Made more popular by actress Demi Moore in action movie G.I Jane in 1997, the “buzz cut”, or a very short haircut in which the hair is clipped close to the head with a razor or clippers, remain a top favourite for women who are not afraid to make a bold statement.
The style has evolved over the years, with women now personalising their buzz cuts to suit their personalities...adding colour and patterns which vary from feminine, floral styles to more intricate geometric patterns which are like art work.Celebrities and entertainment personalities alike such as model, Amber Rose, model Alek Wek and award winning actress, Lupita Nyong'o are the unofficial ambassadors for the hair style.However, not everyone is brave enough to chop off all of their hair in one go and this is why some women are opting for the undercut...where only the sides and back is shaved short. This look is more versatile as it leaves one with the option of hiding the shaved bits.
‘The shorter the buzz cut, the more daring it is. Women tend to be more adventurous than men and will often go for a very short cut… right down to the skin, expressing confidence and self belief.
How to wear an undercut
Keep it really simple by having a straight across cut or a triangle shape having it one length, short and close to your head.When wearing your hair in a top knot bun (this is bundle of hair tied into place on the top of your head) is a great way to show off your patterned undercut.Add colour to your undercut. Playing with hair colour on you full head can be a bit scary. So this is a easy and fun way to play with colour to a small section of hair which can easily just be shaven off.
Fashion and beauty writer, Gerry Cupido has been rocking an undercut for the past four months, but needed to freshen up her cut and add a new pattern.
Her go-to guy is barber Calvin Smith, the owner of HairMcAnix in Cape Town who ,regularly cuts A-list celebrities such as Expresso presenter Katlego Maboe and R&B artist Loyiso Bala.“The shorter the buzz cut, the more daring it is. Women tend to be more adventurous than men and will often go for a very short cut...right down to the skin, expressing confidence and self belief;” “The variety is endless and women are now competing with guys when it comes to extreme patterns.It’s very touching when clients request to have the initials of their loved ones or a heart shape pattern done to commemorate the passing of someone special in their lives,” adds Smith.
Left: Barber Calvin Smith freshens up fashion and beauty writer Gerry Cupido’s undercut.