How to Do a Buzz Cut at Home

Performing a buzz cut takes just a few minutes.

When a man enters the military, one of the first things he has done is get his head shaved. His hair isn't completely removed (to the scalp), but it is taken down to one uniform, short length. This hairstyle is called a buzz cut, and it is accomplished using an electric razor with a comb guide. You can give yourself a buzz cut, or enlist the help of a friend.

Things You'll Need

• Barber's cape
• Electric clipper kit

Instructions

1. Sit in a chair in an area that's easy to sweep up. Wrap a barber's cape around your body and clip it up in the back so it fits snugly around your neck.

2. Place a No. 3 guide comb from the kit onto the end of the electric clippers, directly over the blade. Tilt your head forward so that your chin touches your neck. Hold the clippers so that the pointed ends of the comb are facing up. Turn on the clippers and hold the guide comb against the hair. Work the clippers in long strokes from the bottom of the hairline at the neck up to the top of the sides of the head.

3. Hold the clippers so the pointed ends of the guide comb are facing the back of the head. Push the clippers over the scalp, keeping the guide comb against the head, working the clippers from the face to the back of the head in long, fluid motions. Cut opposite the direction of growth.

4. Remove the No. 3 attachment from the clippers and install the left ear attachment. Point the clippers towards the face, so that the shorter side of the left ear attachment is closest to the ear. Work the clippers around the perimeter of the ear from back to front. Repeat with the right ear attachment on the right side.

5. Take the guide off of the clippers. Clean up the sideburns and the back of the neck by touching the trimmers to the skin, then pulling them down and away from the hairline. Work the clippers around the back of the neck to create a smooth, flat line.

Tips & Warnings

• The number on the guide comb dictates the thickness of the hair cut. The No. 3 guide comb leaves the hair approximately three-eighths of an inch long. The higher the number, the longer the hair.

References

• Wahl: Haircut How-To - Buzz cut