Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over a decade behind the chair. I created this gallery of 20 images to showcase boy-inspired hairstyles for women that are modern, wearable, and surprisingly versatile. From soft pixies and textured crops to bold undercuts and tapered fades, these looks can be adapted to different face shapes, hair textures, and lifestyles. In my experience, boyish cuts work wonderfully for clients seeking low-maintenance routines, defined bone structure, or an androgynous edge — they suit fine to medium hair (with strategic layering) and thick hair (with careful texturizing). Throughout the post I share practical styling tips: which products give matte definition, how to use sea-salt spray for texture, quick blow-dry methods, and how to soften a cut for a more feminine silhouette. Use the images as inspiration, then personalize length, fringe, or tapering with your stylist for the best result.
Textured Undercut with Tousled Long Fringe
This textured undercut with a long, tousled fringe is ideal for fine to medium hair and natural waves; it also adapts well to straight hair with added layering and to thicker hair when thinned out. Stylist technique: clip the sides and back short (clipper guards 1–3) and leave length on top, using scissor-over-comb and point-cutting to create movement. Work in soft layers toward the front so the fringe can be swept to the side or forward for a lived-in look. Tools needed: clippers, sharp scissors, thinning shears (optional), blow dryer, vent or round brush, and a wide-tooth comb. Products required: volumizing mousse or root lift, sea-salt spray for texture, a matte paste or clay for separation, heat protectant, and light hairspray to finish. Difficulty level: Easy–Intermediate — daily styling takes about 5–10 minutes once the cut is shaped. Maintenance tips: schedule side trims every 3–6 weeks to keep the undercut crisp and a light reshape of the top every 6–10 weeks. Refresh day-two hair with sea-salt spray or a damp-finger restyle; avoid heavy conditioners at the roots to preserve lift.
Textured Pixie Crop with Tapered Sides — Short Crop, Piecey Top
This textured pixie crop with tapered sides suits fine to medium hair best but can be adapted for thicker or slightly wavy textures. The cut uses short clippers at the nape and sides with scissors-over-comb and point cutting on top to create a soft, piecey finish that frames the face. Stylist technique: start with a short block taper (0.5–2 guard) at the sides, blend into longer top layers, then texturize the crown with thinning shears and point cuts for movement. Tools needed: clippers with guards, barber scissors, thinning shears, a fine-toothed comb, blow dryer (low heat) and fingers for shaping. Recommended products: sea-salt or texturizing spray to build grip, a lightweight matte paste or clay for separation, and a small amount of smoothing serum if hair is frizzy. Difficulty level: easy to moderate — professional cut recommended for first time; daily styling takes 3–10 minutes. Maintenance tips: trim every 3–5 weeks to keep the taper crisp, use a gentle conditioner to maintain shine, refresh shape with water and product between washes, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the style down.
Textured Tousled Crop — Short Wavy Top with Natural Volume
This textured tousled crop works best on natural waves to loose curls and straight hair with some texture; medium density holds the shape best but fine hair can be boosted with product. The salon technique: keep the sides short with scissor-over-comb or clipper at tapered length, leaving 2–3 inches on top. Use point-cutting and light razor texturizing through the mid-lengths to create movement and remove bulk. To style, towel-dry then apply a light salt spray or volume mousse at the roots; blow-dry with fingers or a diffuser while lifting the hair to create lift. Finish by working a small pea-sized amount of matte clay or paste through the top with fingertips, twisting sections for separation and a natural finish. Tools needed: scissors, thinning shears or razor, hair dryer (diffuser optional), wide-tooth comb, and vent brush. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse, matte paste/clay, and light-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: easy to moderate for everyday wear. Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep texture, shampoo 2–3 times weekly, condition mid-lengths, and refresh with water plus a dab of product between washes.
Textured Short Pixie Crop with Tousled Fringe
A modern textured pixie crop with a longer, tousled fringe and tapered sides — ideal for creating effortless movement and face-framing shape. Best suited to fine-to-medium and slightly wavy hair; thick hair also works when thinned and point-cut for texture. In the salon the cut is built with short, graduated sides (clipper or scissor-over-comb) and layered top sections using point-cutting and a light razor to produce separated pieces. Styling technique: towel-dry to damp, apply a light sea-salt spray or volumizing mousse, then blow-dry with fingers and a small round brush to lift the roots and shape the fringe. Use a flat iron on low heat to flick pieces if needed. Finish by working a pea-sized amount of matte paste or clay through the ends for separation and hold, and mist with a flexible hairspray for longevity. Tools and products: hairdryer with nozzle, 1 round brush, vent brush, flat iron (optional), matte paste/clay, sea-salt spray or mousse, heat protectant, dry shampoo. Difficulty: easy–moderate; 5–15 minutes daily. Maintenance: trims every 4–6 weeks, avoid heavy conditioners that weigh hair down, refresh texture with dry shampoo or a quick mist of water and rework with paste.
