Here's why I don't recommend getting a buzz cut (for this particular guy).
The diffuse areas will show. And in his case, his hair is thick enough to
cover it up.
And if you grow it long on top, short sides and back, your head will look longer.
Someone with a round or square head, that might not be bad. Vertical head, it
could be bad.
Now, for some men this is a better choice. I just got a buzzcut myself (#4 guard, or 1/2 inches).
Only so I could post pictures on my other threads, was really the point. My forehead is horrible (an island
to itself, puts me in Norwood 4 category).
And, I'm going to grow my hair longer. But in hot weather, that's the time to experiment. Hair grows
very slow in cold weather.