The 21 Best Buzz Cut Hairstyles for Men

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Master hair stylist Frankie Sanderson shares the most popular styles of buzz cuts & which face shapes suit them
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If you’ve grown tired of the same old haircut and you’re considering switching it up, why not try a buzz cut? This versatile and low-maintenance style looks good on almost everyone, making it a popular choice for many modern gentlemen. If you’re thinking of going over to the buzzed side, keep reading to learn all the different types of buzz cuts and figure out which one best suits you. Plus, we offer key insights from professional hair stylists and cosmetologists.

Different Types of Buzz Cuts

Types of Buzz Cuts Summary

Master hair stylist Frankie Sanderson says buzz cuts are great hairstyles because they’re quick and easy to maintain. Some of the most popular styles include:

  • Crew Cut: Longer on top and shorter on the sides.
  • Induction Buzz Cut: Military-inspired short and uniform cut.
  • High and Tight: Longer up top with an immediate fade to short.
  • Buzz Cut with Drop Fade: Cut following the curve of the head.
  • Ivy League Buzz Cut: Stylish cut that's full up top with medium-length sides.
Section 1 of 3:

Types of Buzz Cuts

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  1. Step 1 Classic Buzz Cut
    This is the simplest and most traditional version of the buzz cut. Suited for all face and hair types, a classic buzz cut offers a clean, uniform look that’s fuss-free and low-maintenance. Celebrities like Channing Tatum and Jake Gyllenhaal are fans of this look, and with good reason! A classic buzz cut allows their handsome features to shine, and it can do the same for yours.[1]
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Depending on the length you want, ask for a #1, #2, or #3 guard all over. Traditional barber Igor Sadurskii says, “If you want to keep it simpler, just go for #1 or #2.”[2]
    • Best Suited For: All face shapes.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Frankie Sanderson is a master hair stylist and founder of TheStudeo, a styling business that specializes in hairstyling, makeup, and personal image.

    Igor Sadurskii is a traditional barber. Known for his expertise in classic and modern men’s haircuts, he is very passionate about the art and craft of barbering.

    Tiffany Carnevale-Russo is a licensed cosmetologist with over 19 years of experience. She specializes in haircuts and hairstyling for men.

