If you're wondering how to give yourself a buzz cut, first and foremost, realise that there aren't many DIY haircuts we recommend. Sure, the pandemic era drove some of us to extremes (hacked kitchen haircuts or no haircuts at all), but it also made a lot of guys comfortable with the idea of a DIY at-home buzzcut. 

And many of you have become rather adept at it. Whether or not there is a pandemic, making the refreshing decision to simply shear it all off is always an option. The buzz cut is a universally sharp appearance, regardless of your motivation, whether you're accepting hair loss or simply appreciate how short hair looks on you. It also takes little to no styling and is simple to keep up with.

© Instagram/David Beckham

But, before you grab your beard trimmer and go to town, make sure you know how to give yourself a buzz cut properly:

1. Invest In An Excellent Pair Of Hair Clippers

The hair on your head is considerably more tightly concentrated than even the thickest beards, and a beard trimmer will virtually never be powerful enough to handle it. Rather than beginning and stopping and clogging over and again, get a hair clipper that can simply buzz your head in one consistent stroke. 

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In terms of navigating all of your head's contours without seeming like a hack job, the guards will be a lot more dependable. In principle, you can trim your beard using a hair clipper, but it may not be dexterous enough to navigate delicate places like your top lip.

If you don't already have one, you'll also need a handheld mirror to work on the sides and back.

2. Wash & Examine Your Scalp 

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It's crucial to have freshly cleaned hair before getting a haircut, just as when you go to the barber. This guarantees that the hairs are resting in their natural state, rather than the direction in which they were groomed or slept on. It's also more difficult to cut through product-clogged hair. So, give everything a good shampoo—and save the conditioner until after you've rinsed out all the cuttings.

3. First-Timers Listen Up!

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If this is your first rodeo, play it safe: You can always trim more, but you can’t add anything back. So if you think you want a quarter-inch buzz, a #3 guard, then start with a half-inch #5 and see how it looks. Then, work your way down if you still want it shorter. Slow and steady on that first time out the gate.

4. On The Sides, Go Against The Grain

According to McMillen, you should buzz against the grain of the hair growth, pulling the hair upward as you cut it. By buzzing with the grain, you may be able to keep some of the longer hairs from being chopped. 

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It's easiest to begin buzzing at the sideburns and work your way up against the grain. Work your way up through the crown once you've reached the back of the head. This is an excellent moment to take a break and clean out your clipper to ensure that it continues to cut smoothly.

5. After That, Go Over The Top

© Instagram/Avan Jogia

After you've finished the sides, you'll go on to the top of the head. However, because the grain of your hair becomes swirly and more difficult to track up there, here is where it can become a bit problematic. That gives you permission to have some fun and mow to your heart's content. After that first pass, run the clipper back and forth once more. Do it again, this time from side to side. As needed, repeat the process.

6. Do A Spot Check

Start with a smaller guard and repeat the process if you want it shorter. To make sure you don't miss any locations, you'll need to make a dozen or so rounds around the dome. If you're happy with the length, conduct a thorough spot-check around the entire skull for any stray hairs that stand out. As needed, buzz or cut them with a pair of scissors.

7. Clean Your Clippers As Well As Yourself

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Most clippers come with a small brush to sweep away any hair clippings (if yours doesn't, use a spare toothbrush). They should've also included some oil to keep the metal pieces gliding pleasantly together. As soon as you're done buzzing, give the blade a good brushing and a light coat of oil, as directed because rinsing the blade underwater is a certain way to rust your expensive buzzers.

Then go in the shower to wash it all away. Do another spot check and nip any remaining hairs that stand up and out after letting your new cut dry (which will happen quickly).

To Wrap Up

Deciding to cut your own hair is a big step so before you do any research the first thing you do is be 100% sure because while it may grow back, it will take its own sweet time. The added benefit of the pandemic is that even if you cut your hair too short, no one is around to see it, so if you are tired of your look and want to buzz it off then learn all the steps and go for it!

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