The buzz cut is a classic men’s hairstyle that features short hair all around. Buzz cuts are typically given with electric clippers, and are used to “buzz” the top of your hair to one length. The buzz cut haircut can also extend to the sides or be combined with a low, mid or high fade. The result is the buzz cut fade, the most popular version of the this very short hairstyle. Ultimately, even with different buzz cut lengths, the key is to just think of really short hair!
Perhaps the best part of any buzz haircut, or even brush cut, is the low-maintenance and easy styling. Imagine waking up in the mornings and having your hair ready to go. The other benefit is that buzz cut hairstyles are great for men with receding hairlines. In general, a short or long buzz cut isn’t difficult to style or pull off and even works well with a beard or hair design.
Contents
- 1 What Is A Buzz Cut?
- 2 Crew Cut vs Buzz Cut
- 3 Buzz Cut Hairstyles
- 3.1 Buzz Cut Fade
- 3.2 Zero Buzz Cut
- 3.3 Skin Fade Buzz Cut
- 3.4 Buzz Cut with Beard
- 3.5 Short Buzz Cut
- 3.6 Long Buzz Cut
- 3.7 Medium Buzz Cut
- 3.8 Buzz Cut Mohawk
- 3.9 Undercut Buzz Cut
- 3.10 Buzz Cut with Bangs
- 3.11 Buzz Cut Taper
- 3.12 Buzz Cut Designs
- 3.13 Induction Cut
- 3.14 Burr Cut
- 3.15 Butch Cut
- 3.16 Buzz Cut with Line
- 3.17 Buzz Cut Shape Up
- 3.18 Number 1 Buzz Cut
- 3.19 Number 2 Buzz Cut
- 3.20 Number 3 Buzz Cut
- 3.21 Buzz Cut For Black Men
- 3.22 Buzz Cut For Asian Men
- 3.23 Buzz Cut For White Men
- 3.24 Boys Buzz Cut
- 4 Should I Get A Buzz Cut?
- 5 Do Women Like Buzz Cuts?
What Is A Buzz Cut?
The buzz cut is a very short men’s haircut that is usually trimmed with electric clippers and guards. Easy to get with no styling required, buzz cut styles include the traditional buzz cut, zero cut, induction cut, butch cut, brush cut and crew cut. There are different types of buzz cuts, with the classic version being buzzed the same length all over and the modern cut having a fade or undercut on the sides and back.
While buzzed hair is cool and masculine for guys to get, this haircut doesn’t work for all face shapes. Men with oval, square, and long face shapes that have strong jawlines, chiseled cheekbones, and sharp features are better-suited for buzz cut styles. Cool and stylish, a buzz haircut is a great short hairstyle for men who want a bold cut that looks clean and fresh in a professional and casual setting.
Crew Cut vs Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is a very short haircut, but a crew cut is essentially a longer buzz cut. Both the buzz cut and crew cut can be tapered or faded on the sides and back to create contrast with the short hair on top. However, the main difference between the crew cut and buzz cut is that the buzz cut is too short to be styled while the crew cut comes with more length on top that can be swept to the side or left textured and messy for a fuller look.
Buzz Cut Hairstyles
Buzz Cut Fade
The buzz cut fade is a modern short men’s hairstyle all around, with faded sides and short hair on top. There are many types of fade haircuts to pair with a buzzed cut. For starters, you’ll want to determine where the tapering begins so you have a choice of a high, mid or low fade. A buzz cut with a low fade begins the tapering just above the ears and stays close to the neckline in the back; whereas, the mid fade starts in the middle of the head and the high fade effectively becomes a high and tight.
Guys can further tailor the cut by requesting a taper, bald, skin, or drop fade. Ultimately, buzz cut fade haircuts are more versatile and less extreme than traditional, military-inspired hairstyles. Although it’s still very short, a fade incorporates an extra dimension because the look isn’t a uniform length all over the head. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for guys with receding hairlines or thin hair as it adds more volume by making your hair on top appear thicker.
