Beyonce's new pixie crop: Has the star fooled us with her 'new hairstyle?'

Beyonce shocked fans around the globe after taking to Instagram to reveal her new, Miley Cyrus-esque pixie crop this week.

But while fans were left gasping at the 31-year-old's new honey-hued, super-short hairstyle, it seems not everyone was wholly convinced by Bey's radical new look.

In fact, award-winning hairdresser to the stars Errol Douglas MBE, believes the songstress' apparent new crop isn't as drastic as we might have thought - as he believes it's really a wig.

We caught up with the hair stylist after fans took to Twitter in their droves to discuss Bey's new look, and he told us that he's confident the star hasn't followed in Rihanna's footsteps with a grittier new look.

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"She looks incredible, it is a real statement look - quite fifties," he said of the photo.

"But the only thing I find strange is how low the parting is... It's so hard to cut someone's hair like that, especially when it's been long.

"I don't get the sides, if it was her hair it would have laid flatter."

He explained: "It kind of takes two haircuts to get [a pixie crop] right. But also to cut it completely off... that person will go through so many different emotional stages."

Errol said Jay Z's wife is actually probably showing off her latest wig (the star is renowned for changing her look with lace wigs and inserts) as he doubts she'd commit to such a short style.

He said: "Beyonce was the first one who conned everyone with her lace wig and extensions. She has an arsenal of people to help her; she can have curly hair, wavy, long hair... She changes it all the time.

"The thing about her is that it's such a drastic thing to do… Beyonce she is a more executive version of Rihanna, who wants to change her look every five minutes.

"So I think it could be a wig. As I just don't think she's the kind of person to do that."

The hair stylist explained that it's Bey's love of being a style chameleon with her long blonde locks - whether worn in tight curls or blown out straight - that is another reason to think this is a faux look.

"She is so chameleon like... that woman for me can never get old. She's at the top of her game," he mused.

"She's up there with icons like Madonna and Rihanna. So it's only because she is who she is [that I think this isn't a new style].

"I have a lot of clients who are models and people in the industry and they don't want to limit themselves to one look."

He went on: "It all stems from Miley Cryus' look. Her crop looks amazing and it's completely changed her style and image. Everything is now all about her hair.

"Whereas for Beyonce, she's not raw or gritty. She's very feminine about her hair, so this would be quite a gamble, so it could be something temporary."

But what does Errol think if Bey's look really is here to stay?

"If it is real… then wow. But I bet you in a couple of weeks her hair will be long again!" he laughed.

"It's a real style statement. It makes her look even younger, more streamline as it instantly gives you face shape and highlights cheekbones."

A whole host of stars have taken the plunge and opted for a pixie crop, with the likes of Miley, Rihanna, Kate Moss, Carey Mulligan and Emma Watson just some of the stars to opt for the gamine style.

And as Errol explains, the effect can be quite liberating emotionally.

"[A crop] is free-ing... it stops you from depending on a haidresser as it's so versatile. It's easy to do everyday," he told us.

"And if I cut someone's hair like that, I would give them a workshop on how to look after it and style it. As when you're not used to having it, you need to make sure you know what's what."

He continued: "It's nothing too elaborate; just knowing how to blow dry it, what products to use, the maintenance you need etc."

But for fans rushing out to copy the look, Errol Douglas remains steadfast that it's all for "Hollywood."

"I don't think it's real," he smiled. "If you've seen her on stage, moving around - she puts on such a performance.

"And her hair is all part of her routine. Maybe she's got a role in her film. Or it's for her next video. But I don't think it's real."

Should you have a pixie crop? Errol Douglas gives his top tips before having the chop:

* Remember it doesn't suit everyone. You have to have a softness to your face; long face shapes or more square jaws won't suit the look.

* Have a lengthy consultation before diving in. Spend at least 45 minutes talking to your hairdresser before taking the plunge.

* Weight up the pros and cons. Will you miss your long hairstyle a week later? Have you considered the shock of waking up the day after and looking at your new looks in the mirror?

* If you do go for the chop, make sure the style is versatile. Ensure the stylist cuts it so it can go into a quiff, so it can be styled up and down should you need to.

* In your consultation find out the best products for maintaining the look. Remember, short hair will need different styling tools to longer locks.

* Consider a colour change up. If you do opt for the chop, you may need to restyle your colour too.

Share your thoughts on Beyonce's is-it-or-isn't-it new look over on Twitter, now.