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Crew Cut Vs. Buzz Cut: Is There Any Difference?

Short haircuts like a crew cut and buzz cut are very popular and men across the globe sport them gladly. However, the crew cut vs. buzz cut debate has left many people confused and they do not know how to distinguish one from the other.

There is nothing wrong with getting confused here, as the two haircuts are quite similar and have very short hair.

They are both very cool and impressive making men look more masculine and powerful. The minor differences between them might not bother most people, but if someone is going to a hairdresser, he has to know all the distinctions to be clear about what he wants.

What Differentiates Crew Cut from A Buzz Cut?

There are not many differences between the two, but if you look closely, you will notice them. Here are some of the differences between a crew cut and a buzz cut that we have noticed.

The Generality And Specificity

crew cut vs buzz cut

A buzz cut is more general, as a range of short military haircuts comes under the category of buzz cuts. The crew cut, however, is a particular hairstyle that has a clear distinct outline of features that distinguish it from other short hairstyles.

Here are some more differences you should know about:

Hair Type

Crew Cut Vs. Buzz Cut - Hair Type

When it comes to choosing a hairstyle, the type of hair you have is an essential factor to consider. A crew cut is a good option if you have thick, wavy hair. The short length will help to keep your hair in place, and the layers will give you some texture and definition.

However, a buzz cut is the way to go if you have thin, straight hair. The shorter length will boost your hair’s volume, and the lack of layers will help minimize flyaways.

Face Shapes

Face shape Difference Between Crew Cut and Buzz Cut

When choosing a haircut, face shape is an important consideration. Those with round faces, for example, may want to go with a crew cut, as the longer length on top can help to lengthen and slim the face.

On the other hand, a buzz cut is suitable for oblong, diamond, and square face shapes without any real issue. It’s ideal for these faces as the shorter length can help to soften features.

Heart and oval faces are also workable but require extra work and a high technique. So when you’re ready for a new look, consider your face shape. It could make all the difference in the world.

The Difference in Orientation of Length

difference of length between crew cut vs buzz cut

A crew cut is characterized by short, cropped hair on top that graduates in length from the front to the back. The crew cut gives the hair a bit of texture and depth.

The buzz cut, on the other hand, is a more modern hairstyle. It features short, even-length hair all over the head about 0.5 cm long. This look is clean and straightforward – perfect for guys who want low-maintenance hair.

Tapered Sides

Fade and tapered sides of crew cut and buzz cut

A buzz cut has pretty much same length and distribution of hair all over your scalp, but a crew cut is quite different in this regard.

The buzz cut has no tapering or fading, but a crew cut is a crew cut primarily because of the tapering in front.

The sides in the front of the head are faded and tapered to make a sharper hairline with short hair in the background.

Tapered Crew Cut Hairstyle Ideas

Shaved Sides And Back

difference between crew cut vs buzz cut

In a buzz cut, the sides and back of the head have similar hair. However, it is different in the case of a crew cut. The back of the head is shaven off in a crew cut and sometimes the sides are saved off too.

This makes the crew cut more intense and sharp so that there is a more masculine and fashionable touch to it. The shaving makes the buzz cut vs. crew cut debate more comprehensible.

Style Variations

When it comes to buzz cuts and crew cuts, there is no clear winner. Both styles have their fair share of variations.

For instance, a crew cut can be styled with longer hair on top and shorter sides or reversed with shorter hair on top and longer sides.

On the other hand, a buzz cut can be styled with clippers or scissors and vary in length from very short to slightly longer. 

  • Popular crew cut styles include Classic, Short, Long, Taper Fade, Textured, and Side-Parted.
  • Popular buzz cut styles Triple Zero, Line up, induction, low skin fade, tapered and disconnected.

Required Tools

required tools for buzz cut and crew cut

Clippers can be used to create a buzz cut by clipping all of the hair off of the head evenly. This look is popular among men as it is low-maintenance and easy to style.

For a crew cut, scissors are often used to taper the length of the hair at the top from the front to the back, and clippers are used to taper the sides.

Maintenance

When it comes to low-maintenance haircuts, it’s hard to beat a buzz cut. Buzz cuts are easy to care for – just wake up and go. No styling is required. That’s not to say that buzz cuts don’t have their kind of style.

A well-executed buzz cut can be surprisingly flattering. But the best thing about buzz cuts is that they require zero effort to maintain.

Crew cuts are similar to buzz cuts in that they are short and easy to care for. However, they often call for a little styling to give them a more finished look. This fact is often true in the morning to eliminate that i-just-got-up look.

But once you’ve mastered the art of crew cut styling, you’ll find it’s quite easy to keep your hair looking its best. Whether trying to achieve a polished or rugged look, a crew cut is a great option.

Should You Get A Buzz Cut or A Crew Cut?

Should You Get A Buzz Cut or A Crew Cut

So, you’re thinking about getting a buzz cut or crew cut? But which one should you choose? It depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle that is easy to care for, a buzz cut or crew cut would be a great option.

However, if you’re looking for something slightly more stylish, a crew cut might be the better choice. Whichever style you choose, make sure to visit your barber or stylist to get the perfect cut.

And if you’re still undecided, don’t worry – you can always go for a hybrid style that combines the best of both worlds.

FAQs

Let’s take a look at some common questions regarding crew cut vs buzz cut:

Is buzz cut or crew cut suitable for a big forehead?

If you have a prominent forehead, you’ll want to choose a style that helps balance it out. With a buzz cut, all of your hair will be the same length, which can highlight the size of your forehead.

On the other hand, a crew cut features shorter hair on the sides and back, which can help to create the illusion of a smaller forehead. So if you’re trying to downplay your prominent forehead, then a crew cut is the way to go.

What’s the difference between a buzz cut, crew cut, and high and tight haircut?

A buzz cut is a very short haircut, typically with clippers, that results in uniform length all over the head.

A crew cut is also a short haircut with slightly longer hair on top and shorter sides. And a high and tight haircut is a variation of the crew cut, with even shorter sides.

So, if you’re looking for a very short and low-maintenance haircut, a buzz cut is the way to go. If you want something a little bit more versatile, a crew cut or high and tight might be better suited for you.

Whichever style you choose, just make sure you visit a reputable barber or stylist to get the perfect look.

Does a crew cut cost more than a buzz cut?

Although a crew cut requires more precision and skill to execute, it costs less than a buzz cut.

This difference is because the length of hair is the same in a buzz cut, while there is more variation in a crew cut. As a result, barbers can charge more for a buzz cut.

Buzz cut or crew cut – which is best for thin hair?

If you have thinner hair, a buzz cut may be the better option. 

Do buzz cuts grow hair faster than crew cuts?

No matter your preferred style, your hair will always go through the same growth cycle. Repeating the same growth cycle occurs since hair grows from within, not from the ends. The root of each hair is located in a tiny pouch called a follicle.

Crew cut vs buzz cut – what is best for DIY?

This is a question of skills. The crew cut is a classic style that is relatively easy to achieve at home. However, it does require some skill with a pair of scissors.

The buzz cut, on the other hand, is a very simple style that anyone can do. The downside is that it can be difficult to get an even trim all over your head. 

By all these differences, it can be concluded that both the buzz cut and crew cut are very short haircuts, but they have major differences in them.