Since quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic, folks everywhere have been fearful of seeking the services of a hairstylist. While living under lockdown, many women have been doing self-maintenance when it comes to their hair. But there are some who have actually just shaved off their hair. Buzzing off the tresses might be the result of boredom, self-empowerment, or just plain old experimentation. Whatever the reason, more and more women, especially those over 50, have kicked their long locks and wigs to the curb. Now, women are their loving buzz cut reflection in the mirror.
Actress Sanaa Lathan shaved off her hair for a role and loved the results.
Buzz cut basics
Just because your hair is short does not mean you have to forego caring for it. Hair styling pros suggest cutting your hair at least every three to four weeks to keep it fresh. However, most hairstylists do not recommend a do-it-yourself buzz cut. But in this new normal, you can try to take matters into your own hands by trimming your own hair.
Make sure to use and/or purchase clippers made specifically for the hair on your head. If you are new to the world of buzz cuts, the science is simple. The higher the number guard, the less amount of hair it will cut. The lower the number, the more hair it will cut. So, you have to make a choice about if you want a super close crop or something with a little bit of length.
If you mess up your buzz cut, who cares! It will grow back sooner than later and you can give try trimming all over again. Cover up your mistake with a hat, scarf, or turban, and keep it pushing.
Buzz cut care
Wahl Corded Clipper Color Pro Complete (Amazon.com; $65) is a clipper that is perfect for everyone from the novice to the expert. Color coded guide combs makes finding and remembering everyone’s favorite hair length easier than ever. The clipper comes in a set that includes a twenty-six piece grooming kit – featuring 9 guide combs from 1/16” to 1” for various cutting lengths, left & right ear tapers, eyebrow trim combs, ear trimming combs, 2 hair clips, blade oil, cleaning brush, flat top comb, styling comb, pocket comb, a blade guard & much more.
Since your hair will be very low, keep your scalp clean. Try to use very little products on your hair to avoid build-up. Clarifying shampoo is formulated to deep-clean your hair and scalp and dissolve the gunk that weighs down your roots. Verb Reset Reouveau (Sephora.com, $18) is a sulfate-free shampoo that uses gentle cleansers and sea water to get rid of build-up without stripping color, and it’s also full of minerals, aloe vera, and honey to moisturize your hair and enhance its shine.
You will also need hair products like a smoothing serum to tame your new short do. R+Co’s Tinsel Smoothing Oil ($30, Walmart.com) is light and contains argan and jojoba oils, and Vitamin E to leave the hair impossibly shiny and frizz-free.
Adding color also gives your short style more pizzazz.
Being north of 50 does not mean you have to throw up your hands and surrender to the grays! Exeriment with high-intensity colors. If you don’t want a permanent color change, use a color that will wash out. Good Dye Young Poser Paste Temporary Hair Makeup ($18, Sephora.com) has a creamy, paste-like consistency that you work it into your hair with your fingers. Layer it on thick for maximum pigment impact, or brush it out immediately for a more subtle wash of color. Either way, it’s totally transfer-proof and will stay put until you shampoo it out.
