What Face Shape is Best for a Buzz Cut?

We recently saw an article that highlighted that buzz cuts have seen a huge resurgence in popularity. We have seen a lot of guys rocking buzz cuts not just at red-carpet events in LA but in and around Denver. 

If you’re looking for the best barber in Denver, you’ll want to make sure you’re consulting someone who understands how to match this style to your features. We, as barbers at Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon, get asked frequently: what face shape is best for a buzz cut? Well, yes, many cuts do not go well with all face shapes, but actually, a buzz cut version exists that suits most guys.

Buzz Cut and Oval Faces

Oval-shaped faces are total winners when it comes to buzz cuts. It’s often said that one of the best face shapes for a buzz cut is the oval, because it is naturally balanced  - longer than it is wide with a subtle curved jawline and forehead. This means that it will look fabulous at any buzz cut length.

In fact, we usually advise our clients with an oval-shaped face to begin with a #3 all over. This will keep a bit of texture as well as accentuate its natural shape. By using a buzz cut to actually accentuate the natural balance of an oval-shaped face, you’ll make it look sharp and masculine without needing to do much to it.

Buzz Cut and Round Face Shapes

On round faces, it is a bit harder to work with styling, but we have mastered how to do buzz cuts extremely well. This is all about creating angles and illusions of length. We do not go too short on the sides because it will accentuate the roundness of your face.

Rather, we would recommend a slightly longer top with a #4 or #5 guard, paired with a #2 or #3 on the sides. This allows a subtle height that stretches the face. We would also recommend that a defined area around the temples be maintained, as well as a sharp hairline. A well-cut beard will also extend the lower face, thus creating harmony in terms of proportions. If you're wondering about face shapes for a buzz cut, round faces can definitely pull it off with the right cut and length.

Buzz Cut and Square Faces

Square-shaped faces are actually a buzz cut’s best friend. A square jaw and broad forehead will accentuate a buzz cut’s clean lines. We adore working with square-shaped faces because a buzz cut highlights their natural masculinity.

For clients with square-shaped faces, we usually just do a uniform length all over, usually a #2 or #3. This is so we'll have clean lines that will maintain harmony with the natural angles of their face. Remember, it's all about balance - and making sure we don't have a length that will soften a square-shaped jaw, which is usually their best feature. All in all, this is considered a particularly good face shape for a buzz cut.

Buzz Cut and Heart Faces

In a heart-shaped face, you have a broad forehead and temples that taper toward a pointed chin. In our strategy, we aim to balance out your features. We generally prefer a lengthier silhouette to give more volume to the lower part of your face.

A #4 or #5 guard is quite good for heart-shaped heads, and we often recommend leaving a texture as opposed to trying to get as smooth a cut as possible. In addition, we always recommend thinking about facial hair, such as a fuller goatee or mustache, to add width around the lower part of the face.

Finding Your Perfect Buzz Cut

Each face is different, and this is just a guideline, not a rule. We’ve also been surprised at how well our clients have looked in a buzz cut, regardless of their face shape. The trick is to have a good barber, like ours, work with you to tailor this cut to your individual face.

In summary, buzz cut beauty is all about versatility and ease of use. If you're trying to cope with Denver’s ever-changing weather or need a clean, business-like cut that is always at your fingertips in a matter of seconds, you’re sure to have a buzz cut version that suits your needs. When it comes to face shapes for a buzz cut, a little customization goes a long way. So come and visit us at Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon to find a length that complements your face shape!  

Lisa Franz

Lisa Franz is the founder and owner of Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon, a veteran-owned men’s salon and barbershop in Denver. With a background in theatre and a deep passion for community-building, she created Frank’s to merge high-end grooming services with a warm, inclusive space