As summer settles in, off come the clothes. So, too, should the hair.
The long locks you’ve cultivated during the chillier months — a built-in layer of warmth tucked under a cuddly beanie — are no longer needed. And while the idea of tousled, beachy waves may sound appealing, dealing with that added insulation in the midst of a swampy July heat wave can be self-induced torture. Plus, styling your hair is just another chore before you’re out the door to your next barbecue. Simplify your life. Be the Marie Kondo of cuts. Shave it all off.
Nothing beats the minimalist, Zen master allure of a buzz cut. But before you hop in the barber’s chair and shout, “Fuck it!” consider the shape of your head and any blemishes (moles, bumps, or scars) your hair keeps hidden. “Think about length and style,” says Bambi Saunders, head of education at Rudy’s Barbershop. Ask yourself whether you want to show some skin and how you feel about your hairline, since it’ll be on prominent display once you go short. Pictures can often convey what words cannot, so Saunders suggests saving a few inspo shots on your phone to present to your stylist.
Also good to know: Most buzz cuts aren’t all one length — they’re often slightly shorter at the edges. This is called tapering. “With tapering, your hair grows out better and your cut has a bit of style,” Saunders says. Of course, that style requires upkeep. Expect to be back in the chair every two to three weeks to avoid getting tennis-ball fuzzy. But if you start to slack, a good buzz cut can easily evolve into a decent mid-length ’do. Just keep the sides short and blended with the top as your hair grows out.
And if you’re still reluctant to get rid of it all, just remember there’s a reason so many guys — Bieber, Pitt, Idris, and Zayn among them — have taken the clippers to their scalps. Says Saunders, “As long as you’re comfortable in your skin, a buzz cut can look good on anyone.”
Keep scrolling to shop the buzz-cut essentials.
With it barely covered, you need to make sure your scalp is looking its best. This rich salve will keep it healthy and help make your hair denser and stronger. (Sisley-Paris.com)
The worst thing you can pair with a buzz cut is dry, flaky skin. Use this shampoo and everyone will appreciate your sick ’do without secretly talking about your dandruff. (Sephora.com)
When it’s super short, you can wash your hair less frequently (once or twice a week). But if it’s feeling a little greasy, a quick spray of this dry shampoo — a go-to in chic Paris salons — will help absorb dirt and oil. (KloraneUSA.com)
When you can’t make it to the barbershop but need to update your edges, take matters into your own hands. Just make sure you have a steady grip. (Wahl.com)
