Suavely brushed back, messy and windswept, or in a full pompadour, the trend for men’s hair being longer on top is perennial and going nowhere, but has it become stale? Difficult to say, but it might explain why plenty of men (see here, hereand here) have been clamouring to cut it all off. The king of no-nonsense haircuts, if you’re looking to stand out this winter, the buzz cut might be the way to go. The Mankind blog covers why, when and how to get the style.
Why choose a buzz cut?
It’s been a go-to hairstyle for those looking to convey a little extra roughness from time immemorial. But there are plenty of other reasons you may want to opt for the buzz cut. Aside from being the definitive no-fuss hair style, which iseasily and cheaply maintained from the comfort of your own bathroom, it’s definitely an eye-catching look. And it’s not all about standing out from the crowd. A tight cropped haircut can really help to emphasise well-proportioned, angular facial features, or be the perfect complement to a well groomed beard.
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When to get a buzz cut?
By now you are probably asking yourself “should i get a buzz cut?”. Well, If you have a lean face, strong jaw, and good cheekbones, you’re a shoo-in for 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. Those with evenly proportioned diamond, square, or oval shaped faces will suit the look the best. If you don’t fall under that bracket, you may still be able to pull one off, but it’ll more than likely require some creative use of beard grooming to square off your jawline.
#FrankOcean, @kendalljenner & @lukasabbat spotted out and about in New York [2/6/2017]
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Don’t get the buzz cut if your features are rounder and softer. Definitely don’t fall victim to the misconception that a close cut adds an edge to your cherubic, boyish looks (it doesn’t). Do get it if you’re receding and no longer feel like keeping up the rescue effort. There’s definitely no shame in it. You should, however, make preparations – stubble or a full grown beard will soften the blow when you first take the plunge. Alternatively, accessories like glasses or even scarves (try to avoid hats, weather permitting) can add something back to your suddenly de-cluttered head.
Something else to bear in mind is that with your hairline still intact, it’ll be fairly clear that your buzz cut was elective. Employers in some industries may not look too kindly on this choice. Also worth noting is that the look should fundamentally be youthful, but if done incorrectly, appears juvenile. On a younger man with a good hairline, tightly cropped hair can be uncomfortably redolent of a teenage misstep.
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2018-01-05 17:20:28 • By Vanessa
How to get a buzz cut?
Requesting a 1-all-over at the barber’s is one way of going about it, but we’d recommend investing in a good pair of clippers. When done right, the buzz cut should look sharp, so maintaining neatness and consistency by keeping on top of growth is crucial. Even if you decide the look is not for you, you can ease the regrowth process by occasionally re-shaving the sides to create contrast.
The method should be relatively straightforward. Use the clippers to remove all hair to the guide length that you’ve settled on. You should let this grow for a few days before shaving again. Things to consider are making sure you don’t miss patches – particularly around the ears and back of the head. Make sure you plan in advance for how you intend to blend with your facial hair. Having your sideburns begin to fade between the middle and top of your ear is usually smart, but look at pictures for inspiration first.
Another thing you may want to consider is tapering at your neckline. This is slightly more advanced, and will require you to arrange mirrors to see the back of your head (or putting your trust in someone else). Alternatively, a once-over at the barber’s every 3-5 shaves will more than likely suffice.
Hair styling products are, surprisingly, quite handy when it comes to the buzz cut. Light application of a product with low to medium hold will allow you to minimise the impact of lateral hair growth at the temples. This should help you to extend the time between shaves.
Check out more of our hair style guides here and here, and take a look at our full range of hair products.
Vanessa
Writer and expert
Creative storyteller. Believer in the power of natural ingredients and cruelty-free formulas. Always puts skincare first for a no-makeup look.
I'm a seasoned grooming enthusiast with extensive expertise in men's hairstyles. Over the years, I've delved deep into the nuances of various hair trends, including the perpetual fascination with longer hair on top for men. My knowledge extends beyond trends to the practical aspects of hairstyling, and I've personally explored the buzz cut, the timeless king of no-nonsense haircuts.
Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article about the buzz cut:
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Popularity and Timelessness:
- The article highlights that the trend of longer hair on top for men is enduring but may be losing its freshness.
- The buzz cut is presented as a solution, known for being a perennial go-to style that stands out and exudes a sense of roughness.
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Advantages of a Buzz Cut:
- Emphasis is placed on the buzz cut being a no-fuss hairstyle, easily and affordably maintained at home.
- It's described as an eye-catching look that complements well-proportioned, angular facial features or a groomed beard.
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Suitability Based on Face Shape:
- Face shape plays a crucial role in determining whether a buzz cut is suitable. Lean faces with strong jaws and good cheekbones are ideal.
- It's recommended for those with diamond, square, or oval-shaped faces. Creative beard grooming can be employed for other face shapes.
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Caution for Specific Features:
- The article advises against a buzz cut if one has rounder and softer features, dispelling the misconception that it adds an edge to boyish looks.
- Individuals with receding hairlines are encouraged to consider a buzz cut, with suggestions for softening the transition with stubble or a beard.
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Considerations and Potential Challenges:
- The elective nature of a buzz cut may be evident, and industries may have varying perceptions of this choice.
- Proper execution is crucial, as incorrectly done buzz cuts might appear juvenile or reminiscent of a teenage misstep.
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How to Get a Buzz Cut:
- Recommendations include investing in good clippers for a sharp look and maintaining neatness and consistency by keeping on top of growth.
- Tips for shaving around ears, back of the head, and blending with facial hair are provided.
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Advanced Techniques:
- Tapering at the neckline is mentioned as a more advanced technique, requiring careful execution or professional assistance.
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Maintenance and Styling Products:
- Maintaining the buzz cut involves periodic reshaving and considering tapering at the neckline.
- Hair styling products with low to medium hold are suggested for minimizing lateral hair growth at the temples.
In conclusion, the buzz cut is presented as a versatile and timeless hairstyle, offering a no-fuss, sharp look suitable for various face shapes when executed with care.
