We’ve posted about tons of hairstyles that have stood the test of time, from the pompadour to the classic gentleman’s side part. While the buzz cut fits into this category, it’s also a fantastic men’s hairstyle option for many other reasons. It’s a truly low-maintenance style, and you can even cut it yourself in the comfort of your own home.

The buzz cut is one of those staple hairstyles that every barber in the world knows. Some love it and others hate it, but there’s no disputing its minimal form and classic status. Perhaps the best known use of the buzz cut is for men in the military. For them, this haircut is a decision of function over fashion, as it helps them cool down faster and see better (no bangs in the way). But we at Haircut Inspiration think the buzz cut is every bit as fashionable as it is functional.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about that cut in case you’re considering this utilitarian yet trendy style.

What do I need for the buzz cut?

You don’t need very much at all to get a spiffy buzz cut. This is one of the greatest benefits of this hairstyle: You can have nearly any hair type, any hair color, and any face shape to get a buzz cut that looks good. Those cuts are generally shorter haircuts, but they can vary in length, so you can definitely have a longer cut if that’s something you’re interested in.

To get this fantastic haircut, all you need is your barber. 99% of barbers know how to cut it. Alternatively, if you want to save the trip to the barbershop and have a good set of hair clippers around, you can even give yourself a buzz cut at home. This cut is literally buzzing the hair with clippers, and that’s it.