In 2004, Brad Pitt was deep into his Ocean’s 12 press run, pinballing across all of Europe’s fanciest cities with a lid that’s almost perfect for a boiling afternoon in Cannes-the buzzcut. And now, 21 years later, he's back on the campaign trail-and he's gloriously shorn it all off once again. While promoting his latest big-budget action flick, F1 in New York, the actor went in on the buzz. So instead of a soft launch (which usually means a longer grade on top), it was the one-all over. No fuss. No bad hair days. Just a roll-out-of-bed with nothing but a centimetre of fuzz and a jawline that’d make a Renaissance sculpture very, very jealous.
There’s something pretty World War I about it, when recruits would shave their hair on enrolment. Punks started doing it in the 1970s too. If people admire neat, boy-next-door side partings, then a buzzcut is the ideological opposite. What's more, actors lazily referred to as ‘Hollywood bad boys’ by the tabloid press have long reached for the clippers. Think Colin Farrell, Tom Hardy, Jason Statham and others. They’re not bad. In fact, they look very good with with a buzzut.
Historically, Brad Pitt hasn’t stuck to one haircut for too long. The actor has switched between bangs, curtains, quiffs, and even a ponytail back in his salad days. But it’s the buzzcut that’s got Instagram moodboards firing on all cylinders, and it's been the lid of Pitt for plenty of big gigs, like Mr and Mrs Smith, and, yes, Ocean’s 12.
With F1, where Pitt takes on the role of Sonny Hayes, a ’90s racing driver who returns to the game, it’s set to be another blockbuster moment for Pitt-and he’s marking the occasion with a return to a very legendary haircut.
Brad Pitt has been professionally cool for nigh-on 30 years. It must be exhausting. The film is a wishlist of ’60s and ’70s menswear, but Pitt’s hairstyle also deserves awards nods. Brad Pitt’s best haircuts have always been influential, seemingly defining what men ask their barbers for. Brad Pitt has sported a number of long hairstyles over the years, from the erstwhile heartthrob in Legends of the Fall to the tousled warrior in Troy.
It’s grungy and relatively low-maintenance once it’s long enough, but you’ll want at least 12 inches of length up top which should take around a year to grow, with regular trips to the barber to cut down on weight and bulkiness. Take some of the aforementioned sea salt spray to style and spritz it over towel-dried hair, using your fingers to create texture before letting it air dry.
We were less bothered about what was in the box during David Fincher’s crime thriller Se7en and more concerned with getting the slick, messy bed head Pitt was sporting. Then, when you’re getting ready in the morning all you need is a coin-sized amount of clay worked into your hair with your fingers. “I would call this an outgrown side parting,” says Smith, “so ask your barber to scissor cut over a comb for a softer natural look, keeping roughly four inches on top and allowing for the sides to flop back over your ears. If you have thinning hair this style is best avoided.
Fight Club was Pitt at his most iconic. The cherry on top was Pitt’s scruffy crop, a slightly longer version of the more clean-cut textured chop he was wearing in Se7en. “I would then avoid gel and opt for a matte clay or paste to work with your hair’s natural movement,” says Smith. “Less volume more defined texture is what you’re after. Going toe-to-toe with George Clooney in the style stakes, Pitt won out in Oceans Eleven thanks to a disheveled, devil-may-care do. “Texture is key, but this is a low maintenance cut that is still sharp,” says Smith. “Leave one and a half inches on top and around an inch on the sides. Let’s not get into the whole Jen versus Angie debate, eh?
2014 was officially the year of the Brad Pitt Fury haircut, with every man and his dog pleading with their barber to give them the exaggerated undercut Pitt was sporting in the heroic World War II tale. “This is a pompadour with an undercut, exaggerating the contrast between lengths on the top and sides,” says Smith. “To slick back, leave around four inches on top with two inches at the crown. “To style, blow-dry your wet hair on a low setting and brush back to create the basic shape of the pompadour. Then leave to air dry the last bit and apply a coin-sized amount of pomade and slick back from your forehead down to your crown.
It’s hard to look good when you’re being chased around by zombies for two hours. But besides the accrued bloodstains, Pitt looked relatively unflustered during the running time of World War Z. It takes time and a lot of uncomfortable growing out stages for it to look this good with ease though. Smith then suggests you visit a hairdresser over a barber for the cut as they’ll be more used to working with this length of hair. “You want your hair to fall over your ears and back. Wash your hair less, around twice a week with a natural shampoo, and instead condition daily as this will prevent against hair breakage and retain moisture in your hair.
Played with stoic goofiness besides a killer wardrobe and some rock-hard abs (seriously impressive when you’re 50-something), Pitt’s Cliff Booth is the best friend to Leonardo DiCaprio’s Rick Dalton and the one we secretly wish we all had in reality. As opposed to the side parting in Meet Joe Black, this cut should be a blunt cut according to Smith, following the natural growth of your hair. “Rather than cutting in a parting, let your hair naturally fall. Brad Pitt’s buzz cut remains one of the most iconic grooming choices tied to a name synonymous with Hollywood.
