Buzz Cuts for Men 2024: Types, How to Get the Look and How to Maintain | GATSBY
One of the shortest men’s hairstyles out there, the buzz cut is about as close as it gets to shaving it all off without actually going full bald. Its sleek, no-fuss look is very easy to maintain.
Whether you’re dealing with classes, work, or simply living your best life without worrying about your hair, this clean, fresh style is for you if you’re a low-key kind of guy. Even though it’s very short, you can still experiment with variations! Keep on reading to find out how to get this style and how to maintain a buzz cut!
What is a Buzz Cut?
A buzz cut is a very short hairstyle that’s usually the same length all over. This uniform cut is done with clippers – just keep on buzzing until your hair is close to the scalp. If you’re thinking about making the change from long hair, there’s something very liberating about buzzing it all off!
The buzz cut’s been around forever. This no-frills hairstyle can trace its origins to the military. It blew up with the invention of manual clippers and is named for the “buzz” sound the clippers make when cutting off the hair.
Buzz cut hairstyles are popular in Singapore for a bunch of reasons. First off, this is the go-to haircut once you hit BMT. This ultra-short hairstyle keeps you cool in the hot and humid weather. Plus, its neat look is perfect for school or work. You don’t need long hair to stand out - your confidence speaks for itself!
How to Get a Buzz Cut
Ready to get a buzz cut? If want to avoid mess-ups, hit up your barber. Communication is everything! The easiest way to tell your barber what you want is by using clipper guard numbers – these indicate how much hair to leave after the trim.
If you want a nearly bald look, ask for a Number 1 which leaves about 1/8 inch of hair. Want a bit more length? Then go for a Number 4 which leaves around ½ inch (i.e. 4/8 inch) of hair. If you want a buzz cut with fade, ask for a lower guard like Number 1 or 2 on the sides and a higher one like a Number 3 or 4 on top. Still unsure? Bring along a picture of the style you want as backup. And don’t be shy about speaking up mid-cut if you need adjustments.
What if you prefer going DIY? The first step is to invest in a good pair of clippers. If you’re a first-timer, always start slow. It’s better to buzz slightly longer at first since you can always trim more later. Begin at your sideburns and work upwards, going against the grain. Once you hit the back, go up the crown and then tackle the top. If you want a fade, switch to a shorter guard for the sides. Don’t forget to clean up around the ears and neck for that sharp finish.
Common Buzz Cut Styles
Military Style Buzz Cut
A Military Style Buzz Cut or the classic army haircut is the OG low-maintenance look where the hair is super short and even all over. In Singapore, NS men would be very familiar with this “Number 1 buzz cut”. It’s practical, keeps you cool and needs zero styling! If you miss the shaved era of your BMT days, this hassle-free cut is for you!
Fade Buzz Cut
To give your buzz cut a fresh twist, pair it with a fade! The Fade Buzz Cut starts off with a clean, uniform length on top. It then gradually blends or fades into shorter lengths down the sides and back. There are plenty of fade haircut variations to choose from. You can go for a low fade that starts near your ears or a high fade that begins at the temples.
Taper Fade Buzz Cut
Think of the Taper Fade Buzz Cut as a more refined version of the casual Fade Buzz Cut. It starts off the same – you still get that slightly longer hair on top but the transition is way smoother as it gradually tapers or shortens down the sides and back towards the nape of the neck. Here’s more about Taper Fade haircuts and how to make them work for you.
Skinhead Buzz Cut
The Skinhead Buzz Cut is kept very minimal – it’s shaved so close to the scalp you can barely see the hair. To get this look, set the clippers to a Number 1 or even zero. This haircut works best for oval faces or those with strong jawlines or angular features. It might not be the best fit for those with round or long faces.
Textured Top Buzz Cut
The buzz cut doesn’t have to be all short and basic. Jazz it up with a Textured Top Buzz Cut, especially if you have thicker hair. All you need is to have a little bit of length on top. For this slightly messy, “just rolled out of bed” vibe, work some hair wax through your hair! It’s as simple as that!
Combover Buzz Cut
The Combover Buzz Cut gives you the best of both worlds – clean, short sides, with a bit of length on top that’s swept to the side. To nail this neat hairstyle, you’ll need a little bit of pomade to help keep your hair in place. It’s a polished style that’ll keep you looking fresh and put-together for work.
Buzz Cut with Beard
For something more sexy and masculine, why not try a Buzz Cut with Beard combo? The beard elevates your whole look by defining your jawline and amping up the sharpness of the buzz cut. Whether you’re going for a stubble or full beard, this brings extra edge to your style!
Dyed Buzz Cut
If you really want to stand out, add a pop of colour! There are so many colours to choose from for your Dyed Buzz Cut – bleach blonde, ash grey or even bolder shades like blue. If you’re feeling more chill, go for natural shades like brown. With such short hair, it’s easy to switch colours whenever you want a fresh look.
Types of People that Suit a Buzz Cut
Wondering if a buzz cut is your thing? Not just anyone can pull off this look. For one, if you’ve got a defined jawline or killer cheekbones, this cut will show off your best features. It’s also a solid choice for those with oval or square faces. The buzz cut’s clean and uniform look is also the perfect solution for those with thinning hair or a receding hairline.
For those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic or anyone with an active lifestyle, the buzz cut is a total win. You don’t have to worry about styling it every day! And if you want something bold, all you need to do is pair it with a beard or throw in some colour for that extra edge.
How to Maintain a Buzz Cut
Depending on how fast your hair grows, you’ll need to keep on buzzing your hair every 3 to 4 weeks to keep your buzz cut looking on point. If you are sporting a Number 1 buzz cut, you may even have to buzz it every week or every other week. That’s when it may be more convenient to get your own clippers … so you can do a quick buzz while shaving.
Don’t forget to wash your scalp regularly and use a light conditioner so your scalp doesn’t become flaky. If you’re out in the sun, slap on some sunscreen on your exposed scalp.
Conclusion
The buzz cut is the perfect short men’s hairstyle for anyone who wants something uncomplicated, clean cut and super chill. So if you’re after a style that combines simplicity with understated style points, the buzz cut is definitely for you!