Haircut Length Chart: What Do Haircut Numbers & Clipper Guard Sizes at a Barbershop Mean?

Haircut numbers are a common phenomena at your local barber shop and it’s deeply connected with hair clipper sizes as one cannot exist without the other.

Feeling confused? Don’t worry, I’m here to explain what these haircut lengths mean while a barber mentions those with a particular number.

Also, there’s the explanation of how clipper guard sizes are associated with these numbered haircuts.

I’ll be showing you a haircut length chart in this article and break it down further to explain every concept and their correlation with one another.

After this article, you’ll know precisely what to tell your barber should you want a particular haircut of your desire!

What Are Haircut Numbers?

Haircut numbers are directly associated with chair clipper sizes, or to be precise, the clipper guard sizes.

It means, if you attach a particular clipper guide on your clipper, trim all over the head at that length and the final outcome mimics that height of hair, you’ll end up with that precise numbered cut.

The reason behind calling these haircuts with clipper guide numbers is for easier communication with your stylist and knowing what to expect after the cut is done.

Haircut Lengths & Clipper Guard Sizes: The Connection

As you already know, haircut lengths imply the numbered haircuts which leave a certain height of hair on your scalp after the trimming is over.

There’s actually a science behind this and direct correlation between the haircut numbers and clipper guard sizes.

If you understand how each of the clipper guard sizes signify a particular haircut seamlessly, you may be able to apply these looks on yourself at home with a great set of hair clippers!

Haircut Length Chart with Hair Clipper Sizes

In this segment, I’ll break down the connection between haircut lengths and clipper guard sizes in a systematic manner.

Since all of the cutting lengths are mentioned here in a table, the jargon for this breakdown is commonly known in the grooming industry as ‘haircut length chart’.

Haircut Number 0 – No Guard

Number 0 haircut is the one you’d get without attaching any guide combs to your clipper. This is the shortest form of cut you’d get using a hair clipper.

If you use a zero gapped hair clipper, it’s still going to trim your hair somewhere around 1.5 mm of length.

It’s not visible to the naked eye but can be felt through tactile sensations. The Number 0 cut is for ones who prefer a balding look with minimum maintenance!

Haircut Number 1/2 – Using Adjustment Lever

You may find a hair clipper size of ½ in some brands that produce guide combs but it’s not a mainstream accessory in general.

In most cases, the clippers barbers use contain adjustment levers that let you set a particular cutting length and you can easily determine the length from there.

The length of this cut should seem like a naked beard – some degree of tactile resistance should be on the scalp. Mind you, the scalp won’t feel cleanly shaved the way it would with a head shaver.

Haircut Number 1 – Guide Comb 1

The Number 1 haircut is one of the most prominent ones in the hair length chart because of its modularity between solo cut or merger with other lengths.

It’s drawn up using the clipper guide Number 1 and a quality hair clipper to maintain that seamless length as it’s highly important.

This particular haircut grants you a very short look which is also uniform and comes with easy upkeep, like a buzz cut.

Haircut Number 1 ½ – Guide Comb 1 & Adjustment Lever

This is a very unique length of haircut which isn’t solely achieved by a hair clipper size alone, rather with the help from a precise adjustment lever.

Such adjustment levers are usually present in the top-tier Andis hair clippers and by attaching the guide comb 1 and setting the lever at half an inch, you’d be able to get this cut done.

While the Number 2 cut may feel a bit too long for some consumers but the number 1 feels naked on the scalp, this is a unique middle ground modern stylists have sketched out for you!

Haircut Number 2 – Guide Comb 2

From this point onward, the haircuts are directly synonymous with the clipper guard sizes and the number 2 haircut is therefore crafted using the guide comb Number 2 alone.

This rendition of haircuts offer a higher degree of scalp coverage and despite being quite short, the style delivers a ‘close to the scalp’ outlook to the consumers.

I’d say the Oster Classic 76 is best fitted to achieve this look – all you’d need is a set of good guide combs that can match the performance level of this robust hair clipper!

Haircut Number 3 – Guide Comb 3

The Number 3 haircut belongs to the gradient of low maintenance cuts without requiring frequent upkeep duties using your hair clippers.

Like all the numbered haircuts, this one too has uses in standalone variants for minimalist consumers whereas a combination option for advanced stylists.

This particular haircut number is often associated with different fade types or tapers – just keep a hair clipper with such ability at disposal for the best outcomes!

Haircut Number 4 – Guide Comb 4

At this particular length, the guide comb 4 will come in really handy to start showing some hair textures and add some diversity to the look in general.

Almost any of the good clippers out in the market can achieve the look, but I reckon the Wahl clippers are better at this job if you want to push the styling boundaries a little extra.

It’s going to turn out into a classic short back and sides look with the Number 4 cut. Note that your maintenance routine will start to get a little more demanding from this point onward.

Haircut Number 5 – Guide Comb 5

Those of you who prefer a slightly longer haircut with visibility and a certain degree of styling flexibility, the haircut Number 5 would be your perfect choice!

With the hair clipper size 5 guard, the haircut can be applied to almost every type of hair and you can definitely call it a medium-length cut.

Maintenance can include regular trims to keep the haircut in shape and line up hair edges with designated clipper units.

Haircut Number 6 – Guide Comb 6

If you apply a seamless Number 6 cut on your hair, it should be a perfect look to wear in formal spaces because of the overall neatness radiating from the look.

