How do you get a perfect haircut every time? The answer is hair clipper guard sizes. These handy attachments determine how short your hair will be cut, allowing you to achieve your desired hairstyle precisely.
Here, we’ll get into detail of hair clipper guard sizes. You will learn to pick the right size for your style and see how easy it is to switch up your look whenever you want.
Let’s get ready to determine the length of hair after a trim.
What Are Hair Clipper Guard Sizes?
Clipper guard sizes represent the guard number that ensures a consistent and controlled trim. Guard sizes are typically denoted by numbers (0 to 8) and sometimes up to 10, depending on the brand—the lower numbers indicating shorter hair lengths and higher numbers corresponding to longer lengths.
These guards’ sizes on the measurement scale are shown in millimeters (mm) and inches. As you familiarize yourself with the numerical scale, you can select the perfect guard size for hair clippers that aligns with your desired length and style.
Hair Cutting Guards for Wahl Clippers
Check Price on AmazonHow do Hair Clipper Guard Sizes Work?
Hair clipper sizes decide how long your hair will be left after cutting. The bigger the number on the guard, the longer your hair stays. They allow you to effortlessly trim your hair to the same length across your entire head, resulting in a polished and well-groomed appearance.
So, if you’re looking for a concise cut, picking a guard size 5 is like asking for a big when you want a small haircut. The length difference is noticeable, even if numbers 4 and 5 seem close. It’s essential to find the exact number that matches the length of your desired haircut.
So, before you go to the salon or try cutting your hair at home, you must know about hair clipper guard sizes and lengths.
Clipper Guard Numbers and Sizes in MM
Let’s get to know the guard lengths on numerical scale in millimeters and inches. The 0 shows the smaller haircut while 8 is the higher haircut length.
Guard Number | Size (mm) | Size (inches) |
#0 | 0 | 0 |
#1 | 3 | 1/8 |
#2 | 6 | 1/4 |
#3 | 10 | 3/8 |
#4 | 13 | 1/2 |
#5 | 16 | 5/8 |
#6 | 19 | 3/4 |
#7 | 22 | 7/8 |
#8 | 25 | 1 |
Hair Clipper Brands and Their Guard Sizes
Each brand has its numbering system that corresponds to specific lengths. To help you on this diversity, here’s a comprehensive guard size chart featuring popular hair clipper brands and their corresponding measurements.
Guard Number | Wahl | Andis | Babyliss Pro | Oster | Remington |
#0 | – | 1/16″=1.5mm | – | 1/16″=1.5mm | – |
#1/2 | 1/16″=1.5mm | 3/32″=2.4mm | 1/16″=1.5mm | – | 1/16″=1.5mm |
#1 | 1/8″=3mm | 1/8″=3mm | 1/8″=3mm | 1/8″=3mm | 1/8″=3mm |
#1 1/2 | 3/16″=4.5mm | 3/16″=4.5mm | 3/16″=4.5mm | – | 3/16″=4.5mm |
#2 | 1/4″=6mm | 1/4″=6mm | 1/4″=6mm | 1/4″=6mm | 1/4″=6mm |
#3 | 3/8″=10mm | 3/8″=10mm | 3/8″=10mm | 3/8″=10mm | 3/8″=10mm |
#4 | 1/2″=13mm | 1/2″=13mm | 1/2″=13mm | 1/2″=13mm | 1/2″=13mm |
#5 | 5/8″=16mm | 5/8″=16mm | 5/8″=16mm | 5/8″=16mm | 5/8″=16mm |
#6 | 3/4″=19mm | 3/4″=19mm | 3/4″=19mm | 3/4″=19mm | 3/4″=19mm |
#7 | – | 7/8″=22mm | – | 7/8″=22mm | 7/8″=22mm |
#8 | 1″=25mm | 1″=25mm | – | 1″=25mm | 1″=25mm |
#10 | 1 – 1 1/4″=32mm | – | – | 1 – 1 1/4″=32mm | – |
#12 | 1 – 1 1/2″=38mm | – | – | – | – |
Haircut Length of Different Clipper Guard Sizes
Each comb size is associated with a specific length, resulting in a unique style. Let’s check the variety of guard lengths of hair clippers and how they assist to creating distinctive styles.
