A Buzz Cut is ALMOST the same as a Crew cut.

At Selvedge Barbers, when you book for a Buzz Cut - you are going to get a uniform length at the top, followed with a taper/fade on the back & sides (unless you specify otherwise).

We named our service wrong - officially, Buzz Cut should be a uniform length throughout.

But hey, our goal is to make you walk out looking sharper than ever - and frankly, most people are not going to pull that off, and end up looking dorky with the traditional buzz. Sorry but not sorry for misnaming our hybrid service 'Buzz Cut / Buzz Cut with Skin Fade'.

Moving on…

The 'Buzz' Word

Buzz Cut originated from World War Two.

Soldiers were kept together in tight quarters, and they had a lice infestation problem.

To control that, they buzzed the soldiers' hair off. It's not only useful from a hygiene and maintenance point of view, but it also promotes team spirit by giving them a sense of uniformity.

There are three types of Buzz Cuts (yes we are still talking about Buzz Cut here, we will get to Crew Cut in a bit)

The Butch

the longest length amongst all

Between 0.9 cm (Guard no.3) and 1.6 cm (Guard no.5)

A softer look

For those with Dumbo ears.

Can be styled with products

The Burr

medium length of the three

between 0.45 cm (Guard no.1) and 0.6 cm (Guard no.2)

For those who want a textural balance

The Induction

shortest length out of the 3 variations (without using a razor)

clipper sans guard (always why it's commonly referred to as a 0)

typically given to new recruits in the army - hence the name

Hello, Crew World

Crew Cuts, while short, has some variations. It is a generic term applied to most VERY short hairstyles. It is also a timeless style. It’s also an extremely common - simply because of its versatility.

You will expect some sort of length differences, especially for the hair right on the top of the head.

The front of the hairline will be the longest, and it gets gradually shorter as it reaches the back of the crown.

So if you imagine a short haircut where the bangs are brushed up and back / to the sides, you are probably looking at a Crew Cut.

Crew Cut was commonly used by rowing team dudes, so the hair doesn't get in the way when they were rowing.

Like his brother, Crew Cuts have variations too, but generally capping at a length of 2.5cm; given the definition of a true 'Crew', the possibilities are almost endless. To name a few notable ones:

The Classic

we had explained that just now; if you forgot - simply scroll up.

The Ivy League

the hair at the top is longer, see it as a more elaborate and extended version of the Classic.

Hair length should be long enough to make a side part or fringe.

The Flat Top

Remember Guile from the Capcom's Classic Street Fighter?

That blocky top with the tapered back and sides?

So to recap - both Buzz Cut and Crew Cut are extremely short haircuts and very easy to maintain.

Try pairing either one with a beard of equal length.

The Buzz Cut utilizes a single guard throughout, the Crew Cut's length at the top is longer, and there is an element of fade/taper for the back & sides.

When you are getting a Buzz Cut from us, you are getting a hybrid service of Buzz Cut and Crew Cut.

Crew Cut and Fades go hand-in-hand. But getting a Fade doesn't mean you are getting a Crew Cut, but getting a Crew Cut definitely means you are getting some sort of Fade. Capische? No Capische? It's okay, we will talk about Fades next.