  2. Step 2 Crew Cut
    The crew cut is a very popular style, says Sanderson.[3] This cut has roots in World War II: military men began buzzing their hair in this style as it was viewed as hygienic, masculine, and practical. This cut is a bit longer than a classic buzz, with more length up top and a closer crop toward the bottom. Versatile and stylish, celebrities like Aaron Paul and Ryan Gosling have gone through their own respective crew cut phases.[4]
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  3. Step 3 Induction Buzz Cut
    This is another popular buzz cut style, notes Sanderson.[7] The straightforward, military-inspired cut takes all the guessing out of buzzing. The cut is typically very short and the same length all around, creating a clean, polished look. The best part? There’s no styling required, and there’s little upkeep involved. This minimalist cut is a favorite among celebrities like Jesse Williams and Chris Evans.[8]
  4. Step 4 Burr Cut
    The burr cut is a common buzz cut hairstyle, explains Sanderson.[10] It allows a bit more overall length than an induction cut while maintaining a uniform look. This is why buzz cuts are so popular: you can tailor them to match your desired hair length, style, and overall vibe. According to Sadurskii, the buzz cut you choose “depends on your life, what kind of job you have, and your personality.”[11] Celebrities like Chris Pine and Ryan Reynolds have been known to rock a burr cut.
  5. Step 5 Butch Cut
    This is another popular buzz cut style, says Sanderson.[13] If you want a cut that still lets you keep a good amount of hair, a butch cut is for you. Manly and uncomplicated, this style isn’t quite as severe as closer-cropped ones. It offers more scalp protection, which is great for people who live in colder weather, and looks professional in work settings. Robert Pattinson and Zayn Malik are two celebrities who enjoy a good butch cut.[14]
  6. Step 6 Brush Cut
    To achieve the manliness of a military-style buzz with the edginess of a rock musician, get a brush cut. This style features a short top and tapered or faded sides, giving you a longer look that still requires very little maintenance. Sadurskii shares that a “low fade” or “shaved sides” can add some real “personalization” to this kind of haircut.[16] Celebrities who agree include Jaden Smith and David Beckham.[17]
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Ask them to trim the top of your hair using a #1 guard and to fade the sides and neck down to a #0.5 or #0.
    • Best Suited For: Oval and square faces.
  7. Step 7 High and Tight
    The high and tight is a popular buzz cut hairstyle, notes Sanderson.[18] This is another military-style haircut that features a short top and really short sides. High and tight describes a short, cropped ‘do with a focus on the contrast between having hair up top and almost none at the sides. Offering a clean and well-groomed look that takes 30 seconds to style in the morning, high and tight buzz cuts are very popular among celebrities like Drake and Justin Timberlake.[19]
  8. Step 8 Buzz Cut Fade
    The buzz cut fade is a popular and trendy style, says Sanderson.[22] The style maintains a reasonable buzz length up top and fades down the sides and back of the head until it’s just skin. This cut is perfect for people seeking a manly but manicured aesthetic with very little upkeep. It looks good on just about everyone and allows a person’s facial features to truly be the focus. Celebrities like Travis Kelce and Lil Nas X are living testaments to this! Sadurskii calls this type of fade “fancy” and “professional.”[23]
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Get a #3 guard on top, #2 on the sides, and a #1 or a 0.5 to fade it toward the bottom.
    • Best Suited For: All face shapes.
  9. Step 9 High Fade Buzz Cut
    This haircut is exactly as it sounds. It describes a longer buzz at the top with a fade to a much shorter buzz that begins around the temples. The fade starts pretty high on the head, hence the name. This creates an edgy and bold look that’s sure to impress. Heartthrobs like Idris Elba and Nick Jonas may have known this for a while, which is why they’ve chosen the high fade path.
