Though shaving one’s hair dates back to prehistoric times, the buzzcut is a distinct style that shouldn’t be confused with simply going bald. A buzzcut involves an ultra-short haircut, often done with electric clippers without a guard, achieving the closest cut possible while keeping some hair intact. Traditionally, it’s characterized by closely cropped sides and a slightly longer, geometric shape on top, creating a subtle lift. However, today’s buzzcuts embrace a more relaxed approach, emphasizing simplicity and boldness over rigid form.
The Origins: Buzzcuts in the Roman Empire
The earliest instances of buzzcuts can be traced back to the soldiers of the Roman Empire, established in 27 BCE. According to The Encyclopedia of Hair by Victoria Sherrow, Roman soldiers sported short hairstyles that mirrored the style of civilian men in their society, distinguishing them from other ancient warriors, like Scandinavian Vikings or Celtic soldiers, who wore their hair long. This short style set Roman soldiers apart and reflected their disciplined and pragmatic approach.
A Practical Choice in the 19th Century
The buzzcut made a resurgence in the 1800s among new recruits in the French Foreign Legion, founded in 1831, where soldiers were required to keep their hair extremely short—about half a millimeter long. This style was enforced for cleanliness and to prevent lice but was relaxed once training ended. This strict military grooming standard eventually paved the way for the buzzcut’s role in modern armed forces.
The 1950s: Buzzcuts in American Culture
In the 1950s, the US military adopted the buzzcut for induction cuts, using it as a symbol of discipline and unity among recruits. This traditional style, with shaved sides and a slightly longer top, became a sharp contrast to civilian men’s hairstyles, which grew longer and more elaborate from the ’50s through the ’70s. Women in the US military were also held to strict standards, required to keep hair neatly pinned or cut to buzzcut length if unrestrained. This standard spread to military forces worldwide, including those in Australia, China, Russia, and the UK.
Culturally, the buzzcut made an indelible mark when Elvis Presley famously received his “GI haircut” at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, upon entering the US Army in 1958. Presley’s cut was celebrated and later commemorated in 1999 with a collectible Mattel doll titled “Elvis Presley Goes to the Army,” immortalizing the buzzcut as a cultural icon.
The Buzzcut Today: A Bold Statement of Freedom and Individuality
Today, the buzzcut is more popular and versatile than ever, experiencing a true renaissance. Celebrity stylist Sally Hershberger notes, “Buzzcuts have traditionally been associated with men, but they’ve evolved into a gender-neutral style. Originally popular with men seeking a simple, low-maintenance look and among military personnel, more women are now opting for the cut as trends lean toward an androgynous aesthetic.” This shift began with the rise of undercuts, where the sides and back are shaved while the top remains longer, and has grown into a movement where buzzcuts suit anyone, regardless of gender, looking for a straightforward, expressive style.
Beyond simplicity, the buzzcut has become a symbol of expressive rebellion. “In recent years, the buzzcut became trendy with social media influencers and models like Ruth Bell,” says stylist Larivee. “Today’s buzzcut transcends gender; it’s a canvas for self-expression. Short hair is no longer about fitting into a box—it’s a choice that defies convention.”
In our current cultural moment, the buzzcut has evolved far beyond its military origins, representing freedom, individuality, and the beauty of simplicity. It’s a style that isn’t just practical—it’s profoundly personal, making a statement that’s as bold and unique as those who wear it.