The buzz cut is more than just a style statement. Long thought of as an antithesis to the long, flowing hairstyles that once defined society's standards of femininity, the buzz cut was initially reserved for those with the confidence to go against the grain. It has been associated with the punk movement and rebellion; the act of buzzing off your hair meant defying social norms by blurring the line between the masculine and the feminine.
Buzzcuts in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s
Standout buzz cuts of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s included the likes of Grace Jones, Annie Lennox, Skunk Anansie’s Skin, Sinéad O’Connor and Jenny Shimizu – all known for their creative, political and style statements.
The most iconic buzz cuts in cinema
In cinema, the buzz cut is synonymous with cult references and has been used to symbolize strength and independence. See Sigourney Weaver in Alien 3 (1992); Demi Moore’s unforgettable G.I. Jane (1997); Natalie Portman in V for Vendetta (2005) – who has spoken about the “super cool feeling” of going out in the rain with her freshly shaved head; and Charlize Theron’s short crop for Mad Max (2015).
- Fashion culture12 throwback shots of David Beckham in the 2000s
The buzz cut is the signature hair trend of the 2000s
But it is no longer the case that buzz cuts are exclusive to revolutionaries. The 2000s saw Agyness Deyn bring an androgynous buzz to fashion runways, and over the last few years, the cut has become a signature for the likes of Adwoa Aboah (who told Teen Vogue, on shaving her head for the first time: “After many years of hating my hair, I finally felt no attachment to it. I was empowered”) and Cara Delevingne (her futuristically feminine look for the 2017 Met Gala demonstrated the versatility of the cut, and fit perfectly with the Rei Kawakubo / Commes des Garçons theme).
- Fashion culture12 throwback shots of David Beckham in the 2000s
- Fashion culture12 throwback shots of David Beckham in the 2000s
More recently, the barely-there buzz cut has since seen softer, romantic iterations, too – as evidenced by the many red carpet appearances of Lupita Nyong’o, and Dree Hemingway, who’s described the buzz cut as “a good cleanse”.
- Fashion culture12 throwback shots of David Beckham in the 2000s
Today, the buzz cut has helped to rewrite what it means to be feminine. Whether you’re thinking about a bold restyle, or just channeling the buzz cut attitude, here are 18 celebrities who’ve worn it well.
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The most exciting celebrity hairstyle changes in 2019
The most beautiful bob-cuts seen on models
The 8 key Fall/Winter 2019-2020 hairstyle trends to try this year