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Make sure the guard is set between #1 and #3 at the top. Then, start tapering down at the temples to a #0.5 or a #0 as it nears the nape of the neck.
    • Best Suited For: Round face shapes, notes Sanderson.[24]
  10. Step 10 Low Fade Buzz Cut
    Sadurskii explains that a low fade is “when the skin [begins to] show around the ears.”[25] You can choose to leave it a bit longer than buzz cut length up top to add a bit more texture to the look. Then, have it fade down gradually as it nears the nape of the neck. You’ll need to go in for a trim occasionally, but that hasn’t stopped celebrities like Wentworth Miller and DJ Khaled from donning this ‘do.
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: To keep it fuller up top, ask for a #2 guard or a #3 guard. Begin fading down the sides at the ears using a #0.5 or a #0.
    • Best Suited For: Heart and rectangle/oblong-shaped faces, says Sanderson.[26]
  11. Step 11 Buzz Cut with Mid Fade
    This look creates a balanced aesthetic, landing somewhere between a high and tight and a low fade. Essentially, the top half of the head is longer and fuller, while the second half is no more than a 5 o’clock shadow. The mid fade adds shape and contrast without being the main focal point. Both Nick Jonas and Adam Levine have had on-again, off-again relationships with this haircut.[27]
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: You can use the #3-#2-#1 guard method here and ask that your barber keep it longer up top, medium length around the ears, and shortest at the bottom.
    • Best Suited For: Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
  12. Step 12 Buzz Cut with Low Taper Fade
    Styles like this one that feature tapered edges have roots in Black and Latino culture. The top is kept relatively short, while the sides and neck areas fade to just skin. Above and around the ears, the edges are tapered to give this haircut more shape and nuance. Lots of celebrities, like Michael B. Jordan and Jack Harlow, have opted for this subtle yet sophisticated look.[28]
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Ask for a low guard up top, like a #1 or #2, and a #0.5 around the ears, lowering it down to a #0 at the neck.
    • Best Suited For: All face shapes.
  13. Step 13 Buzz Cut with Drop Fade
    This style is the buzz cut’s answer to a mohawk. Unique and daring, a drop fade follows the vertical curve of the head with very short or shaved sides. To achieve this style, Sadurskii says that “following the head structure,” or the “occipital bone,” is the “goal.”[29] This haircut may require a bit more maintenance to ensure that the top remains full and the sides remain no more than a fuzz. Some people don’t mind it, though, like Chris Hemsworth and Oscar Isaac.
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Ask for a medium length guard up top, like a #2-#3, and let them know you want the hair faded down to a light fuzz below the ears.
    • Best Suited For: Oval, square, and diamond faces.
  14. Step 14 Ivy League Buzz Cut
    Also called a Princeton or Harvard Clip, this style has an effortless, academic flair. Plus, it’s a popular variation of the buzz cut, says Sanderson.[30] The Ivy League buzz cut is similar to the drop fade in the sense that the longest part of the hair follows a top-down pattern. However, this cut is much fuller on all sides, perfect for people who want a buzz cut with a bit more character and styling potential. Celebrities like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio both have experience with this debonair ‘do.[31]
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Ask them for a longer top, a #1-#2 guard with shorter tapered sides, and a low fade beginning below the ears.
    • Best Suited For: Oval and rectangle/oblong faces, says Sanderson.[32]
  15. Step 15 Jarhead Buzz Cut
    This is yet another military-inspired cut that originated during WWII. The high-collar uniforms coupled with the high-and-tight haircuts made Marines look like their heads were sticking out of a jar. Today, lots of men opt for this practical and masculine crop, military or not. Celebrities like John Cena and French soccer player Anthony Martial have gone for the jarhead look.[33]
