So, I buzzed my hair tonight

[NinjaChick]

My hair was way overdue for a haircut, just about shoulder length. I have thick hair, which is a pain to deal with, and I figured that I've only got about a year left of college to do ridiculous things like this. So, with the help of a friend who has clippers for her own similarly-short hair, I shaved mine down to about 5/8 of an inch.

My assessment so far: really weird and different; makes me look somewhat like a prepubescent boy. But my current bottle of shampoo will last for a lot longer, and I can go ahead and chop at least ten minutes off my morning routine.

Also, according to several friends, it makes me look like a Nazi*, a French model, and really really butch.

*Not really, but that came from a prior conversation during which a friend's retort to an argument was to call me a nazi.

[SylverOne]

I'm living vicariously through you... I wish I had the guts.

Pictures?

[ultrafilter]

I have a similar story, but there was much more tequila involved.

[NinjaChick]

I'm living vicariously through you... I wish I had the guts.

Pictures?
Do it. I figured that if I didn't like it - well, I can wear hats or bandanas, and it'll grow back.

Before (http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b118/EcoSquid/Photo1.jpg) (I just look stoned, I wasn't really)
after (http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b118/EcoSquid/Photo3.jpg) (Sorry for the crappy lighting; the only light I currently have in my dorm is my desk lamp [don't ask])

[HazelNutCoffee]

That's awesome. I wish I had your guts. I've always been tempted, especially in the summer, but in the end the thought of regretting it the next morning always stopped me.

[NightRabbit]

Wow, you know, you really do have the cheekbones for that sort of style, sinead o'connoresque. Yay!

Now, do you tend to dress androgynously, or with a feminine edge? With a haircut like that, you might need to wear earrings or a scarf or something slightly more often in order to balance out the starkness of the hair.

[NinjaChick]

Wow, you know, you really do have the cheekbones for that sort of style, sinead o'connoresque. Yay!

Now, do you tend to dress androgynously, or with a feminine edge? With a haircut like that, you might need to wear earrings or a scarf or something slightly more often in order to balance out the starkness of the hair.
Thanks. :)

The dressing thing is my big concern - I'm definitely a jeans-and-t-shirt type and don't have pierced ears. I might end up buying some casual-ish necklaces (I currently have a grand total of one non-fancy one, which is a peace sign on a chain that I wear constantly). I also - in anticipation of this - picked up a couple bandanas with colorful prints today. So I'll see how it goes, and if I decide I look too butch, I'll just grow it out.

[Tabula Rasa]

Just tuck a flower behind an ear.

[LifeOnWry]

That is WAY prettier than I ever imagined a chick with a crew cut could look. You've got beautiful bone structure and the buzz really highlights that.

In short (ha) - it looks great!

[Sleeps With Butterflies]

Very Joan of Arc!

I had my head shaved once. They needed shave part of it for a surgery, and I just had the rest shaved too. It felt LIBERATING. The growing out? That's another story.

Good for you.

[Tuckerfan]

I dated a gal with a buzzcut. She was a nympho and screamed like a rabid chimp in bed. I miss her. (IMHO, you look better with the buzz.)

[Tapioca Dextrin]

after (http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b118/EcoSquid/Photo3.jpg) (Sorry for the crappy lighting; the only light I currently have in my dorm is my desk lamp [don't ask])

You definitely look like a butch, pre-pubescent French Nazi. So, how you doin'? ;)

[Surly Chick]

I like it! I think you should dye it platinum blonde now. I had a friend once who did that and it looked totally cool.

[Malacandra]

I dated a gal with a buzzcut. She was a nympho and screamed like a rabid chimp in bed. I miss her. (IMHO, you look better with the buzz.)
Fascinating. I don't even know what a rabid chimp sounds like in bed.

[Cisco]

Fascinating. I don't even know what a rabid chimp sounds like in bed.
Sheltered brat.

[China Guy]

I like it. You could always now dye it jet black, and then have the black tips when it grows out. :cool:

[Quartz]

The new you reminds me of Vasquez in Aliens. It suits you. I do, however, think that your old cut makes you look even better.

