How To Give Yourself A Buzz Cut

Of all the ways you could cut your own hair, the easiest style is the buzz cut. As long as you aren’t trying to etch in complex shapes and lines, then giving yourself a buzz is simple. Donned by the military for its practicality you should have no trouble donning this style for yourself.

But steady on, there are still things you should know such as the risks and what you’ll need before you grab the hair clippers and give yourself a buzz cut. So, read on and you’ll soon be an expert in cutting your own hair.

What You’ll Need

Hair Clippers – Good hair clippers are essential when buzzing your own hair. They should have sharp blades, a strong motor, a long-lasting rechargeable battery that allows for cordless use and maximum maneuverability, and ultimately an ergonomic design for a comfortable hold. Since these are going to be the key tool on your belt when doing your buzz cut, it’s worth investing in a decent electric shaver. You can find some great ones here.

Attachment Guards – These are necessary to ensure the evenness of the cut. Also known as combs, clipper guards allow you to cut your hair in different lengths. Most electric shavers come with these attachments. However, if you want to shave your head with clippers and get a no-guard buzz cut, your haircut will be even easier.

Hand Mirror – A hand mirror is going to let you see the back of your head which unsurprisingly is going to come in handy during the buzz cut process. Buzzing your hair in the back and cleaning up your neckline is crucial to maintaining a clean cut.

Space – The best space to cut hair is anywhere with good lighting, and a mirror. You need somewhere that gives you the privacy and time needed to thoroughly shave your hair. We’d recommend the bathroom as you can also use your sink or shower to wash away any hair with ease.

Preparation

Before you put the clippers to the top of your head there are some things you need to do first.

1. If you have long hair then grab a pair of scissors and give yourself a trim up so your clippers don’t struggle when it comes to the buzz cut.
2. Check your head for any lumps and bumps that could make a buzz cut a poor decision for your head shape. No one’s head is perfectly round or smooth. But, scars, skin tags, and bumps will all be visible with a super short buzz cut so if you don’t want people to see these then maybe getting a buzz cut isn’t ideal. To check your head, simply run your fingers carefully over your scalp and feel for any abnormalities that you may not want on show. But, at the end of the day, if you feel like rocking a buzz cut is a move that you need to make, then don’t let a bump or a dent put you off.
3. This one is optional but you can wash your hair before you start. Shower and clean your hair with conditioner then dry your hair. You need to make sure you have dry hair before you use the clippers though as they don’t work well on wet hair and you’ll only make things harder for yourself.

How To Give Yourself A Buzz Cut: A Step By Step Guide

Now on to what you came for. A guide to getting that buzz cut you’ve been craving.

1. If it’s your first time then always trim longer than you think you want. You can always trim more, but you can’t add it back once it’s gone. So if you think you want a quarter-inch buzz, a #3 guard, then start with a half-inch #5 and see how it looks. Then, work your way down if you still want it shorter. Make sure you find the right clipper guard before you start.
2. We start at the top of the head, working the clippers through your hair from front to back using a #3 clipper. After you’ve gone front to back on the top, go at the top again but this time from side to side. This helps remove any stray hairs.
3. On to the sides. Move from bottom to top, cutting against the direction that the hair grows in (with the grain).
4. When you’re ready to do the back. Stand with your back to your mirror and hold up your hand mirror in front of you so that you can see the back of your head reflected in the bathroom mirror. Hold this position while you run the clippers from the back of your neck up toward the top of your head.
5. Once you’ve done your entire head, move down one guard size and trim down the sides, again moving from bottom to top. If you’re wondering why the sides should be shorter then it’s because the hair on the side of your head tends to appear more full so having it shorter gives you a more uniform look.
6. Lastly, are the sideburns and the back of your neck. To start, pop a #1 guard on. To do your sideburns, place the base of the clippers flush with the side of your face, just below your sideburns, and slowly slide the clippers up until the top edge is at the height you want your sideburns. Trimming the back of your neck is the most challenging part of a buzz cut so take this slow, ask someone, or just leave it if you don’t have a particularly hairy neck.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if you’ll look good with a buzz cut?

Well, If you have a lean face, strong jaw, and good cheekbones, then you might be able to pull off the buzz-cut look. Just be wary that if your forehead is already on the larger side, or your jaw is something you don’t want to be drawing attention to, tightly cropped hair will probably not be for you.

How long does it take for a buzz cut to grow back?

If you want to grow your hair completely out where the buzz cut shape is gone, it may take anywhere from 2–6 months to completely change the look of your hair. But this all depends on how fast your hair grows.

Are buzz cuts good for hair?

The buzz cut is surprisingly versatile. It keeps you cool, and it works with most face shapes. On top of that, it is also a good cut for receding hairlines, since the nature of the cut makes your head seem fuller and more defined. And if that’s not enough then you also get the practicality of having one. Kiss goodbye to grooming in front of the mirror or checking to see if your hair product has kept your locks in shape throughout the day.

When should you get a buzz cut?

The buzz cut is especially good if your hair is starting to thin on the crown and top of your head. The buzz cut gives you a clean, yet edgy look with the length of the shave dependent on how severe the balding is. Ask for an all-over shave with a number 3 or 2 razor length.