Hair Clipper Guard Sizes (Length) Chart & Haircuts for Different Guard Numbers

Men's haircuts come in numerous variations. If you want to go to a hair salon to get a perfect hairstyle, precise requirements are helpful, provided that you meet with a professional hairstylist. In this blog, we’ll introduce the common hair clipper guard sizes (numbers & lengths) with a quick chart and also talk about the 12 & 16 guard buzz cuts and recommended haircuts.

What Is a Hair Clipper Guard?

Hair clippers are tools used to cut short hair close to the scalp. When the two rows of small blades move back and forth through the hair, the hair will be cut. Hair clipper guards, also known as attachment combs, are common accessories of modern electric clippers. They are often attached to the blades to determine the hair length will be left. The clipper can completely shave the hair without guards, and typical guard sizes range from #1 to #8. Clipper guards work well for short, neat haircuts with minimal maintenance.

Hair Clipper Guard Size Chart (Inch & MM)

There is a standard number system to specify the hair clipper guard sizes. The bigger the number on the guards, the longer your hair.

Hair Clipper Guard Numbers, Hair Length, and Hairstyles

Many clippers have a lever to adjust the blade closeness. The closed clever cuts hair to the listed length on the guard, and the open lever leaves hair about 1/16 inch longer than the guard size.

• Clipper Guard Number 0 or ½: Without a clipper guard and with the lever closed, this means the cutting blade and fixed blade are aligned with no gap, a zero-gap haircut can be achieved, which is the closest cut to the skin. When the lever opens, it leaves about 1/16 inch of hair, typically used for haircuts like bald fade, skin fade, very close all-over cuts, and sometimes for undercuts.

• Clipper Guard Number 1: Cuts hair to 1/8 inch with the lever closed and leaves about 3/16 inch when open. It is usually used to create very short buzz cuts and faded sides.

• Clipper Guard Number 1 ½: Cuts to 3/16 inch when closed and leaves 1/4 inch when open. It is used mainly for buzz-cut lengths and blends between 1 and 2 guards in fades. It also works well for textured crop styles, keeping the sides very short while maintaining longer texture and fringe on top.

• Clipper Guard Number 2: Cuts hair to 1/4 inch, the open lever leaves 5/16 inch once open, showing less scalp but still very short. The Caesar cut can be done with this guard, featuring short fringe or horizontal bangs, suitable for thinning hair and low maintenance.

• Clipper Guard Number 3: This guard cuts hair to 3/8 inch closed. Starting a fade with a number 3 allows gradual tapering down to shorter guards. A popular style with this guard is the crew cut, where the sides are short but the top is left longer and styled. It’s also good for buzz cuts that don’t reveal the scalp as much as smaller guards.

• Clipper Guard Number 4: Cuts hair to 1/2 inch, open lever leaves 9/16 inch when open. A crew or brush cut often uses this guard. It also provides a neat, slightly longer buzz cut look.

• Clipper Guard Number 5: Trims hair to 5/8 inch closed. It’s commonly used for taper haircuts, which are similar to fades but with a more gradual transition rather than a sharp fade.

• Clipper Guard Number 6: Cuts hair to 3/4 inch closed. Like number 5, it’s used for taper haircuts, but with more hair length on the sides. This guard allows for variations such as high or low tapers and tapered necklines.

• Clipper Guard Number 7: Cuts hair to 7/8 inch or 22 mm. It’s great for bushy crew cuts, especially for thick hair where you want to maintain a fuller length.

• Clipper Guard Number 8: The longest clipper guard, cuts hair to 1 inch closed and just over 1 inch open. It is usually the highest clipper guard used before switching to scissors. This guard is perfect for a long buzz cut, which looks uniform all over the head.

How to Choose the Right Clipper Guard Sizes?

1. Understand how the clipper guards work

Clipper guards that are attached to the clipper blade determine the hair length left after cutting. Each guard number corresponds to a specific hair length.

2. Check out the guard size chart

Familiarize yourself with the standard guard sizes (from 0/½ to 8) and the hair length they leave (from 1/16 inch to 1 inch). This helps you visualize how short or long your haircut will be.

3. Identify your desired hairstyle and length

Decide on the overall length you want and match your style (buzz cut, fade, crew cut, taper, or longer styles) to typical guard numbers.

4. Consider using multiple guards if needed

If doing a fade or taper, plan to use smaller guards on the bottom and gradually larger guards as you move up. This creates a smooth transition and a professional look.

5. Account for the taper lever adjustment

Be aware that the clipper’s taper lever can slightly lengthen or shorten the cut by about 1/16 inch. This is useful for blending or customizing lengths.