[TroubleAgain]

Wow, that looks waaaaay better than I would have imagined. You have a good face for that!

[LurkMeister]

It's interesting how the shorter hair changes your whole appearance. I normally don't care much for shorter hair on women, but I have to agree that the buzz cut looks good on you.

[A Priori Tea]

Welcome to the world of short hair! I shaved mine a few years ago, and kept it short until about six months before my wedding. Isn't it awesome? :D

Let me repeat the previous consensus: you definitely have the bone structure and head shape for super-short hair. Not everyone does. It does give you a very butch look overall, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Don't Forget Sunblock! You've just opened up a whole new part of your head to the direct rays of burny death, so make sure you're wearing sunblock. You can use the good non-greasy facial kind on your scalp through hair that length without a problem. Sometimes, even through a bandanna, the UV will just fry skin that's completely unused to it.

Speaking of bandannas - they're generally between 18" and 22" square. What that means is that generally you can get prettier ones for cheaper by going to a fabric store, getting 1/2 to 3/4 yard of cloth, and cutting square(s) out of that. If you want to get really fancy and finish the edges, you can, but it's by no means necessary. Silk or polyester lining fabric is particularly good for giving you a range of cheap colors that will drape nicely and put a soft line back on your neck where your hair used to be. The softer the fabric, the more likely you'll end up with slipping over the course of the day, but with a natural fiber (silk, cotton, linen, etc) you'll get better staying power.

Oh, and one last thing: if you take it all the way down to the skin (or within 1/8th inch or so), get somebody to lick your head. It sounds fucked up, and it is, but it's truly an experience worth having. :D

[dangermom]

That looks great on you. I'm a bit biased, though--I love the buzz look. I always wanted to do it, but I have the wrong sort of head.

[The Them]

>Backs away, holding forefingers crossed in desperate defense<

OK, so I personally happen to like having long hair...

And ninja, you sort of saturate your cuteness factor either way; something I'm sure you can't help. Just sayin'...

[ladybug]

I like it. You definitely have the bone structure to pull off that look. :)

[Beware of Doug]

Strong women...rrrowwwrr.
Try blood red nail polish and maybe lipstick. A low neck black top. A choker. A little sexy goes a looong way.

[Fetchund]

No, no, no! Jeans and a leather jacket!

growl!

I had a buzz cut for a while, but my face and cowlicks really didn't want me to. You, on the other hand, pull it off quite nicely. I'm not sure I know your "affectional preferences", but if you are straight, please don't be offended if women start paying a lot of attention to you.

That cut works!

[Ephemera]

You look much better with the buzz than the long hair but I'm biased and like short and severe hairstyles on women.

On me, not so much. I'm never buzzing my head again.

[NinjaChick]

No, no, no! Jeans and a leather jacket!

growl!

I had a buzz cut for a while, but my face and cowlicks really didn't want me to. You, on the other hand, pull it off quite nicely. I'm not sure I know your "affectional preferences", but if you are straight, please don't be offended if women start paying a lot of attention to you.

That cut works!
Women paying attention to me would not be a bad thing. Nor would men doing so. And if I had the budget for a good leather jacket, I would totally get one.

Thanks for the compliments. I did have a few moments last night where it was like, "Oh god, what did I do?"

Even a light breeze feels really, really weird with hair this short.

[Boyo Jim]

...after (http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b118/EcoSquid/Photo3.jpg) (Sorry for the crappy lighting; the only light I currently have in my dorm is my desk lamp [don't ask])

I was thinking you look kind of like a hot Vulcan chick. I don't remember what Vulcan women did with their hair, but the high forhead and the bone structure underneath, definitely Vulcan.

[Boyo Jim]

BTW, I just got my head buzzed to about the same length a month ago, and I already have patches sticking out. Seems parts of my scalp grow hair at different rates than other parts.

I got this done at a barber, thinking it would be real low maintenance, and it maybe won't be. OTOH, I've always wanted to buy a Flowbie to buzz my own head, so maybe this will be my excuse.

