Buzz Cut Lengths: [0-8] Size Guide with Photos & Combs

Buzz cut is indeed a timeless haircut that dates back hundreds of years circling militaries due to its low-maintenance and battle-ready nature.

This cut has resurfaced and remolded in different eras, particularly during the World War II timeline to radiate discipline as well as an easy solution for lice infestation in the battlefield.

Throughout its journey, this cut has become a part of modern trends and lots of celebrities have flaunted the look as a symbol of confidence in different parts of the world.

Therefore, if you’re a fan of this bold and popular haircut, it’s essential for you to understand the buzz cut lengths to pick out your favorite variant that suits your own looks and take it to the next level!

What is a Buzz Cut?

Briefly speaking, buzz cut is defined by its very short length that’s uniformly cut at a seamless length all across your scalp.

Such neatness is achieved by a good electric clipper dedicated to buzz cuts and one of the most adoring factors is its low-maintenance length.

Other than that, this haircut fits every hair type, texture and facial structure, therefore its universal appeal across borders and age groups.

There are other variants to buzz cuts that you might know as they go by induction cut, butch cut, burr cut or crew cut.

While this cut is easy to attain, maintain, efficient and makes you look cool at the same time, the downsides are limitation of styling options and exposure of your scalp to the sunlight.

Buzz Cut Lengths Chart with Clipper Guards

In this section, I’ll be breaking down the different lengths of buzz cuts with the guide size you’ll be requiring to achieve the look. Take a look at this table for the basic ideation!

Now that we’ve learned the buzz cut lengths table, time to hop into each of the cuts to see how they’re attained and what their strong suits as well as weaknesses are!

Number 0 Buzz Cut

The number 0 buzz cut trims your hair down at 0 mm length, making your head feel almost cleanly shaved with a good head shaver.

This is to be achieved using a hair clipper that can zero gap and trim your hair from the root. It has to be applied all over your scalp at a seamless, close to root length.

Technically speaking, this is the shortest buzz cut ever to exist and components of this cut are often merged with other variants of this look for further enhancement.

Number 1 Buzz Cut

If you’re not a fan of a smooth, zero buzz cut, then it’s time for you to consider the slightly longer and stubbly rendition of this fanciable look.

The Number 1 buzz cut has to be applied attaching a number 1 guide comb over the blades which clips at 3 mm length.

Additionally, if you have a quality fading clipper like Andis with a variable adjustment lever, it allows you to choose a precise length at the shorter sizes.

Number 2 Buzz Cut

For those who are concerned about a naked scalp vulnerable to sunburns, yet cannot defy the charm of a very short buzz cut, then this one is for them!

This buzz cut Number 2 seeks refuge in the guard size 2 and aspires to clip your hair at the length of 6 mm overall.

With this, you’ll get some noticeable amount of hair wrapped around your scalp and sense the textures with the tip of your fingers.

Number 3 Buzz Cut

The buzz cut Number 3 leaves behind hair at 10 mm length and grants your scalp a fuller appearance due to the hair volume.

As you can say, such length of hair can be left seamlessly on the head or merged with a shorter cutting length around the sides.

While this combined style will take prominence in the following buzz cuts, this is where such approach begins.

Number 4 Buzz Cut

Low maintenance is part of the charm for the buzz cuts and the Number 4 allows you to keep some hair height while at the same time enjoy the benefits of little upkeep.

Attach the guard size number 4 on your hair clipper and run it down starting from the bottom of your surrounding hair at 13 mm length.

At the top, you can apply a little less pressure on the scalp so that there’s a subtle length variance which often adds to the buzz cut.

Number 5 Buzz Cut

From the Number 5 buzz cut, the hairstyles are going to give you fuller looks and you may want to consider trimming down the sides to a shorter length than the top.

If not, then that’s also fine as a seamless 16 mm cut using the number 5 guard is still good enough for almost any occasion.

Make sure to outline your hair using a precise line-up trimmer so that the sharpness of the look radiates at first glance!

Number 6 Buzz Cut

This style is particularly for ones who prefer their buzz cut to look slightly longer and feel that the traditional military look is a bit over the edge for them.

In that regard, hop on the guide comb number 6, clip at three-quarters of an inch length all over the head to pull off a fuller buzz cut look.

It’s ideal for colleges, office spaces or any social functions as this will tell everyone you’re not edgy but rather a sharp and organized man!

Number 7 Buzz Cut

Now we’re entering the territory of buzz cuts that require a slightly higher degree of maintenance as the guard number 7 cuts your hair at 22 mm length.

