Hyunjin Buzz Cut: The Bold K-Pop Hairstyle That’s Redefining Men’s Short Hair Trends

Hey there, fellow hair enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably scrolled through your feed and stopped dead in your tracks at the sight of Hyunjin from Stray Kids rocking that jaw-dropping buzz cut. As a professional barber with over 15 years in the game, cutting everything from classic fades to wild experimental styles in my downtown shop, I can tell you firsthand—this look isn’t just a fleeting celeb whim. It’s sparked a full-on buzz cut trend among guys everywhere, especially in the K-pop hairstyle scene. I remember the day the photos dropped; my clients were buzzing (pun intended) about it non-stop. One guy even walked in the next week saying, “Give me the Hyunjin!” Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Hyunjin buzz cut, from its origins to how you can pull it off yourself. Trust me, by the end, you might be tempted to grab those clippers.

What Exactly Is the Hyunjin Buzz Cut?

Picture this: a super short hair men’s style that’s clean, edgy, and unapologetically bold. The Hyunjin buzz cut isn’t your average military haircut or basic induction cut—it’s a refined take on the classic buzzcut transformation. Hwang Hyunjin, the multi-talented main dancer, rapper, vocalist, and visual king of Stray Kids, debuted this look with a slightly longer guard on top, often bleached buzz cut for that extra pop. It’s not a full razor shave like a butch cut, but close enough to show off your head shape and facial features.

In my experience as a barber, I’ve given countless crew cut variations to clients inspired by celebrity buzz cuts. What sets Hyunjin’s apart is that androgynous look—it amps up his masculine hairstyle while keeping that genderless beauty vibe. If you’re into K-pop idol hairstyle trends, this one’s a game-changer. It’s versatile for face shape suitability, working best on oval or square faces, but hey, I’ve made it flatter rounder ones with a subtle faded buzz cut tweak.

The Origin: Hyunjin’s Daring Hair Journey and Why It Went Viral

Oh man, where do I even start? Back on December 25, 2024, at the SBS Gayo Daejeon, Hyunjin shocked the world by ditching his signature long locks for this shaved head style. As a Versace ambassador and Cartier Hyunjin icon, he’s always been a fashion icon Hyunjin, but this bold hair change took it to another level. From what I’ve gathered chatting with K-pop fans in my chair (and trust me, they spill all the tea), he did it to stand out in an era where long hair on guys had become super common. Hyunjin himself mentioned growing his hair out in 2020 for uniqueness, but by 2024, it was everywhere—so boom, buzz cut it was!

This Hyunjin long hair to short switch wasn’t just personal; it ignited social media buzz. TikTok buzz cut videos, Instagram Hyunjin posts, Pinterest buzz cut ideas, and even Reddit discussions exploded. Some speculated it was military service speculation prep (common for Korean celebrity hair and idol enlistment haircut), but Hyunjin clarified it was about being a trendsetter Hyunjin. In my shop, I’ve seen similar stories—guys coming in after a breakup or big life change, ready for that edgy hairstyle. One client told me, “If Hyunjin can rock it as a dance performance with a buzz cut, so can I!” It’s that kind of inspiration that makes barbering so rewarding.

Pros and Cons of Rocking a Hyunjin-Inspired Buzz Cut

Let’s keep it real—every hairstyle has its ups and downs, and as an expert barber, I’ve advised hundreds on this. Here’s the lowdown:

The Pros:

• Low-maintenance haircut: No more bad hair days! A quick trim every few weeks keeps it sharp.
• Time-saving haircut: Perfect for busy dudes—shower, towel dry, done. Ideal as a summer hairstyle or athletic look.
• Confidence with short hair: It highlights your facial structure, giving that masculine and defined edge. Hyunjin’s androgyny shines here, making it versatile for anyone.
• Easy grooming: Pair it with accessories with a buzz cut like earrings buzz cut, or a beanie with short hair for instant style.
• Minimalist hair: Great for Gen Z hairstyle vibes, and it’s super winter buzz cut friendly under hats.

