The buzz cut and the crew cut are the two simplest short haircuts there are, and they are often confused. Both are short, clean and low maintenance, but they look different and suit different men. This guide explains the difference between a buzz cut and a crew cut, the clipper guard numbers, the best variations of each, which suits your face shape, and how to ask your barber.
Quick answer: a buzz cut is cut with clippers to the same short length all over (or nearly), for example a #2 all over. A crew cut keeps the sides and back short but leaves the top noticeably longer (around 1 to 2 inches), usually slightly longer at the front, so it can be styled. Choose a buzz cut for zero styling; choose a crew cut if you want a little shape and height on top.
Buzz Cut vs Crew Cut: The Difference
| Buzz cut | Crew cut | |
|---|---|---|
| Top length | Same as sides, usually 1.5 to 13 mm (#0 to #4) | Longer: about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) |
| Sides | Same length as top, or faded | Short, often tapered or faded |
| Tools | Clippers only | Clippers on the sides, scissors or clipper-over-comb on top |
| Styling | None | A little matte product, under a minute |
| Look | Uniform, minimal, rugged | Neat, classic, slightly more polished |
| Barber visits | Every 2 to 3 weeks (or DIY) | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Best for | Good head shape, thinning hair, zero effort | Round faces, thick hair, office settings |
In short: if the top is the same length as the sides, it is a buzz cut. Once the top is long enough to push or style, it becomes a crew cut.
Buzz Cut Numbers: Clipper Guard Guide
| Guard | Approx. length | Look |
|---|---|---|
| #0 (no guard) | about 1.5 mm | Almost bald, scalp clearly visible |
| #1 | 3 mm (1/8 in) | Very short, sharp, military |
| #2 | 6 mm (1/4 in) | The most popular buzz; short but not see-through |
| #3 | 10 mm (3/8 in) | Softer and fuller |
| #4 | 13 mm (1/2 in) | Longest common buzz; good for uneven head shapes |
| #5 and up | 16 mm+ | Starts to become crew cut length |
These are typical lengths for common clipper brands; guards vary slightly, so check the millimetre marking. If you’re unsure, start longer: you can always go shorter.
Best Buzz Cut Styles
1. Classic #2 Buzz
Length: 6 mm all over. Best for: most men, first buzz cut.
Short enough to look sharp, long enough to hide small bumps and scars. The most requested buzz cut and the best starting point.
2. Short #1 Buzz
Length: 3 mm all over. Best for: strong jawlines, square faces, very hot climates.
A sharper, more military look that shows more scalp. It highlights head shape, so it suits men with an even head shape.
3. Longer #3 or #4 Buzz
Length: 10 to 13 mm. Best for: uneven head shapes, cowlicks, thinning crowns.
A softer, fuller buzz that covers more. A good choice if a short buzz shows too much scalp or highlights bumps.
5. Buzz Cut With a Line-Up
Length: any buzz length. Best for: dark, dense hair; a crisp finish.
A sharp edge-up at the hairline and temples makes even a simple buzz look deliberate. It pairs naturally with a beard line-up too.
Best Crew Cut Styles
6. Classic Crew Cut
Length: 1 to 2 inches on top, tapered sides. Best for: round faces, thick hair, offices.
Short tapered sides with a top that is slightly longer at the front and shorter toward the crown. It can be pushed up, forward or to the side.
7. High and Tight
Length: very short sides up high, short top. Best for: military look, strong features.
The sides are clipped very short or faded high up the head, leaving a small, short area on top. It is the sharpest, lowest-maintenance crew cut variation.
8. Crew Cut With a Fade
Length: 1 to 2 inches on top, faded sides. Best for: modern, clean looks.
The most popular modern version. A mid fade is the most versatile; see mid fade haircut and low vs mid vs high fade.
9. Ivy League (Long Crew Cut)
Length: 2 to 3 inches on top. Best for: professional settings, men who want a side part.
A longer crew cut with enough length on top to comb into a side part. Also called a Princeton or Harvard clip.
10. Textured Crew Cut
Length: 1.5 to 2 inches, point-cut. Best for: straight, wavy or thick hair.
A crew cut with a choppy, textured top that is styled with a little matte clay. It sits between a crew cut and a textured crop.
Buzz Cut or Crew Cut for Your Face Shape
| Face shape | Best buzz cut | Best crew cut |
|---|---|---|
| Square | #1 or #2, or a high fade buzz | High and tight, classic crew cut |
| Round | #3 or #4 with a mid fade | Ivy League or crew cut with height at the front |
| Oval | Any length | Any crew cut |
| Long / oblong | #3 or #4 (avoid very short) | Classic crew cut with a short top |
| Diamond | #2 or #3 | Textured crew cut |
A beard can balance a buzz cut on round or long faces; see short beard styles. For a full breakdown, read haircuts by face shape.
Are Buzz Cuts Good for Thinning Hair?
Often, yes. A buzz cut reduces the contrast between thinner and thicker areas, so thinning is less noticeable than with longer hair. A #2 or #3 usually looks best; very short lengths show more scalp. If your hairline is receding, also see our haircuts for receding hairlines.
How to Ask Your Barber
Buzz cut: “A #2 all over, tidy the neckline and around the ears.” (Add “with a low fade on the sides” if you want a fade.)
Crew cut: “Crew cut: #2 on the sides tapered into the back, about 1.5 inches on top, a little longer at the front so I can push it up.”
More tips in how to ask your barber, or use the barber instruction generator.
Styling and Maintenance
Buzz cut
- No styling needed. A light moisturiser stops the scalp drying out.
- Use sunscreen on your scalp in strong sun; short hair offers little protection.
- Re-buzz every 2 to 3 weeks, at home or at the barber. Keep the neckline tidy between cuts.
Crew cut
- Rub a small amount of matte clay or paste between your palms and push the front up or to the side.
- For an Ivy League, comb in a side part and finish with a light cream.
- Barber visits every 3 to 4 weeks; fades every 2 weeks.
Maintenance Schedule
| Style | Trim every |
|---|---|
| Buzz cut | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Buzz cut with fade | 1.5 to 2 weeks |
| Crew cut | 3 to 4 weeks |
| High and tight | About 2 weeks |
| Ivy League | 4 to 5 weeks |
Looking for other easy cuts? See our low maintenance haircuts and short haircuts for thick hair.
Buzz Cut and Crew Cut FAQ
What is the difference between a buzz cut and a crew cut?
A buzz cut is the same short length all over. A crew cut has short sides and a longer top (about 1 to 2 inches) that can be styled.
What number buzz cut should I get?
A #2 (6 mm) is the most popular and the safest first choice. Go to a #3 or #4 if you want more coverage, or a #1 for a sharper look.
Is a crew cut a buzz cut?
No. A crew cut leaves the top longer, so it has shape and can be styled. A buzz cut doesn’t.
Can I cut a buzz cut myself?
Yes. Use clippers with the same guard all over, working against the direction of growth, and tidy the neckline with a trimmer. Fades and crew cuts are better left to a barber.
Do buzz cuts suit round faces?
They can. Choose a slightly longer buzz (#3 or #4) with faded sides, or pair it with a short beard to add shape.
How long does a buzz cut take to grow out?
Hair grows roughly half an inch a month on average, so a #2 buzz reaches crew cut length on top in about 2 months.