This haircut is a longer rendition of buzz cuts which fashion enthusiasts often utilize with shorter sides, like tapered or faded surroundings.

It’s a minimalist buzz cut that doesn’t draw attention at first glance yet highlights the fact you’re a man of great taste!

Number 8 Buzz Cut

Finally, the longest buzz cut of them all with the number 8 guide comb – the 1 inch cut which can be interpreted in many different ways!

Some hair stylists don’t consider the Number 8 as a variant of buzz cuts while others manage to style up this look after getting the initial clipping job done.

The debate may rage on about this haircut, but I personally believe that the Number 8 buzz cut is the perfect way to keep your hair short, yet not too short that there’s no tangible volume!

Choosing the Right Buzz Cut Length

As you now know what each of the buzz cut lengths mean, let’s find out how you can choose the perfect buzz cut based on your unique face shape, hair type and personal preferences!

Face Shape Considerations

First and foremost, please check whether the buzz cut length of your preference matches with your face shape. There’s a rule of thumb to pick out the most ideal cut based on your facial structure, so make sure to go through these before getting a haircut!

• Round Faces: For this face shape, you should consider the buzz cuts Number 1 and Number 2. If you keep the sides short and top hair a little longer, it’ll play well with your round face shape!
• Oval Faces: Usually, most of the buzz cut lengths work perfectly well with oval face shapes, so try out a few cuts to see which one floats your boat!
• Square Faces: Number 2 and Number 3 buzz cuts are ideal for square faces. Throw in some taper or fade on the sides to tone down the blocky essence from the look!
• Oblong Faces: Try the Number 3 and Number 4 buzz cut for your oblong face and consider keeping the side hair to the seamless height. This should balance out the proportion of hair volume and your facial shape.
• Heart-shaped Faces: As per your heart-shaped face, go for shorter buzz cuts like Number 3, 4 or 5 but try to avoid clearing out hair from your forehead region.
• Diamond Faces: Lastly, diamond faced consumers can consider the longer buzz cuts like Number 5 or 6 and add some fade on the sides. This will highlight your cheekbones and tone down the sharp facial features a little.

With these tips, you’ll know which lengths you should be picking for your unique face shapes and pull off the buzz cut like the next big superstar!

Hair Type and Texture

As you know, buzz cuts at different lengths can help not only elevate the look on different hair types and textures, but also aid in general maintenance.

• Fine Hair: If you place a buzz cut on a fine hair, it gives uniformity and definition to your look regardless of the length you pick.
• Wavy Hair: As per wavy hair, it breaks up the seamlessness of the buzz cut and provides you with a more relaxed look at lower lengths.
• Curly Hair: Curly hair tends to curl up at the hair ends, so a shorter buzz cut can avoid that whereas something like the Number 8 buzz cut will add some density to your hair body.
• Coily/Kinky Hair: Kinky hair is sometimes difficult to maintain, so a shorter rendition of buzz cut will ease your way into both hair and scalp maintenance.

Personal Style and Lifestyle

The final consideration before picking your buzz cut length would be your personal preference and general lifestyle.

You may find the shortest of the buzz cuts appealing more than the rest and it’s completely fine if you’d want to settle for that.

Also, some workplaces may have regulations about haircuts and their lengths, so it should also be your factor for consideration.

Based on all of the knowledge provided above, I’m sure you’ll now be able to settle your mind on a particular length of buzz cut for your next hairdo!

How to Achieve the Perfect Buzz Cut?

Assuming you’d be performing a buzz cut on your own, I’ve broken down this detailed guideline so that you can do that at home using your personal hair clipper at disposal!

Preparation

You only need to complete two things in the preparation phase: get your hair washed so that there’s no residue and wrap a bib or towel around your shoulder to keep the stray hair off of your clothes.

Note: Towel dry your hair so that the cut is rendered seamless, otherwise you may find the outcome to be uneven. Also, cutting on wet hair requires the clipper to be waterproof, which they rarely are.

Choose the Length

From my elaborate guideline, I reckon you’ve so far chosen the buzz cut length of your desire. This length will be the guiding factor throughout your haircut.

Simply, pick out the guide comb of your preferred length and attach that to your hair clipper. You’ll then be ready to get clipping!

Start Cutting

You can use the following order to clip your hair for buzz cuts. By doing so, you’ll leave some room to amend any mistakes you may make on the way.

Sides: To keep things in order, you better start from the sides and especially from your sideburns. Self clipping can be tricky, so make sure you’re familiar with the hair clipper in question.

