Learn Haircut Numbers & Hair Clipper Sizes Easily In Minutes!

Are you tired of listening to ‘that haircut number’ or ‘#3 hair clippers for this cut’ and not understand what it means whenever you try to look for some cool & short men’s haircut ideas?

Then I’m here to tell you all about it in detail! Once you’ve reached the end of my article, you’ll find y ourself equipped with all the jargon relevant to this particular area!

As I’ve vowed to break it all down into smaller portions and take the time to explain the basics to you, I believe it’ll prove to be helpful for new grooming enthusiasts.

Also, this whole write-up can function as a guideline for amateur barbers who find themselves in tight spots every now and again regarding haircut numbers.

Find a few suggestions, tips & tricks at the very end to generate smooth experiences for yourself at home, or your customers at your shop any time of the day!

What Are Haircut Numbers?

 

Haircut numbers are basically ranged between 0 to 8 and each of them signify a particular length of hair.

Within these categories of length, you’ll discover that there are plenty of haircuts that fulfill each of the numbers’ criteria’s.

While the number 0 refers to the shortest variant of this styling technique, the number 8 directs at the longest one.

It doesn’t necessarily mean a numbered haircut must have your entire head clipped at that length, rather you can confine that length at the sides or at the back with a longer hair up top.

Using these numbers, it’s easier for you to assess what tools you are going to use to achieve a particular haircut.

Speaking of tools, this concept has a direct correlation to a hair clipper device and their comb guard sizes which I’ll be shedding light on in the following section.

Link B/W Haircut Numbers & Hair Clipper Sizes

 

As I spoke broadly about the haircut numbers in the previous section, here I’ll speak about the science behind such categorization and show how accurately you can measure your outcome.

The numbered haircuts have received their unique names from the clipper guard sizes. Confused? Let me explain.

If you attach the number 1 clipper guard, it’ll generally let you clip your hair at a length that’s unique for that attachment only. And that haircut is going to be called a number 1 haircut.

This way, the rest of the haircut numbers draw their titles from their respective clipper guards. The only different one here is the number 0 and it’s attained through removing any attachment from the clipper and using the blade directly on the skin.

You might wonder what the standard lengths are for each of the comb guards. Well, quench your thirst in my next section!

Haircut Numbers Size Chart

If you think about hair clipper sizes, it’s necessary to understand how lengthy each of the haircut number styles will leave your hair. So, a chart that I’m going to show you will tell you exactly on this matter!

A context is necessary here: The first column tells you the number of the haircut and the adjacent column separated by colons represents the length in inches.

The millimeter value is placed in the following column separated by dashes and the last column placed within brackets dictates the comb attachment needed for that particular haircut.

Here we go!

From the chart above, you can now make sense of the haircut numbers as well as the clipper sizes and realize the lengths they are going to give you should you pick any of them.

Hair Clipper Sizes: Brands Comparison

To assess the different sizes of hair clippers, we must guide our route through the prominent brands and their detachable/magnetic guard sizes. I’ve posed my comparison among five renowned brands: Andis, Oster, Wahl, BaBylissPro & Remington.

Each of the categories would equip you with knowledge on the available clipper guard sizes for the respective brand and the length variance you could expect out of them during use.

Andis

Unlike many other brands, Andis tends to follow the standard lengths for their comb guards. They start as low as the #0 at 1/16” with the maximum length of 1” with their #8 guard.

Among their 11 guards, two additional attachments smooth out the gradient at the shorter cut portion – the #0.5 at 3/32” and the #1.5 at 3/16”.

Oster

Oster here promotes their 10 comb guard line with an extra push at the maximum length utilizing a #10 guard that clips precisely at 1.25”. The rest of the guards follow standard guidelines and don’t deviate from basic principles.

Wahl

With the purchase you’ll make from Wahl, the package would contain a standard number of 9 comb guards. The difference lies in the guard numbers however, as they don’t create #0 combs, instead the original pack opts for a #0.5 and a #1.15 – similar to the Andis line.

