The pageboy haircut is back and it looks like it may be bigger (and better) than ever! It gets its name because it is believed to resemble English pageboys of medieval times, and was first popular during the 70s and 80s. Several decades on, it is enjoying a resurgence of popularity, with women excited to try something different. The original cut is usually worn at short to medium length and features straight hair that hangs over the ears. It is often paired with blunt bangs. However, the exciting news is that there are now multiple versions of the cut. You can stick to the classic approach, or opt for something modern and adventurous. It is flattering on women of all ages, and although the cut is best suited to women with straight hair, it can be adapted to suit your preference and complement your hair texture.
1. Classic Pageboy Haircut
The pageboy haircut existed long before it was popular and has been inspired by English pageboys. The classic approach to the cut first gained popularity in the 70s and was cut around shoulder length, with the ends rolled upward creating volume. The look was also paired with bangs, which were often full and cut straight across the face. If you love the original approach, this is the look for you!
2. Short Pageboy Haircut
The pageboy hairstyle is often worn around shoulder length, but that is not to say you cannot experiment. Short hair for women is incredibly chic while also being low-maintenance and effortless to style. Cutting the hair shorter, around ear level, is a great way to draw attention to the jawline and cheekbones and can be incredibly flattering. This is also a perfect option for women with thin or fine hair.
3. Pixie Pageboy Haircut
The pageboy pixie cut is a short hairstyle for women and it is styled with more length on top and a blunt fringe, while the back and sides are worn shorter. It is a look that complements women of all ages and can be easily adapted to suit various face shapes and hair textures. For a chic approach to the pageboy haircut, you can work with your hairstylist to combine elements of the pixie cut, creating a shorter, modern version of the classic pageboy.
4. Modern Pageboy Haircut
The original pageboy cut is gorgeous, but it can be restrictive. The modern version is inspired by the traditional look, but gives you more versatility, letting you experiment with the cut and try it out on various hair textures and types. You also do not have to opt for blunt bangs and can try a choppy fringe for a more textured finish. Or curtain bangs to frame the face and draw attention to the features.
5. Pageboy Haircut 1970s
The classic pageboy haircut is a very noticeable style, modeled after the medieval pageboy. It is often cut on straight hair and hangs just below the ear, before being tucked underneath. It is also styled with straight-cut bangs. The look is best suited to women with straight hair and the cut feels very precise, making for a sleek and chic finish.
6. Layered Pageboy Haircut
Layers can be added to hair of all textures and lengths and they can be cut to be choppy and noticeable, or fine and nuanced to complement your haircut. The pageboy haircut is a style that will benefit from subtle layers to create movement and add volume. On fine and thin hair, this is a great way to create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair.
7. Curly Pageboy Haircut
The classic pageboy haircut is created on straight hair and is cut below the ear and paired with bangs in the front. The cut is precise, creating a sleek and elegant finish that will highlight your hair texture. However, on curly hair, this creates a more blended finish and the way the curly bangs fall on the face can soften sharp features. The natural movement and volume of the texture will give the hairstyle a lovely finish.
8. 80s Pageboy Haircut
The pageboy haircut is enjoying a resurgence of popularity in recent years but has been popular since the 70s and 80s. The 80s was a decade where bigger and bolder looks were better, and this version of the pageboy is about achieving volume and height. It is ideal for a woman who wants to experiment with her hair, draw attention to her features, and make a statement.
9. Messy Pageboy Haircut
Messy hair does not refer to hair that is unkempt but rather cut and styled to be deliberately unstructured. This will give your hair volume and create a natural bounce, which can be incredibly flattering. The classic pageboy cut is created on straight hair and is neat and polished, however, this option creates a hairstyle that is new and exciting.
10. Shaggy Pageboy Haircut
What better way to boost volume and give your hair movement than to combine elements of the classic shag haircut with the pageboy style. This is an excellent look for someone who wants to modernize the cut and make it feel more youthful. The shaggy finish feels effortlessly cool and is suitable for all hair types, whereas the classic pageboy is better suited to straight hair.
11. Blonde Pageboy Haircut
Blonde hair is gorgeous and an excellent way to brighten your appearance. Whether you are naturally blonde or choosing to dye your hair, the color is a great way to highlight the precision of any cut and will make it even more noticeable. Opting for a pageboy hairstyle with blunt edges and bangs is the ideal choice.
12. Bob Pageboy Haircut
The bob haircut and the pageboy style share many similarities and are both worn around the same length and paired with a fringe or bangs. For a timeless and feminine look, you can combine elements of both hairstyles. This is an option that will look great on women of all ages and is an excellent way to draw attention to your face and highlight your features. It can also be easily adapted to complement your face shape and hair texture.
13. Dutch Pageboy Haircut
The Dutch pageboy haircut is created with straight bangs and hair that is cut straight above the neck. It is a short hairstyle that appears even and without layers. This is a great option for a woman who wants an effortlessly cool hairstyle that will draw attention to her neck and facial features. The bangs can also create a flattering and youthful finish, hiding signs of aging like fine lines and forehead wrinkles.