Zero Buzz Cut
The zero buzz cut is a short haircut that requires no guard on the clippers and cuts the hair down to the skin. Close to a shaved head, a zero haircut is an edgy style that leaves a slight shadow for a clean-cut look. With no hair to protect you, a zero cut is reserved for men with a nicely shaped head and attractive facial features.
Skin Fade Buzz Cut
A buzz cut with a skin fade is one of the most common haircut styles because it cuts the sides short enough to create contrast for the buzzed top. A skin fade haircut on the sides and back tapers the hair down to the skin. Guys can ask their barber for a low, medium or high bald fade and pair the faded cut with a number 1, 2, or 3 haircut on top. Trendy and charming, a skin fade buzz cut is a cool hairstyle that looks even better with some facial hair for a sexy style.
Buzz Cut with Beard
A buzz cut with a beard is a great way to balance your look while giving you a rugged style. If you want to stand out with buzzed hair and a beard, it’s important to understand how to pull this look off properly. For example, you need to keep your beard groomed and styled because, with short hair on top, more of the focus will be on your facial hair.
Men with thick hair buzz cuts can enjoy more latitude and grow a long full beard. On the other hand, guys with thin or thinning will want heavy stubble or a well-kept short beard style to draw attention away from the hairline without making the contrast overwhelmingly obvious. Paired with a trendy buzz cut fade where you taper your sideburns, a beard will add texture and dimension to your badass style.
Short Buzz Cut
A short buzz cut is very short and often clipped with a number 1 guard, achieving a cut close to the head. The three best examples of short buzz haircuts are the military induction cut, the burr cut, and the high and tight fade. While not quite a zero, these types of buzz cuts involve a number one all over for a close cut and a taper fade on the sides and back.
If your hairline is fuller, a military-style buzz cut is a fantastic way to bring a sharp, masculine feel to your look as the angles are crisp and edgy. Guys with thin hair want to avoid this since the dimensions bring attention to your head. Instead, you should allow for a little extra growth to soften the cut and make it more sophisticated.
Long Buzz Cut
The long buzz cut can take many forms, with the most popular being the crew cut mixed with buzzed hair on the sides. Great for men with the right look, a long hair buzz cut offers additional styling options that aren’t available with a shorter cut. For example, a buzz cut with longer hair on top can be styled with pomade or clay for a textured, natural look that adds volume and depth.
Alternatively, you may prefer to pair a buzz cut with a fringe, Caesar haircut, or a side swept front. A Caesar crew cut is achieved with longer buzzed hair on top using a number 4 guard and paired with a fade on the sides. You can leave the longer bangs brushed forward and hanging over the forehead or swept to the side for a very short League hairstyle.
Medium Buzz Cut
If you want the middle ground, a medium buzz cut can be the perfect haircut that isn’t too short or long. Generally clipped with a number 3 on top and 1 or 2 on the sides, medium buzzed haircuts are tight and tapered for a sleek look. For an easy trim that won’t expose your scalp but won’t grow out too fast, start with this 3 buzz cut.
Buzz Cut Mohawk
The buzz cut mohawk has a daring edge that isn’t for the faint of heart. Whether you’re a badass alpha male or just a teen bad boy, the buzzed mohawk hairstyle is the perfect look for men with short hair who want to stand out from the crowd and turn heads.
The trick is to leave a two-inch-wide patch of hair, and then buzz the rest of your head down to the skin. The contrast creates a bold aesthetic that’s as flexible as it is original. Apply gel, pomade or wax through your hair and style a mini mohawk.
Undercut Buzz Cut
The undercut buzz cut starts by buzzing the sides and back of the head to the same length and then leaving very short hair on top. Similar to a high and tight, the undercut haircut can be shorter or longer depending on the length of hair you keep on top.
For an edgy look, you can shave the sides down; otherwise, a little length can be classy, low-maintenance and versatile for professional men. Ultimately, buzzed hair with an undercut can be a great way to change up your look from the classic version of this popular hairstyle.