[sturmhauke]

The after picture is very ninjalike. How are you with throwing stars? Can you teleport short distances?

[Ephemera]

I was thinking you look kind of like a hot Vulcan chick. I don't remember what Vulcan women did with their hair, but the high forhead and the bone structure underneath, definitely Vulcan.

The same as Vulcan men. Bowl cuts.

[brujaja]

Looks awesome. I say, red lipstick and a leather jacket!

[swampbear]

It does look great on you NinjaChick. Like others have said you've got nice cheekbones and the cut really accentuates 'em.

Boyo Jim I keep my hair buzzed year round. It does require a trip to the barber about every three weeks to keep it lookin' uniform. Like you, I do have a couple of areas that seem to grow faster than others. It's worth it to me though to not have to worry about blow drying, gel and all that stuff. Plus, like NinjaChick said, that shampoo sure does last a looooooong time. :D

[Quartz]

Buy yourself a trimmer and you'll save a fortune in barber / hairdresser fees.

And don't waste money on sunblock: wear a hat. But carry some sunblock as a backup.

Quartz, who's been buzzed for over a decade.

[Shirley Ujest]

You have amazing cheekbones!

Your bravery and courage is incredible.


I have long held the fantasy of shaving my head as well. While it would not be such a stretch for me as my hair is about two inches or so long, the fact that I am on the pudgy side and in my early forties will mean that people will look at me sorrowfully because they'll think I have cancer.

[Boyo Jim]

You have amazing cheekbones!

Your bravery and courage is incredible.


I have long held the fantasy of shaving my head as well. While it would not be such a stretch for me as my hair is about two inches or so long, the fact that I am on the pudgy side and in my early forties will mean that people will look at me sorrowfully because they'll think I have cancer.

So, do you feel the need for pity sex?

[Cat Whisperer]

I agree with everyone else here - you do have the bone structure and attitude to carry off hair that short. The only change I would make (if you think you look too butch, and get tired of all the girlies hitting on you) is to grow out the top a little, but leave the rest short (sort of like this (http://www.countryhair.com/shorth1.jpg)). I think that would look stunning on you (and think of all the fun colours you could do to it!)

[jellyblue]

Women paying attention to me would not be a bad thing. Nor would men doing so. And if I had the budget for a good leather jacket, I would totally get one.

Thanks for the compliments. I did have a few moments last night where it was like, "Oh god, what did I do?"

Even a light breeze feels really, really weird with hair this short.
Women will definitely be hitting on you ;) . But pay attention, because if you're not expecting it, you might miss it, we can be subtle.
Dayum. Even my girlfriend's hair isn't that short and she's pretty butch.

I'll millionth that it looks great on you.

[kittenblue]

I guess I'm the only one who thinks you look better with the longer hair...I'm not a fan of extremely short hair on girls. And I guess my mom gene is working overtime...I'm worried about what yours will say! But if you like it...enjoy the breeze! My daughter went through a phase of hair experimentation, but she never cut it that short...I know I would have cried, even though she has a great head....well, except for the scar from the stitches from the floaty nightie incident....

[Bites When Provoked]

I think you look stunning with the short hair. It really suits you. Which surprised me, because looking at your 'before' picture I thought 'Oh, boy, she's made such a mistake'...

.. but now I just think, 'Wow!'. Definitely a great look for you.

[Batsinma Belfry]

You're adorable either way.

A couple of years ago I got one of those extremely short razor cuts. Then I immediately got a cold.

As others have mentioned, this is the perfect time to experiment with color/s.

[Brown Eyed Girl]

Agreed. I like the buzz even better than the before picture. As others have mentioned, your cheekbones are really enhanced by the short cut. If you're too worried about looking too butch (I don't think you do, frankly), go get your eyebrows waxed (you'd be amazed what a difference it makes) and use just a little lip tint. If you're not a makeup person, lip tint is very unobtrusive and subtle.

ETA: I'm jealous a little. I've already mentioned my desire to do what you just did, but have never worked up the courage. I have a very small face, not sure what it would look like...and what if I have an odd head? Who knows?

