Short hair is having a strong year. Clients want cuts that look intentional without needing much styling, and these two deliver that better than almost anything else.
The textured crop
Who it suits: straight, wavy and thick hair, and clients who want a short cut with some personality on top.
- Sides and back: fade from a short guard at the bottom up to around a #3 (10mm on standard guard sizing) where the head starts to curve.
- Top: leave roughly 2 to 5cm. Cut it with clipper-over-comb or scissors, then point-cut into the ends to create the choppy texture.
- Fringe: cut it short and blunt for a French crop, or softer and broken up for a more relaxed look.
- Blend: connect the top to the sides so there is no shelf where the fade meets the length.
- Style: a small amount of matte clay or paste worked in with the fingers, pushed forward.
The modern buzz cut
Who it suits: almost everyone, especially clients with a strong head shape, thinning hair or a busy routine.
- Choose the top length: a #2 to #4 (6 to 13mm on standard sizing) keeps it soft; shorter gives a sharper military look.
- Add a soft fade: take the sides and back slightly shorter than the top so the shape isn't flat. This is what makes the 2026 buzz look modern.
- Vary the length slightly: leaving the crown and front a touch longer than the sides adds dimension.
- Line it up: a crisp hairline and neckline with a trimmer makes a simple cut look premium.
Guard guide (standard sizing)
- #0.5: about 1.5mm
- #1: about 3mm
- #2: about 6mm
- #3: about 10mm
- #4: about 13mm
Guard lengths can vary slightly between brands, so check the markings on your own set. FXDE sells replacement clipper guards if yours are worn or missing.
Tools for both cuts
- A powerful clipper that won't snag on thick tops, like the Ultimate Legend Fade Clipper or the Master Fade Clipper
- A trimmer for the lineup and outline
- A mist spray bottle to keep the top damp while cutting the crop
Choosing between models? See the best professional barber clippers in South Africa.