How to grow out a buzz cut without that weird in-between stage

The regrowth period has long dissuaded guys from grabbing the clippers. But now, there's a fast-track. Woolf founder and barber extraordinaire, Joe Mills, is interviewed in this British GQ article.

…we asked Joe Mills, expert barber and founder of Woolf in King's Cross, to explain how to do it, and do it well. “Growing out that buzz cut can seem like a daunting task but follow these simple rules and it should be less painful,” he says.

Keep the back and sides tapered down

“What can happen when you're growing it out is that it can look a little round,” Mills says. "My suggestion is to go a little higher with the buzz or if you want to keep as much length as possible it is all about which product you use and how it's applied.

“As it starts to grow out keep the back and sides short and clean cut this will give it shape and will look less unkept.”

Visit your barber every two weeks

“Realistically you should get trims when it starts to look scruffy, which will be a lot more regularly than you would normally would when your hair is very short.”

Use products

"Never leave it to just grow out as it will end up looking fluffy and as if you don't care about how you look. Use a dry paste on the top as it grows out to style it. 

“I recommend Kevin Murphy Gritty Business Clay Wax for guys with straighter hair. For keeping short, textured hair under control, go for Kevin Murphy Night Rider Matte Paste. Use a little less than you think – it's easier to add more than try and remove too much. Once you get enough length on top you can start to style it differently and push it back."

Make sure you're styling it the right way

“Almost everybody's hair grows either clockwise or anti-clockwise so make sure you are styling how it wants to go as opposed to the way you have always worn it (a common mistake),” Mills says. “This can lead to it sticking up. After a shower, towel dry it and if your hair is fine use sea salt spray (which will thicken it up) or a texture spray if it's thick already and you need a little more definition. 

"Once you get enough length on top you can start to style it differently and push it back but once again use product. If it's sticking up, use a brush and direct the hot air where you want the hair to go.”

Finally, remember it takes time

“Be patient, get regular trims to keep it under control and find the products that work for you. 
Worst case scenario: invest in a hat."

Read the full How to grow out a buzz cut without that weird in-between stage article on GQ Magazine

Article was written by Zak Maoui