But, you can make separate purchases of two additional guards namely #10 and #12, both of which reach past the 1” mark. The former clips at 1.25” while the latter at 1.5” – establishing it as the longest clippable comb guard in the market.

BaBylissPro

BaBylissPro turns out to be a minimalist in their take on clipper sizes. They include 8 distinctive comb guards starting from the #0.5 at 1/16” up to their #6 that clips at 3/4″. It’s a one of a kind setup which refrains from clipping at the ideal 1” point.

Remington

Remington stands as the only old school clipper brand in the list to follow the protocols precisely with their 9 clipper sizes. The comb guards range between the standard #0 to #8, with length variance starting from 1/16” to 1”

The Science Behind The Haircut Lengths

If you wonder what these numbers or hair clipper sizes are based on, if they are arbitrary numbers, then let me unveil a secret to you: they’re not.

There’s actually science going on behind the scenes. The measuring inches are calculated and an aggregated result is placed, thus it creates confusion very often.

If you look at the graph below, you’ll notice a pattern of gradual length increment going on, resulting in a straight line.

The science is: professionals long ago devised a plan that the clipper comb sizes should be divided into 8 lengths and one comb from the other should increment by 1/8 inches.

Thus, from number 1 to number 8, you’ll notice the lengths go up by 1/8 inches each time. The number 0 is an exception since it doesn’t include any attachments, as a result it’s as close to the skin as you can get with your clipper.

Hopefully it’ll make apparent to how the measuring is done and the neatness of haircut numbers that we often fail to see in hindsight.

Haircut Numbers With Dashing Styles

Let me describe each of the haircut numbers with some of the most prolific styles in that category. Also, I’ll be covering which hair clipper sizes are to be used in order to implement that design to your look!

Number 0

The number 0 is the shortest from the lot and the most dangerous. There’s no comb guard that can swoop down to this length, rather you’ll have to remove all the guards to get the closest to the skin.

It’s often used as an alternative to using manual razors, but mostly men who prefer having some degree of short hair on their scalp opt for this length.

Zero Fade

To achieve any type of fade, you must go for the number 0 length on your clipper. As a hairstyle enthusiast, you are probably already aware of the general types of fades. But the most prominent one at this length is referred to as “bald fade” that encompasses your entire head.

Low Fade

It’s more of a less-aggressive face which occurs right over the ear region. It demands a similar approach as the mid fade but placed very low on the sides. Since it’s limited to the fringe area, barbers often prefer using the 0 blades to achieve this look!

Military Cut

As the name suggests, it’s particularly built for the individuals serving in the military. But that doesn’t deprive modern stylists from flaunting it with pride! It’s quite straightforward to achieve as you’ll only need a clipper without any attachment to get done.

With the naked blade, clip all over your head with caution as there’s always a chance of cutting yourself. It’ll resemble something like a bald fade, but the slightly longer patch up front differentiates distinctly between the styles!

Number 1

The number 1 is one of the most go-to hair clipper sizes as barbers like myself settle for this length while applying those seamless, one-length cuts.

Some of the most popular designs have derived from utilizing this length properly and thus the haircut number 1 is broadly appreciated by almost everyone in the grooming industry.

Buzz Cut

The buzz cut is a trademark from the number 1 haircut category as it’s the most fanciable and stylish design from the lot! You’ll be able to create most of the portion for this haircut, especially the sides using the clipper number 1 attachment and a specialized clipper.

At the top, there’s some task to do as buzz cuts mostly rely on the neat style up front. You can get that done with the blade guard removed or a line up trimmer from a wide variety of devices.

To add to the look, I’d suggest you go for a sharp shaved line between the top & one side. Also, creating a shaved illustration is something consumers often opt for at the sides to express themselves better!

Crew Cut

Although crew cuts are often used synonymously with buzz cuts, there are certain differences between the two – especially around the frontal area.

