I've been debating for a while now whether or not to shave Tilley's hair off. It was so thick when she was born, but had fallen out in some places...and partially grown back in. Then there was the little patch on the top that stood straight up, no matter what. I loved it, but a number of times people would tell me to cut it. I was just going to give her a trim, but a buzz cut was easier...and I figured it would grow in even that way! I used a #3, I guesstimated that, that was about the length of the shortest hair on her head. I regret it now....even though she has a nice velvety feel going on.