What is the best number for a buzz cut?

Author: Cesar Leannon  |  Last update: Friday, October 10, 2025

Number 1 (⅛ inch or 3.2 mm): Leaves a very short length, ideal for a close buzz cut or fade. Number 2 (¼ inch or 6.4 mm): Slightly longer than number 1, still in the buzz cut category but with a fuller look. Number 3 (⅜ inch or 9.5 mm): Provides a short but manageable length, suitable for a crew cut.

What number should I use for a buzz cut?

For a first buzzcut, a #2 guard (1/4 inch or 6 mm) is often recommended. This length is short enough to give a clean, uniform look without being too drastic for someone new to buzzcuts. It allows for a manageable transition from longer hair while still providing some coverage and a bit of texture.

Is a 1 or 3 guard buzz cut shorter?

The numbers 1, 2, and 3 refer to the different length guards on hair clippers. The lower the number, the shorter the haircut will be. Number 1 is approximately 1/8 inch, number 2 is 1/4 inch, and number 3 is 3/8 inch.

Is a number 2 buzz cut too short?

Number two haircut

Although still very short, the popular number two clipper guard is also used for buzz cuts and fades. However, because the hair is a quarter of an inch long the scalp is not exposed in the way that it is with a zero or one cut. This makes it a good cut for guys who have thin hair or who are balding.

What is the 3/2:1 rule for buzz cuts?

Most barbers perform buzz cuts based on the golden 3-2-1 rule. That means a #3 guard on the top, a #2 guard on the sides, and a #1 guard to trim up the edges. A #3 guard is common to start with because it's about as short as you can go before you start seeing your scalp.

7 Reasons You NEED A BUZZ Cut

How long is a #1 buzz cut?

A #1 buzz cut leaves your hair at a very short length. Specifically, it cuts the hair down to about 1/8 of an inch (3mm). This length gives a clean, minimalistic look that's easy to manage and maintain.

Is A buzz cut attractive?

Buzz cuts are not only fashionable but also practical. With minimal upkeep required, they offer convenience and ease, which many girls find attractive. Plus, the clean, low-maintenance look of a buzz cut can accentuate facial features and give off a rugged, masculine vibe that appeals to a wide range of preferences.

How long is a 10 guard buzz cut?

10 Guard Buzzcut My client wanted a buzz cut, but still wanted it long enough to texture. I gave him a number ten guard. This guard leaves the hair 1.25 inches on top, long enough for texture with powder. I gave him a burst fade with no c cups and a double v in the back.

Do buzz cuts grow back fast?

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.

How short is a military buzz cut?

Although all branches of the U.S. armed forces employ the tradition of the induction haircut, the U.S. Marines have adopted the most severe version – a "zero-length" clipper blade to the scalp, although not shorter to avoid any minor injuries to recruits' head moles or other lesions.

What is a proper buzz cut?

Also known as a fade haircut, the back and sides are tapered short, semi-short, or medium, corresponding with different clipper guard sizes. Buzz cuts can make the face look more defined and are popular with men and boys who want a short, low-maintenance hairstyle, as well as those with thinning or receding hairlines.

What does 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mean in haircuts?

Number 1 clipper: 1/8 inch. Number 2 clipper: 1/4 inch. Number 3 clipper: 3/8 inch. Number 4 clipper: 1/2 inch. Number 5 clipper: 5/8 inch.

What face suits a buzz cut?

Those with evenly proportioned diamond, square, or oval shaped faces will suit the look the best. If you don't fall under that bracket, you may still be able to pull one off, but it'll more than likely require some creative use of beard grooming to square off your jawline.

Is a 4 guard a buzz cut?

So, what exactly is a number 4 buzz cut? It's a super popular haircut for guys who want something neat and easy to handle. Basically, it means using a clipper with a number 4 guard, which leaves your hair about half an inch long.

How fast does hair grow in a month?

How Fast Does Hair Grow? We'll cut straight to it: On average, hair grows at a rate of about half an inch per month, or six inches per year. Each hair on your head grows from an individual follicle. At the base of the follicle is the bulb from which new hair grows.

How to grow out a buzz cut?

“Growing out that buzz cut can seem like a daunting task but follow these simple rules and it should be less painful,” he says.
  1. Keep the back and sides tapered down.
  2. Visit your barber every two weeks.
  3. Use products.
  4. Make sure you're styling it the right way.
  5. Finally, remember it takes time.

What is the 3 2 1 buzz cut rule?

Most barbers and hair stylist perform buzz cuts based on the golden 3-2-1 rule. That means they will use a #3 guard on the top, a #2 guard on the sides, and a #1 guard to trim up the edges. A #3 guard is common to start with because it's about as short as you can go before you start seeing your scalp.

Are buzz cuts in 2025?

In 2025, simplicity and sophistication have taken center stage in men's grooming, with the textured buzz haircut leading the charge in NYC. This modern take on a classic haircut has captivated the city's fashion-conscious men, offering a clean yet stylish aesthetic that requires minimal upkeep.

What is the R9 haircut?

The R9 famous haircut, also known as the Ronaldo R9 haircut. It features a mostly shaved head with a small patch of hair at the front. You might remember the 2002 FIFA World Cup as a thrilling event.

What guard is 9mm?

Here is the list of our comb guard sizes: 4-6mm: around size 1.5-2. 7-9mm: around size 2-3. 10-12mm: around size 3-4.

Is a number 2 haircut too short?

Simply put, a number 2 buzz cut is achieved using the #2 guard on hair clippers, trimming the hair down to approximately 1/4 inch or 6 mm. This length is short enough to be incredibly low maintenance and cool, yet just long enough to give a hint of texture and coverage on the scalp.

What is a number 1 buzz cut?

Number 1 (⅛ inch or 3.2 mm): Leaves a very short length, ideal for a close buzz cut or fade.

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