Master the Modern Pixie Shag: A Step-by-Step Razor Cutting Tutorial

The "Pixie Shag" is one of the most requested looks in the salon right now. It perfectly balances the edginess of a short cut with the soft, lived-in feel of a classic shag. Today, I’m breaking down exactly how to achieve this look using the Evo Razor Pro.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or looking to sharpen your razor skills, this breakdown will help you master the interior weight and exterior length that makes this cut so special.

Step 1: The Foundation (Sectioning)

Success in any haircut starts with clean sectioning. For this look, we’re keeping it simple with four triangles:

Two in the front (separating the fringe area).
Two in the back (separating the top from the bottom).

By isolating the fringe and the crown, you can control where the weight sits and ensure you leave that essential length around the edges.

Step 2: Building the Silhouette

Using the Evo Razor Pro, we start with vertical sections.

The Technique: Glide through the hair, following the curve of the head.
The Secret: As you reach the bottom of your section, taper off.
Why? This haircut relies on having extra length at the bottom to create that "shaggy" effect. It’s always better to leave it long—you can always take more off later, but you can’t put it back!

Step 3: Why the Razor?

A common question from students is: "Can I do this with a scissor?" The answer is yes, but the razor makes it effortless. A razor creates a softer edge and builds texture as you cut. This means you won’t have to spend nearly as much time point-cutting or thinning after the hair is dry.

Pro Tip: Always use a fresh blade. The Evo Razor Pro uses standard feather blades, making it easy to swap them out so you never pull the hair.

Step 4: The Top and Fringe

Once the sides and back are established, move to the top triangles.

Stationary Guide: Bring everything back to a stationary point in the crown. This creates a beautiful increase in length toward the front.
The Fringe: Bring the hair over the bridge of the nose and use a soft back-and-forth motion. Over-directing the fringe slightly prevents a harsh, straight-across line and frames the face perfectly.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

After blow-drying, I like to go back in for detail work. I used our new Blend 40 Elite scissors to remove about 40% of the weight in specific areas, creating movement without losing the shape. A little slide-cutting and some surface razoring on top adds that final "shattered" texture.