Planning on getting a buzz cut, but can’t decide which one will work with all the types of buzz cuts available? You are at the right place.
Who doesn’t like having a fresh cut, a new look, right? But not every cut suits your face. I had moments where a haircut felt great on paper, but the moment they became reality, it was better before I had them. It is the worst feeling to mess up your hair.
Once you have a messed-up haircut, you have to wait for a month or two to get a better one. But why not choose the right haircut from the start?
But that raises the question, how to choose the best haircut? And the answer is simpler than you would think: face shape.
And therefore, here are 8 types of buzz cuts according to your face shape.
Why Face Shape Determines Which Buzz Cut Actually Works?
Before we break down each of the buzz cuts, we must discuss face shape, as it will be the base for our buzz cuts and styling.
See, there are seven types of face shapes, and each type looks different with a normal buzzcut.
Here’s how these types of face shapes work:
- Oval: Features a rounded jawline and forehead with a length longer than the cheekbone width. It’s considered the most “balanced” shape and can pull off almost any hairstyle.
- Square: Characterized by a sharp, angular jaw and a forehead that is roughly the same width as the jawline. This shape is often associated with a rugged, masculine look.
- Round: The face is roughly as wide as it is long, featuring soft curves and a less defined chin. To add contrast, styles that create height or structure on top work best.
- Heart: Broad across the forehead and cheekbones, tapering down to a narrow or pointed chin. It’s often complemented by hairstyles that add volume around the bottom of the face.
- Diamond: Defined by wide cheekbones with a narrower forehead and jawline of similar width. This shape looks great with fringes or swept-back styles.
- Oblong (Rectangular): Similar to a square shape but noticeably longer, with a straight cheekline. The goal is usually to avoid styles that add too much height, which can make the face look even longer.
- Triangle: Features a jawline that is wider than the cheekbones, which are wider than the forehead. Styles with volume on the sides and top help balance the prominence of the jaw.
Now that you know the types of face shapes, let’s talk about the reason you clicked on the link: types of buzz cuts.
Eight Types of Buzz Cut Every Man Should Know:
Now, buzz cut comes in eight types. These types are based on the length of the hair.
So, here’s everything you need to know about them.
1. Induction Cut
Named after the first day of military service, this is the most extreme version of the style. It is achieved by using clippers without any guard attached, leaving only the tiniest hint of stubble across the entire scalp. It offers a completely uniform, grit-heavy look that highlights your facial features and requires zero minutes of styling in the morning.
Best Face Shapes: Square, Diamond
How to Style: Since there is no hair to style, focus entirely on scalp health by applying a matte moisturizer or SPF to prevent shine and sun damage.
2. Burr Cut
This is a slightly softer brother to the induction, usually achieved with a number one or two guard. It leaves just a few millimeters of hair, creating a velvety texture that is satisfying to touch. It is a fantastic option for guys who want the ultra-short aesthetic without feeling like they have completely bared their scalp to the world.
Best Face Shapes: Square, Oval
How to Style: Keep the texture looking fresh by using an exfoliating scalp scrub once a week to prevent any ingrown hairs or flakiness.
3. Butch Cut
Falling into the mid-length category of types of buzz cuts, the butch is usually clipped with a number three or four guard. It leaves enough hair on top to show off your natural hair density while remaining short enough to stand up on its own. It is a classic, rugged look that suits an oblong and heart-shaped face perfectly.
Best Face Shapes: Oblong, Heart
How to Style: Use a tiny amount of light pomade or hair cream to lay the hair flat and add a healthy, natural-looking sheen to the uniform length.
4. High and Tight
A classic military silhouette, this style features sides and a back that are shaved down to the skin or very short stubble. The fade or “line” stops high up on the head, near the crown, leaving a small, uniform patch of short hair on top. It is a sharp, aggressive cut that creates a very structured, disciplined appearance.
Best Face Shapes: Round, Oval
How to Style: Use a firm-hold gel or wax on the top section to keep the hair standing upright and emphasize the sharp contrast with the shaved sides.
5. Tapered Buzz
This is the “gentleman’s” version of a buzz cut because it adds a touch of intentional grooming. While the top is kept at a consistent short length, the hair around the temples and the nape of the neck gradually gets shorter. This subtle graduation makes the haircut look more “done” and professional than a standard DIY home buzz.
Best Face Shapes: Square, Triangle
How to Style: Brush the hair in its natural growth direction to highlight the clean graduation of the taper and keep the edges looking intentional.
6. Mid Skin Fade Buzz
This style strikes a bold balance by starting a skin-level shave halfway up the sides of the head. The transition from bare scalp to the buzzed hair on top creates a sharp, clean contrast that frames the face beautifully. It is a modern, trendy choice that looks incredibly fresh but requires frequent barber visits to maintain that crispness.
Best Face Shapes: Diamond, Oval
How to Style: Visit your barber every two weeks to keep the skin transition crisp, as this look relies entirely on the sharpness of the fade.