Buzz Cut with Bangs
Get a buzz cut with bangs if you want to emulate a short crop top. Also known as a French crop or short fringe, a cropped buzz cut begins with a taper fade haircut on the sides to blend the style. The buzzed haircut on top is still very short, but the bangs in front are left a little longer for some styling flexibility. The fringe can then be brushed forward and down like a Caesar cut or swept to the side for a simple Ivy League hairstyle.
Buzz Cut Taper
The buzz cut taper is a middle ground for men who want to keep their hair short without exposing the skin. Generally, a taper fade blends the hair on your sides and back into the scalp, while a taper haircut blends shorter but leaves some hair at the bottom. A buzz cut with a taper is a good hairstyle for professional men or guys who want a short haircut that is smooth and charming without being too edgy.
To give a taper fade with buzzed hair, your barber ends the tapering process with a #1 or #2 guard and keeps some length. The buzz cut is still trimmed short all around and will contrast with the shorter faded sides. Fresh and unique, this trend is popular because it softens your head and features, yet is still manly and clean-cut.
Buzz Cut Designs
Buzz cut designs offer a cool way to customize your haircut. From lines to zig zags to unique shapes, hair designs add flair to a minimal buzz cut haircut. Guys can shave their favorite design ideas into the faded sides or directly into the buzzed hair on top.
Induction Cut
The induction cut is the shortest buzz cut you can get without shaving your head down to the skin. As a military haircut, the induction buzz cut can be trimmed to the same length all around the head or paired with shaved sides. You should be comfortable with the decision beforehand as there is no going back once this no guard haircut trims your hair down to nothing.
Well-suited for all hair types, the induction haircut is particularly useful for guys with thinning hair or receding hairlines who are not ready to shave their head. Feature an edge up, heavy stubble, or a thick beard to complement the style.
Burr Cut
The burr cut is a type of shorter buzz cut that is perfect for the men who want a very close cut style. Slightly longer than an induction cut, the burr buzz cut looks best on guys who have a full hairline and thick hair. You can cut this short hairstyle yourself at home with quality clippers and make it a uniform haircut all around the head.
If you like to get trimmed up at a barbershop, the better look is a taper fade on the sides and back with a #1 or #2 cut on top and a line up along the hairline. Stylish for young and older men alike, experiment with a burr haircut and grow a full beard for a hot, youthful aesthetic.
Butch Cut
The butch cut is the longest buzz cut style for men and is similar to the crew cut. Also known as a brush cut, the hair on top is buzzed into place with clippers using a number 3 or 4 guard. Unlike a traditional buzz cut, the most popular variation of the butch haircut is the brush cut fade. With longer hair on top, the fade blends the sides and back of the head to taper the look and create contrast.
The back and sides gradually reduce in length as they reach the ears, creating a short-yet-dense visual. A brush cut is ideal for guys who wear an Ivy League cut as once it grows, it will transform into a standard crew cut.
Buzz Cut with Line
A buzz cut with a line adds a level of excitement that you don’t normally get with a standard buzz cut. Without the ability to mix up lengths for a striking appeal, you can shave an edgy line into the sides of your head for a modern masculine look.
What makes this trend popular is that you can play around with the line to make sure the novelty isn’t lost. A single line can be wider and thicker if you want to get people’s attention, or it can thin if you’re trying to be subtle. Guys can even get 2 or 3 lines etched into their cut. Also, a line design works as a hard part that highlights a buzzed top and faded or undercut sides.
Buzz Cut Shape Up
A buzz cut with a shape up is when your barber trims your hairline and temples to create sharp, visible lines. Also known as a line or edge up, the effect is striking as the shape up helps to clean any untidy strands or unevenness that may stick out.
Similarly, a line up uses crisp cuts to change the proportions of your face and hair, resulting in an aggressive, rugged style.
