A 1 guard buzz cut leaves about 1/8 inch of hair across the head. Remove the guard, and a 0 guard buzz cut cuts closer, to approximately 1/16 inch. These are the two shortest standard buzz cut lengths, stopping just short of a razor-shaved scalp.
The head shape, hairline and facial features are fully exposed. Somewhere between a military haircut and a fight-night crop, the look has nothing to style and nowhere to hide.
What Is a 0 or 1 Guard Buzz Cut?
Both cuts require only clippers. For a 1 guard buzz cut, the barber runs a #1 guard against the direction of growth across the head. For a 0 guard, also called a no guard buzz cut, zero buzz cut or induction cut, the attachment comes off and the bare clipper blade cuts the hair.
In their classic form, both cuts keep the hair at one length, with a trimmer tidying the ears and neckline. The scalp remains visible through the hair, particularly with a 0 guard.
0 Guard vs. 1 Guard Buzz Cut
| Guard | Length | Look |
|---|---|---|
| #0 (no guard) | About 1/16 in. (1–1.5 mm) | A shadow of stubble, with the scalp clearly visible |
| #0.5 | About 1/16–1/8 in. (1.5–3 mm) | Between the two, on clippers with half guards |
| #1 | 1/8 in. (3 mm) | Very short, but with a visible, even layer of hair |
A 0 guard is not a fixed length across every clipper. Blade settings vary by model, and closing the lever generally gives a closer cut.
The #1 leaves a more visible layer of hair and is the less drastic first choice. The #0 sits closer to the scalp and needs more frequent clipping. For additional length, see the 3 guard buzz cut and the full guard table in the buzz cut guide.
Who Suits a 0 or 1 Guard Buzz Cut?
With so little length left, straight, wavy and coily hair take on a similarly close-cropped appearance. On thinning hair or a receding hairline, a 0 or 1 guard can make the difference between dense and sparse areas less conspicuous. Other options appear in hairstyles for receding hairlines.
The exposed scalp makes bumps, scars and flat areas more apparent. Stubble or a beard can give a 0 guard cut a stronger facial outline. A scalp that has been covered by longer hair may also appear noticeably lighter at first.
How a 0 or 1 Guard Buzz Cut Grows Out
The 0 guard is one of the few cuts that doesn’t grow out so much as grow away. Within a week, the initial close stubble begins to soften. After two or three weeks, it looks like a longer buzz cut, with more coverage and a less severe outline.
The 1 guard holds its short, even appearance a little longer, typically a week or two before regrowth softens the edges.
Keeping either length exact requires frequent clipping. A 0 guard may need a pass every four to seven days, while a 1 guard can usually go one to two weeks. Sunscreen or a hat protects the exposed scalp, and a light moisturizer can help with dryness.
How to Ask for a 0 or 1 Guard Buzz Cut
- Ask for "a #1 all over" or "no guard all over."
- Say if you want a fade at the sides or a natural, even finish.
- Ask for the neckline and around the ears to be tidied with a trimmer.
- At home, start with a #1 if you’re unsure. It’s easy to go shorter next time.
