HaircutPreview
Clipper Guard AI Simulator

Buzz Cut Filter: Preview by Guard Number

Contemplating a radical military crop or crew cut? Use our AI buzz cut filter to test guards #1 through #4, explore skin fades, or simulate a smooth bald head.

Click or drag your selfie here

Front-facing photo · Good natural light · One adult

JPG, PNG, or WebP up to 8MB
Photo Guidelines for Best AI Hair Accuracy:

Look directly forward into the camera with neutral expression. Keep hair away from eyebrows if previewing bangs.

100% Private · 24h Auto-Deletion1 Free Try Included

Buzz Cut Lengths: #1 to #4 Clipper Guards Explained

Understanding clipper guard millimeters is the key to achieving the exact buzz cut you envision.

#1 Guard · 3mm (1/8")

Close Stubble Crop

Very short length with visible scalp outline. Highlights strong angular jawlines, prominent cheekbones, and symmetrical head contours.

Visible scalp: High
Most Popular#2 Guard · 6mm (1/4")

Classic Standard Buzz

The golden standard across barbering. Provides a full dark hair silhouette that conceals minor scalp bumps while preserving a crisp military appearance.

Visible scalp: Subtle
#3 Guard · 10mm (3/8")

Medium Brush Texture

Sufficient length to reveal natural hair texture and wave patterns. Scalp is completely covered, making it an ideal entry-level short haircut.

Visible scalp: None
#4 Guard · 13mm (1/2")

Long Crew / Butch Cut

The longest standard buzz cut guard. Provides a soft, velvety density that can be lightly finger-styled with paste or pomade.

Visible scalp: None
Barbering Technique Guide

Fade or No Fade? Choosing Between Skin Tapers and Uniform Cuts

When requesting a buzz cut at a barber shop, the choice of side transition dictates the entire silhouette. According to standards published by the Associated Master Barbers and Beauticians of America, buzz cuts fall into two fundamental styling categories:

Taper / Skin Fade

Hair graduates from bare skin at the sideburns and nape up into the top guard length. This optical gradient draws vertical attention upward and sharpens jawlines.

Uniform Clipper Guard

The exact same guard size (e.g., #2 all over) is run evenly across the entire head. Delivers a rugged, utilitarian military aesthetic.

Important technical note on AI previews: A single 2D front-facing selfie provides high-accuracy previews of your hairline, forehead, and temple tapers. However, it cannot photograph the back of your occipital bone or lower neck. When visiting your barber, review the See the barber sheet example to see how to specify nape taper preferences clearly.

Head Contour Analysis

What Would I Look Like Bald?

Whether facing hereditary hair thinning or seeking the freedom of a clean shave, deciding to go completely bald can feel intimidating. Our AI buzz cut filter includes a calibrated Clean Shave mode that smooths the scalp while preserving your true cranial geometry, forehead curvature, and facial bone structure.

Evaluate cranial proportions and head symmetry without hair obstruction
See how a shaved head harmonizes with your beard or facial hair
Eliminate anxiety before committing to a razor shave
Test Bald Preview in Tool
AI bald head simulation exampleBald Simulation

Clean cranial visualization without facial warping or caricature effects.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Buzz Cut Filter

Technical answers on clipper guards, fades, and hair preview accuracy.

Can I try a buzz cut for free?

Yes. HaircutPreview provides 1 free buzz cut filter preview for every visitor. You can test your photo with a #2 guard and fade before making any payment.

What does a #2 buzz cut look like?

A #2 clipper guard leaves approximately 6mm (1/4 inch) of hair. It creates a dark, clean profile with very minimal scalp transparency on dark hair, making it the most requested buzz cut length.

Can I add a fade to the buzz cut preview?

Yes. Our tool allows you to toggle a taper/skin fade along the sideburns and temple borders, or choose a uniform guard length all around.

Can I preview a bald head?

Yes. Select the Clean Shave (Bald) option in our tool to inspect your cranial proportions and facial balance without hair.

Is the buzz cut filter preview accurate?

The preview realistically maps hair density, hairline position, and guard lengths to your photo. Remember that clipper brands may vary by fractions of a millimeter in real life.

How long is my photo stored?

All uploaded selfies and generated buzz cut filter previews are automatically removed after 24 hours. Your images remain strictly confidential.

How do I communicate the buzz cut to my barber?

When you unlock HD downloads, you receive a Barber Reference Sheet PDF. You can show this spec card directly to your barber so there is zero confusion over guard millimeters and fade heights.

Check Other Hairstyle Options Before Cutting

Not sure if short clippers are for you? Try bangs on your photo or review our pricing.

Try bangs on your photoCompare HD credit packsExplore all styles