How to Give a Buzz Cut

Learning how to give a buzz cut is one of the easiest things to do. Whether you're feeling the military pull, as television host Stephen Colbert did during a recent trip to Iraq, or you simply want an easy cut, you can achieve this look with hair clippers and your own two hands. Follow these step-by-step instructions for how to give a buzz cut.

Step 1: Choose your desired length.
Buzz cuts can be as short as the shortest guard that comes with your hair clippers or as long as the longest one. You might want to leave the hair on the top longest and use a smaller guard for the sides and back so the hair length tapers down.

Step 2: Get your hair ready.
You should start with clean, dry hair free of any products that could gum up the hair clippers. If you have hair that's longer than an inch or so, trim it with scissors first to make your job easier.

Step 3: Front first.
Start in the front, cutting from the hairline as you slowly move the clippers toward the middle of your scalp. You should be rocking the clipper slightly in a scooping motion. Work in rows along this same line until the top is cut at the length you want.

Step 4: Clipper change.
Change your clipper guard to the size you want for the sides and back. Start cutting, moving the clippers from top to bottom or side to side.

Step 5: Don't forget the details.
Run the clippers over the back of your neck and trim your sideburns for a polished look.

Step 6: Clean up.
Clean up any stray hairs on the shoulders or the floor and you're good to go.