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As you already know, at mensattitude we love buzz cuts and have written many articles about them. This article is no different since we are going to talk about the number 4 buzz cut.
The number 4 buzz cut is a very popular hairstyle as it is exactly in the middle of the buzz cuts scale (the shortest buzz cut is the number 0 buzz cut, and the longest is the number 8 buzz cut), offering you all the benefits of the buzz cut haircuts without being too short.
So if you want to know what the number 4 buzz cut is, its benefits, why, and how to get it, read on!
What is the Number 4 Buzz cut?
The number 4 buzz cut is a buzzed style haircut where all the hair is cut down to 1/2 inch 13mm. It took the name “number 4” because the clipper guard used to cut your hair to this length is the number 4.
If you are new to the grooming space and don’t even know what a buzz cut is, let us explain it to you really quickly. A buzz cut is a short haircut where all the hair is cut to the same length (most of the time) using electric clippers.
Related Article: 1-inch (Number 8) Buzzcut: Complete Tutorial With Photos
Why Get a Number 4 Buzz cut?
There are many reasons to get a number 4 haircut, and in this section, we will talk about them.
1) It is a perfect haircut to enter the world of buzz cuts
The biggest concern for guys who like and want to try a buzz cut is usually the length.
They think buzz cuts require really short hair and are worried they won’t like how they will look.
The good thing with the number 4 buzz cut is that, unlike shorter buzz cuts, like the number 1, number 2, or even number 3 buzz cut, the hair isn’t that short.
It is trimmed down to 1/2 inch (13mm), and as you can see in the photo above, it is not that short; it is rather a medium-length haircut.
So, if you have been thinking for a while about getting a buzz cut but never did because you were afraid you wouldn’t look good, this is a great hairstyle to test the waters and see how you look and feel with it. To learn about the exact length of each buzz cut, we recommend reading our complete guide, “Buzz Cut Lengths: Complete Guide from 0 to 8“.
What makes the number 4 such a good entry haircut is that if you don’t like it, you can ask your barber to change the style immediately and do something else like a number 4 fade or simply wait a bit to get longer hair again.
2) It is a low-maintenance haircut
Like other buzz cut styles, the number 4 buzz cut is a low-maintenance style that doesn’t need a lot of styling or maintenance by using products or having to visit your barber often.
With that being said, if you want to style your hair with some product, you can definitely do it, as the hair is long enough to be able to get styled.
3) It will save you money
Another big advantage of buzz cuts is that they are very easy to do at home (we will tell you later in this article how to do it), and by doing that, you will save a lot of money as you won’t need to spend it on getting your haircut at the barbershop. Because a buzz cut doesn’t need any fancy techniques or special skills, you can easily do it at home with a pair of clippers. Now just think about how many times per month you would visit a barber if you had a different haircut and how much money you can save, let’s say, after one year. It is not a life-changing amount of money, but it is still a good amount that you can use for other things.
4) It is a good choice if you are balding
You probably already know that buzz cut and balding are BFFs, and there is a good reason for that. It is because buzz cuts are really short and make the contrast between the balding spots and the spots with hair really small making it harder to notice that you have thinning hair.
To be honest with you, the shortest the buzz cut, the more it will help minimize the contrast and hide the fact that you suffer from hair loss, but if you are not ready to go for a really short haircut, you can definitely go for a number 4 buzz cut.
If you want to learn more about why buzz cuts help with balding, you can check out our article “buzz cuts and receding hairline“.
What face shapes work best with a number 4 buzz cut?
To make a haircut work for you, it is important to choose one that works with your face shape. But which face shapes work best with a number 4 buzz cut?
Well, because the number 4 buzz cut is a pretty simple haircut with no intricate details that will change how your face looks, it works with most face shapes.
But with that being said, certain face shapes benefit more than others.
For example, if you have a long face shape, the number 4 buzz cut is a good choice because it will help your face look less long. But why is that?
As you already know, the number 4 buzz cut is a medium-length haircut where all the hair is cut at the same length. This will give a bit of volume to your face and, at the same time, make it look more proportional.
On the other hand, if you have a round face shape, the number 4 buzz cut is not the best haircut because the volume it will add to the sides will make your face look even rounder.
Of course, there is no cookie-cutter answer to this question as there are more reasons in play, like other facial characteristics, the shape of your head, the way you style your hair, and so on.
The best way to see if the number 4 buzz cut is a good choice for you is to simply try it out and see how you feel and look with it. The number 4 buzz cut is a forgiving haircut that can be easily changed if you don’t like it.
How to do a number 4 buzz cut At Home
Now that you know what the number 4 buzz cut looks like, its benefits and how to style it, it is time to talk about how to do it at home.