Go with easy and short strokes to climb your way up. If needed, use combs to secure your hair up top so that you get freedom for clipping.

Once you’re satisfied with both of the sides clipped up till the ridge, you can move on to the back part of your head.

Back: Clipping at the nape is very tricky if you’re doing it all alone. Situating yourself before two opposite facing mirrors can help you out.

Trim down your hair in the same way you did with your sides. If needed, there’s no shame in asking for help.

Top to Back: After finishing up with your surrounding hair, it’s time for you to clip up the top hair.

Go from front to back to keep the seamless transition going on. Also, clip against your hair to ensure your hair is cut at the precise length of your choice.

At this phase, you’ll have completed the base version of a crew cut at your desired length.

Detailing

Simply getting the haircut done won’t make the cut look as neat as the professionals could perform upon your hair.

There needs to be some detailing done afterward, like lining up your hair using a zero gapped trimmer or adding some features like fades or tapers.

Also, you may want to blend in your hair if there’s length variance on your haircut. You can achieve that by picking out a guide size sitting in between the lengths of your top and side hair.

I leave that up to you as there’s no right or wrong way of going about it. It’s completely up to your preference and the other factors I’ve already mentioned earlier.

If things have gone right, you’d be the proud owner of your newly styled buzz cut based on the chart and additional guidelines I’ve given you so far!

Aftercare

Lastly, clean out all of the extra hair and give yourself a shower if needed. If you’ve cleaned out your neck using a trimmer or a shaver, make sure to moisturize that region.

Once your hair has dried up, style it as you like and be on your way to brag about your very own and well-defined buzz cut!

Common Buzz Cut Mistakes to Avoid

There are certain buzz cut mistakes beginners tend to make while applying this haircut by themselves. I’ve pointed out the most common ones in this section for your convenience.

• Using Dull Clippers: Make sure your clipper blades are sharp and the device is fully charged (if portable).
• Skipping Guide Attachments: Buzz cuts are built upon the foundation of precise guide combs and skipping them altogether can cause catastrophe if you’re not going for the Number 0 buzz cut.
• Inconsistent Pressure: Your hair clipper must be evenly pressed against your scalp throughout the entire haircut, otherwise you may end up with uneven hair.
• Ignoring Growth Pattern: As mentioned earlier, you have to clip against your grain for a finer result, so make sure to pick up what your hair growth pattern is.
• Rushing the Process: Please, do not rush the haircut process since this can leave you with a disfigured hairdo which none of us want. Take all the time you need, be patient and your haircut should come out just perfect.

Remember, you’re not a professional and applying a self-cut, especially something like a buzz cut, can still be very tricky. Seek help should you feel it’s necessary and practice, practice, practice!

FAQ

Before I draw the conclusion, let’s talk about a few unmentioned aspects about buzz cut lengths as these are quite often asked by grooming enthusiasts online!

Q: Which buzz cut length is ideal for balding men?

Ans: Balding men should consider buzz cut lengths between Number 0 and Number 1. If your balding patch is completely shiny, Number 0 is most certainly your ideal choice. If not, the Number 1 cut lets you off with some degree of tangible hair and spares you the direct skin to blade contact during haircut.

Q: Barbers, which number guard buzz cut is popular among your clients?

Ans: A recent post about buzz cuts on Reddit asked this question. The most common answer I’ve found is that barbers tend to use the Number 4 guard more often than the others. To enhance the style, they trim down the sides with a Number 3 and blend in the sections.

Q: Is a buzz cut attractive?

Ans: Definitely! Buzz cut is a timeless look that not only men these days find attractive but also women with great taste have a knack for the hairdo! Apart from the easy maintenance, it elevates your personality and boosts your facial features to the level that not a lot of haircuts can achieve!

Final Thoughts

This far, I’ve covered all the key aspects surrounding different buzz cut lengths, provided you with the famous chart and broken down each of the cutting lengths.

To pick out your perfect buzz cut, you should definitely consider your aspiration, facial shape, hair texture and the maintenance routine that you prefer out of your hairdo.

It’s worth noting that you’ll require quite frequent trimming maintenance to keep your buzz cut looking neat. The shorter your buzz cut is, the more recurrent such maintenance needs to be.

If you’re a home groomer, I’d say – try out different lengths of buzz cuts to see which one fits you the best!

My last words for you – buzz cut will ooze confidence from your looks and anyone with the right attitude as well as the perfect cut can pull this look off any time of the week!