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Get a #0 guard all over except for the top. Depending on your preference, this can be trimmed using a #2 or a #3.
    • Best Suited For: Oval, square, and diamond.
  16. Step 16 Zero Buzz Cut
    This style is a small step above shaving your whole head. A zero buzz cut leaves nothing but a layer of short fuzz behind, ideal for people who want an edgy look that requires virtually no maintenance. There's no need to spend time in front of the mirror getting ready, because with this haircut, you wake up ready! Matthew McConaughey has gone the zero buzz route, as has the iconically buzzed actor Jason Statham.
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Ask your barber to trim your entire head using a #0 guard—easy peasy!
    • Best Suited For: Oval, square, and diamond.
  17. Step 17 Textured Crop Buzz
    The textured buzz is another popular style, says Sanderson.[34] This cut features a mid fade with tons of hair left on top for a textured, modern look. This is very popular among men who want the low maintenance of a buzz cut with the versatility and styling potential of longer locks. Actor Rami Malek and musician Shawn Mendes have both debuted versions of a textured crop.[35]
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Ask for a #3-#5 guard up top and a #0 everywhere below the temples.
    • Best Suited For: Oval, square, and diamond.
  18. Step 18 Long Buzz Cut
    This cut keeps a relatively full length to soften the features without requiring too much upkeep. A longer buzz cut maintains the same length all over the head, allowing for more coverage than a regular, closely cropped buzz cut. Offering a clean and balanced aesthetic, this ‘do is great for men who want to keep as much of their hair as possible without having to style it, blow-dry, or do too much. Celebrities who have historically preferred a longer buzz cut include Tom Hardy and Austin Butler.
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Ask for a #4 or #5 guard all over for a full, even, and sleek finish.
    • Best Suited For: All face shapes.
  19. Step 19 Long Buzz Cut with Taper Fade
    This style blends a long buzz with a mid or low fade for maximum versatility. The gradual taper from tons of hair on top to a more minimalist crop toward the neck provides a nice balance and helps highlight facial features. If you’ve got excellent cheekbones or a jaw that could slice through bread, this cut might be for you. And you’d be in good company—celebrities like Paul Walker and Chad Michael Murray have sported this cut.
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Ask for a #4 or #5 guard on top and fade down to a #0, either starting just below the temples or below the ears.
    • Best Suited For: Oval and rectangular faces.
  20. Step 20 Flat Top
    The flat top is another popular buzz cut style, says Sanderson.[36] In this classic look, the hair at the top of the head is cut to a short, uniform length, usually around 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and styled to stick up straight. Then, the sides are buzzed at a low taper. Celebrities like Robert De Niro and Will Smith have rocked this hairstyle.
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Ask for a straight and uniform cut on top that rounds out around the crown. Then, ask for a #2 guard on the sides that gradually fades to a #0.5 or #0 around the neck.
    • Best Suited For: Oval, round, and square face shapes.
  21. Step 21 Trendy Buzz Cut with a Beard
    What makes this buzz cut style trendy is the addition of a beard. Pair a short, all-over buzz with a longer beard to give your face some balance. If you can’t grow a full beard, a mustache, or a goatee also count as worthy hair accessories. MMA fighter Conor McGregor and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson love a buzz cut and beard combo.[37]
    • What to Ask Your Barber For: Ask for your preferred length all over, whether that be a #1 guard that leaves almost no hair at all, or a #5 guard for a fuller look. Then, ask your barber to trim or line up your beard to your liking. Bringing beard inspo photos can help!
    • Best Suited For: All face types.
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Maintain and Style A Buzz Cut

