buzzcut

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A male buzz cut

A buzz cut is the American name for a type of haircut named after the sound of the electric razor which is used to shear the hair very closely to the scalp. In the United Kingdom, the haircut is called a skinhead (although the skinhead hairstyle was originally called a skiffle). In the Philippines it's called semi, for semi-kalbo (calvo meaning bald in Spanish), among Tagalogs or skinhead among Visayans. In Singapore it is often called a "GI (number)", with the number representing the seven different grades. In Australia it is called a crewcut. (In the United States a crew cut is a different haircut which has more hair on the top than on the sides).

It is one of the most rapid haircuts possible, and can take little more than a minute to cut when done with good quality clippers. Buzz cuts come in different grades or lengths, depending on what clipper blades or guards are used. The lengths generally referred to are:

• #0 or bareblade (shortest)
• #1 (3 mm)
• #2 (6 mm)
• #3 (9 mm)
• #4 (12 mm)
• #5 (15 mm)
• #6 (19 mm)

These numbers correspond to eighths of an inch. The lengths can vary depending on the brand of clippers and attachments used.

A buzz cut can make the face look more defined. The buzz cut is popular among men and women who want a short, low-maintenance hairstyle. Far fewer women than men get their hair clipped off. In many countries, armed forces recruits are given buzz cuts when they enter training, originally to prevent the spread of lice. The buzz cut has been popular in hip hop culture since the 1990s. In hip hop circles, the head is often covered by a bandana, do-rag or baseball cap. This hairstyle is contrary to common styles in previous decades, when it was more popular to grow and style one's hair.

There are many different variations of buzzcuts. One variation leaves some bangs (fringe) so they can be spiked upwards using gel or other hair products. With side fades, the side hair slowly fades shorter and shorter until the hairline ends, or the shortest clipper number is reached.

See also

• High and tight, a military variant in which the crown of the head is somewhat spared
• Crewcut
• Depilation
• Hairstyle
• Head shaving
• Skinhead
• Social role of hair
• Tonsure
• Bob cut
• Shape-Up

External links

• [1] - Guard & Blade Guide of Catwalk Hair Saloon. They go through a lot of stages to show you in practise the various clipper attachments. Right down to the closest possible setting. The female model gets nine (9) buzz cuts; #4-1/2", #3-3/8", #2-1/4", #1-5/32", 5/64", 1/16", 3/64", 1/32", and 1/64".