You’re in luck because this haircut looks great on anyone with any hair type, and it’s so easy to get done at a barber or do it yourself at home. With the help of pro hair stylists Kelsey Morey and Martin Nepton, we’ll walk you through what a 16 guard buzz cut is and how to get one, plus some styling tips to keep you looking fresh.
What is a 16 guard buzz cut and who is it for
A 16 guard buzz cut is a medium-length style that leaves your hair 2 in (5.1 cm) long and works for all hair textures. To get the cut, use a 16 guard on a pair of clippers over your entire head. Your barber may ask how you want the sides of your hair cut. Use a 16 guard on a pair of clippers to cut your own hair. If you want to save money and still look stylish, giving yourself a buzzcut is a good alternative.
Steps to achieve a 16 guard buzz cut
- Run the clippers through your hair against the grain.
- Define the edges of your hair with a 0 or 1 guard.
- Apply sea salt spray to give fine hair more texture. Morey says that “sea salt spray can help add a little bit of texture, and it helps keep your hair in place.” She adds that sea salt spray is also great at creating beach waves in your hair. Apply the spray to your hair and leave it alone.
- Accentuate curly hair with curling cream and a blow-dryer with a diffuser. “Curling cream helps the curl to kick in,” says Nepton. He recommends applying the cream when your hair is wet and twist the curls with your fingers.
- Avoid using high heat settings even if you’re in a rush to dry your hair.
- Work in a texture clay to maintain an easy all-day style. If you want a low maintenance style, gently dry your hair with a blow dryer on low heat and speed. Then, rub a pea-sized amount of the clay in your hands until it’s clear.
Styling tips by hair type
A 16 guard buzz cut is perfect for straight and fine hair, but it does need a little styling help so it doesn’t look flat. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, a 16 guard buzz cut will help keep them at a manageable length.
Understanding high tapers
High tapers start transitioning into shorter hair near your temples so long hair is only near the top of your head.
Related clipper guides
- Induction buzz cut - Induction buzz cuts are the shortest styles using your clippers without the guard.
- Burr cut - A burr cut is when you have really short hair on the top and sides using a 1 or 2 guard on your clippers.
- Crew cut - Crew cuts have shorter hair on the sides (usually cut with a 2 guard) and longer hair on the top (typically a 6 guard).
- Ivy League - Ivy League haircuts use the 7 or 8 guard on top of your head so you have about 1 in (2.5 cm) of hair to style.
FAQ and practical notes
Did this article help you? If you’re not sure what style will look best on you, just ask your barber what they think!
