When you think of the best hairstyles for older women with grey hair, it’s likely that the bob is the first to spring to mind – and not least because of Helen Mirren. The iconic actress has made it her silver signature in recent years, but now she’s switched it out for the style of the summer: the Bixie.
Helen has done the ultimate chop and change, taking several inches off her length and swapping a mostly one-length style for the more ruffled texture of the Bixie. As the name suggests, the Bixie is a hybrid style that combines elements of the bob and pixie, but makes them into something fresh, modern and incredibly flattering.
‘A Bixie keeps a little bit of length through the back, like a bob, but has the lightness and playfulness of a pixie,’ explains A-list hairstylist Gustav Fouche. What differentiates the Bixie from the other two styles boils down to movement and texture. ‘It’s more layered, more relaxed and more fun. The result is a style that feels effortless, modern and full of energy,’ Gustav tells us.
And where Helen leads, expect others to follow.
Why is the Bixie a great change for Helen?
Helen’s switch-up from bob to Bixie is one that Gustav fully approves of. ‘Helen Mirren’s Bixie is a perfect example of how clever haircut shaping can completely refresh and rejuvenate the face,’ he tells us. ‘When we’re younger, the face naturally forms more of an inverted triangle, with width through the cheekbones and a narrower jawline. As we age, that shape often reverses, with more visual weight appearing around the lower face and jaw.’
‘What works so beautifully about Helen’s Bixie is that it recreates that youthful upward movement,’ he adds. ‘The cut has subtle volume and structure through the crown and cheekbone area, which draws the eye upwards and creates a lifting effect around the jawline.’
Helen’s deep side parting and sweeping fringe are equally important for adding a thickening, ageless effect. ‘A side-swept fringe helps the face appear more oval-shaped, a proportion that’s traditionally associated with youth and balance,’ notes Gustav. ‘Together, these elements make the overall look incredibly fresh, elegant and modern.’
Why choose a Bixie over a bob?
For women considering a Bixie over a classic bob, ‘The biggest advantage is versatility,’ says Gustav. ‘A bob can sometimes sit heavily around the jawline, whereas a Bixie introduces lighter layers and more movement, helping to lift the features, rather than frame them rigidly.’
Why is the Bixie perfect for summer?
As Gustav explains, ‘The Bixie is a particularly appealing haircut for summer because it offers the chicness of a bob with the ease and lightness of a pixie, keeping hair off the neck while still feeling feminine and polished. More generally, it’s a fantastic option for mature women who want a contemporary style that’s low-maintenance, flattering and full of natural-looking volume.’
Why is the Bixie so good for older women?
Just take a look at the red carpet and you’ll notice a host of mature A-listers embracing the Bixie, from Kristin Scott Thomas and Emma Thompson to Halle Berry to Robin Wright. It’s no wonder, says Gustav, when it’s a facelift in haircut form.
‘It’s so flattering as women get older because it highlights the cheekbones and creates a natural lift through the face,’ says Gustav. ‘The textured perimeter keeps the shape soft and modern, which is why it feels so fresh.’
How does the Bixie make grey hair feel more modern?
Shorter styles have a bad (and often unfair) reputation for ageing grey hair, but as Gustav explains, the Bixie can be a brilliant way to inject a fresh, modern touch into silver hair like Helen’s.
‘Short, grey hair can be ageing if it’s the wrong style,’ he notes. ‘If grey hair is cut into a very round, classic shape it can look quite traditional and potentially ageing.’ The Bixie sidesteps this by being textured, choppy and, in Helen’s case, asymmetrical, which works brilliantly with silver strands.
‘That combination of softness and structure gives grey hair a much more modern, youthful and confident feel,’ says Gustav.
How should the Bixie be styled?
‘Styling a Bixie should be fun and playful, as this style is all about texture and movement,’ says Gustav. Helen employs an insider's ‘youth’ trick by often tucking one side tucked behind the ear. ‘Ears are often associated with youthfulness because they remain largely unchanged throughout our lives, which is why so many celebrities on the red carpet choose to reveal at least one ear rather than hide them completely behind their hair,’ explains Gustav.
Product-wise, Gustav advises adding a little mousse or setting spray to hair if it’s fine, like Helen’s. ‘For a Bixie on fine hair, flip the head upside down and blow-dry to create volume and lift at the root. That helps build air and dimension through the hair. To finish, you can use a small amount of pomade to define the ends and create a slight flick. It should feel flirty, soft and effortless.’
The Bixie is a great option for curlier, textured hair as it’s so low maintenance. For those with this hair type, Gustav advises that styling can be kept to a minimum – just a quick blast with the hairdryer for extra lift will do. See Halle Berry for proof of how well the Bixie works.
What face shapes does the Bixie suit?
The joy of the Bixie lies in its versatility, as it’s a style that can be adapted to suit most face shapes. ‘The key is to adjust the proportions and layers so the style complements the individual face,’ Gustav tells us.
‘If someone has a very square or round face, you want to keep a little more length through the back to soften the overall look,’ says Gustav. Oval faces work with pretty much any version of the Bixie: ‘You can play with the length depending on personal preference.’
One thing’s for certain: it looks fantastic on Helen.
Beauty Director Lynne has spent the past two decades testing and reviewing the latest in everything from skincare and aesthetics to spas, fragrance and makeup. When she's not being a human guinea pig she loves to immerse herself in a deep bath, a good book and large glass of iced rosé.
