Clipper Cuts & Length Guards

Man who is getting his hair cut with clippers — Photo: Laurent Renault/Shutterstock

Q: My hairdresser suggests a "number 2" haircut. What does that mean? Does it mean he will shave my entire head?

A: Well, yes and no. The term "Number 2 haircut" refers to a clipper cut given using the #2 length guard on the clippers. This cuts the hair to a uniform 1/4-inch or six millimeters length. So, while your hairdresser would cut your hair very short - perhaps shorter than you might have expected - your head wouldn't be completely shaved, nor would it be as short as some clipper cuts can be.

Barbering clippers usually have adjustable length settings on the permanent blade guard, and have removable "length guards" that make it easy and quick to cut the hair to a uniform short length. This speed and convenience allow most barbers to charge less for a haircut compared to salon stylists who use scissors.

These length guards are numbered, and each number corresponds to a specific length. There may be slight variation in the exact length of a guard across different brands, but they are generally standardized. This makes it possible for a person who usually keeps his or her hair very short to go to a barber in a new town and say "I want a #2 (or whichever) cut" and end up with something at least very close to what he or she normally wears.

Clipper guards — Photo: AHPhotoswpg/Getty Images via Canva

Here are the typical lengths specified by the different numbered length guards:

•   #1 - one-eighth of an inch or three millimeters

•   #2 - one-quarter of an inch or six millimeters

•   #3 - three-eighths of an inch or ten millimeters

•   #4 - one-half of an inch or thirteen millimeters

•   #5 - five-eighths of an inch or sixteen millimeters

•   #6 - three-quarters of an inch or nineteen millimeters

•   #7 - seven-eighths of an inch or twenty-two millimeters

•   #8 - one inch or twenty-five millimeters

Below is a comparison chart for the clipper guard lengths (also known as cutting guides, guide combs, or guide attachments) of five popular brands for clippers: Andis, BaBylissPRO, Oster, Remington, and Wahl. As you can see, there is little to no difference between the brands.

Comparision chart for clipper guaards lengths

There has been a resurgence in the popularity of super short buzz cuts. This low-maintenance haircut has captivated the hearts of both men and women, who appreciate the unparalleled convenience it offers. Gone are the days of spending hours styling and blow-drying. With a buzz cut, a simple towel dry after a shower is all it takes to be ready to go.

One of the remarkable aspects of these ultra-short cuts is how they complement individuals with thinning hair. By keeping the hair extremely short, the focus shifts from the quantity of hair to the person's features, resulting in a bold and confident look.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

Men's hairstyles

Clipper cutting techniques

The shaven head look for men

Do women like baldheaded men?