Instead of keeping it short like the buzz cut, you can flick up the hair or let it climb down to cover a portion of your forehead.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even let the front part grow an inch or two long so that the variance in hair length is able to produce an alluring outcome!

Tapered Styles

You’ve probably heard this jargon a lot if you’re someone who looks into prominent men’s hairstyles on a regular basis.

Tapering is a more sophisticated take on fading and it works only around the edges as well as fringes of the entire hair body.

This can manifest at the sides and continue all the way around the back, or remain only at one portion for an enhancement of looks.

You can merge tapers with numerous hairstyles, a number 1 length fade done with half an inch from the edge is what you’ll be looking for in the ideal taper.

Medium Fade

Such a category of fade appears between the hairline and edge of your side hair. The lower portion is to be trimmed down to zero while the top part can undertake anything between number 1 to number 3 length, but 1 is the most go-to size for this look.

Number 2

The number 2 specializes in a length that’s very short and convenient for low-maintenance, but at the same time it doesn’t expose the skin completely to the environment like the former two.

This haircut number is generally used as a complementary design to the longer style on top and flourish successfully when it’s put together in a contrastive length haircut.

Undercut

When you’re thinking about undercuts, you must remember to attach the number 2 comb guard on your clipper. Any style can benefit greatly from an undercut merger, but the most common phenomena in this field is the slick back look.

This look plays around with long hair length on the top. You’ll have to comb it smoothly toward the back and expose the sides using the number 2 guard.

Undercuts can implement fades, tapers or even a completely clipped side portion at the set length to generate a contrastive look that styling men often prefer!

High & Tight

This high & tight hairstyle ideation is a broader umbrella term for styles like buzz or crew cut with a wider possibility of differently clipped sides.

What I mean by this is, the sides aren’t confined within one clipper size but I personally prefer the number 2 guard because of the exposed portion height.

At this length, you won’t get sunburnt easily and be able to flaunt any of the designs up top while sticking firmly to the short sides long top aesthetics.

High Fade

This is where you remove large chunks of your hair as high up as your hairline. It creates a huge exposed area and removes maintenance hussle. At the same time, your sides will be vulnerable to sunburn so keep that knowledge stored at the back of your head.

This, number 2 is the most optimum length for this look. It sits between very short hair yet doesn’t fully clean up so there’s some visible texture to the naked eye.

Number 3

The haircut number 3 here goes the distance of being a seamless cut that’s not as short as the crew or buzz cuts. Thus, your scalp doesn’t become vulnerable to sunburns while retaining some hair texture.

This hair clipper size clips at such a length that you can easily mix it up with longer lengths on top as well. This is one of the most dynamic haircut numbers you’ll stumble upon in my list!

Butch Cut

Butch cuts are highly preferable to men with a good physique and a sharp jawline. It’s a cut that magnifies the masculinity of an individual and women with good taste fall for such a look very often!

The general idea for a butch cut is to clip down the entirety of your head to a very short length. Clipper guards lower than number 3 are overkillers.

From my years of experience, I’ve learned that the number 3 is placed at just the right spot for the perfect butch cut. Just put it on and get rid of all the hair – done & dusted very easily!

Bowl Cut

Remember Jim Carrey’s iconic look from his movie Dumb and Dumber? His haircut was a hit back in 1994 as many people found it intriguing to mimic such a radical style!

It’s been enhanced further by enthusiasts as they draw a round line around the long top portion of their heads and clipped sides down to a number 3 length.

This style has inspired many designs in the following years and the likes of the Edgar cut, Takuache and so on set foot in the industry with slightly longer sides.

Number 4

Number 4 haircut sits at the sweet spot between long & short variants of haircut numbers and this is why it’s one of the safest approaches to styling. If you’re uncertain about what you want, whether you want length or comfort, number 4 will cater to both of those to some extent.

This length of hair can be interpreted in many ways as it can be sharp and blunt at the same time. I mostly use it as the side or back length and build up a style on that foundation.

