The cut is a style which is buzzed (get it?) to the same length all over. This low maintenance cut can look different on all kinds of hair and is popular with every type of client.
Loved by celebrities of all genders the buzz cut is a strong look, showcasing the face and bold facial features. According to Milady's Standard Barbering, they first gained popularity with the arrival of Serbian inventor, Nikola Bizumić's manual hair clippers in the 19th century. "Buzz cuts became increasingly popular again in the 1990s and have never ceased," says Janene Hawkins-Bush, owner of Sir & Co. Barbers. This key hair look never falls out of fashion, Miles Wood-Smith, Master Barber at Murdock London tells us, "This cut suits everyone," and it even featured in Givenchy's Men's Paris Fashion Week 2023 show with Jim Shaw commenting: "It's great for clients who don't want a cut that's high maintenance or that they have to style - they simply need to visit their barber to ensure the length is maintained." Recently, we've also seen trends combining buzz cuts with striking colour. Bold, bright tones can lift the cut and add to the powerful statement already being made by the length. Instagram is awash with buzz cuts featuring everything from citrus green to pink leopard print.
So What is A Buzz Cut?
The buzz cut is a style where the hair is shaved all over. "There are many modern variations of the buzz cut due to its versatility. The style allows for a lot of creativity as you can shave different patterns into the hair. This style is also perfect for clients with thinning or receding hairlines because it is very low maintenance and adds definition to the face," advises Ollie Foster, OSMO Ambassador.
It is typically achieved with clippers all over says Keri Blue, founder of Human First UK and short hair artist, they explain: "I recommend using the same guard, usually a 2 for the popular army style trim." Miles even tells us how this cut can easily be adapted for a specific client type, "I would suggest a higher clipper grade on the side if the clients works a more conservative job."
Room 97 Creative owner Marcello Moccia tells us how to get the look:
- On long hair, remove length first to the nape at the back of the hair and to just above the ears at the sides, using scissors, or utilise a horizontal cutting motion with the blade of the clipper minus any guard.
- Choose the right clipper guard for the desired length (maybe start with a grade 3 or 4, as you can always go over the hair again with a shorter grade length if required).
- Holding the clipper guard flat against the forehead, begin cutting from front to back. Move the clipper back down the middle of the head slowly past the crown.
- Repeat in strips until the entire top is clipped down; cut everything to just past the point where the head rounds into the sides.