[Autolycus]

Yeah, another vote for the second picture. It also looks like you lost some weight in between the photos, not that you needed to. I really do like the second look a lot.

[Shirley Ujest]

So, do you feel the need for pity sex?


Yanno, at this stage of the game, I wouldn't turn it down. after my husband gives authorization, submits quadruple proof that they are disease free and a Good Time In The Sack. Is this a problem for anyone?

[noctilucent]

You do look really, really butch after the buzz cut. Be prepared to be mistaken for a man, a lot. I used to keep my hair pretty short - not in a buzz, it was layered - and I used to get that all the time. Since I'm not actually interested in romantic attention from other women, it was kind of a downer for me. But as you say, college years are the time to do this stuff with no regrets, and if you like it, that's what matters.

If I can make a suggestion though for the future - you complained that your hair is really thick and difficult to do anything with. Frankly, your old haircut did nothing to take advantage of an awesome head of hair. If you choose to grow it out again, ask around a find a good stylist who will know how to handle your hair type and give you a really flattering cut that's also easy to take care of. I'm sorry to say, your old stylist didn't do that for you and it probably contributed to your previous aggravation.

[beanpod]

With longer hair, you look kind of shy. With a buzz and harsh lighting, you look like you're gonna kick some ass. Work it.

I'm trying to work up the guts to do that. I've been growing my hair out for Locks of Love and I finally reached the required length on my ponytail--if I buzz it to the scalp. My face is shaped nothing like yours, though--mostly oval/rounded, but I have high cheekbones. I wear glasses, too. I figure the springtime is the best time to do it. I'd probably have the urge to wear more skirts and carefully groom my eyebrows. Also, everyone but my husband hates the idea. He says I'd be cute, but I'm suspicous of his sincerity.

Any advice for someone else considering it? Were you afraid of anything?

[Santo Rugger]

I dig it.

Aside from those already mentioned, another plus is that it'll keep the juniper pollen count of your pillow down. :D

[Zsofia]

It really accentuates your bone structure. I think it's flattering.

[OneCentStamp]

It looks good to me, but I'm a big fan of extremely short hair on women. You look nice either way.

[Scuba_Ben]

I agree with the "French model" look. Do you have any sudden urges to put on fancy dresses and strut about? Misplace luggage and punch cops? Aquire an entourage?

[Octalcode]

No, no, no! Jeans and a leather jacket!

growl!
And an old black beat-up bass guitar slung really low. Damn, I'll send you one if you need it.

[NinjaChick]

With longer hair, you look kind of shy. With a buzz and harsh lighting, you look like you're gonna kick some ass. Work it.

I'm trying to work up the guts to do that. I've been growing my hair out for Locks of Love and I finally reached the required length on my ponytail--if I buzz it to the scalp. My face is shaped nothing like yours, though--mostly oval/rounded, but I have high cheekbones. I wear glasses, too. I figure the springtime is the best time to do it. I'd probably have the urge to wear more skirts and carefully groom my eyebrows. Also, everyone but my husband hates the idea. He says I'd be cute, but I'm suspicous of his sincerity.

Any advice for someone else considering it? Were you afraid of anything?
Advice: Just do it! I've toyed with the idea a bunch of times before, but it is scary (Cut of all my hair? I can't do that! What if I look weird?). But I have a friend who wears her hair about this short, and I randomly asked her the other day if I should chop all mine off. "Sure," said she, "Let's do it Saturday".

So I gathered up a few friends - which made it less likely I would wuss out - and did it. Be prepared for some surprised reactions the first few days, but I say do it! After all - it's just hair. If you don't like it, you can wear hats or other head coverings for a while as it grows out, and that's that. That was how I finally looked at it: It'll grow back no matter what, so if I try it and don't like it, then...I let it grow, and the problem solves itself.

Also, my morning routine is so much simpler now. It's amazing how nice it is when your post-shower hair-routine is "rub hair with towel", rather than "brush/comb/blowdry/fight".

[MoodIndigo1]

NinjaChick, you look great with the shorter cut. If I had your facial structure, I'd happily give up lengthy blow-drying.

What a gutsy and smart change!