6. Start longer if you are not sure

If you’re new to cutting your own hair or trying a new style, start with a longer guard size like number 4 or 5. You can always cut more if needed, but you can’t add hair back once cut.

7. Consider the hair type, texture, and scalp visibility

For thinning hair or scalp sensitivity, choose a longer guard to avoid exposing too much scalp. For thick hair, shorter guards can work well for fades and buzz cuts.

8. Communicate clearly with your barber

Know the guard number(s) you want before your haircut. Mention if you want a fade, taper, or uniform cut so the barber can select appropriate guards.

Barbers often combine different guard sizes to create popular men’s hairstyles like fades or tapers. For example, to create a fade haircut, #0 or 1/2 guard is recommended at the bottom, then apply #1 for the mid section and #3 on the top.

What Is Number 16 Clipper Guard?

The number 16 clipper guard is not a standard size, but does exist; it is designed to leave hair at approximately 2 inches (50mm) in length. This longer guard is used for achieving specific hairstyles that require more length while still maintaining a clean, even cut. Since it is not commonly included in standard clipper kits, it may need to be purchased separately or achieved using specialized clipper sets.

What Is Number 12 Clipper Guard?

A number 12 guard is a clipper attachment that leaves hair at approximately 1.5 inches (38mm) in length. This guard size is longer than most standard clipper guards and is typically used for specific hairstyles.

What Is a 16-Guard Buzz Cut?

A 16 guard buzz cut is a medium-length haircut achieved using clippers with a number 16 guard, which leaves the hair about 2 inches (5.1 cm) long. It is longer than traditional buzz cuts and ideal for those who want more length to their style. Some people think a 16 guard buzz cut can be mimicked with scissors, but it is still popular because of the neatness and flexibility. General standard clipper kits do not include a 16 guard; you can buy it individually. 16 guard buzz cuts are available in straight and curly hair.

How to Get a Buzz Cut with a 16 Guard?

1. Getting the 16 Guard Buzz Cut at the Barber

If you’re going to a barber for a 16 guard buzz cut, be sure to clearly communicate your desired length by specifying you want a 16 guard on the clippers, which leaves about 2 inches of hair. Bringing reference photos or videos can help your barber understand the exact style you want. If they don’t have a 16 guard, ask for a textured scissor cut around the same length. You can also discuss how you want the sides shaped—whether you prefer tapered or faded sides for a smooth transition to shorter hair, or a uniform length all around for a classic buzz cut look. The barber will ensure an even, professional cut using the clippers and can add detail work around the edges to give your style a clean finish.

2. Doing a 16 Guard Buzz Cut Yourself

If you prefer to cut your own hair, attaching a 16 guard to your clippers and setting the lever closed will help you achieve the desired length at home. Take your time running the clippers against the grain of your hair, going over each area several times to ensure evenness. Use a 0 or 1 guard to carefully define the edges around your hairline, and consider asking a friend for help with the back. For a fade, blend shorter guard lengths on the sides up to the 16 guard on top. After cutting, styling with sea salt spray can add texture to fine hair, while curly hair benefits from curling cream and a diffuser blow-dry. Finally, texture clay can be applied for natural shape and hold, keeping your buzz cut looking fresh throughout the day.

Popular 16 Guard Haircuts 2025

Textured Fringe Low Taper 

It features a longer, layered top with a natural, slightly messy fringe that gently falls over the forehead. The sides and back use a low taper fade starting around the #16 guard length, gradually blending shorter toward the neckline. This style balances a relaxed, textured top with a clean, tapered finish, you can use light styling products to maintain it. 

Buzz Cut with Low Taper Fade 

Another popular 16 guard haircut, the entire head is clipped to about a 2-inch length using a #16 guard, while the sides and back transition into a low taper fade. This creates a sharp, neat outline that frames the uniform buzz cut on top.

Blowout Taper 

Typical 16 guard haircut on TikTok combines a voluminous, swept-back top with a tapered fade on the sides and back. The fade starts around the #16 guard length on the upper sides before tapering down to shorter lengths near the neckline, providing contrast to the longer, thick hair on top. This haircut is great for men with thick hair.

Classic Crew Cut with Fade 

This is a timeless, neat haircut where the top is clipped short but left slightly longer than the sides, which start fading from a #16 guard length downwards. This creates a clean, uniform appearance that is easy to maintain and suits a wide range of personal styles. 

Ivy League Cut with Low Taper 

Finally, we have Ivy League cut with low taper, which features a longer top that can be neatly parted to the side, combined with a low taper fade starting around the #16 guard on the sides and back. This style can be styled simply with a comb and light-hold gel for a crisp finish.