Just Shave It: 10 Buzz Cut Hairstyles For Men
November 20, 2020
There are so many things to love about short haircuts—they’re easier to manage, you can keep your strands out of your face, and they don’t skimp on style. While you can choose from plenty of options, buzz cut styles are a classic choice with numerous benefits. You can play with length, experiment with shaved designs, or add contrast to your hair; plus the right buzz cut can suit all hair textures. Closely cropped curls will look equally as amazing as straight, buzzed hair. To help you step into the world of buzz cut styles for men, we’re sharing 10 ideas, including the buzz cut fade and the mohawk.
WHAT IS A BUZZ CUT?
Before we dive into different buzz cut hairstyles, you need to know what this popular haircut entails. A buzz cut is a classic style that consists of shaving your hair super-short. To get specific, hair is left somewhere between one-eighth to half of an inch long. This is done with hair clippers, which are a type of electric razor that comes with different attachments (also called guards). Different guard sizes are used to cut hair to various lengths.
This style usually has a uniform length all around, but it is possible to buzz or closely cut hair only in certain spots, like on the sides. Since a buzz cut boasts a neat, short, and polished look, it’s super common to see military men rock the style. Over the years, men have modernized the buzz cut with stylish variations. You can play with height, dimension, and contrast—it’s all up to you.
We also appreciate that the buzz cut allows you to accentuate your features. It puts your entire face on full display, so everyone can see that chiseled jawline or those cheekbones. Plus, you can find buzz cut styles that cater to various textures. One example is the disconnected buzz cut, which features a contrast in lengths that highlights curly and wavy hair.
The buzz cut began as a hairstyle for men, but it’s true that no one gender corners the market on this haircut. Women rock buzzed hair, too. It’s an edgy, low-maintenance option that can appeal to anyone. Both women and men who opt for a buzz cut may decide to add their own twist to the look by incorporating a shaved design or a current hair color trend.
10 BUZZ CUT HAIRSTYLES FOR MEN
Now that you have the 4-1-1 on buzz cuts, it’s time to find your hairstyle match. Below, we’re sharing 10 buzz cut styles worth a try.
1. BUZZ CUT WITH A LINE-UP
The look: This haircut features the classic super-short length of a buzz cut, as well as a straight hairline and curved edges. The end result is a clean-cut appearance.
Pro tip: Ask your stylist to shorten the hair at your edges and the nape of your neck to give you a crisp look.
2. FADED BUZZ CUT
The look: The faded buzz cut features no hair at the sides and gradually builds up to hair that is less than a quarter of an inch long. It’s a neat and polished look.
Pro tip: In most cases, your skin will be visible beneath your hair if you get this cut. So, if you have any bumps or imperfections on your scalp, consult with your barber about making the hairstyle work for you.
3. HIGH & TIGHT BUZZ CUT
The look: It involves cutting the hair on the sides and back of your head, so you’re left with strands that are between one-eighth and one-fourth of an inch in length. The top has strands that are shorter than a half-inch to create contrast. Since the hair on the crown of your head has more length than the sides, it naturally gives the illusion of a longer face.
Style tip: Spritz your hair with a touch of strong-hold spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold, to hold your style.
4. BUZZ CUT WITH A HARD PART
The look: This number features a deep part that adds a “cool-guy” edge to your look.
Pro tip: Talk with your barber about opting for a thin part if you want a subtle look. Alternatively, you can experiment with a thicker part to add more edge to this buzzed style.
5. TAPERED BUZZ CUT WITH A HARD PART
The look: This tapered cut features a distinct part with a slight fade at the edges of your sideburns and the nape of your neck. Think of it as a modern spin on the classic buzz cut.
Pro tip: Consult with your stylist about choosing a mid-taper or a low cut. The former starts to fade just above the ear and has an even balance of faded length and detailing. On the flip side, with a low cut, your edges will be super-short and transition into hair that's slightly longer. The mid-taper is a good option for someone who likes a versatile look, and the low option suits those who prefer something subtle.
6. DISCONNECTED BUZZ CUT
The look: The disconnected buzz cut doesn’t feature a fade or gradual change between lengths. Instead, there's a defined contrast between short sides and length on the crown of your head. This look is a way to step outside-of-the-box, making it one of our favorite buzz cut styles.
Style tip: Spritz a texturizing spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray over your length to liven up your natural texture.
7. CREW CUT BUZZ CUT
The look: This two-in-one style brings together the buzz cut and the crew cut. The latter has a short back and sides with a visible, cropped length at the top, which is meant to emulate bangs. In this case, the back and sides are buzzed extra short to blend the two styles. It’s a smart pick for men trying to disguise large foreheads and enhance their natural texture.
Style tip: Rub a dime-sized amount of a hair pomade or paste, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Hair Putty Overworked Hair Putty, through your bangs to shape and style them.
8. MOHAWK BUZZ CUT
The look: The mohawk buzz cut has super-short sides—around one-eighth of an inch—with a long strip of hair that sits in the center of your head. It’s different from the classic mohawk, which leaves you with no hair on the sides. This option allows you to retain at least a little length. This haircut is a no-brainer for any guy who wants to flaunt a rockstar style.
Style tip: Apply a small dollop of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, to your strands. Shape your length upward to create a spiky look.
9. INDUCTION BUZZ CUT
The look: The induction buzz cut is the shortest of all buzz cut styles and is created by using a hair clipper without a guard. This gives you a short look that fully exposes your scalp.
Pro tip: You’ll need to visit your stylist once every week to keep your length (or lack thereof) intact.
10. BURR BUZZ CUT
The look: It’s a buzz cut that leaves a half-inch of hair all around your head. The burr buzz cut is a step down from the super-short induction buzz cut in terms of how dramatic the end result is. It has a slightly longer length and doesn’t fully make your skin visible.
Style tip: Mist your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray to add healthy-looking shine.