Caesar Cut

Borrowing name from the Roman conqueror Julius Caesar, the cut is inspired by this historical figure as well. His busts from the ancient times left behind the way his hair looked and modern stylists implement such a design for enhanced masculinity for consumers.

The sides are neatly sized down with a number 4 attachment but the top part contains some ground for length as many Caesar cuts let the forehead be covered with flat hair.

It’s a flexible design as there’s an existing gradient of messy to neat – thus, it’s open for everyone interested!

Takuache Haircut

The Takuache (also known as Edgar) haircut pays almost a direct homage to the bowl cut with an added layer of edginess in the design.

It radiates the same effect as placing a bowl on your head and clipping the sides with your number 4 guards, but the fringes are sharpened with extra enthusiasm.

A look mixed with pure comedy yet precision, the modern trends have seen it elevate to a highly-welcomed consumer grade haircut, so why not try it out to see what happens?

Number 5

This is where you’ll witness noticeable length in your hair straight from the clipper’s cut. It covers up the sides really well and lets you draw shaved designs or lines with a stark contrast from the base.

Another great aspect for this length is that, even though the hair is of sizable amount, it would still be transparent enough to display if there’s any tattoo designed on the side of your scalp.

Long Top Short Sides Haircut

This trend is a basic concept from which many of the popular hairstyles are branched out. It’s a haircut aesthetic highly reliant on shorter sides composed with a number 5 comb.

At the top however, the length is going to be significantly long and unkempt using scissors rather than clippers. Because of that, there are certain options of spiked, laid down or brushed toward the side designs.

Ones with curly hair can greatly benefit from this genre since it offers a very flexible yet low-maintenance styling opportunity.

Top Knot Cut

It’s one of the most unique renditions of the number 5 haircut designs since it doesn’t cover all of the head portion, rather clips all the way around leaving the top intact.

Starting from the crown, you’ll gather up all of the hair preferable at a longer length and tie them up into a knot guided toward the back.

If you like the idea of long flowing or upstanding hair in the front paired with shorter sides, then you’re simply going to fall for the top knot cut.

You can even include a shaved line at the hair partition to add more depth to the look!

Number 6

From the haircut number 6, the substantial amount of hair will remain on your clipped portions, allowing you to merge that with a number 0 or 1 for a fine fade.

This length of hair usually remains at the top portion of the sides to create variance with the lower, highly-clipped tapers or fades. You are also allowed to keep the length fixed with the 6 guard which cater more toward formal looks.

Flat Top Cut

Flat tops generally belong to the counterculture trends hybridized with popular men’s haircuts with a mix of radical touch.

Grab your number 6 guard to remove everything from the sides and let the top part grow up to a sizable length.

Then, use your comb to guide the clipper so that it’s chopped flat that creates a square-ish effect.

Some refer to this look as the brush cut since the flat top reflects such imagery. The overall look generates an edgy vibe while being dashing, that’s something very rare for such approaches of haircuts.

French Crop

French aesthetics are often suave & casual-looking at the same time and this style doesn’t deviate at all from such values.

The crop suggests an intervention with the number 6 comb guard for the sides and to draw out a fade-like effect. You can commit to any of the fades if you want to.

For the top part however, you’ll have to let it stay messy and not utilize any comb for styling as well as maintenance.

Adding highlights, messy spirals or wave locks are the go-to decorations for the French crop, built upon a foundation done using a number 6 length guide.

Number 7

At this point of hair clipper sizes, you’ll start to identify that the modern trends are feeling relevant to this length of hair. Whether it’s a modern day rendition of an older style or a completely new one from scratch, 7 is the magic number for that.

With such a length, you’ll feel obligated to keep a larger chunk of hair down the middle, thus inspiring the trends that I’m going to mention hereafter.

Modern Mohawk

While the typical mohawk completely shaves off the sides to enhance the top spiked part in a better light, modern variations don’t follow the naked side designs.

