Not all buzz cuts are created equal, and your face shape determines which length will make you look like a million bucks or like you lost a bet.
Round faces: The elongation strategy
Your goal is to create the illusion of length and avoid adding width.
**Best lengths**: #2 to #3 (1/4 to 3/8 inch)
**Why it works**: Shorter length on the sides with slightly more length on top creates vertical lines
**Avoid**: #1 cuts that make your face look like a moon
**Pro tip**: Ask for a subtle fade on the sides to enhance the lengthening effect
Square faces: Softening the angles
You've got strong features that can handle a buzz cut, but you want to avoid looking too harsh.
**Best lengths**: #3 to #4 (3/8 to 1/2 inch)
**Why it works**: Enough length to soften your strong jawline without hiding your masculine features
**Avoid**: Super short cuts that make you look intimidating
**Pro tip**: Keep a bit more length around the temples to soften the square corners
Long faces: Adding proportion
Your challenge is avoiding making your face look even longer.
**Best lengths**: #2 to #3 (1/4 to 3/8 inch)
**Why it works**: Uniform short length minimizes the vertical emphasis
**Avoid**: Longer buzz cuts that maintain too much height on top
**Pro tip**: Consider a very slight fade rather than uniform length
Heart-shaped faces: Balancing the proportions
Wide forehead, narrow chin – you need to balance these proportions.
**Best lengths**: #4 to #5 (1/2 to 5/8 inch)
**Why it works**: More length minimizes the forehead width while adding visual weight to the lower face
**Avoid**: Very short cuts that emphasize the forehead
**Pro tip**: Slightly longer length works better than going super short
**The confidence factor**: The "right" length is the one you can wear confidently. Technical guidelines matter, but personal comfort matters more.