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A close up of a man with a buzz cut and mustache. A close up of a man with a buzz cut and mustache.

How to Give Yourself a Buzz Cut

Home > Haircutting > How to > Men’s haircuts

What is a Buzz Cut?

The Buzz Cut is a timeless, universally flattering style that’s a cinch to do (and maintain) at home. It started as a military style but today musicians and athletes rock it, and you can too. So, gentlemen, start your clippers...

Step-by-Step Buzz Cut Guide 

1. Clean Up

A man with a mustache looking at himself in the mirror. A man with a mustache looking at himself in the mirror.

Start with freshly washed hair to remove any dirt, grease, and hair product. Dry your hair and allow it to fall into its natural state. Now you are ready to start your Buzz Cut.

2. Study Your Scalp

A profile of a man running his hand through his hair. A profile of a man running his hand through his hair.

Before you start trimming, you’ll want to assess your scalp by running your hands through your hair and noting any bumps or skin tags, so you approach them with care as you cut your hair. (Note: Most men have bumps or dips on their head, it’s perfectly normal.)

3. Tool Up

A man looking at himself in the mirror while using a Wahl clipper to cut the side of his head. A man looking at himself in the mirror while using a Wahl clipper to cut the side of his head.

Using your Wahl® clipper, select an attachment guard for the desired length you'd like. The smaller the number on your guard, the shorter the cut – here’s our article on guide combs to learn more. So, if this is your first Buzz Cut, we recommend using a higher number guard to start for a longer Buzz Cut. You can always cut off more hair with a shorter guard if a short cut is desired.

4. Sides, First 

A man looking into a mirror while using a Wahl hair clipper to cut the side of his head.A man looking into a mirror while using a Wahl hair clipper to cut the side of his head.

Using an upward rocking motion, start cutting the sides and back of the head. To help you review your progress in back, use a hand-held mirror. To touch up the sides, take your time and use concise strokes. You can always use the ear trim guards to build your confidence around your ears.

5. Top it Off

A man looking into the mirror as he uses a Wahl hair clipper to cut the top of his head.A man looking into the mirror as he uses a Wahl hair clipper to cut the top of his head.

Once the back and sides are done, move on to the top of the head. From front to back, run the clipper in smooth, straight strokes across the top of your head. If you see unwanted cut lines, change your cutting direction from left to right and right to left across the top of your head to blend the cutting lines.

6. Clean Up Neckline

A man using a Wahl hair clipper to cut the back of his neck. A man using a Wahl hair clipper to cut the back of his neck.

Using your Wahl® trimmer, touch up the neckline with careful, concise strokes for tight, straight lines. And there you have it – the Buzz Cut, the most popular men’s hairstyle of summer!

What You'll Need

Your Buzz Cut Questions, Answered

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