Textured Tousled Pixie Cut with Long Top and Tapered Nape
This modern textured pixie suits fine to medium hair and soft to natural waves; thick hair also adapts well when texturized. In the salon, start with a short tapered nape and cropped sides, leaving length on top in graduated layers. Use point cutting and thinning shears or a razor to remove bulk and create feathered ends for movement. For styling: towel-dry, apply a light mousse or sea-salt spray for grip, then blow-dry with fingers or a small round brush to lift the roots and shape the fringe. Finish by warming a small amount of matte paste or cream wax between fingers and tousling through the top to separate pieces; a pea-sized salt spray or texturizing spray adds hold and lift. Tools needed: sharp haircutting scissors, thinning shears/razor, blow dryer, small round brush, flat iron or curling wand (optional for shaping). Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt spray or mousse, matte paste/wax, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty level: Moderate — basic cutting should be left to a stylist, daily styling takes 5–10 minutes. Maintenance: trims every 4–6 weeks, avoid heavy conditioners at the roots, refresh texture with water + sea-salt spray, and use a weekly deep conditioner to preserve hair health.
Textured Platinum Pixie Crop with Choppy Fringe and Tapered Sides
This modern textured pixie crop suits fine to medium hair and can be adapted for thicker hair with strategic thinning. The cut features short, tapered sides with a longer, choppy top and fringe to create lift and movement — ideal for oval or angular faces. In the salon, achieve the shape with clippers on the sides (1–3 guard), scissors-over-comb through the crown, and point-cutting or a razor to add fragmented texture on top. Styling at home takes 5–10 minutes: towel-dry to damp, rough-dry with a nozzle attachment while using fingers to lift the roots, then work a small amount of matte paste or texturizing clay through the lengths to define separation. Tools needed: clippers, scissors, texturizing shears or razor, blow dryer with nozzle, and a comb. Products recommended: bond-building treatment if hair is bleached, sulfate-free shampoo, purple shampoo for brass control, lightweight leave-in conditioner, matte wax/paste, and flexible hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires a skilled stylist for the initial cut. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, use weekly deep conditioning if bleached, and avoid daily overwashing to preserve texture and color.
Textured Curly Crop with Tapered Sides
This relaxed textured crop with volume on top and short tapered sides is ideal for wavy to curly hair and medium-density straight hair that can hold texture. Aim for about 1½–3 inches on top with a short taper or low fade at the sides; cutting uses scissor-over-comb on the sides and point-cutting/slide-cutting on the top to remove bulk and encourage natural movement. For styling: towel-blot damp hair, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a curl-enhancing cream or sea-salt spray, then diffuse on low heat while scrunching with your fingers to build curl and lift. For straighter hair, use a small curling wand to create loose waves before texturizing. Tools needed: professional scissors, thinning shears, blow dryer with diffuser, vented brush and wide-tooth comb. Products required: leave-in conditioner, curl cream or salt spray, matte paste or clay for separation, light flexible hairspray and heat protectant. Difficulty: intermediate — daily styling is quick but relies on a precise cut. Maintenance: trims every 4–6 weeks, weekly deep-conditioning, avoid over-washing, and refresh with water plus a small product touch-up between washes.
Textured Wavy Top with Tapered Undercut
Suitability: Ideal for fine to medium natural waves or slightly straight hair that can take texture. Can be adapted for thicker hair with longer top length; very tight curls may need a modified approach. Technique: Start with a precision taper or clipper-under cut on the sides and longer, disconnected length on top. To style, towel-dry to damp, apply a salt spray or light mousse through the mid-lengths and ends, then blow-dry while lifting the roots with your fingers or a small round/vent brush to encourage volume and separation. Finish by working a pea-sized amount of matte paste or clay through the top with your fingertips, twisting small sections for defined pieces. Tools needed: hair clippers and guards (for tapered sides), scissors/texturizing shears (top), blow dryer (diffuser optional), small round or vent brush, and a wide-tooth comb. Products required: sea-salt spray or light mousse, matte clay or texturizing paste, light-hold hairspray for extra hold. Difficulty level: Moderate — easy daily styling but requires a skilled cut. Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks to maintain the taper and shape, use a clarifying shampoo weekly if using heavy products, and avoid over-conditioning the roots to preserve lift and texture.
