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

Men's haircuts come in numerous variations. If you want to get a perfect hairstyle in the salon, try to express your needs clearly and accurately. Understanding what the different hair clipper guard numbers mean and the corresponding cuts from now on. In this blog, we'll present a clipper guard size chart (MM/Inch) with an explanation of various guard numbers, lengths, and recommended haircuts, especially popular ones like 12 and 16 guards. 

What Is a Hair Clipper Guard?

A hair clipper is a tool typically used to cut longer hair on the head, and it does not cut as close to the skin as trimmers or shavers. Hair clippers can cut hair in bulk or large sections quickly. Hair clipper guards, also known as attachment combs or guide combs, are plastic accessories that attach to the clipper so that you can select specific hair length to be left. Typical guard sizes range from #1 to #8, each representing a different length and size. 

Hair Clipper Guard Size Chart (Numbers & Lengths in MM/Inch)

There is a standard number system to specify the hair clipper guard sizes. The bigger the number on the guards, the longer your hair. For example, if you want a number 3 buzz cut, the barber will use a clipper with a number 3 guard. This will cut your hair to approximately 3/8 inch (10 millimeters) in length. 

Hair Clipper Guard Numbers Explained

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: What is the number 1 on hair clippers? #1 clipper guard cuts hair to 3mm or 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 for 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 Hair Clipper Guard Sizes?

Choose the right hair clipper guard size to achieve the hairstyle you want with precision and ease. The guard number directly corresponds to the length of hair left after cutting. Several factors influence the best guard choice beyond just the desired length, such as hair type, face shape, etc.

1. Understand the desired haircut style

• Buzz Cut: Use a #2 or #3 guard for a clean, short, and uniform buzz cut that stays neat for weeks.

• Fade Haircut: Combine guards from #0 to #4 to create a gradual blend from shaved skin to longer hair on top.

• Crew Cut: Typically requires a #4 guard on the sides and back, with a longer length left on top.

• Longer Haircuts: Use larger guards like #6, #7, or #8 to maintain longer hair lengths with precision and consistency.

2. Match guard size to hair length needs

• Smaller guard numbers correspond to shorter hair lengths.

• Larger guard numbers are used for longer hair, allowing you to keep more length while cutting evenly.

• For very close cuts like bald heads, specialized balding clippers or a #0 guard achieve ultra-close shaves.

3. Consider hair type and texture

• Thick or coarse hair: May require a lower guard number to effectively reduce bulk and maintain desired length.

• Fine or straight hair: Using a very large guard might leave too much bulk; sometimes a medium guard works better.

• Curly hair: Because of natural shrinkage, a higher guard number might be needed to achieve the apparent desired length.

4. Think about face shape 

• Round faces benefit from shorter sides (lower guard numbers) to elongate the face.

• Square faces may look better with slightly longer, softer edges (medium guard sizes) to soften jawlines.

5. Maintenance preferences

• If you prefer low-maintenance styles, opt for longer guard sizes so hair grows out more naturally and requires fewer trims.

• For those who enjoy frequent trims and experimenting, shorter guard sizes provide a crisp look and more styling versatility.

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.