Number 1 Buzz Cut
The number 1 buzz cut is the shortest haircut you can get with a guard attached to a clipper. Most closely associated with an induction cut, the #1 haircut length corresponds to leaving 1/8 inch of hair, producing very short hair with no styling requirements.
If you want a 1 buzz cut all over, you can skip the barbershop and just cut your own hair at home with clippers. For guys who want some contrast, ask your barber for a #1 on top but with faded sides. To maintain this cut and keep it fresh, you’ll need a haircut regularly.
Number 2 Buzz Cut
The number 2 buzz cut leaves your hair longer and allows you to style your short hair, but the haircut is still very buzzed and easy to do. Also known as a burr cut, the number 2 haircut length will cut your hair at 1/4 inch, keeping just enough hair to cover our scalp and minimize visibility.
Guys can use a #2 guard all over the head or stick to a #2 on top with a #1 or skin fade on the sides and back. Combined with a clean hairline, well-groomed facial hair and textured styling, this handsome hairstyle is sleek and smooth.
Number 3 Buzz Cut
The number 3 buzz cut keeps the length on top at 3/8 inch and is a common haircut given that it is the foundation for the classic 3-2-1 buzzed hairstyle. Also known as a brush or butch cut, a #3 guard on top with a #2 on the sides and back creates just the right level of contrast and style.
Alternatively, some men want a regular haircut with a number 3 or 4 all around. Even and uniform, this longer buzzed hairstyle looks better with a square head shape and a clean shaven face or a little stubble.
Buzz Cut For Black Men
As one of the most popular haircuts for black men, the buzz cut continues to be a trendy style. Whether you want a brush cut fade or a very short haircut to style into waves, a buzz cut for black men delivers a clean, fresh look. For a refined stylish hairstyle that will turn heads, guys should pair buzzed black hair with a temp fade, line up and short beard.
Buzz Cut For Asian Men
The buzz cut is a hot trend for Asian men who prefer short hair. From an induction cut to a burr, butch and crew cut, the Asian buzz cut allows you to explore a range of styles and lengths. Because Asian hair is typically thick and straight, it’s naturally suited for a cool buzzed hairstyle. Start with a fade or undercut on the sides and short trimmed top, and then let the hair grow out with time to style different looks.
Buzz Cut For White Men
The white guy buzz cut is crazy cool and minimalist, especially when it is trimmed and styled properly. Despite the short hair, men can get creative with their buzzed haircuts. Whether you shave the sides, grow a full beard, dye your hair blonde, or experiment with different cuts, there are many ways for white men to wear a buzz cut.
Boys Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is a natural haircut for boys, especially in the spring and summer time. Whether you’re tired of styling your little boys hair for school or just want a simple haircut you can give him at home, a kids buzz cut might be the right hairstyle for your little boy. Cool, cute and low-maintenance, just make sure the sides are shorter than the buzzed hair on top for a defined, trendy look.
Should I Get A Buzz Cut?
Buzz cut haircuts are rugged, sexy and low maintenance, but before getting this short hairstyle, it’s important to imagine what you would look like with a buzz cut. Whether or not you should get a buzz cut depends on your facial features, hair type and style. Start by looking at yourself in the mirror and envisioning a buzz haircut. If you have a lean face, chiseled jaw, and high cheekbones, the buzz cut look should fit you.
Similarly, men with thick hair will likely look good with a buzzed head. If you have thin or thinning hair with a receding hairline, you may want to start with a high skin fade with very short hair on top. Guys can always experiment with longer buzzed hair and short faded sides to see if they like the short style.
There are different types of buzz cuts to ask for at the barbershop, so talk to your barber before asking for buzzed hair.
Do Women Like Buzz Cuts?
Some women like buzz cuts on men, while some girls don’t. It really depends on the woman. However, it’s always important to remember that if she really likes you, she won’t care about your hair. Men’s hair can always grow out, so if something as trivial as a very short hairstyle is stopping her from dating you, you’re probably better off finding someone who isn’t that shallow. If you want to dress up your buzz cut, considering growing a full beard for a trendy, masculine look.
