Men's Hair Tutorial: How To Maintain and Style a Crew Cut

Crew Cut Requirements

** Hair should be buzzed tightly on the sides, starting at 1/16 inch (a "0" buzzer setting) at the neckline and ears.

** Just above the ears, hair should start fading to a longer length. (Graduate up a few clipper sizes to start. Blend the space between this longer length and the skin-tight clip.)

** Hair is at its longest on the top of the head (usually no longer than an inch) and should graduate in length from the crown to the hairline.

** If you prefer a buzz cut to a crew cut, have your barber cut all of your hair to one uniform lengthjust be sure its not longer than an inch.

How to Style a Crew Cut

Since this haircut is so short, styling is purely optionalyou can use a little high-hold wax to add texture and height if desired. Instead, the maintenance comes with getting frequent haircuts to maintain the look, because a haircut this short can lose its shape quickly. Try to book appointments with your barber every two to three weeks.

Always Use Protection

There is one product youll want to keep handy with a buzz or crew cut: sunscreen. The shorter the hair, the more youll need it when youre headed outdoors, and if youve ever had a burn on your scalp, you know its definitely worth protecting. Look for a sunscreen thats specific to your hair and scalp, or something in a lighter formulationwe like mattifying moisturizer with SPFso it doesnt risk clogging up the hair follicle, and remember to reapply frequently.

More Mens Hair Styling Tips

Be sure to pick a hairstyle that matches your face shape.

Learn how to properly apply hair product.

Different stylerslike wax, paste, pomade, or creamdo different things. See where they fall on the Hold vs. Shine hair-styling matrix.