Tessa Petak|
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Here’s the thing about pixie cuts: what makes them so appealing can also be what makes them challenging. Their easy, low-maintenance nature makes every-day styling a breeze, but when it comes to special occasions – or rather, red carpet events – how do you upgrade the style to suit? Well, ask Emma Stone. Hitting the 2025 Oscars red carpet last night, Stone – oozing old Hollywood glamour – sported a deep side-parted pixie cut, fit with a sleek, gelled texture and 20s-inspired finger waves.
At the 2025 Golden Globes, where Stone first debuted her pixie cut, the actress paired her fresh gamine style with a spiky micro fringe. Since then, she’s styled the front section in a longer, side-swept look as it continues to grow. However, at the Oscars last night, she embraced a much bolder, more experimental take on the pixie. Hairstylist Mara Roszak created a deep side part, adding a vinyl-like shine with gel, and finished the look with a Flapper-inspired finger wave cascading through the front to add interest to the structure. And, of course, refreshed her signature nutmeg shade.
The side part has become increasingly popular over the last year, with the likes of Saoirse Ronan, Lily Collins, Natalie Portman and Raye all trying it on for size. ‘The noughties’ favourite side part is making a comeback this year as trends move away from the clean girl, sleek middle part aesthetic and shift towards a more effortless style,’ says Hayley Walker, Justmylook’s beauty trends expert. ‘This nostalgic hairstyle has appeared on the red carpet, with celebrities including Selena Gomez and Anya Taylor-Joy embracing the millennial look.’ And so, it makes perfect sense to combine it with another breakout beauty trend we’re seeing: the pixie cut.
The side-parted pixie is the ultimate power cut
‘A side part brings a chic, effortless elegance to a pixie cut, adding structure and dimension while enhancing natural facial contours. The asymmetry of the cut softens the look, making it feel modern and refined, while also allowing for subtle volume and movement,’ adds Laura Elliott, head stylist and educator at Neäl & Wølf. ‘This pairing strikes the perfect balance between bold and feminine, whether styled sleek for a polished, Parisian-inspired finish or tousled for an undone, cool-girl vibe. The side-parted pixie is the ultimate power cut, working especially well for those with fine hair who can benefit from the added volume, while thicker-haired individuals can embrace the ease of the style with a more controlled, sleek finish.’
How To Recreate Emma Stone’s Side-Parted Pixie Cut
Got a special occasion coming up, but don’t know how to style your pixie cut for it? No problem. Just follow Roszak’s lead:
Finishing touches! Lightly mist the hair with hairspray and use the hairdryer (this time on a low heat and air flow setting) to seal the style. This creates a protective barrier to shield the hair from humidity and keep the waves in place for the whole evening.
Start by creating a precise side part on wet hair using a rattail comb. Pro tip: align the parting with the arch of the eyebrow to create a flattering, angular shape.
Then, use the Dyson Supersonic r Professional Hair Dryer, on a high heat and air flow setting, to dry the hair smooth.
Generously apply a style cream throughout the hair to sculpt, smooth and add medium hold. This is where you’ll achieve that sleek, head-hugging shape.
Use a fine-tooth comb to create that “S wave” shape through the front of the hair. It may take a few strokes to get the shape right.
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