Bleached Buzzcut

Woman with bleached hair in a buzzcut — Image: AI illustration

Q: I've always dreamed of cutting my hair super short, or even shaving it down to stubble length, and bleaching it blonde. Every time I see another woman rocking a blonde buzzcut, I feel envy. It’s a bold, stunning look, and I’ve finally decided to make my short hair dream a reality!

Right now, my hair is shoulder-length and brown. I’ve already discussed the idea with my hairdresser, and she’s completely on board. She loves the idea! To ease into the change, I’ve booked an appointment to get a chin-length bob next week. If I still feel brave afterward, I’ll go ahead with the buzzcut and bleaching shortly after the bob.

Before I fully commit, I’d love a second opinion. What do you think of the idea? What should I expect, and are there any reasons I shouldn’t go for it? Also, how long would it take for my hair to grow back to shoulder length after a buzzcut?

A: Your enthusiasm is infectious and I love your idea! A blonde buzzcut is bold, chic, and can be incredibly liberating. The fact that you’ve been thinking about it for so long and feel inspired when you see others with that look says a lot: it’s probably something you’re truly meant to try.

Going from long hair to a buzzcut is a big step, but your plan to get a bob first is brilliant. It gives you a chance to get used to seeing yourself with shorter hair and to build confidence before going all in. Plus, having a hairdresser who’s excited and supportive is a huge bonus.

Makeover from shoulder-length hair to a middle of the neck bob — Image: AI illustration

Bleaching:

Bleaching works by opening the hair shaft and dissolving your natural melanin: the pigment that gives your hair its color. This process is permanent and can make hair drier and more fragile. With a buzzcut, the risks are less concerning since there’s very little hair to damage, but it’s still worth being cautious.

Expect your natural roots to start showing within 2–3 weeks after bleaching. Some people love the high-contrast regrowth for an edgy vibe, while others prefer frequent touch-ups to maintain the full blonde look.

Make sure your stylist performs a strand test beforehand. This helps determine how your hair reacts to bleach and ensures the process won’t cause unexpected damage or uneven results.

Woman with very short clipper cut bleached hair — Image: AI illustration

Hair Growth Timeline

Hair grows, on average, about 1.25 cm (half an inch) per month. So from a buzzcut back to shoulder length, here’s what you’re looking at:

• 3–4 months: Pixie cut

• 12 months: Approaching chin length

• 18–24 months: Back to shoulder length

Patience is key, and you may go through a few awkward phases, but styling products, accessories, and trims can help keep things looking fresh along the way.

Woman wearing her hair very short with bleaching — Image: AI illustration

Potential Risks

While exciting, this transformation does come with a few potential pitfalls to be aware of:

• Overprocessing: If bleach is too strong or left on too long, it can damage your hair to the point of breakage or gumminess (especially while wet). In extreme cases, even a buzzcut might not hide the damage, and a full shave could become the healthiest option.

• Uneven Results: Lifting brown hair to blonde in one go can sometimes result in patchiness or uneven tones, which are much more visible on super short hair. A skilled colorist can minimize this, but it’s a good thing to keep in mind.

• Scalp Sensitivity: Bleach can be irritating to the scalp, particularly when applied directly to the roots. Let your stylist know if you have a sensitive scalp or any concerns.

You’ve clearly thought this through, and your excitement really comes through. It’s inspiring! Hair grows back, and this kind of bold change can be a thrilling way to express yourself. If you're still feeling enthusiastic after the bob, that’s a strong signal that you're ready to take the plunge.

©Hairfinder.com

See also: How hair bleaching works