more lived-in or layered style. But they’re not totally low-maintenance either. "You can go six to twelve weeks for a bob, depending on your texture and how structured or lived-in you like it. With both, regular shaping around the face and bangs area goes a long way," he says.

If you’re not into frequent salon visits, you might want to opt for a bob that can grow out more gracefully. If you enjoy keeping your cut sharp, a blunt bob, or the pixie will be ideal.

Bob Cut Inspo

Okay, now that you've done some research, here are some of our favourite celebrity bob moments to give you visual inspo for length, shape, and vibe.

Zendaya

Gracie Abrams

Ayo Edebiri

Kendall Jenner

Pixie Cut Inspo

Need something to show your hairstylist exactly how you want your pixie cut shaped? Here are some of the best celeb pixie cuts worth saving to your camera roll.

Tyla

Emma Stone

Taylor Russell

Kris Jenner