Textured Tousled Pixie Cut with Side-Swept Fringe (Short Wavy Hairstyle)
This modern textured pixie with a long, side-swept fringe suits fine to medium hair and soft natural waves; it also works on thicker hair when strategically thinned. In the salon, we create disconnected short layers at the crown with longer, face-framing pieces using point cutting and a razor for feathered ends to maximize movement. Styling technique: towel-dry to damp, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse, then blow-dry with fingers and a small round or vent brush to lift the roots and direct the fringe. Finish by working a pea-sized amount of matte paste or wax through the ends with fingers to separate pieces and create tousled definition. Tools needed: hairdryer with concentrator, small round brush or vent brush, texturizing shears, flat iron (optional for shaping) and wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray, lightweight matte paste/wax, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty level: easy–moderate for everyday styling. Maintenance tips: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks, use a weekly moisturizing mask if colored, style from slightly damp hair for best hold, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and preserve shape.
Textured Short Pixie Crop with Tapered Sides
This modern textured pixie works best on fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair and suits oval, heart or angular face shapes. The salon technique: clipper-taper the sides and nape (use #1–#3 depending on desired contrast) and graduate into longer top layers using scissors over comb. Add movement with point cutting or a razor for soft texture across the crown. Styling routine: towel-dry, apply a light leave-in heat protectant, then blow-dry while lifting the roots with your fingers or a vent brush for natural volume. Finish by working a small amount of matte paste or texturizing cream through the top with fingertips, and set with a light-hold hairspray or texturizing powder for extra lift. Tools and products needed: clippers, scissors, thinning shears, vent or round brush, blow dryer, heat protectant, matte paste or pomade, sea-salt spray or texturizing powder, light hairspray. Difficulty level: intermediate—requires a professional for the taper and layered cut; daily styling is quick. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks, use gentle shampoo/clarifying treatment occasionally, avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down, and restyle with water and product for fresh texture each morning.
Textured Short Crop with Long Fringe and Tapered Sides
This modern textured crop pairs a longer, choppy fringe with closely tapered sides for a clean, versatile look. Best for straight to wavy hair and works on fine to medium-thick densities; very coarse hair may require additional thinning. In the salon, start with a clipper taper on the sides (1–3 guard) and scissor-over-comb to blend into a layered top. Point-cut the top to create movement and irregular ends for natural texture. For styling: towel-dry to damp, apply sea-salt spray or light volumizing mousse through the top, then rough-dry with a blow dryer while using fingers to lift and shape the fringe. Finish by working a pea-sized matte paste or clay through the ends to define pieces and reduce shine; use a light-hold hairspray to lock shape if needed. Tools: clippers, scissors, vent or round brush, blow dryer with nozzle, and a fine comb for finishing. Difficulty: easy–medium; basic cutting and texturizing skills recommended. Maintenance: trim sides every 3–4 weeks, reshape top every 6–8 weeks, avoid heavy oils, and use a clarifying shampoo once weekly to prevent product buildup.
Textured Tousled Pixie with Curled Top — Short Wavy Pixie Cut
This textured, tousled pixie is ideal for natural waves and loose curls but adapts well to fine, medium or thick hair — straight hair can achieve the look with light heat styling. The salon technique uses a short tapered back and sides with longer, point-cut layers on top to create volume and movement; a razor or texturizing shears soften the perimeter for piece-y definition. At home: towel-dry to damp, apply a lightweight mousse or curl cream, rough-dry with a diffuser while scrunching to enhance texture, then separate curls with a small amount of matte paste or pomade for hold and separation. Tools: clippers and salon scissors (for the cut), texturizing shears or razor, blow dryer with diffuser, wide-tooth comb, and a ¾ curling iron for optional piece-by-piece definition. Products: sulfate-free shampoo, lightweight conditioner, heat protectant, mousse or curl cream, sea-salt spray, texturizing paste, and light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: cut is advanced and best left to a stylist; daily styling is moderate (5–10 minutes). Maintenance: schedule trims every 4–6 weeks, deep-condition weekly, refresh with water + sea-salt spray, and avoid heavy oils that weigh hair down.