The Cons:

• Hair growth after buzz cut: Hyunjin mentioned his hair grew fast, leading to quick post-buzz cut styles. You might deal with awkward phases if growing it out.
• Sunscreen scalp: Exposed skin means more UV protection—I’ve had clients forget and end up with burns!
• Mixed opinions: Like the fan reactions to Hyunjin’s debut, not everyone loves it. Some say it’s “not for him,” but others rave about the intense facial expressions it reveals.
• Head shape for buzz cut: If yours isn’t ideal, it can feel exposing. Always consult a pro first.
• Maintenance buzz cut: While low-key, you’ll need regular clipper sessions to avoid looking unkempt.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons if you’re after that iconic K-pop look boost. I’ve seen shy guys transform into confident struts after going for it.

How to Get Your Own Hyunjin Buzz Cut: A Barber’s Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to channel your inner Stray Kids comeback energy? As someone who’s wielded clippers on everything from high and tight to textured buzz cut, here’s how to nail it:

1. Choose Your Clippers Size: Hyunjin’s was around a #1 or #2 guard—not too bald, keeping some texture for that bleached buzz cut option.
2. Prep Your Hair: Wash and dry it. If going DIY buzz cut, invest in quality tools, but I always recommend a professional barber’s buzz cut for evenness.
3. Section and Buzz: Start from the sides, moving up. For a faded buzz cut, blend the lengths smoothly.
4. Add Personal Flair: Bleach like Hyunjin for a K-pop hair trends 2025 twist, or keep it natural.
5. Aftercare: Moisturize your scalp—hair care after shave is key to avoiding irritation.

Pro tip from my chair: Test with a friend first. One time, a client buzzed unevenly at home and came in panicking—we fixed it, but lesson learned!

Styling Tips to Elevate Your Buzz Cut Game

Who says short-haired men can’t be stylish? Hyunjin pairs his with high-fashion outfits, proving it’s more than a military haircut. Here are my go-to tips:

• Accessories Buzz: Big earrings, buzz cut, or necklaces draw eyes up, enhancing that visual king aura.
• Beanie with Short Hair: For colder days, a slouchy one adds a hip look.
• Hat Styles: Baseball caps or fedoras for an edgy hairstyle upgrade.
• Bleached Buzz Cut: If bold, go platinum like Hyunjin— but use color-safe products.
• Textured Buzz Cut: Add waves if your hair allows, for a less uniform vibe.

In my experience, styling turns a basic cut into a statement. Chat with your barber about what suits your lifestyle—whether you’re hitting the gym or a Stray Kids concert.

Fan Reactions, Cultural Impact, and Similar Celeb Looks

The fan reactions were wild! Mixed reactions flooded YouTube reactions, Quora questions, and Threads—some called it a “game-changer,” others missed the long hair. But it cemented Hyunjin as a K-pop idol’s hair pioneer, influencing buzz cut celebrities like Brad Pitt’s classic buzz cut or Zayn Malik’s shaved head.

Culturally, it’s part of the buzz cut boom in 2025, as seen in GQ and Esquire. As a barber, I’ve noticed more guys requesting Korean celebrity hair inspo, blending Gen Z hairstyle with global trends. It’s empowering—showing confidence with short hair transcends borders.

Maintenance, Growing It Out, and Long-Term Care

Keeping it fresh? Buzz every 2-4 weeks. For growing out a buzz cut, be patient—Hyunjin went from buzz to fluffy in months. Use hair growth after buzz cut products like biotin shampoos.

Daily hair care after shave: Gentle washes, sunscreen scalp in summer. If it gets itchy, aloe vera’s my secret weapon from years of client fixes.

Wrapping up, the Hyunjin buzz cut is more than a style—it’s a vibe. Whether you’re a Stray Kids Hyunjin stan or just curious about men’s short hair trends, give it a shot. I’ve seen it boost confidence in so many, and who knows? It might just become your signature look.

Also read The Ultimate Guide to Kids’ Burst Fade Haircuts.