The buzz cut is an extremely short hairstyle that can be recognised by its uniform length all over the head. The buzz cut is a low-maintenance style with military origins but is often worn by civilians today.
In this guide, you will learn about the buzz cut, whether it will suit you, and the different military buzz cut lengths:
Simply use the links above to jump ahead or scroll down to read it all.

A Buzz Cut, as the name suggests, is a style achieved by clipping the hair. Sometimes interchangeable with the Crew Cut, we prefer to consider the Buzz as a separate entity given its uniform short length where-as Crew Cuts often use fades and tapers on the back and sides.
However, like the Crew Cut, The Buzz Cut’s origins stem from the Second World War as a method to control lice infestations among soldiers that were kept together in cramped conditions. In the military, the tradition endured.
The Buzz Cut is still used today among the military not only for hygiene but also because it promotes uniformity. Furthermore, it incites a team spirit by putting all the troops on the same level.
Buzz Cuts became immensely popular among civilians after the Second World War and it’s understandable as to why. It helps define the face and bring out its features while offering a low-maintenance hairstyle.
Buzz Cuts are particularly stylish with a light coat of Stubble or a beard of equal length. This frames the face with texture and can be hardened or softened depending on length.
It’s also a practical solution to mild to severe hair loss. When combined with the right attire, a Buzz Cut can make a killer statement. With good quality clippers widely available on the market, Buzz Cuts are a fashionable DIY solution for the frugal. You can even use good quality beard trimmers to make a buzz cut.
What Are Military Buzz Cut Regulations?
Buzz Cut styles are often divided into three types that differ in length:
- The Induction
- The Burr
- The Butch.
The Butch is the longest cut between the three, obtained with guards between 3 (0.9 cm) and 5 (1.6 cm). A less chiselled and softer look than its shorter variants, it can be styled with hair products. This would be a recommended compromise for men with larger than normal ears.
The Burr cut is identical to the Butch except that the hair is a little longer. Here we’d use guards between 1 (0.45 cm) and 2 (0.6 cm). Largely known as the number one, it’s a great compromise between the Butch and Induction, which offers a balance between texture and definition.
Finally, the Induction earned its namesake for being the haircut given to fresh recruits. It is the shortest of the three types and the closest cut you’ll ever cut without using a razor blade. It is obtained with clipping the hair without a guard, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a “0 cut”.
Will A Buzz Cut Suit Me & My Face Shape?
There are two overall factors to take into consideration with Buzz Cuts. Firstly, they offer only soft texture on their own as there are no changes in length. However, hardness and texture can be added through facial hair and Stubble especially.
Secondly, as Buzz Cuts are equal in length all over, they don’t actually adjust your facial proportions per se but take away anything that manipulated them. Instead, they reveal your true structure and all its imperfections. Don’t be afraid of as this may be exactly what your face shape needs.
We base the effectiveness of a hairstyle according to the 7 different face shapes that we’ve outlined. Use our guide to identify your own face shape.
Ideal Matches
A buzz cut will easily suit these face shapes without any real issue. Read on for styling tips.
Diamond Face Shapes
With their sharp features and pronounced cheek bones, Buzz Cuts will flatter a Diamond face shape. It will reveal their features whilst simultaneously softening them. Just be wary of dumbo ears if you have them as you won’t be able to hide them afterwards!
Oblong Face Shapes
Oblong faces often struggle with certain styles due to their length. They can use the Buzz Cut to reduce it and even create the appearance of more bulk in their features.
Square Face Shapes
Square faces fare the best with a Buzz Cut. Their hard features such as their jawline are highlighted by the light texture and the cheeks will appear straight. Square faces will Buzz Cuts tend to be reminiscent of military action heroes so enjoy the compliments as they come flooding in!
Acceptable Matches
A buzz cut may suit the following face shapes. However, they should be mindful of certain details.
Heart Face Shapes
Heart shaped faces should tread carefully with a Buzz Cut as it will reveal too much forehead and take away their maturity by leaving a baby face.
Oval Face Shapes
Oval shaped faces will see their features soften with a Buzz Cut. Although a light coat of stubble can significantly improve this, there is always a chance that the face will become round with a Buzz Cut.
Triangle Face Shapes
Triangle faces may have more difficulty in making the Buzz Cut work for them as although it will bring out their strong jawline, it will throw off the forehead’s proportions. Stubble will overcome this to some degree. Try to edge towards longer buzz cuts with heavier Stubble if possible.
Incompatible Face Shapes
The following face shape will struggle to successfully wear a buzz cut hairstyle.
Round Face Shape
Round shape faces will struggle here as Buzz Cuts lack the necessary texture to render their faces more angular. They would benefit more from a style featuring contours such as a Fade or an Undercut.
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Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the post man!
I tried so many different hair styles over the years and they didn’t
work with my face shape or fine hair. I looked at a picture of me when I was
doing a ‘model look’ about ten years ago and I had shaved my head.
I asked myself why I did? As a subject (not viewing as me) it was the strongest
look for him. I then translated this ‘character’ I had created into real life!
I shaved my hair off right away, lost weight and I’m not invisible anymore!
Great story! Glad that the article helped!
plese tell me the name of man on the first picture
Sorry, don’t know!
I will be getting a buzzcut in a few days, and was wondering if you could provide any tips. For reference I used your link to identify my face shape, and I believe I have a triangular face. Any tips on what to tell the barber would be greatly appreciated!
The bottom of this guide offers styling tips specifically for triangle face shape. Opt for longer buzz cuts as the short hair may highlight your narrower forehead. Stubble can help balance this.
I’ve always wanted a buzz cut but I don’t know if it would suit me. If only I can post a picture on here to get a few opinions lmao
You can leave a link from an image sharing site like Flickr, Instagram, Google Drive or similar. We’ll delete it before the comment goes public with our reply.
can i also get an opion on if I suit a buzz please?
Leave a comment with your measurements and a photo link and we can take a look but it’s generally quite easy for most face shapes to wear.
Measurements:
Forehead: 12cm
Face Length: 18cm
Jaw Line: 11cm
Cheekbone: 13cm
If not buzz any suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanks in advance
Hi Charlie,
It appears that you have an oblong face shape.
All the best,
CP