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  1. 1
    Wash your hair 2-3 times per week. Avoid washing your hair every day since that could strip it of essential oils, and instead wash it around 2-3 times per week. With shorter buzz cuts, your scalp is more exposed, so pick a shampoo that doubles as skincare, like Renpure Tea Tree and Rosemary Shampoo or ​​Briogeo’s Scalp Revival Scrub. These will clean, nourish, and exfoliate.[38]
  2. 2
    Moisturize and protect your scalp. Getting a buzz cut is a stylish and fuss-free option. However, it does put your scalp at more risk for sun damage and dryness than a long, luscious hairstyle would. To prevent itching, dryness, and dandruff, plant oils can help. Naturopathica Wild Lime Revitalizing Scalp & Hair Oil and Kitsch Rosemary Oil Pre-Wash Strengthening Hair Oil are great options. To avoid a scalp sunburn, lather your noggin in sunscreen or wear a hat whenever possible.
  3. 3
    Use pomade or gel to style longer buzz cuts. If you’ve opted for a longer buzz cut, pomade or gel can help add texture and movement. Make sure your hair is clean and mostly dry. Then, dab a dime-sized amount on your palm and rub your hands together. Apply the product to your hair, styling it in the direction of your choice. Whether it be a slick back, a side part, or a textured, tousled look, make sure you work up from the roots for maximum hold.[39]
    • If you want more volume, use the product to move your hair up and out.
    • For clean and defined edges, use a comb around your hairline.
    • For a fun faux hawk look, apply gel and push the hair up and toward the middle of your crown.
  4. 4
    Go in for a trim every 2-4 weeks. Depending on how fast your hair grows and how fresh you’d like to keep your cut, seeing your barber every 2-4 weeks is recommended. The beauty of a buzz cut is that it will keep its shape even as it grows out, giving you plenty of wiggle room. However, if you want a more manicured cut, regular barbershop appointments will be key. Or, you can invest in your own electric clippers to DIY it at home.
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Section 3 of 3:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    Who should get a buzz cut? Virtually everyone is a candidate for a buzz cut! If you live in warm weather, maintain an active lifestyle, and want a haircut that requires little upkeep, a buzz cut may be the right move for you. This is also a great option for men with thinning hair or receding hairlines, as it can shift the focus to your facial features and give you a modern, masculine, and sophisticated look.
    • Moreover, buzzing your hair off can give it a fresh and healthy start, perfect for people who are dealing with color damage, heat damage, or other hair issues.
  2. 2
    Can I give myself a buzz cut at home? Yes, you can buzz your own hair at home. You’ll need electric clippers, scissors, and a mirror. Begin by cutting the longer pieces of hair with your scissors. Then, starting at the back of the neck, use a #3 or #4 clipper guard to buzz down the sides of your head, going against the direction that your hair naturally grows. Next, use your non-dominant hand to guide your other hand when it comes to buzzing the back of your head.[41]
    • Finally, buzz the top of your head by moving from your forehead to your crown. Use a mirror to analyze your work and fix any problem spots. Voila!
  3. 3
    How do clipper guards work? Electric clipper guards serve both as a barrier and a comb that determines length and results in an even, all-over buzz. Licensed cosmetologist Tiffany Carnevale-Russo explains, “The higher the clipper guard number, the more hair that's going to be left on the head.” For example, if you want a #3, you're going to have longer hair. If you say you want a #0 or a #1, you're going to have less hair. She adds that a “#1 or a #0 is going to be a fade type haircut.”[42]
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.esquire.com.au/best-celebrity-buzzcuts/
  2. ↑ Igor Sadurskii. Traditional Barber. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.conairman.com.au/blog/the-crew-cut-hall-of-fame-hollywoods-best-looks
  5. ↑ Igor Sadurskii. Traditional Barber. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://www.gq.com/gallery/summer-buzz-cuts-best-celebrity-shaved-heads
  9. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  1. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Igor Sadurskii. Traditional Barber. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://manforhimself.com/posts/7-buzz-cut-hairstyles-to-try-in-2024/
  6. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ Igor Sadurskii. Traditional Barber. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://www.instyle.com/buzz-cut-haircuts-8403944
  9. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ https://www.apetogentleman.com/high-tight-haircut-guide/
  11. ↑ Igor Sadurskii. Traditional Barber. Expert Interview
  12. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  13. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  14. ↑ Igor Sadurskii. Traditional Barber. Expert Interview
  15. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  16. ↑ Igor Sadurskii. Traditional Barber. Expert Interview
  17. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  18. ↑ https://www.thefashionisto.com/people/celebrities-with-buzz-cuts/
  19. ↑ https://forteseries.com/blogs/hairstyles/mid-taper-fade
  20. ↑ Igor Sadurskii. Traditional Barber. Expert Interview
  21. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  22. ↑ https://www.barberstake.com/blog/ivy-league-haircut/
  23. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  24. ↑ https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2023/11/07/how-marines-got-the-nickname-jarheads/
  25. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  26. ↑ https://www.relentlessgrooming.com/blogs/hair/crew-cut-hairstyles
  27. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  28. ↑ https://mendeserve.com/blogs/hair/buzz-cut-for-men
  29. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-maintain-buzz-cut-shaved-head-summer
  30. ↑ https://www.zorianofnewyork.com/blogs/news/how-to-style-short-hair-for-men
  31. ↑ Frankie Sanderson. Master Hair Stylist. Expert Interview
  32. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-give-yourself-a-buzz-cut
  33. ↑ Tiffany Carnevale-Russo. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Frankie Sanderson
Co-authored by:
Frankie Sanderson
Master Hair Stylist
This article was co-authored by Frankie Sanderson and by wikiHow staff writer, Bertha Isabel Crombet, PhD. Franklin (Frankie) Sanderson is a Makeup Artist and Stylist and the Founder of TheStudeo, a styling business based in Washington DC that specializes in hairstyling, makeup, and personal image consulting services. He specializes in hair extensions, chemical services such as highlighting, Balayage, Japanese straightening, keratin treatments, and designer cuts. He has a BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and has trained at the L'Oreal Soho Academy, TIGI, Vidal Sassoon, Redken, and Wella. His clients include Nicole Kidman, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Jane Lynch, and Alicia Keys. This article has been viewed 1,019 times.
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Updated: December 3, 2025
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