Among the many Brad Pitt hairstyles, the buzz cut remains one of the most memorable-defined by its short length, uniform finish, and rugged simplicity. Brad Pitt’s Buzz Cut HairstylesBrad Pitt’s Fight Club Buzz CutMr. and Mrs. Showing off his buzz cut, Brad Pitt charms at the premiere of Criminal. Brad Pitt’s journey through Hollywood is marked not just by his versatile performances but also by his dynamic hairstyle transformations. Among these varied hairstyles, the buzz cut is a particularly prominent choice and has become emblematic of some of Pitt’s most iconic characters. Pitt’s buzz cut has featured in several notable films, each adding a distinct edge to his characters.
Brad Pitt amplifies the rebellious side of the buzz cut as Tyler Durden in Fight Club. Pitt’s portrayal of Tyler Durden in Fight Club gains an unforgettable edge with the buzz cut, a hairstyle that mirrors Durden’s raw, unfiltered rebelliousness. The sharp, edgy look of Brad Pitt’s shaved head suits the gritty, underground world that Durden inhabits, drawing on the no-frills aesthetic of 1970s skinhead subcultures and the severe look of military recruits. In this context, Tyler Durden’s buzz cut signals his rejection of society’s beauty standards and grooming rules. Mr. and Mrs. Brad Pitt, a suave but deadly assassin in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, sports a buzz cut. In Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Pitt’s sophisticated assassin character adopts the buzz cut as part of his sleek, lethal appearance. This style accentuates the character’s duality-a polished, charming facade masking a dangerous, skilled hitman. Playing the charismatic Rusty Ryan in Ocean’s Twelve, Brad Pitt’s buzz cut leads the way. For Ocean’s Twelve, the sequel to the heist film Ocean’s Eleven, Pitt reprises his role as Rusty Ryan. The buzz cut in this film complements Rusty’s cool, calculated demeanor. It adds a layer of sophistication and nonchalance to the character, fitting perfectly with the film’s stylish and sophisticated tone. The hairstyle reflects Rusty’s laid-back yet sharp-witted nature, a mastermind who is always one step ahead in the game. In this context, the buzz cut enhances Pitt’s portrayal of a charismatic and cunning con artist, contributing significantly to the film’s aesthetic.
Brad Pitt is ready for his closeup as he rocks a buzz cut at the premiere of Troy. This resurgence reflects a broader cultural movement embracing the simplicity and unpretentious edge that defined the turn-of-the-millennium style. Brad Pitt’s buzz cut shines golden blond as he films Ocean’s Twelve. The adaptability of the buzz cut, as demonstrated by Brad Pitt, reflects its enduring appeal. This hairstyle is timeless and suits various age groups and face shapes. For younger men, the buzz cut offers a fresh and energetic appearance, while it provides a sophisticated and dignified look for older individuals. Its suitability for different face shapes is another aspect of its versatility. Brad Pitt pictured with a buzz cut at the premiere of Along Came Polly. Like Pitt’s, the buzz cut adds definition and highlights the jawline, enhancing masculine features on oval and square face shapes. The buzz cut’s adaptability extends to blending with different fashion styles. Whether paired with a formal suit or casual attire, it maintains its distinctive appeal, making it a versatile and practical choice for men from various walks of life.
Consider versatility and maintenance when visiting the barber for a buzz cut. When visiting the barber for a buzz cut, it’s crucial to communicate your preferences clearly while also considering professional advice. Discuss with your barber the specific look you aim for, referencing Pitt’s buzz cut style if necessary. Barbershop Taper Godz explains, “The trick is to pick a length and style that suits your hair type and face shape. Don’t underestimate the power of a fade to add a fresh spin to your buzz cut. During the haircut, your barber will use professional clippers to achieve a uniform and precise cut, similar to Pitt’s neatly groomed appearance. It’s essential to discuss maintenance tips with your barber, such as the frequency of trims needed to keep the buzz cut looking sharp. Regular visits to the barber are essential, as the buzz cut can grow out quickly, losing its crisp appearance.
Brad Pitt and his buzz cut photographed during a press tour for Troy. Brad Pitt’s journey with the buzz cut is a narrative of cultural influence, versatility, and personal expression. His adoption of this simple yet striking hairstyle left an indelible mark on men’s fashion trends, particularly around the Y2K era. Today, as fashion circles back to embrace minimalist aesthetics, Pitt’s buzz cut remains as relevant and stylish as ever. This hairstyle’s adaptability across different age groups and face shapes highlights its timeless appeal. Altogether, the buzz cut is a statement of simplicity, elegance, and versatility.
