The buzz cut is one of the most classic and best short haircuts for men to get. Fortunately, buzzing your head is easy and simple at home. In fact, learning to give yourself a buzz cut is all about having good clippers, the proper hair cutting tools, and the patience to cut your own hair. Whether you want to taper fade the sides and back or buzz your hair one length all over, the buzz cut is a cool men’s hairstyle to do and maintain yourself.
If you’re thinking about buzzing your own hair at home to save money and time at the barber shop, this guide will help you do the perfect buzz cut. From a buzz cut fade to a 3-2-1 haircut to a crew cut, we’ll cover the best ways to buzz your head with clippers and get this clean, short style.
How To Buzz Your Own Hair
Check Your Scalp
Buzz cuts are very short haircuts for men, so you’ll want to check your head and scalp first. In particular, look for bumps, scars, bald spots, and signs of dryness or flaking skin. Dandruff can be particularly bad with a bald head or very short hair, so invest in a dandruff shampoo proven to work.
Buzz Cut Lengths
The buzz cut looks best tapered with longer hair on top and shorter hair on the sides and back. Specifically, we recommend a buzz cut with a fade haircut. By determining your intended hair length on the top of the head, you can ensure that the transition is gradual and blended.
Men also have the option of a crop top, crew cut, or even a butch/brush haircut. These short men’s hairstyles resemble a tapered buzz cut, but require different hair lengths and haircut numbers.
Buzz The Top
The top will determine the length of your haircut. If you are going with our length recommendation, place the #3 guard on the clipper. This will cut your hair to 3/8 inch. If you’re unsure about how short you want to cut your hair, start longer and you can always trim shorter.
Begin by holding the clipper guard flat to your forehead, facing the hairline. Then, with slow and deliberate movements, move the clipper front to back. Repeat until you’ve buzzed your entire head.
To avoid an uneven buzz cut, once you’ve finished the front to back direction, start trimming side to side. Pay special attention to the hair at the crown. Because hair in this area grows in a circular pattern, it is important to buzz from all directions to get an even cut.
Buzz The Sides
The sides of your buzz cut will require a little more attention to detail. Because we will be tapering the length, you’ll need to create a clear start-stop point. Again, make sure to move the clippers slowly and deliberately, taking your time to avoid messing up your DIY haircut.
To begin buzzing the sides of your head, replace the attachment on the clipper to a #2 guard. A number 2 will cut the hair to 1/4 inch.
Taper and Trim The Edges
Some men like to trim and taper the edges for that final touch. Replace the guard with the #1 guard, so that it will cut the hair to 1/8 inch.
The same scooping or rocking motion as before will be used here to fade the hairline. To taper the sides, begin with the hair at the sideburn. At the back of the head, you can shave up the neck.
Clean Up Your Sideburns and Neckline with Trimmers
You’ll want to clean up your sideburns and detail your neckline with trimmers. This step is all about defining your hairline and neckline with sharp, crisp lines that will detail your cut.
Start by cutting a clean line at the sideburns. Your cut should be informed by your natural hairline so don’t go too high up on the sides and ears.
Review Your Haircut
Once you’ve finished cutting your hair, run your hands through your buzz cut. In addition to enjoying your newly buzzed hair, you should be feeling for inconsistencies. Make use of the hand mirror once more and inspect the crown of the head and the back, turning to see the haircut from all angles.
Once you’re satisfied that the cut is even and perfect, wash and shampoo your hair. To keep your hairstyle fresh, buzz your head every two to three weeks.
