An induction cut is the very shortest of hairstyles, without actually shaving the head with a razor. The style is so named as it is traditionally the first haircut given to new male recruits during induction into some of the world's armed forces, particularly those in the United States. Although there are other characteristics that also contribute to the identity of a skinhead, and they may wear hairstyles within a small range (from very short to shaved), the hairstyle most commonly associated with them is the induction cut.
The term buzzcut is used to generically describe all hairstyles where the hair is cut short to a consistent length all over using clippers. The induction cut is distinguishable by the clippers being used without any guard or attachment, resulting in the shortest possible cut. The scalp is not shaved with a razor, but only very short stubble is left. Some people may refer to this haircut as a number zero.
As with many other short hairstyles, including a shaved head the induction cut has become popular among some men recently. It is one of the hairstyles that balding men often choose.
Some army drill sergeants have been known to refer to this cut as the "Mighty Fine".
In the French Foreign Legion, this form of haircut, used by all recruits and many légionnaires is termed boule à zéro (zero ball - an allusion to the smooth baldness of a ball). In recent years, the U.S. military style of high and tight has become popular in the Légion.
