Overgrown Buzz

TL;DR

• Best for: Most face shapes, especially those wanting texture without effort
• Avoid if: Want a polished corporate look or have very fine hair
• Ask your barber: "1–1.5 inches on top, #1–2 on the sides, blend it naturally"
• Maintenance: Trim every 3–4 weeks

Who Does It Suit?

Best for people who want the ease of a buzz cut but with enough length to show texture and personality.

Ideal for:

• Most face shapes — the extra length is more forgiving than a tight buzz
• Guys who like the "I woke up like this" aesthetic
• Wavy or curly hair that looks amazing with minimal length
• Anyone transitioning from a buzz to a longer style
• People who want low maintenance but not zero personality

Hair types:

• Straight: Shows clean lines and subtle texture at this length
• Wavy: This is your sweet spot — waves become visible and add natural movement
• Curly: Curls start to form and create incredible texture without effort

Avoid If...

• Need a polished corporate look → the "overgrown" part reads casual; try an Ivy League
• Very fine hair → this length can look wispy and thin; a tighter buzz looks fuller
• Want defined edges → the whole point is natural, grown-out softness; try a modern buzz for sharp lines
• Hate the in-between phase → this IS the in-between phase, worn intentionally
• Scalp visibility concerns → 1–2 inches helps, but thin areas may still show; try a textured crop

What is an Overgrown Buzz?

An overgrown buzz is exactly what it sounds like — a buzz cut that's been growing for 3–6 weeks. The top sits at 1–2 inches with visible texture and natural movement, while the sides are shorter at about 0.5 inches. There's no hard part, no product, no effort. It's the "I let my buzz grow out and it looks better than most people's styled hair" look.

Overgrown Buzz vs Crew Cut vs Textured Crop

Bottom line: Overgrown buzz = effortless texture. Crew cut = same length but intentionally shaped. Textured crop = more length and deliberate messiness.

Measurements

• Top: 1–1.5 inches (natural growth, no point cutting)
• Sides: #1–2 guard (0.25–0.5 inches)
• Blend: Natural gradient, no hard lines
• Trim: Every 3–4 weeks

Face Shape Tweaks

• Round: The extra top length adds height — works in your favor
• Square: Looks great as-is — the casual texture softens strong angles
• Oval: Perfect canvas — any variation works
• Heart: Keep sides slightly fuller to balance forehead width
• Oblong: Don't let the top get too long — stay under 1.5 inches

Hair Type Tweaks

• Straight: Use a tiny bit of sea salt spray to add texture if hair lies flat
• Wavy: Do nothing — this is the ideal hair type for this cut. Waves show naturally
• Curly: Let it grow to 1.5–2 inches; curls shrink 30–40% so you need extra length
• Thick: Ask barber to thin the top slightly to prevent helmet look
• Fine/Thin: Consider going shorter — fine hair at this length can look sparse

If You Have Wavy Hair

The overgrown buzz is arguably the best cut for wavy hair:

• Waves show at minimal length: Even at 1 inch, wavy hair creates natural movement that straight hair can't match.
• Zero product needed: Your natural texture IS the style. Don't fight it with product.
• Sea salt spray is your friend: One spritz after a shower enhances waves without looking "done."
• Let it air dry: Blow drying wavy hair at this length can flatten it. Air dry for maximum texture.
• Embrace the asymmetry: Wavy hair won't lie perfectly uniform — that's the whole appeal. The slight chaos is what makes it look effortless.

What to Tell Your Barber

"I'd like an overgrown buzz look: about 1–1.5 inches on top with natural texture, #1–2 on the sides, blended naturally. No hard lines, no edge-up — keep it soft and grown-out."

How to Style

Daily (30 seconds):

1. Towel dry after shower
2. Run fingers through hair
3. Let it air dry

Polished (60 seconds):

1. Towel dry until damp
2. Spritz sea salt spray
3. Scrunch with fingers
4. Air dry or quick blast with dryer

Maintenance Timeline

• Week 1: Fresh but not too short. Sides are tight, top has texture.
• Week 2: The sweet spot. Top has grown into perfect texture territory.
• Week 3: Still looks great. Sides getting longer but blend holds.
• Week 4: Starting to lose shape. Sides need attention. Book your trim.

Pro tip: This cut actually looks BETTER at weeks 2–3 than week 1. Don't rush back to the barber.

Common Mistakes

• Trimming too often Fix: This cut needs growth to work. Wait 3–4 weeks minimum

• Adding product Fix: The whole point is natural texture. If you're using pomade, you've missed the concept

• Asking for hard edges Fix: Soft, natural transitions are what separate this from a modern buzz

• Fighting your natural texture Fix: Let your hair do what it wants — the imperfection is the style

• Going too short on the sides Fix: #1–2 guard, not skin fade. You want contrast, not a disconnect