While perfecting your hair care routine takes time, patience and all the products, the right haircut is also key.
Things to consider when getting a haircut:
Regardless if you’re cutting at-home or going to a barbershop, there are a couple of factors to consider when cutting your hair: Will the haircut complement your hair texture? Will you go long or short? What haircut is the best for your face shape? And most importantly, what clipper length should you adhere to? To help you out, we put together a guide on clipper lengths for those looking to test out a new look, or define a current one.
If you are trying out a new barber or just new to understanding barbershop culture, we are here for you. Typically, when you sit down in a chair you will be asked what haircut numbers you want or how long you want your hair. We get it, it can be confusing and intimidating if you don’t know what the haircut numbers mean. That’s why it will make all the difference in your hair length and overall appearance to read the information below. The only way to walk out with a good haircut (apart from a good barber, of course) is to have a good understanding of hair numbers and clipper lengths.
So, what are haircut numbers?
In short, haircut numbers are the clipper guard (attachment combs) sizes — aka those numbers etched onto the guard used to help measure the length of hair you’re cutting. Traditionally, clipper sizes have at least eight guards, with each clipper size depicting how much hair will be left on your head after using.
- Number 1 clipper: 1/8 inch
- Number 2 clipper: 1/4 inch
- Number 3 clipper: 3/8 inch
- Number 4 clipper: 1/2 inch
- Number 5 clipper: 5/8 inch
- Number 6 clipper: 3/4 inch
- Number 7 clipper: 7/8 inch
- Number 8 clipper: 1 inch
Basically, the larger the number, the longer your haircut will be. If you walk into a barbershop and ask for a number 6, you will receive a six guard and walk out with 3/4 of an inch of hair left. On the flipside, if you ask for a 1, you will receive a nearly-shaved head. Here, 0 is no guard attached, so it’s the shortest haircut possible. Think of a 0 as a fade/skin, and a number 8 as a light trim to the hair.
As some of the country is still sheltering-in-place, why not cut hair for the homies as a side hustle?
Share this article with others
FAQs
In short, haircut numbers are the clipper guard (attachment combs) sizes — aka those numbers etched onto the guard used to help measure the length of hair you're cutting. Traditionally, clipper sizes have at least eight guards, with each clipper size depicting how much hair will be left on your head after using.
Is a 2 or 3 shorter haircut? ›
The numbers 1, 2, and 3 refer to the different length guards on hair clippers. The lower the number, the shorter the haircut will be.
What does 1/2 3/4 mean in haircuts? ›
The clipper guard AKA haircut number refers to the length of hair that is left after the clipper has been used, with each number representing one eighth of an inch of hair. This means that the lower the number, the shorter the hair, and vice versa.
How short is a number 4 haircut? ›
The number 4 haircut leaves hair half an inch long, making it a medium-short style that's versatile and popular. It allows for more styling options and is less severe than lower numbers. The number 4 haircut is great for those who want to keep their hair short but stylish.
What length is a number 3 haircut? ›
How Long is a Number 3 Haircut? The Number 3 length is 3/8 of an inch or 10mm. This is a great mid-length option that is stylish yet versatile. While it keeps your hair short and neat, it's not too closely cropped, giving you plenty of options for different hairstyles.
What does a number 6 haircut look like? ›
The #6 buzz cut is marked by its uniform length all over the head, which is one of its defining traits. This uniformity gives it a neat, cohesive look that's both sharp and clean. The length is long enough to soften the features of the face, yet short enough to maintain that classic, edgy buzz-cut appeal.
What does a 3 haircut look like? ›
It refers to the length of hair that remains after being clipped with a guard labeled "three". Imagine it like this: the key to a flawlessly styled haircut is leaving approximately 3/8 of an inch (or around 9.5mm) of hair on the sides. It's the Goldilocks zone for your head - not too short, not too long.
What is a 5 haircut? ›
Number 1 clipper: 1/8 inch. Number 2 clipper: 1/4 inch. Number 3 clipper: 3/8 inch. Number 4 clipper: 1/2 inch. Number 5 clipper: 5/8 inch.
What does a 7 haircut look like? ›
A Number 7 clipper on top refers to a haircut style where the barber uses a #7 guard on the clippers for the top of your head. This results in a trim that leaves a length of about 7/8 inch or 22mm, offering a dapper and substantial hairstyle that can be adapted to various looks.
What does it mean when a barber asks 1 or 2? ›
Guard Numbers: Generally, the numbers you'll hear at a barber shop represent 1/8 of an inch of length. For example, 2 equals 2/8 inch (or ¼ inch), 3 equals 3/8 inch, 4 equals 4/8 inch (or ½ inch), 5 equals 5/8 inch, and so on.
What Is a Number 4 Buzz Cut? A number 4 buzz cut stands out as a popular choice among men seeking a neat, low-maintenance hairstyle. Characterized by using a hair clipper set to guard 4, this cut leaves your hair about 1/2 inch long, offering a clean yet rugged look that's incredibly easy to manage.
What does a 5 buzz cut look like? ›
The buzz cut number 5, characterized by 5/8 of an inch of hair length, strikes a perfect balance between the classic buzz cut look and a bit more hair to play with. It's ideal for those seeking a clean, well-groomed appearance without going too bare.
How do you tell your barber what length you want? ›
Try to talk in inches or centimetres rather than vague terms. For example, if you want a half-inch trim, say so. If you can't describe the length in inches, you could also ask for it in hair clipper guard lengths.
What does a 2 haircut look like? ›
The number 2 haircut length leaves your hair at a quarter of an inch, or 6mm. It strikes a balance between a short and neat appearance while retaining a touch of ruggedness.
What to ask for at the barbers? ›
Let your barber know whether you're going for a complete style change or just a simple trim. If you're after a new style, communicate the specific details of what you want – length, texture, layers, and style. If you're just looking to tidy up your current style, let them know what areas you want trimmed or shortened.
What is a 2 by 3 haircut? ›
Getting a barber's cut Filipino style follows the “2 x 3” rule, or the practice of taking off two fingers' worth of hair on the sides and three fingers' worth on the back.
Is a 2 inch haircut a lot? ›
The length of short hair can vary, but usually, anywhere up to 2 inches in length is considered short hair for men. Short haircuts can range from close to the scalp to a few inches in length, with some men opting for a close buzz cut while others prefer a bit more length for styling purposes.
What is considered a short haircut? ›
Short hair refers to any haircut with little length. It may vary from above the ears to below the chin. If a man's hair reaches the chin, it may not be considered short. For a woman, however, short varies from close-cropped to just above the shoulders.
