Actors Embrace Buzz Cuts for Gritty Military Drama 'Boots'

As part of their roles in the new Netflix military dramedy "Boots," actors Miles Heizer and Liam Oh had to abide by a long-standing tradition of the U.S. Armed Forces: cutting off their hair. This requirement for short hair, done for practical reasons like safety and cleanliness, was incorporated into the show to add realism.

Heizer and Oh, along with the rest of the male-dominated cast playing military recruits, were not upset about the drastic change to their appearance. In fact, they found the experience "freeing" and a "really nice bonding moment" for the ensemble. The actors were even surprised by how good the buzz cuts looked on them.

However, the shaved heads did come with one major downside - Oh admits that his head became a "gigantic Velcro pad," sticking to pillows and shirts. But overall, the cast was excited to be part of the iconic military haircut scene that is common in similar shows and films.

Costar Max Parker agrees, saying the buzz cut moment is an "iconic" part of military-inspired stories. Oh echoes this sentiment, noting that the boys were "so excited to do it" to be part of that legacy.

"Boots," which follows a closeted teen who joins the Marines with his best friend, features an ensemble of sweet, soft-hearted young men, according to Oh. Despite the macho military setting, the actor says the cast was full of "big teddy bears" who are always ready to give a hug.