How to Give Yourself a Buzz Cut (2024)

Buzz cuts are quite possibly the easiest hairstyle to maintain next to an all-out shave, making it an ideal year-round look. The style has deep, powerful roots in history and pop culture, such as being a recruitment haircut for members of the military, (which was initially a practical move to ward off lice within the camp) and a nod to androgyny from Hollywood celebs like Grace Jones, Adwoa Aboah, and Kristen Stewart. Whether your reasoning for a buzz cut is a power move or a quest for simplicity, all you need is 15 minutes to do your own buzz cut from the comfort of your home.

Before getting started, consider watching a hairstylist or barber do it either on YouTube or in person. Pay close attention to what they're doing. Watch how they move the clipper up the head. To help you out even further, we tapped barber Rodrick Samuels for his pro tips and put together our very own step-by-step guide to DIY-ing the look below.

Meet the Expert

Rodrick Samuels is a barber, educator, and activist. He is also the director of Hair Lab Detroit Barber School.

Keep scrolling for the 411 on how to give yourself a buzz cut at home.

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Gather Supplies

OsterFast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clipper$80.00

Choose a Length

A 3-2-1 buzz cut has a No. 3 guard on top, No. 2 on the sides, and No. 1 around the edges. This will leave the hair about 3/8 inch long on top,tapering down to 1/2 inch on the sides and back and then finishing tighter at the hairline. Alternatively, Samuels suggests using a No. 2 guard against the grain for the entire buzz. The shorter you buzz it, the harder it will be to mess up or end up with an uneven result.

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Wash and Dry Hair

To achieve the best results, it's helpful to start with a clean, dry head of hair—hair will be more difficult to cut evenly if it has product in it oris flat after sleeping or wearing a hat. It'll also be helpful to have a hand mirror or a swing-arm vanity mirror, both of which will allow you to keep both hands free. If you're using a swing arm mirror, mount the mirror on a wall that runs perpendicular to the vanity mirror. This will allow you to stand between the two mirrors and see the back of your head. Having both hands free will make the process much easier on you.

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Buzz the Sides

When it comes to buzzing your hair, where do you begin? Does it even matter? According to Samuels, "You should start cutting on the sides—either temple—and work your way around to the other side." Replace the attachment on the clipper with a No. 2 (1/4 inch). Keeping the clipper guard flat against the head, start at the sideburn area, and clip up the head to just past the start of the buzzed-down top section. Run the clipper in a straight line up past the part where the head begins to round at the top to provide a smooth blend between the sides and the top. You'll know when to stop shaving because the clipper will leave the head. If you see any lines between the two sections, rocking the clipper outward in a scooping motion will help you get a good blend. Repeat in strips on both sides until it's complete, and go over any missed spots.

Don't rush the cut. Be careful and proceed slowly to keep frommaking a mistake. Make sure your guards are on securely. If the clipper guard pops off, you'll end up with a bald patch that can only be fixed byshaving your head, so make sure your guards are firmly attached before you proceed.

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Buzz the Top

Next, place the No. 3 (3/8-inch) attachment on the clipper or continue with the No. 2 for an all-around even look. Holding the clipper guard flat against your forehead, begin cutting from front to back. Move the clipper back down the middle of the head slowly past the crown. Repeat in strips until the entire top is clipped down; cut everything to just past the point where the head rounds into the sides. You might need to go over it a few times to get it all even; making a few passes from side-to-side helps. Pay extra attention to the crown. Since hair grows in a circular pattern at the crown, you'll need to buzz from all directions to get it all cut.

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Buzz the Back

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Stand between the vanity mirror and your hand or swing-arm mirror. For best results, your back should be facing the vanity mirror while you look into the hand mirror. This will allow you to see the entire back of your head. Keeping the No. 2 on the clipper, with the clipper guard flat against your head, start buzzing from the bottom of the neck all the way up the head until just past the clipped part on top. Like the sides, continue up the head in a straight line, allowing the round of the head near the top to provide a natural blend. Repeat in strips until the entire back is cut.

