Can't control the hairline? Buzz it for a sharp style

When 32-year-old Delhi-based entrepreneur Manish Singh asked his hairdresser for a way to deal with his receding hairline, he was advised to get a buzz cut. Manish wasn’t thinking about a style statement – he was simply choosing to make peace with his hairline. For men noticing their hairline recede, the buzz cut has become the go-to style – sleek, low-maintenance, and effective.

‘IT HELPS MEN FEEL MORE IN CONTROL’
“When men come to us, they are often underconfident – but they won’t always say it out loud,” explains Zakir Khan from Crème Salon. “They’ll tell us they avoid dressing up or going out because people notice the hairline receding. And these are often men in their late 20s and early 30s. For them, buzz cut isn’t a fad – it’s a way to feel better, to feel more in control.”

From Penn Badgley and Michael B Jordan to Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard, plenty of celebs have embraced the look. Stylists say it’s more than a trend – it’s a tactic. “It’s a subtle way to make someone feel better about something that they would not openly talk about,” adds Zakir.

‘No stress over styling or hiding the hairline’
According to Deepak Jalhan, Creative Stylist & Educator at Looks Prive, “The cut works like a camouflage.” By removing contrast between thinning and dense patches, it makes the hairline less noticeable. “It shifts the focus to your facial features,” says Zakir, adding, “Not only is the look clean, it also removes the pressure of styling or hiding the hairline – something that many men struggle with.”
He explains, “Short hair is stronger – long strands break more easily. The key with buzz cut is precision – the sharpness of the edges defines the look. In India, getting that edge right isn’t always easy at home. In the West, men have been trimming their hair for years – they have practice, and the culture for it. Here, many need a stylist to get it right.” Zayn Malik pairs the buzz with his signature style – moody and modern,

Tips to keep the style crisp
 Keep it fresh – frequent trims help maintain the edge
 Pair it right – a beard or stubble helps balance the face. The beard also adds to the overall look. A sharp cut with a stubble can shift the focus from the hairline
 If you notice early signs of a receding hairline, speak to your hairdresser on how to maintain a shorter style
 Keep your scalp clean – avoid letting it get oily
 Consult your hairdresser first – don’t opt for the cut just because it’s trending

A look that’s easy to maintain, easier to own
Many men start experiencing thinning post-25, points out Dr Vimalendu Brajesh, Associate Director of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at Medanta. Stylists say many clients still don’t realise how effective a buzz cut can be when facing early signs of balding. Aashmeen Munjaal, Director, Star Hair and Makeup Academy, breaks down the technique, “We use clipper numbers to measure length – lower numbers for shorter cuts. But we also look at the client’s face shape and bone structure.” And the finishing? “The sharpness in the edges is everything. That clean outline defines the confidence in the look,” says Zakir.