Haircut numbers refer to clipper guard sizes. They’re plastic combs that fit over your clipper blades to control how much hair is cut off with each pass, helping barbers and stylists create uniform haircuts with one length and fades that look professional.
Knowing the Different Clipper Guard Numbers
Knowing the different clipper guard numbers will ensure you receive a haircut of your desired style. Here’s a quick introduction to the haircut number system:
Number 1
The number one haircut leaves hair an eighth of an inch thick at its crown, providing more styling options and not exposing the scalp. It’s ideal for those who wish to keep their locks short without showing too much skin.
Number 2
The number two haircut is similar to the no guard, except it leaves hair about one-quarter of an inch longer. It works excellent with taper fades or blending different lengths into your locks; it works perfectly for curlier or textured waves!
Number 3
A number 3 haircut leaves half an inch of hair at its longest point for an ideal medium-short style that complements all hair types and types of tapers and mid-fades.
Number 4
The number 4 haircut is a medium length of clipper guards, ideal for skin fading or shadow fading techniques and suitable for crew cuts.
Number 5
If you prefer a buzz cut that falls short of zero, ask for the five-clipper guard size. It leaves 5/8-inch of hair for styling options. Tapering the sides without extreme contrast, this fade is also ideal for creating a more professional appearance in corporate settings.
Number 6
The number 6 haircut leaves three-quarters of an inch on both sides and is used for tapered sides, similar to a crew cut but shorter than a buzz cut.
Number 7
The number 7 haircut leaves your hair about three-eighths of an inch long. It is typically utilized with tapered sides for an authentic crew-cut effect. Furthermore, this length enables a longer upstyle on top while pairing well with fades.
Number 8
The number 8 haircut features the longest standard clipper guard length at about one inch, making it ideal for maintaining longer top hair neatly and evenly trimmed. Furthermore, its tapering properties can help create fade haircuts with added texture or trendy crop styles with added volume.