Textured Tousled Top with Short Undercut Fade
This modern, asymmetrical look pairs a long, textured top with closely cropped sides and a soft undercut — ideal for wavy to curly hair or straight hair that can hold texture. The cut is created with clippers on the sides (skin to 2–4 guard) and scissor-over-comb plus point-cutting on top to preserve length and movement. For styling, work with damp hair: apply a light mousse or curl-enhancing cream through roots to ends, then scrunch and either air-dry or diffuse on low heat while lifting at the roots. Finish with a small amount of matte paste or sea-salt texturizing spray, using fingers to shape the fringe and add separation. Tools needed: clippers, professional scissors, texturizing shears, wide-tooth comb, blow dryer with diffuser. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight mousse or curl cream, sea-salt spray, matte paste or light wax, optional flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — the cut requires a pro, but daily styling is quick once you learn the routine. Maintenance: trim sides every 3–6 weeks to keep the undercut crisp, shape the top every 8–12 weeks, deep-condition monthly, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the texture down.
Textured Curly Pixie with Tapered Sides
This cropped, textured pixie is ideal for naturally curly or wavy hair with medium to fine density; it works especially well for oval, heart and angular face shapes because the volume on top softens features. The salon technique combines a short tapered or clipper-cut at the nape and sides with longer, point-cut layers on top to preserve curl definition and movement. Styling starts on damp hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner or curl cream, then a small amount of mousse or sea-salt spray for hold and texture. Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to distribute product, scrunch the curls, and diffuse on low heat or air-dry for natural separation. Finish with a matte paste or light wax to piece out ends and control flyaways. Tools needed: clippers and barber scissors for the taper, regular and thinning shears for blending, wide-tooth comb, diffuser and blow dryer. Difficulty level: Intermediate — requires a skilled cut at the salon but straightforward daily styling. Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks, deep-condition weekly, refresh with water + leave-in between washes, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.
Textured Tousled Pixie with Tapered Sides and Long Top
This textured, tousled pixie with tapered sides suits fine to medium hair and works well on straight to slightly wavy textures; thicker hair can be thinned by the stylist for manageability. To style, start with towel-damp hair and apply a lightweight volumizing mousse or sea‑salt spray at the roots. Blow-dry using a vent brush or your fingers with a concentrated nozzle to lift the crown and direct the long top forward or to the side. For extra separation, use a small round brush on front sections or a flat iron to bend pieces slightly. Work a pea-sized amount of matte paste or clay through the mid-lengths and ends to define texture and piece out the fringe; finish with a light-hold hairspray for hold without stiffness. Tools needed: blow dryer with nozzle, vent or round brush, flat iron (optional), wide-tooth comb, hair clips. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray, matte paste/clay, light-hold hairspray, occasional deep conditioner. Difficulty level: moderate (easy once learned). Maintenance: trim tapered sides every 4–6 weeks, shape the top every 6–8 weeks, daily 5–10 minute styling, and use regular conditioning to prevent dryness.
Textured Tousled Blonde Crop with Side-Swept Fringe
Suitable for fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair, this textured, tousled crop with a long side-swept fringe creates volume and movement without heavy length. The cut features a short back and sides with graduated, razor-textured top layers that are point-cut to produce piecey ends. Styling technique: towel-dry until damp, apply a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray at the roots and mid-lengths, then blow-dry with a nozzle while lifting the hair with your fingers; use a small round brush to shape the fringe across the forehead. For extra separation, work a pea-sized amount of matte clay or texturizing paste between fingertips and tousle through the top, finishing with a light-hold hairspray. Tools needed: hairdryer with nozzle, small round brush, wide-tooth comb, flat iron (optional), and thinning shears for the cut. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray, matte clay/paste, light-hold hairspray, and dry shampoo for refreshing. Difficulty level: easy–moderate, about 5–10 minutes daily. Maintenance tips: trims every 4–6 weeks to keep shape, use purple shampoo if hair is bleached blonde, and avoid heavy oils that flatten texture.
Textured Messy Pixie with Long Fringe — Short Layered Hairstyle
This textured messy pixie with a long, swooping fringe works best on straight to wavy hair and suits fine to medium densities—thicker hair can also wear it with strategic thinning. The cut relies on short, choppy layers to create movement and a soft, face-framing fringe. Styling technique: towel-dry to damp, apply a lightweight volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray at the roots, then blow-dry with your fingers or a vent brush to lift and separate the layers; use a small round brush only on the fringe if you want a smoother sweep. For added definition, warm a pea-sized amount of matte paste or texturizing clay between your palms and tousle through the ends and crown. Tools needed: hairdryer, vent brush or small round brush, flat iron (optional for smoothing the fringe), and sharp scissors for regular trims. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray, texturizing paste or clay, lightweight hairspray, and dry shampoo for day-two refresh. Difficulty level: easy–intermediate. Maintenance tips: trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the shape, deep-condition the ends weekly, and refresh texture with dry shampoo or a quick rework of paste rather than heavy oils.