14. Pageboy Haircut With Bangs
The pageboy haircut would not be complete without bangs. The classic cut features bangs and blunt cut edges that were styled upward. It is a short to medium-length cut and can be incredibly flattering on women of all ages. The modern approach gives you more versatility with the type of bangs you choose. Whether this is the original approach or something trendier like curtain bangs; the choice is yours!
15. Wavy Pageboy Haircut
Wavy hair is an excellent texture because it is full of movement and bounce. This hair type looks great when worn long or short and can be adapted to suit various styles, including the pageboy haircut. The cut is appealing because it is flattering on women of all ages. Although it is best suited to straight hair, on wavy hair it can feel less structured.
16. Elongated Pageboy Haircut
For a more modern approach to the pageboy haircut, you can try an elongated cut. This version of the pageboy cut is longer than the traditional cut and is ideal for women who want to try the haircut but are not ready to cut it short. For thick hair, wearing it slightly longer can also be flattering and you can add layers to remove some of the bulk and weight.
17. Straight Hair Pageboy Haircut
Straight hair is the perfect texture for the pageboy haircut. The cut was designed for straight hair and is typically short or medium; this makes it a stylish and relatively low-maintenance haircut. The pageboy cut looks sharp and precise when cut blunt and with full, straight bangs, and this is complemented by the straight hair texture. This is it if you want a stylish way to wear your straight hair!
18. Pageboy Haircut with Bright Colors
For those who want to stand out from the crowd, there is no easier way to achieve this than dyeing your hair a bright color. Whether that is your favorite hot pink or neon shade, or something softer and muted like pastels, adding color to the hair is expressive and fun. It is also a wonderful way to draw attention to your hair and will enhance the cut. There is nothing traditional about this look, but that is the point.
19. Pageboy Haircut with Choppy Fringe
A choppy fringe is cut with layers to create movement. Instead of opting for a straight cut or blunt fringe, this fringe will be piece-y and can look gorgeous on thick or thin hair. This option will also give you more versatility, letting you experiment with different lengths. The way the hair falls on your face can also be flattering and will draw attention to your features.
20. Pageboy Haircut with Curtain Bangs
Undeniably one of the most versatile options for your fringe is curtain bangs. This fringe is parted in the middle and cuts shorter on the inside. The appeal of these bangs is that they frame the face, highlight your features, and look great on hair of all textures. The pageboy cut will feel modern and youthful when paired with curtain bangs.
21. Blunt Cut Pageboy Haircut
The pageboy haircut can be adapted to suit your preference, but you want a blunt cut for a chic and sleek look. It is created without layers and is all the same length, and this cut looks incredible when worn on short or medium lengths. It is also ideal for those with thin or fine hair and can be incredibly flattering.
22. Ombre Pageboy Haircut
The ombre hair coloring technique is one of the best ways to experiment with color. This is achieved by blending two or more colors, one light, and the other dark, to create a gradient effect. You can opt for two natural colors or go bold with your favorite shade of pink or purple for a feminine finish. Focusing the color on the ends of the hair can also highlight the precision of your cut.
23. Pageboy Haircut with Undercut
The pageboy haircut is a classic style, but it has been adapted and modernized in recent years. This allows you to create a look that can complement your face shape and hair texture but also reflect your personal style. For example, pairing the cut with an undercut. The contrast between the hair length on the top of the head and the backs and sides makes for an interesting and daring look.
24. Bowl Cut Pageboy Style
The bowl cut is edgy and cool, but it can be challenging to pull off and does not look good on everyone. For a fun and youthful hairstyle, combine elements of the bowl cut, with hair cut to one length, with the classic blunt cut fringe of the pageboy hairstyle. The pairing makes for a bold and adventurous hairstyle. It is perfect for women who want to stand out from the crowd and are not afraid to take risks.
25. Chic Pageboy Haircut
The pageboy haircut and the Bob share many similarities. For an elegant and chic version of your pageboy style, you can be inspired by the French bob. It is cut to the jaw level and features full, brow-skimming bangs, which are ideal for drawing attention to the face. This cut will feel youthful yet sophisticated and will look best when styled on straight hair textures.
Pageboy Haircut FAQs
What is a pageboy haircut?
The pageboy haircut is a style that was inspired by the English haircut of the medieval pageboy. It is a haircut that is typically worn by women (but is gender neutral) and is cut to be short or medium length and traditionally upturned at the edges. The cut also features bangs and is best suited to straight hair. However, the modern approach offers more versatility and the cut has been adapted to suit all hair textures. You can also add layers, experiment with your bangs, or be expressive with color.
What is the difference between a bob and a pageboy?
The bob haircut is a classic short hairstyle for women that is typically cut straight around jaw level. It often has bangs or a fringe. This cut features many similarities with the pageboy hairstyle, however, the traditional approach to the cut features straight hair that hangs over the ears. It is worn with full bangs. Both cuts are versatile and flattering for women of all ages.
Cailyn Cox holds a degree in journalism and has been working with The Trend Spotter as a writer for over ten years. She has worked with some of the most prestigious women’s and men's lifestyle publications. For her, writing is not just a job; it’s a passion, which is why each article she writes is approached with such enthusiasm and dedication. She has extensive knowledge of hairstyles, tattoos, and beauty and has made a career out of creating informative articles that appeal to women and men of all ages.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.