The Rise of the Post-Pandemic Buzz Cut (2024)

The women’s buzz cut has had a rocky recent past. There’s arguably no more drastic and irreversible hair choice than shaving your head and it’s almost always viewed as more than just a haircut. During Britney Spear’s public (and justified) meltdown in 2007, people saw the shaving of her head as a representation of her instability. At the start of the pandemic, a buzz cut became a symbol of a person whose isolation might have pushed them to the edge or a shedding of bad energy.

This year, the buzz cut is being reclaimed by fashion’s it-girls, making it the official cool-girl hairstyle of summer 2021. One such celebrity is Gen Z model Iris Law, who told British Vogue shaving her hair off “changed her life.”

Law has been making waves with her bleached buzz cut from its debut from TikTok to the Cannes red carpet. She’s also not the only one to recently get the chop. Jada Pinkett Smith recently posted her new buzzcut on Instagram saying her daughter, and NYLON July cover star, Willow Smith “made her do it”. Willow has rocked a buzzcut on and off for years.

So what is it about this summer, one year after quarantine buzz cuts were trending on TikTok, that’s once again inspiring people to take to their hair with an electric shaver in their bathroom? Haley Hardin, a hairstylist at New York’s Blackstones Collective, says it could be down to an increase in body acceptance over the pandemic, an urge to defy beauty standards, and the rise of “gender fluid confidence,” as she puts it.

“I’ve definitely seen more buzz cuts and much shorter hairstyles this season,” she told NYLON. “A lot of them have been DIY jobs and I’m living for it. I’m also guilty of it myself, as I sheared myself last summer.”

Hannah DiFolco, a hairstylist and colorist, thinks the shaved head trend signals an era where, with a new perspective from the global health crisis, we continue to worry less about what we see in the mirror. “I think this time allowed people to really look at themselves and see what was important,” she said. “And honestly, our bodies and hair are the least interesting things about ourselves.”

She also believes it signals a new understanding of femininity. “Femininity comes from within, regardless of gender. It’s so powerful and wonderful to feel so feminine on the inside and look however you decide on the outside,” she told NYLON.

With the buzz cut’s new it-girl status, it makes sense that the recently released reboot of Gossip Girl would have a lead, Jordan Alexander, sporting one as well. In an interview with W Magazine, the rising actress said the casting directors were looking for “a mixed-race Black girl with a shaved head” in particular. The show also stars Evan Mock with a bubblegum pink buzz cut, a look that’s also trending on TikTok. Many people are using their buzzed heads as canvas for colorful hair art.

Over a year into pandemic life many may still be shaving their heads, but it’s with a new sense of hope, purpose, and artistry. Whatever your reasoning, getting a buzz cut will forever be a badass move. Something icons Michaela Coel and Keke Palmer already knew and yet another thing the tabloids got wrong about the original it-girl, Britney.

The Rise of the Post-Pandemic Buzz Cut (2024)

FAQs

Are buzz cuts in Style 2023? ›

The clean, well-done buzz cut is a huge trend for 2023, with men showing off their style by incorporating color or design in a way that makes them stand out in the crowd. Complementing a good buzz cut is a perfectly sculpted beard or mustache that blends into the cut for an easy-care style.

Why are buzz cuts trending? ›

At a time when the world feels like it's going through a major transition, the shaved head as a symbol of renewal seems oddly appropriate. There are many reasons for men to take up the buzz in 2022: boredom, empowerment, creativity, or just the fact that hair isn't important to them.

When did buzz cuts become popular? ›

Overview. Buzz cuts rose to popularity with the advent of manual hair clippers by the Serbian inventor Nikola Bizumić in the late 19th century. These clippers were widely used by barbers to chop hair close and fast.

Is buzz cut trending? ›

Buzz cuts keep ranking as a popular men's hair trend because of their simplicity. A buzz cut brings the hair down short but not enough to be totally bald. With a buzz cut, you still have some hair you can style up for a nice texture.

Does Buzzcut make you look older or younger? ›

2. Why Is A Classic Buzz Cut Good For Older Men? A classic buzz cut is a great option if you're looking for a no-nonsense, low-maintenance haircut that will help you look younger—and focus all the attention on your other handsome features.

Do girls like guys with buzz cuts? ›

While some women like the short aspect, others don't like extremely short buzz cuts. This is because it gets rid of the ability to brush through someone's hair. However, buzz cuts can have a variety of lengths.

Who shouldn't 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.

What does a buzz cut Symbolise? ›

The buzz cut on women increasingly became a symbol for female empowerment and feminist activism, and by extension expressions of non-normative sexuality and lesbian culture.