Textured Curly Crop with High Skin Fade
This modern textured curly crop pairs a high skin fade with a voluminous, defined top — ideal for natural waves and short to mid-length curls. Suitability: best for fine-to-medium density hair with natural curl or wave; straight hair can replicate the look with a soft perm or small-barrel curling wand. Styling technique: barber will clip the sides with clippers (0–2 guard) and blend into scissor-over-comb graduation; top is left longer (about 2–4 inches) and point-cut or texturised to create separation and movement. Define curls by raking product through damp hair and twisting small sections while diffusing. Tools needed: professional clippers, scissors, texturizing shears, wide-tooth comb, diffuser-attached blow dryer, and a 1/2–3/4-inch curling wand (optional). Products required: lightweight curl cream or mousse for definition, sea-salt spray for texture, a small amount of matte paste or pomade for separation, heat protectant, and a flexible-hold finishing spray. Difficulty level: medium — straightforward daily routine but requires a skilled barber for the fade. Maintenance tips: refresh fade every 3–5 weeks, deep-condition weekly, revive curls between washes with water + leave-in, avoid heavy oils at the roots, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize frizz.
Textured Asymmetrical Pixie Undercut with Side‑Swept Fringe
This modern textured pixie with a longer, side‑swept top and tapered undercut suits straight to slightly wavy hair and works best on fine to medium densities. Thick hair can wear the look but will require more aggressive texturizing to reduce bulk. Cut technique: clipper‑taper the sides and back, leave length on top, then point‑cut or razor texturize the long fringe and layers for movement. Daily styling: apply a heat protectant and a small amount of volumizing mousse or root lift to damp hair, blow‑dry the top using a round brush or fingers while lifting at the roots, directing the fringe across the forehead. Finish by working a pea‑size of matte paste or light wax through the ends for separation and hold; sea‑salt spray adds grit for a more undone finish. Tools: hairdryer, round or vent brush, tail comb, texturizing shears/razor. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root lift, matte paste or wax, light hairspray. Difficulty: moderate—easy daily styling but requires a precise salon cut. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks for the undercut, 6–8 weeks for top shaping, avoid heavy conditioners on the roots, and refresh texture with dry shampoo between washes.
Textured Tousled Crop with Long Side‑Swept Fringe
A modern, androgynous textured crop with a long, side‑swept fringe that works best on fine to medium straight or slightly wavy hair. In the salon we achieve this by leaving length through the top and fringe while tapering or clipping the sides short for contrast. Use scissors-over-comb and point‑cutting to create soft layers and movement; thinning shears or a razor can remove bulk in thicker hair. For styling: towel‑dry then apply a light volumizing mousse or sea‑salt spray and a heat protectant. Blow‑dry with a nozzle using fingers or a small round brush to lift the crown and sweep the fringe across the forehead. Finish by working a pea‑sized matte paste or styling cream through the ends to define pieces and create separation; a light hairspray will hold without stiffness. Tools needed: clippers, scissors, thinning shears, vent or round brush, blow dryer, and optional flat iron for extra polish. Difficulty: moderate — quick daily styling but requires shaping. Maintenance: trim every 4–6 weeks to maintain the silhouette, wash 2–3 times weekly, use conditioner sparingly on the top lengths, and refresh with dry shampoo or a water‑based paste between washes.
As a stylist, my top advice is to balance the look you want with hair health and daily routine. Keep trims every 4–8 weeks to preserve shape, and ask your stylist to customize layering, fringe length, or nape taper to flatter your face and hair density. For styling, use lightweight paste or clay for definition, sea-salt spray for texture, and a heat protectant before hot tools. If you color your hair, invest in bond-strengthening treatments and color-safe products to maintain integrity and shine. When growing a short cut out, soften transitions with longer layers or side-swept bangs. Bring reference images from this 20-photo set to your appointment, but be open to small adjustments—slight changes in length or angle often make the style work perfectly for you. Ultimately choose the version you’ll enjoy styling daily and that reflects your confidence.