O Guard Number
This is as close as it gets without being completely bald. Using no guard, it trims your hair down to the skin, perfect for a clean buzz cut or laying the base for a fade.
It is suitable when you want:
- Bald cuts
- Skin fades
- Very short buzz cuts
1 Guard Number
A number 1 guide comb leaves about 3mm or 1/8 inch of hair. It’s a bit longer than a 0, giving you that “just enough hair” look where your scalp is still visible but covered with a light hair shadow.
It is great choice for those wanting perfect buzz cuts or nearly half bald but shorter look.
2 Guard Number
With 6mm left on your head, #2 guard keeps your scalp less exposed, making it great for those who want a short style without too much scalp showing. It’s a popular pick for neat, tapered sides.
You can go with this for achieving casual or official hairstyle.
3 Guard Number
Leaving your hair at 10mm, it’s perfect if you like your hair short but not too short. It’s versatile enough for a clean trim or keeping that fade looking sharp.
It is fit for:
- Faded cuts
- Standard screw cuts
4 Guard Number
It leaves about 13mm or 1/2″ of hair creating medium cuts. This guard size lets you style your hair in more ways since it’s not as short as the others. If you’re not into showing your scalp and want more to work with, this is your right choice.
It gives medium length hairstyle and good for the people with thick or thin hair. Further, go for it if you want crew or brush haircuts.
5 Gurad Number
Leaving your hair at about 16mm, comb 5 allows more style options with texture and volume. It’s great for those who like their hair short but styled, giving you enough length for a combed look or a casual tousle.
It is better for tapering and layering.
6 Guard Number
It cuts the hair at 19mm length. This guard size is for guys who like their hair a bit longer. It’s still in the short hair but gives you more flexibility for styling, like a small pompadour or a sleek side part.
It is also for tapering.
7 Guard Number
Not often used for a full haircut and more for tapering, this guard leaves your hair about 22mm long. It’s for those who like to keep hair longer and style.
People with thick bushy hair and for tapering can used it.
8 Guard Number
The longest of the set, leaving a full inch (about 25mm) of hair. This guard is perfect for trimming longer hair or lightly tapering the ends, giving you that groomed yet full-haired look.
It’s ideally good for people desiring for a nice, long taper fade.
How Clipper Guard Number Affect Hair Lengths
The significance of guard sizes becomes particularly clear when assessing the outcome of your haircut. Opting for a smaller guide number, such as 0 and 1, results in a closely cropped appearance. These are ideal for minimalist styles or to beat the heat during the summer months.
Medium guard sizes, ranging from 2 to 4, offer versatility, enabling you to achieve well-balanced styles that strike a middle ground between short and long.
Conversely, bigger guard sizes like 5 and above grant your hair a fuller and textured appearance. These lengths are perfect for those who want a more relaxed and natural look, as they allow your hair to retain its volume and movement.
It’s essential to recognize that the sizes of guards not only influence the length of your hair but also impact the overall texture and volume. Shorter guard numbers offer a neat finish, while higher guard numbers allow your hair to retain its natural body and movement.
How to Choose the Guard Sizes for Hair Clippers
Here, we’ll see the factors that guide the practical selection of cutting comb size.
Hair Type, Texture, and Thickness
Different hair types, whether straight, wavy, or curly, respond uniquely to varying lengths. Similarly, the thickness of your hair influences how it appears at different lengths. Thicker hair might require slightly longer guard sizes to achieve the desired look. In comparison, finer hair can adapt to shorter lengths more effectively.
Desired Haircut Style and Length
A shorter guard size might be in order if you’re aiming for a classic crew cut. For those interested in a fade or taper, transitioning between shorter and longer guard sizes will help you achieve the gradual gradient effect. Longer guard sizes lend themselves well to maintaining length while adding texture and movement.
Personal Grooming Experience
If you’re new to DIY haircuts, starting with a slightly higher clipper comb can provide a safety net, preventing trimming your hair too short. You can experiment with shorter guard sizes and more intricate styles as you gain confidence and proficiency.
Conclusion
These numbers might seem confusing initially, but they’re like a code that tells you exactly how long your hair will be after a trim.
You can confidently choose a clipper comb size matching your desired length and style. So, whether you want a neat trim, a stylish fade, or something longer, the correct guard number is your magic tool.
