Buzz cuts are popular and easy to maintain hairstyles usually worn by men. Though the name suggests all the hair is buzzed close to the scalp through the use of barbering clippers, there are different lengths of this standard style. Buzz cuts are usually referred to by the length of the clipper guard used to achieve the style and can be divided into measurable categories of short, medium and long.
Short
A buzz cut referred to as a "one" or "two" refers to the length of the guard used on the barbering clippers, in this case 1/8 of an inch and 1/4 of an inch, respectively. The length guards are numbered and designate the corresponding measurements with larger numbers implying a longer length of hair. A "one" is the shortest buzz cut achievable with a guard over the clippers.
Medium
Medium lengths available in a buzz cut are the standard size "three" and "four," which crop the hair to about a 1/2 inch in length. Specifically, a "three" cuts the hair to 3/8 of an inch, while a "four" leaves 1/2 an inch of growth. Both choices are still quite short and maintain the buzz cut aesthetic of a closely cropped and neatly groomed style.
Long
The longest standard length options for a buzz cut are deemed a "seven" and an "eight." These choices leave up to an inch of hair, enough to part or even run fingers through. These styles, which leave hair a measurable 7/8 of an inch and one inch respectively, are popular options for buzz cuts that are not as drastic as the other nearly-bald lengths.
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Writer Bio
Katie Christiansen started writing for various online and print outlets in 2007. One of Christiansen's pieces earned her the “Best Arts & Entertainment Feature Story” from the California College Media Association. She currently works as a corporate communications assistant and blogger. Christiansen is a graduate of California State University, Northridge, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a minor in creative writing.