Rather, sophisticated men prefer to have their sides clipped down with a number 7 comb guard and the spike above to a limited length.

This way, it’s rendered a highly acceptable & modish haircut that you can wear literally at any space. Growing a stubble has potentials to make the look ooze out even more fanciness!

Faux Hawk

Faux Hawk resembles the modern mohawk values in many ways, but it draws the line at how you wear your hair at the top and the way you guide its direction toward any side.

A rule of thumb for faux hawks is to create a medium fade using the number 7 comb. You can go a step further to simply clip at this length without the length variance.

The latter would allow you to sketch out a seamless haircut with a spiked up top carried all the toward the nape.

Don’t forget to apply some holding spray so that your fancy design remains at place while moving around!

Number 8

It’s the last length of this gradient set at 1” and has the ability to cover the entire head at this precise length to create dashing haircuts. Not all longer seamless cuts are appealing, but the number 8 is a rare haircut in this aspect.

You can even merge a frontal spike or backward flow with an inch longer hair than the sides. Utilizing various hair clipper sizes, you’ll be able to open limitless doors of men’s haircut possibilities!

Ivy League

This haircut is named in such a way because it used to be the most common trend in the Ivy League universities as they always prefer their students to display sophistication.

The general rule is to clip with a number 8 for the sides & the back and another inch longer top hair that’s brushed backward.

It’s a modern day upgrade of the classic crew cut and caters more toward men who prefer slightly longer hair.

You’ll notice the likes of Ryan Reynolds or Matt Demon flaunting these top-class styles in public events as these are well-suited for such occasions.

Quiff Cut

The quiff usually refers to the smooth & rounded spike up the front of the head with the rest of the hair body either lying down or clipped to a specific length.

I always suggest my clients to tie this look up with a number 8 cut all around so that the contrast isn’t stark yet the quiff is granted the larger spotlight.

Applying subtle bleach often plays in the hand of enhancement. Only issue with this haircut is that you’ll be needing some supplements like mousse, holding spray etc. to get the quiff going.

Hair Clipper Guard Types

If you didn’t already know, there are certain categories of hair clipper guards that are differentiated based on their functionality. The following types I’m discussing hereafter should allow you to learn about your clipper guards under a brighter light.

Angular Guards

These guards do as the title suggests – they are placed on your clipper head at a predetermined angle. Their major task is to taper around the sides as the angle renders it convenient to start from zero to an upward movement leaving a gradually longer chunk of hair.

Thus, tapering has been automated with a swift motion. However, prominent brands don’t include these as a part of their package and we are bound to purchase them separately.

A note to remember that you’d still be needing other comb guards as these alone won’t satisfy the other major needs.

Magnetic Guards

Magnetic guards tend to snap on the head of the clipper without having to clip-on to hinges that are often prone to damage. So these enhance durability with a time-saving approach as you can easily swap from one to the next in a matter of seconds!

Color-Coded Guards

If you’re working in a busy environment with numerous clients demanding to be catered, color-coded guards are a big relief in that context. Unique colors are assigned to different lengths of comb guards.

As a result, you’ll only need to identify the color before altering between combs instead of looking closely at the guard number every time – increased efficiency guaranteed with no room for error it seems!

How To Get A Specific Design Using Haircut Numbers?

Suppose you want one of those haircut numbers by yourself using various hair clipper sizes. What would be the approach for an amateur who doesn’t have much grooming knowledge other than just shaving and a little bit trimming?

Follow my three step procedure that I perform in my salon and repeat these steps as you move around the head.

Attach

At first, you must assess which of the haircuts you are going to apply to yourself or at least have an idea of your desired length.

Then, check my hair length chart and find out which of the comb guards will clip at that precise length. Attach that guard and you’ll be done with your first step!

Glide

Start very low from one side of your head and glide the clipper upward very gently. To ensure an even cut, you must press the device firmly against your skin. I would recommend avoiding zero gapping if you’re an amateur as it requires some familiarization with tool handling.

