Charlie Sheen Is Not Pulling a Britney, Says Pal

By Catherine Donaldson-Evans

Friday April 16, 2010 02:00 PM EDT

Charlie Sheen

Albert L. Ortega/PR Photos

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Charlie Sheen may be sporting a new buzz cut, but don't compare him to Britney Spears – who famously shaved her head while going through a challenging time.

Despite reports likening Sheen's new 'do to Spears's impulsive decision to go bald, the actor's close friend tells PEOPLE any parallel is absurd.

"For seven years [doing Two and a Half Men,] Charlie had to have the same haircut," says Mark Burg, an executive producer on the show and longtime Sheen pal. "Now that he's completed his contract, he decided to get a haircut and he used a No. 2 buzzer. No big deal. He likes it and likes that it's easier to take care of. It looks good!"

RELATED: Charlie Sheen Dons Mustache – for Fun – Not to Hide Rumored Affair

In recent months, Sheen, 44, has been in rehab and is facing an assault charge after a heated Christmas day argument with his wife Brooke Mueller.

The actor wants to leave Two and a Half Men after this season.

• Reporting by ELIZABETH LEONARD

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