
Choosing the wrong guard can really mess up a haircut. These numbers (usually 1-8) correspond to different guard lengths, ranging from as short as 1/8″ to 1″ or longer.Īnd while clipper guard sizes seem to have very small differences in length, there’s a huge visual difference between hair that is 1/8″ long versus 5/8″ long. The only problem is that hair clipper sizes/haircut numbers can be a little confusing to figure out at first. These are the hair clipper sizes in a nutshell: Haircut Numbers Understanding the different clipper sizes is the basis of learning to do more complex cuts like tapers and fades. If you cut your own hair with clippers, learning about the different clipper guard sizes will make a big difference in your results. This allows you to be a lot more specific about the length you want rather than saying something more subjective like, “Take a little off the top.” Instead, you could say you want a #4 haircut and walk out with precisely that. The easiest way to ensure you get the cut you want is telling your barber or stylist the hair clipper sizes or haircut numbers you prefer. Getting a haircut you’ll love starts with knowing what to ask for.

Learn about the different clipper guard numbers and see examples of haircuts with each in our complete guide to hair clipper sizes.

Knowing the different hair clipper sizes and haircut numbers is the best way to ensure you always end up with the cut you want.