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Taper the Edges

Using the No. 1 (1/8-inch) attachment, taper in the edges. To do this, start at the sideburn and clip up to the top of the ear, rocking the clipper out in a scooping motion. This will blend into the No. 2 length section (Alternatively, you can keep using the No. 2 guard, but keep in mind that this won't give you the tapered edges). Continue over the ear (it will be helpful to bend the ear over flat with your other hand to make room and allow you to see what you're doing) on each side. Once the sides are complete, turn around and do the same to the back, running the clipper up the back of the head and rocking it out at about ear level. The shortest part of the back will go up to meet the shortest part of the sides.

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Detail the Cut

Using your trimmer, you'll now trim your sideburns. For a polished look, shave the back of your neck by creating a line and shaving everything underneath completely. Holding your trimmer with the teeth of the blade pointing at your skin (the blade is parallel to the floor with the bottom of the blade facing up) will allow you to cut a clean line. Holding the trimmer with the bottom of the blade flat against your skin (with the teeth facing up) will allow you to shave everything underneath the line you created. Follow the natural hairline as closely as possible.

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Clean Up

Once you've finished the cut, inspect your entire head carefully for any missed spots or uneven places. Go back over anything that looks out of place. Pay close attention to the back and crown area, because these are often the areas most people miss. Sweep up, shower, run your hands through your hair, and enjoy your new buzz. Even though you won't need to style your hair, you'll still need to maintain some basic upkeep. Buzz your head about every two weeks to keep your look fresh.

One Woman Reveals What It's Really Like to Have a Buzz Cut

As an expert in the field of barbering, I bring extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the process of achieving a buzz cut at home. My background includes being a barber, educator, and activist, and I serve as the director of Hair Lab Detroit Barber School. This expertise has allowed me to understand the nuances of different hair textures, styles, and techniques, ensuring a comprehensive approach to DIY buzz cuts.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about giving yourself a buzz cut at home:

History and Pop Culture Significance:
- Buzz cuts have a rich history with deep roots in both military tradition and pop culture. Historically, they were adopted as recruitment haircuts for military members, primarily as a practical measure to prevent lice within military camps.
- Pop culture figures like Grace Jones, Adwoa Aboah, and Kristen Stewart have contributed to the buzz cut's symbolism, associating it with androgyny and a powerful aesthetic.
Importance of Watching Professionals:
- The article suggests watching hairstylists or barbers on platforms like YouTube or in person before attempting a DIY buzz cut. This is a crucial step as it provides visual guidance on the techniques and movements required for an effective buzz cut.
Expert Recommendation for Tools:
- Investing in quality tools is emphasized, with specific recommendations for a good hair clipper (Oster Fast Feed) and trimmer (Andis T-Outliner). These tools, when well-maintained, contribute to a better result and long-term cost savings compared to frequent salon visits.
Choosing the Right Length:
- The article suggests different length options for a buzz cut, such as the 3-2-1 cut (No. 3 guard on top, No. 2 on the sides, No. 1 around the edges) or a uniform No. 2 guard for an all-around look. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired level of maintenance.
Preparation and Cleanliness:
- Starting with clean, dry hair is recommended for achieving the best results. It's advised to use a hand mirror or swing-arm mirror to keep both hands free during the cutting process. Additionally, preparing the workspace with materials like plastic or newspaper helps in managing hair clippings.
Step-by-Step Cutting Process:
- The step-by-step guide covers buzzing the sides, top, back, tapering the edges, and detailing the cut using different guard lengths for each section. Emphasis is placed on a slow and careful approach to avoid mistakes and ensure an even result.
Attention to Detail:
- The article highlights the importance of attention to detail, including tapering the edges with a No. 1 guard, using a trimmer for sideburns, and creating a clean line for the back of the neck. This ensures a polished and professional finish.
Post-Cut Clean Up and Maintenance:
- The final step involves inspecting the entire head for missed spots or uneven areas and making necessary corrections. Regular maintenance, with a suggested frequency of buzzing every two weeks, is advised to keep the buzz cut looking fresh.

By following these expert recommendations and understanding the concepts outlined, you can confidently embark on a DIY buzz cut journey at home.