7. Low Skin Fade Buzz
For a more understated look, the low skin fade keeps the shortest part of the cut right around the ears and the very base of the neckline. This allows for more hair coverage on the sides of the head while still providing that clean, tapered finish. It is an excellent way to add style to a simple buzz.
Best Face Shapes: Diamond, Oval
How to Style: Focus on a clean “line-up” at the forehead and temples using a trimmer to ensure the subtle fade looks groomed rather than overgrown.
8. Long Cut Buzz
Often called a brush cut, this uses a number five guard or higher, leaving about half an inch of hair. It is just long enough to have some visible texture and can even be styled with a tiny bit of product if you want. It remains one of the most versatile and approachable types of buzz cuts.
Best Face Shapes: Round, Heart
How to Style: This length allows for the most versatility; use a matte clay to add some messy texture or a bit of cream to sweep it slightly to one side.
Read Next: 20 Types of Haircuts for Men in 2025 That Redefine Masculine Style
Here’s a table to simplify all these types and the face that suits the most:
| Type | Description | Best Face Shapes | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Induction Cut | Ultra-short (#0-#1 all over), uniform shave-like length | Square, Diamond | Highlights strong jawlines and cheekbones without adding bulk |
| Burr Cut | Even #1-#2 length top to bottom, slightly longer than induction | Square, Oval | Emphasizes angular features; versatile for balanced faces |
| Butch Cut | #3-#4 medium length, subtle forward brush option | Oblong, Heart | Adds width to long faces; softens wide foreheads |
| High and Tight | Very short sides/back, #2-#3 top | Round, Oval | Creates height to elongate roundness; sharp contrast for symmetry |
| Tapered Buzz | Gradual blend from short sides to longer top (#3-#5) | Square, Triangle | Softens harsh jaw angles; adds structure to narrow chins |
| Mid Skin Fade Buzz | Skin-short fade starting halfway up sides to #4-#6 textured top | Diamond, Oval | Accentuates cheekbones with bold contrast; modern taper |
| Low Skin Fade Buzz | Skin-short fade near ears/neckline to #4-#6 textured top | Diamond, Oval | Subtle coverage on sides; groomed look for proportional faces |
| Long Cut Buzz | #5-#8 top with fade sides, more textured | Round, Heart | Builds vertical lines for fuller faces; draws eyes downward |
Tips for the Perfect Buzz
Now that you know the types of buzz cuts, here are 8 things to consider when you decide to get one:
- Know Your Scalp: Before you commit, feel for any bumps, scars, or “lumps” on your head. A buzz cut reveals everything, so it’s good to know the terrain beforehand.
- Start Longer: If you are doing it yourself, start with a higher guard (like a #4). You can always go shorter, but you can’t put the hair back if you take too much off.
- Check the Lighting: Use a handheld mirror and bright, overhead lighting. Shadows can make your hair look patchy even if it’s even, so double-check from every single angle.
- Mind the Sun: Your scalp is sensitive and hasn’t seen the sun in years. Apply sunscreen or wear a hat for the first few days to avoid a painful, peeling “red-head” look.
- The “Line Up” Matters: Even a DIY buzz looks professional if you clean up the neck and sideburns. A sharp, clean edge makes the difference between “lazy” and “style choice.”
- Moisturize Your Scalp: Without hair to protect it, your scalp can get dry or flaky. Use a light moisturizer or scalp oil to keep the skin healthy and prevent “buzz-ruff.”
- Frequency is Key: Buzz cuts look best when they are fresh. Depending on how fast your hair grows, plan on a trim every 1 to 2 weeks to maintain the crispness.
- Consider Your Beard: A buzz cut often looks better with some facial hair. It helps add balance to your face and prevents your head from looking too “round” or egg-like.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, picking the right option from these types of buzz cuts is really about finding that sweet spot between total convenience and a look that actually flatters your face. It’s a great way to strip away the fuss, but the trick is making sure the version you choose feels like a deliberate style choice rather than a lazy mistake.
It doesn’t matter if you go for something rugged and uniform or a sharp, modern fade; only remember that even with hardly any hair, a little scalp care and keeping your neckline tidy goes a long way.
1. How do I know which buzz cut length to choose?
Start with a higher guard like a #3 or #4 if you’re nervous. You can always take more off, but you can’t undo a “too short” mistake. Consider your scalp’s condition and how much of it you’re comfortable showing.
2. Does a buzz cut make your hair grow back thicker?
That’s a total myth. Shaving or buzzing your hair doesn’t change the follicle structure; it just feels thicker initially because you’re feeling the widest part of the hair shaft as it grows out.
3. How often do I need to trim it to keep it looking sharp?
To keep a buzz cut looking intentional and clean, you’ll likely need a touch-up every 1 to 2 weeks. Faded types of buzz cuts lose their “crispness” faster than uniform, one-length cuts.