Why do guys like buzz cuts? ›

Easy to Maintain

Buzz cuts are ideal for men who want to accept their hair loss or men who love to wear short haircuts. A buzz cut is a short and neat style that's easy to maintain, enhances your masculine features, and makes you spend less time in the mirror fussing with your hair.

Is it smart to get a buzz cut? ›

Longer haircuts can make any lack of hair more noticeable. If you don't want to go as far as a full shave, a buzz cut is an excellent choice. It'll draw attention to your face and away from any bald patches, still keeping you as sharp as ever.

What face shape is best for buzz cut? ›

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!

Are buzz cuts coming back? ›

Yes, you heard that right; buzz cuts are back, baby (as if they ever even really left at all). Even if you spent all of 2020 and 2021 growing out your hair while staring at yourself in a grid next to your coworkers on the computer, we could all use a little refresh.

Is a buzz cut good for receding hairline? ›

A buzz cut is also a good way to deal with a receding hairline, since it makes the entire hairline less obvious by reducing the level of contrast between your forehead and your hair. If you prefer your hair a little longer on the top than on the sides, you can ask your hairstylist to combine a buzz cut with a fade.

What is the color of 2023? ›

The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature. A red with subtle notes of purple, magenta flawlessly complements many different color palettes from those on the richer, jewel-tone side of the spectrum to even a lighter, earthy palette.

Will 2023 be hotter than 2022? ›

What's next. Heading into 2023, models generally anticipate that the ongoing La Niña event will subside, leading to neutral conditions in the Pacific Ocean and possibly an El Niño in the latter part of the year. That suggests that 2023 will be warmer than 2022 and among the hottest years on record.

What is the color of the season 2023? ›

Introducing Digital Lavender as our Colour of the Year for 2023. Purple will return as a key colour for 2023, representing wellness and digital escapism.

Is a buzz cut unprofessional? ›

Although it may depend upon the specific profession, in general, buzz cut hairstyles suit people of all ages and professions. Short hair is for the most part a safe bet in most formal and informal situations.

What grade is best for buzz cut? ›

“It should be anything from a 1 to 2 grade on the clippers,” says Williams. “You could also try a grade 3 or 4 for a longer buzz, which is known as the butch cut,” so long as you clean up the neckline.

How often do you wash a buzz cut? ›

Gutierrez suggests washing your scalp at least twice a week, as a baseline, in order to keep grime, bacteria, and fungus from proliferating, and thus compromising your scalp health.

What does a buzz cut say about a woman? ›

“[A buzzed head] makes you feel that a woman is strong, she has her own mind, and wants to let people see her the way she wants to be seen.” says Palau. “I often find that when I do buzz cuts, girls would change the way they dress, the way they stand, their whole attitude.”

What type of hair is most attractive? ›

A general observation across experiments was that straight hair was perceived as younger, healthier, and more attractive than wavy hair and darker shades (medium copper and brown) were perceived more positively than blonde hair.

Does a buzz cut ruin your hair? ›

One of the many reasons Outen loves a buzz cut is because she says it's a carefree hairstyle. Unlike coloring longer lengths, you don't have to worry as much about damaging your hair.

Are buzz cuts hard to maintain? ›

Compared to other hairstyles, buzz cut maintenance is minimal, but that doesn't mean it's maintenance-free. The biggest rule is that you may need to cut it more often. The shorter your hair is, the faster it seems to grow out.

What your hair says about your mental health? ›

Summary: Hair samples from teens could help detect their risk of mental health problems. Researchers found teens with higher cortisol levels in hair samples were more likely to experience depression. Low cortisol levels were also linked to an increased risk of mental health issues.

How long does a buzz cut take to grow back? ›

How long will it take my buzz cut to grow out? Genetics will influence how quickly your hair grows, but on average, humans grow about ½ inch of hair a month. Depending on how long your hair was pre-buzz cut, expect it to take 3 to 4 months to grow out to its original length.

What skin fade with a buzz cut? ›

A contemporary hair style for men, the Textured Crop buzz cut is best achieved with a mid skin fade on the sides and back, paired with a 5 or 6 guard on the top. This hair style should be worn down and forward.

Do buzz cuts make you look masculine? ›

1. Makes Your Face Look Wider. If you have an elongated or oblong face shape, the buzz look makes it look more masculine and adds some width to it. Women in general are attracted towards masculine traits and that is what works for the buzz look.

Do guys notice haircuts? ›

He will notice...

A major haircut. Fisher explains: "Men typically pay attention to only big shifts in your overall style — like getting bangs or a short bob. He might be wondering, Her look has changed; does she want me to change in some way too?

