On the other hand, a #3 can also be used on the top for a longer buzz cut style (e.g. The “Number 3 Haircut” cuts your hair down to 3/8 of an inch, and is generally the longest clipper size most barbers will use to maintain short faded sides. A number 2 is a safe bet for guy’s with thinning hair and is likely perfect for thick hair.

Not too short or long, the #2 gives you 1/4 of an inch in length, allowing for a fuller hairstyle that doesn’t expose the scalp. The “Number 2 Haircut” is one of the most popular clipper sizes for fade haircuts. However, we do not recommend a number 1 cut if you don’t want your scalp to show. The #1 guard is still ideal for buzz cuts, or you can use it to taper or fade from different numbers. A zero is often used to provide a very short buzz cut or almost skin fade, leaving the scalp exposed.Ī “Number 1 Haircut” is about 1/8 of an inch, which is a little longer than a number zero. Here are the haircut numbers and their respective clipper guard sizes (lengths):Ī “Number 0 Haircut” has no guard attached and therefore uses the permanent guard attached to the clipper for a short cut. Quick Reference Guide For Hair Clipper Sizes In this way, a man can request a Number 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 haircut, where a “Number 0” means no guard is used, resulting in a near-shaved look with 1/16 of an inch of hair left. Similarly, a “Number 1 Haircut” is a very short cut that corresponds to a 1/8 inch length a “Number 3 Haircut” cut to 3/8 inch and a “Number 4” is the medium length of 1/2 inch. Oftentimes, most brands like Oster, Wahl, and Andis use increments of 1/8 of an inch.įor example, asking for a “Number 2 Haircut” means the #2 guard will be attached to the clipper to leave 1/4 inch of hair on the scalp. The larger the number, the longer the haircut. Most clipper sets provide 8 guards, and each hair clipper size represents the amount of hair that will be left when used. Haircut numbers refer to clipper guard sizes, and you can find the number etched into the guard itself.

Let’s start from the basics in case there are any women planning on helping their men trim facial or head hair. 2 Quick Reference Guide For Hair Clipper Sizes.1 Haircut Numbers and Clipper Guard Sizes.

Andis blade size chart