Most guys that have a buzz cut choose to cut their hair at home because, as mentioned, it is a very easy haircut, and at the same time, you can save money by doing so. So without further ado, let’s see how to give yourself a number 4 buzz cut in simple steps.
1) Prepare the area
The first thing you need to do is choose the area you are going to do it. The most common area is the bathroom, as it is a place where there is usually a big mirror where you can see what you are doing. But if for some reason you can’t or don’t want to do it in the bathroom, you can do it in any other room with a mirror and good lighting.
After you have decided on the area, the next step is to prepare the area and yourself. You can lay some old newspapers on the floor for easier cleaning and also make sure to wear clothes that you won’t need to wear later as they will get hair all over them, and you will need to wash them.
Finally, after the area is all set, you need to prep your tools, and when we say tools, we mean your clippers.
Make sure your clippers are fully charged, oiled, and clean, and attach the number 4 guard.
2) Wash your hair
Now that everything is in order, it is time to clean your hair and start cutting.
Wash your hair with your shampoo and then use a towel to pat dry it.
We recommend washing your hair before cutting it as slightly wet hair is softer, which makes cutting it a lot easier.
3) Start Trimming
Now that your hair is all clean and everything is ready, it is time to start buzzin’.
There are many different ways to do it, and none of them is wrong, but from personal experience (damn, you balding head), we recommend starting from the sides and then moving to the top.
Start from the right sideburns (if you are right-handed), and with an upwards motion (against the grain), start cutting the hair. Work your way up slowly, making sure all hair is the same length.
After you are done with the right side, continue with the back of your head. This is where things become tricky, as you won’t be able to see what you are doing.
The best way to do it is by using your fingers as a guide and following their direction. If you are unsure if you have trimmed a spot, just trim it again; it is better to lose a bit of time than to have an uneven haircut.
When you are done with the back, move on to the left side and repeat the process.
After you are done with the sides, it is time to move on to the top. Start from your hairline and work your way back.
4) Even things out
When you are done with the top, it is time to even things out. A good way to do it is to look with a second mirror at tough spots (like the back top) to see if I missed anything, and then use your clippers to even things out.
If it is your first time and you don’t know the tough spots of your head (depending on the hair growth direction, it can be different for everyone), you can do a second pass with your clippers over the entire head.
5) Trim the neckline
Now that you have all the hair trimmed, it is time to shape the neckline.
The best way to do it is by having someone to help you as it is very hard to know what you are doing. But if you don’t have anyone to help you, you can use a neckline template. Neckline templates are plastic tools that help you get an even neckline and look like the one in the ad below.
After you are happy with the way your neckline looks, it is time to move on to the final step.
6) Clean up
Now that you are done cutting your hair, it is time for the final and most boring step, the cleaning. Hopefully, you heard our advice and laid down some newspapers on the floor, and now you will understand why.
Start by cleaning your clippers; if the blades are detachable and can be washed, make sure to do that; if not, just wipe them with a damp cloth.
After that, it is time to clean up the floor; if you have followed our advice, this should be a piece of cake. Just gather all the newspapers and dispose of them.
Now clean yourself by hopping into the shower, and you are all done!
Finally, take a look in the mirror and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back because you have done it; you have given yourself a haircut!
Number 4 Buzz cut FAQ
How Long Is A Number 4 Buzz Cut?
The number 4 buzz cut is a medium-length haircut and is 1/2 inch (13mm). To get this buzz cut, you have to use the number 4 guard on your clipper.
What Number Do You Use For A Buzz Cut?
There is no standard number you should use for a buzz cut. There are many buzz-cut lengths, and the buzz-cut numbers range from 0 to 8. These numbers are the sizes of the clipper guards. You can use any of these numbers depending on how long or short you want your buzz cut to be.
Can I Give Myself A Number 4 Buzz Cut?
Yes, you can. As we mentioned many times, the buzz cuts are really easy to do yourself, and the number 4 is not an exception. All you need is a good pair of clippers and the number 4 guard.
Is A Number 4 Buzz Cut Too Long?
No, the number 4 buzz cut is not too long nor too short. It is a medium-length haircut (1/2 inch) that can be worn by both men and women.
How Often Should I Get A Number 4 Buzz Cut?
It depends on your hair growth rate and how short or long you want your buzz cut to be. A general rule of thumb to maintain your hair roughly at the same length is to cut it weekly.
Conclusion
We have covered everything there is about the number 4 buzz cut, and by now, you know what a number 4 buzz cut is, what are the benefits of getting one, what face shapes look good with it, how to get it, and finally answered some frequently asked questions about it. We hope this guide was helpful; if it was, please share it with your friends.
That’s all for now! Thanks for reading!
Russell is the founder of themensattitude.com. He is a barber a beard enthusiast and he is obsessed with trying men’s lifestyle products and blog about them. If you have any questions you can hit him up via the contact page.