It’s best to consult with your stylist whether you’d need a seamless look or should you shorten the sides while leaving a longer top hair portion.

For the latter, it’d probably do you good to try the cut using a good buzz cut clipper since such clippers excel at drawing out haircuts with variable lengths.

Haircut Number 7 – Guide Comb 7

Using the Number 7 guide comb, the haircut you’re going to get is something you’d be able to convert into multiple styles.

These styles in general would grant you a fuller look without exposing your scalp the way shorter cuts tend to do.

Also, your scalp will be protected from sunburns and such looks are fitting for any formal to casual occasions, making you look suave if you manage to cleanly fine tune the cut!

Haircut Number 8 – Guide Comb 8

Finally, the largest guide comb size to create a versatile haircut with endless possibilities – the Number 9 cut trimming your hair at one inch length.

You’ll be able to shape your hair into any direction of your choice without raising any eyebrow the way you might with a more edgy and shorter look.

The only downside is that such length of hair comes with a higher degree of maintenance and you’ll have to refine the look almost once every two weeks.

Common Uses of Different Clipper Sizes

If you think that your hair clipper sizes have only one use – getting the numbered haircuts – then you’d be very wrong to assume that!

Because there are plenty more common uses to these different clipper sizes and you can benefit from learning about them by broadening your styling spectrum!

Fades and Tapers

Primarily, fades and tapers are done using a hair clipper with an adjustment lever. But professionals all over the world utilize clippers without a lever and yet manage to create the most captivating fades!

The way they achieve it is through using guide combs sized between long to short. Longer combs give you a fuller look up top and shorter combs gradually trim down the sides to offer a contrastive look!

Buzz Cuts

To land the most authentic buzz cuts, you should settle for the guide combs between Number 0 to Number 3 or 4.

It’s better to pick out zero gapped clippers for a finer outcome. Otherwise, you may end up with hair length longer than you had intended.

Crew Cuts

Crew cuts are almost identical to buzz cuts but carry some fundamental differences in their guide comb sizes.

Ideally, you’d want a neat look using the clipper guards between Number 2 to Number 4. That way, you’ll have a slightly fuller look and a little flexibility on styling patterns up top.

Undercuts

Undercuts generally create a distinction between the hair lengths at the top of the head with the surrounding hair.

Using varying lengths of guide combs, you’ll easily be able to highlight that length gap between top hair to side hair.

These are the most common uses for different clipper guard sizes. You may also find other benefits with particular haircuts and spending time with your guide combs will teach those in due time!

How to Choose the Right Clipper Guard Size?

Picking the right clipper guard size isn’t the easiest of tasks because not all of the guides respond equally to the variable factors I’m about to discuss.

But once you put these variables into your consideration, you should be able to nail the perfect length cuts each time you put your clipper into action!

Hair Type

The rule of thumb dictates that you should attach a one-size larger guide for hair with textures. Let me make it easier for you.

If you were to go for a Number 1 haircut on fine/wavy hair, you’d attach the guide comb Number 1.

But for the same haircut number over curly/kinky hair, you should consider going for the guide comb Number 2 or even in some cases, Number 3.

That’s because textured hair doesn’t remain stretched out like fine hair and often shorter guide combs miss out on clipping these hair at the length of your desire.

Desired Style

Of course, you have to consider the particular hairstyle choice and which guide comb sizes are required for the cut.

Each of us are endowed with unique characteristics of hair and if it feels too tricky for you, you can definitely consider consulting with a professional groomer about the right guide sizes for your desired style!

Maintenance

It’s a valid consideration in my opinion. If you’re someone with little interest in frequent hair maintenance, shorter cuts between Number 0 to Number 4 would be your ideal picks.

The longer your cuts will be from the point onward, the more regular your maintenance routines are bound to be.

It’s worth noting that haircuts with finer details on the surroundings sometimes demand upkeep to keep the style looking sharp, so that’s also a valid point of consideration from your end.

FAQ

Let’s answer a few frequently asked questions concerning haircut numbers and hair clipper sizes. These should clarify some of the remaining confusions you may still have at this point.

Q: Can I mix different clipper sizes for a haircut?

Ans: Definitely! While numbered haircuts often imply a seamless cut at a precise length, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to do so using a singular clipper size. Rather, you can mix things up according to your liking to add some contrast between your top and surrounding hair. This can only be achieved by mixing different clipper sizes for the same haircut!

Q: What is the difference between a clipper size and a guard size?

Ans: Basically, clipper size and guard size mean the same thing as I already talked about it earlier. The term ‘clipper size’ is usually used as a part of common tongue for easier comprehension. But technically, clipper sizes are identified by their ‘guard size’, so no need for further confusion over this matter.

Q: Can I use clipper guards on any brand of clippers?

Ans: Well, there are certain clipper guards that claim to be universal and can be attached to any brand of clippers, this isn’t something I lack confidence in. I’d rather stick to clipper guards that are specific to a brand because trust me, each brand uses their unique mechanism of guard attachment.

Final Thoughts

It’s been a technical discussion about the hair clipper sizes, haircut numbers and their connection with clipper guard sizes.

Now you know that haircut numbers have a unique way of telling you the haircut lengths with the help from clipper guard sizes.

Each guard or guide has a precise cutting length, meaning, you’ll have your hair standing at that particular length after the cut is done.

Memorize the haircut length chart if you’re an aspiring barber or want to give yourself a self-cut using your clipper at home’s comfort to nail each look!