With each of the hair portions, you must acquire this gliding animation for a smooth outcome. The more time you spend on it, the better your result is going to be.

Lift

Reaching the end of each glide, the animation transforms into a lift. Professionals generally call it ‘lift & glide’ as we go about it.

The new learners must make it into one swift motion and apply it while clipping their hair. This technique comes in handy during trimming your beard as well!

Repeat

Once you’ve mastered the three step procedure, all you need to do now is mimic that at every portion of your head. Repetition will significantly improve your efficiency and build a familiarization with the device that you’re using.

So this way you’ll be able to pick out any of the haircut numbers and create that specific look at home!

Perfect Tools For All Hair Clipper Sizes

In the tools market, you might find yourself lost if you don’t really have any preference or so to say, knowledge on which clippers are ideal for your specific needs.

I mean, there are expensive devices that are regarded as the best, but these in my opinion are suitable for barbers rather than home consumers.

Thus, I’ve divided my clipper suggestions into three categories so that everyone can find a unit that suits them.

For Professional Use

First and foremost, professional clippers like Wahl, Andis, BaByliss or Oster feature some of the most appreciated qualities in the market. These devices rely heavily on durability, precision and efficiency as these are the three key aspects needed in a grooming store.

These clippers are generally priced at a very high range due to the build quality and materials used to construct them. Other than that, long cables, sturdy combs and so on are provided with the notion of having it used in a barber shop.

These clippers are able to cover every haircut number as it comes with all the basic comb sizes or a built-in guard that covers every length.

For All-Round Performance

For an all-round performance out of your hair clipper, I’d recommend you to go for a wireless device instead of a wired one. You may find some of the maneuvers or animations to be quite tricky being an amateur, and a wireless device releases you from some limitations.

Such clippers come at a relatively affordable range than the professional ones, though that’s not very cheap which I must admit. But these clippers generally put on various comb guards on display and you’ll be able to pick any of them for your desired numbered haircut.

These too can be used in professional setups but home consumers can draw out equal benefits as well. I’ll personally recommend you to buy from this section.

For Lining Up The Edges

If you want a hair clipper that covers all the hair clipper sizes and can land any style of your choice, then you’re in the hot seat for something extra. These line-up clippers will push your potentials through the roof as they can not only clip, but also create sharp lines!

This renders keeping a line-up trimmer redundant as the clipper alone can do the task of two easily! It does require some getting used to, but after a certain time spent with any of them, you can line up your hair as neatly as a professional!

Clippers like these share similar price tags like the all-round devices, so it’s up to you whether you need a dedicated clipper or one that can work like two.

FAQ

Let me answer a couple of questions quickly to enhance your knowledge further into the field of haircut numbers.

Q: What is the lowest haircut number?

A: As you’ve seen my chart that explains haircut numbers and hair clipper sizes, the lowest possible number is the number 0 haircut.

Q: How do I know my clipper size?

A: Once you have your clipper guards in your hand, look for a # followed by a number which would be your clipper size. For instance, the comb guard that reads #3 means it’s a number 3 sized clipper and it’s ideal for haircut number 3.

Q: What is a standard blade size?

A: It varies from one clipper to the other really because not all the clippers share the same blade sizes. However, clipper guard sizes are universal regardless of the device you choose to use!

Thoughts

This here marks the end of this long journey through the fields of haircut numbers and hair clipper sizes. I hope there has been new horizons of knowledge that this article was able to unfold before you.

The length guide, different haircuts and their connection with clipper sizes have delivered some engaging information that are highly-essential for effective short hair styling.

I’ll even encourage you to master these skills, utilize a fitting device and create new & unique haircuts for men every now and again.

I managed to broadcast some of the most basics under each haircut number and it’s now your task to push that even further so that I can one day feature you in my articles!

Until then, grab your clipper, set your guard and start clipping away all that unwanted hair to satisfy your grooming lust with utmost precision and distinction!