Is buzz cut good for fat face? ›

While buzz cuts aren't the best hairstyle suited for round faces, there are ways to style them in a way that works with round facial features. There are tips to follow to pull off the buzz cut you want so you can express yourself the way you want to.

What is the most attractive face shape on a guy? ›

For male faces, researchers have found that a square jawline and an oval-shaped face were the most attractive. This is especially true if they were paired with blue eyes, medium-thick eyebrows, brown hair, average lips, straight eyebrows and a straight, slim nose.

Do buzz cuts look good with sharp jawlines? ›

Buzz cuts suit pretty much any face type, but work best if you've got a strong jawline. A good beard or some rough stubble helps, too.

Does a buzz cut make your face look thinner? ›

Going super-short or opting for a skin fade will only make your face look thinner and longer. The same goes for volume: if you style your hair with a quiff or pompadour you will elongate your face. It's all about balance.

Will my hair grow back thicker if I get a buzz cut? ›

No — shaving hair doesn't change its thickness, color or rate of growth. Shaving facial or body hair gives the hair a blunt tip.

Should I get a buzz cut if I'm balding? ›

While there's no need to go for a full buzz cut, the shorter your hair is, the harder it will usually be to notice your hair loss. Good hairstyles for balding men include: Crew cut. The classic crew cut is a great option if you're starting to lose hair along your hairline.

Should I buzz cut or go bald? ›

If you're experiencing hair loss, thinning hair, receding hairline, or bald spots caused by health reasons, a clean-cut, buzzed look may be the best option. Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) helps to enhance any hair loss you may have experienced to give you the look of a full buzzed head.

What's new for hair 2023? ›

"Think healthy, voluminous, classic looks, with modern twists and layers,” he says. Basically, consider 2023 to be the year of the comeback with the voluminous curls of the '70s, the shaggy mullets of the '80s, the bouncy blowouts of the '90s, and the side parts of the '00s being bigger and better than ever.

What are consumer fashion trends for 2023? ›

The 3 trends that will shape 2023's retail fashion

In particular, Two-track spending, gender-fluid fashion, and formal wear reinvented are key consumer new behaviors that should be considered when planning strategies for these upcoming months.

Are bangs in or out for 2023? ›

"Soft bangs are a hot trend for 2023, with celebs like Anne Hathaway, Lily Collins, and Phoebe Dynevor rocking their own spins on the classic," says Velasquez.

What hair length is in style 2023? ›

"2023's biggest hair trend and most requested by my clients is the Long, Choppy Textured Bob. This cut is easy to style and super cute year-round." — Ashley Gomila, Celebrity Hairstylist.

Is long hair out of style 2023? ›

Longer lengths will be just as hot for 2023—but it's not the mermaid-esque, small-of-the-back grazing tresses that have dominated for the past few years. Instead, Lopez says longer hair is landing somewhere in the middle.

Are pixie haircuts in for 2023? ›

Pixies are popular in 2023 as they are fairly low-maintenance and easy to style. For instance, this mix of a short pixie bob and an undercut can match any clothing style you might want to try.

What is a wolf cut haircut? ›

Wolf cut hairstyles are a mix of two popular current haircut trends, aka the shag haircut and the mullet. Both these trending hairstyles feature a mix of layers and bangs. While the mullet is a short haircut, the shag haircut can be short, long, or mid length. When put together, it results in unique wolf haircut looks.

Are side parts coming back 2023? ›

We'll be seeing a resurgence of side parts in 2023, and we've already seen this for more glam looks. We're not leaving the middle part behind completely, we're just simply saying that you don't need to commit to either this year. You can use them both, and feel free to switch between the two styles.

What is fashion forecasting for winter 2023? ›

Look for oversized knit sweaters, cardigans, and turtlenecks in neutral or earthy tones like brown, beige or forest green. Leather: Leather is a versatile material that can be dressed up or down. In winter 2023, look for leather jackets, pants, and skirts in classic colours like black, brown, or burgundy.

Do bangs age you? ›

Adding bangs to the hairstyle will help shape your face and make you appear much younger. The best part about layers and bangs is that they work for any type of hairstyle, from long locks to shorter styles.

Are side parts coming back? ›

After years of having middle parts dominate the hair scene, the tide has officially turned and side parts are suddenly everywhere again—and they're looking chicer than ever. In 2023, the dramatic, deep side parts that once ruled the early 2010s have been given a more modern spin that's sleeker and much more current.

Who should wear bangs and who should not? ›

Do bangs flatter every face shape? “The most flattering bangs create an oval face shape,” says Townsend. So, if you naturally have an ovular face, you have a larger variety of bang styles to choose from. If your face is square or oblong, “You'll want to try A-shaped bangs or longer layers,” he says.

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