Brie Larson Looks Unrecognizable in Her New “Twiggy Pixie” Cut

Brie Larson just debuted a dramatic new pixie cut—and it’s the kind of ‘do that will instantly have you doing a double take.

Trading in her signature shoulder-length strands, the Captain Marvel actress is now “rocking a soft, modern pixie cut with airy texture and side-swept bangs that beautifully frame her face,” shares celebrity hairstylist Jennifer Korab. “It adds a fresh, effortlessly cool touch to her look.” The cut is sharp, elegant, and carries a certain nonchalant cool—yet another example of Larson’s knack for turning even the boldest style moves into red-carpet gold.

Larson has long been a style chameleon, shapeshifting between ethereal gowns, power suits, and bold beauty looks without ever missing the mark. This haircut—crafted by Jacob Schwartz, Schwarzkopf Professional’s U.S. Hair Color Trend Ambassador—marks another evolution in her aesthetic – one that feels both deeply personal and very of-the-moment. “The pixie cut has become a symbol of self-assurance and transformation,” Korab explains. “It’s a top choice for those ready to switch things up.” We’re seeing a wave of high-profile pixie transformations from the likes of Zendaya and Lola Tung, signaling a shift toward simplified, expressive beauty. But and Brie’s take on the trend might just be our favorite yet.

With the right cut and styling, a pixie can be as cool and commanding as a full glam moment, which is a lot easier to manage day-to-day. Sound like a dream? Read on to find out exactly how to get Brie’s take on the trendy ‘do—and how to style it like a pro.

What to Ask For at the Salon

Walking into the salon and asking for “Brie Larson’s pixie” might feel a little vague, so let’s break it down. If you’re looking to recreate Larson’s style (aren’t we all?), Korab recommends you ask your stylist for a soft, modern pixie with wispy layers and longer, side-swept bangs. But steer clear of anything too boxy or structured, as movement is the magic element in this one. “The key is keeping the overall shape feminine and flattering, with movement and texture throughout to avoid a stiff or overly structured look,” says Korab.

Plus, this cut is all about adaptability. It flatters most face shapes and can be customized based on your hair’s texture. Ask your stylist to use point-cutting or texturizing shears to add dimension and break up any heaviness. “Bringing a few reference photos can be really helpful so we can customize the cut to your face shape and hair type,” adds Korab. Mention that you want a piecey, lived-in finish with enough length in the bangs to style them to the side for that breezy, face-framing effect. The result should put-together, but not lifeless.

How to Style at Home

Styling a pixie might seem intimidating at first, but with the right products (and a few pro tricks), it’s surprisingly low effort. “It is an easy cut to style if you had a good stylist to do it,” says hairstylist Clara Purvis. “The key being the texture.” With a solid foundation, it’s all about enhancing that soft, piecey movement that gives the cut its signature look.

Start by rough-drying damp hair with your blow dryer, using just your fingers to control the flow and direction. This gives the style a natural lift and helps set the foundation for bangs that fall just right. Then, “use a styling cream to give it separation and shine and eliminate frizz, or if you need more hold, use a soft, malleable pomade to give more control,” Purvis advises.

Or, if you want to channel Brie’s exact texture, Korab recommends layering your haircare products for an airy-yet-polished finish. Start with a mousse on damp hair to boost volume without weight. Once dry, mist with your go-to finishing spray to piece out the layers, then finish with dry texturizing spray to amp up movement and create that just-undone feel. “These products work well together to deliver that cool, modern pixie vibe with just the right balance of structure and softness,” says Korab.

For in-between wash days, refresh your roots with a dry shampoo powder to keep volume intact, and smooth a tiny drop of hair oil through the ends for shine and softness. For an edgy take, twist small sections while blow-drying or pinch the ends post-styling with your fingertips for a more tousled, editorial finish.