Buzz cut

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A male buzz cut

A buzz cut (sometimes known as a wiffle or crew cut) is the American name for a type of haircut named after the sound of the electric razor, which is used to shear the hair very closely to the scalp. In the United Kingdom, the haircut is called a skinhead (although the skinhead hairstyle was originally called a skiffle). In the Philippines it's called a semi. In Singapore it is often called a "GI (number)", with the number representing the seven different grades.

It is one of the most rapid haircuts possible, and can take little more than a minute to cut when done with good quality clippers. Buzz cuts come in seven grades: #0 or bareblade (shortest), #1 (3mm), #2 (6mm), #3 (9mm), #4 (12mm), #5 (15mm) and #6 (18mm). These numbers correspond to eighths of an inch.

A buzz cut makes the face look more defined, and the jaw wider. The buzz cut is popular among men and women who want a short, low-maintenance hairstyle. A buzz cut is worn by some men to conceal thinning hair. Fewer women than men get their hair clipped off. In some countries, armed forces recruits are given buzz cuts when they enter training. The buzz cut has been popular in hip hop culture since the 1990s. In hip hop circles, the head is often covered by a bandana, do-rag or baseball cap. This hairstyle is contrary to common styles in previous decades, when it was more popular to grow and style one's hair.

There are many different variations of buzzcuts. One variation leaves some bangs so they can be spiked upwards using gel or other hair products. With side fades, the side hair slowly fades shorter and shorter until the hairline ends, or the shortest clipper number[1] is reached. [Note: Each clipper number is 1/8 inch. Thus, #1 is 1/8, #2 is 2/8=1/4, #3 is 3/8...#7 is 7/8 inch, etc.)

[edit] Famous people with buzz cuts

Lori Petty having her head shaved in preparation for the film Tank Girl.

The actresses Lori Petty, Eleanor Parker, Demi Moore, Vanessa Redgrave, Robin Tunney, Natasha Wightman and Natalie Portman have had their long hair clipped off for movies. Pop star Britney Spears shaved her head in 2007, due to what some say was depression.

Season Six American Idol contestant Chris Richardson has helped to bring the buzz cut back to network television. In Seattle during the 1990s, the haircut was made popular by Seattle Mariners player Jay Buhner. The haircut was known as the Buhner buzz cut. Fans could get a buzz cut and receive free tickets to a game. Coach Buzzcut is the name of the gym coach in Beavis and Butt-head. Despite his name, he has a crew cut, not a buzz cut.