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Haircut Clipper Size Chart – A Guide to Clipper Sizes and Choosing the Right One

When it comes to home haircuts, whether for yourself or someone else, having the right tools is essential. One of the most important tools in your home haircutting arsenal is a good-quality hair clipper. Clippers are available in various sizes, and understanding how to choose the right clipper size can make all the difference in achieving a professional-looking haircut.

We’ll explore the haircut clipper size chart, explain what each clipper size corresponds to in terms of hair length, and provide tips on how to choose the right size for your hair type and style. We’ll also offer guidance on how to use clippers for different haircuts, from simple trims to more complex styles.

What Are Clipper Sizes?

Hair clipper sizes are determined by the guard size that attaches to the clipper. The guard controls how much hair is cut by the clipper, and each size is marked with a number. Generally, the higher the number, the shorter the cut. Clipper sizes range from #0 (which leaves the shortest hair) to #8 (which leaves the longest hair).

Understanding how clipper guard sizes work is important because it helps you achieve the specific hair length you desire. Most clipper sets come with several guard sizes, allowing you to make adjustments based on the haircut you want.

Haircut Clipper Size Chart

Here’s a comprehensive haircut clipper size chart that shows the different clipper guard sizes, the corresponding hair lengths they leave, and the typical styles they are used for.

Clipper Size	Hair Length (in inches)	Hair Length (in mm)	Description	Typical Hairstyles
#0	1/16 inch	1.5 mm	Very close cut, almost shaved.	Fade styles, buzz cuts, military cuts
#1	1/8 inch	3 mm	Short, but not too close to the scalp.	Buzz cuts, crew cuts, fade styles
#1.5	3/16 inch	4.5 mm	Slightly longer than #1, great for blending.	Short fades, classic short cuts
#2	1/4 inch	6 mm	A little longer than #1. Works for shorter cuts and textured styles.	Short fades, buzz cuts, layered styles
#3	3/8 inch	9 mm	Medium-length cut, works for those wanting a fuller style.	Shorter styles, textured fades, classic cuts
#4	1/2 inch	12 mm	Slightly longer, works for more natural looking haircuts.	Medium fades, textured buzz cuts
#5	5/8 inch	15 mm	Longer cut, still fairly short.	Neat fades, slightly longer buzz cuts
#6	3/4 inch	19 mm	Longer hair, suitable for blending and fuller looks.	Long fades, short crops, short pompadours
#7	7/8 inch	22 mm	Close to medium-length cut, popular for a fuller, textured look.	Longer fades, stylish layered cuts
#8	1 inch	25 mm	Longest standard clipper size, ideal for those who like their hair longer.	Longer hairstyles, medium fades

Understanding the Clipper Size Chart

1. Clipper Size #0

• Hair Length: 1/16 inch (1.5 mm)
• Description: The #0 guard is the shortest clipper size available. It leaves your hair very close to the scalp, providing a nearly shaved look. This size is often used for buzz cuts, military-style cuts, or as a starting point for creating fade haircuts.
• Common Styles: Fade haircuts, buzz cuts, or even skin fades.

2. Clipper Size #1

• Hair Length: 1/8 inch (3 mm)
• Description: The #1 guard leaves a short, but slightly longer cut than the #0 guard. This size is popular for crew cuts and buzz cuts. It’s also commonly used in fade haircuts to create a smooth transition between shorter and longer hair.
• Common Styles: Buzz cuts, short fades, crew cuts.

3. Clipper Size #1.5

• Hair Length: 3/16 inch (4.5 mm)
• Description: The #1.5 guard is a bit longer than the #1 and is often used to blend different lengths of hair during a fade. It’s great for textured short hairstyles or as a mid-length guard.
• Common Styles: Short fades, short textured cuts.

4. Clipper Size #2

• Hair Length: 1/4 inch (6 mm)
• Description: The #2 guard provides a slightly longer cut than the #1 guard, leaving the hair at a short but noticeable length. This is one of the most commonly used sizes for a short buzz cut or layered cut.
• Common Styles: Short fades, textured cuts, short buzz cuts.

5. Clipper Size #3

• Hair Length: 3/8 inch (9 mm)
• Description: The #3 guard leaves the hair medium-short, giving a fuller look. It’s often used for classic hairstyles, fade cuts, and to create layered looks. This guard provides a nice balance of length and manageability.
• Common Styles: Shorter styles, layered fades, and classic buzz cuts.

6. Clipper Size #4

• Hair Length: 1/2 inch (12 mm)
• Description: The #4 guard is a longer clipper size, leaving a decent length that’s still easy to manage. It’s ideal for creating a medium fade or for individuals who like a bit more volume in their hair.
• Common Styles: Medium-length fades, layered cuts, and textured buzz cuts.

7. Clipper Size #5

• Hair Length: 5/8 inch (15 mm)
• Description: The #5 guard is great for individuals who want a neatly trimmed, fuller style. It’s slightly longer than #4, making it ideal for people who want their hair cut to a manageable length without going too long.
• Common Styles: Neat fades, slightly longer buzz cuts, and fuller classic cuts.

8. Clipper Size #6

• Hair Length: 3/4 inch (19 mm)
• Description: The #6 guard is longer and works best for blending and creating more natural-looking haircuts. It’s a great choice for a textured fade or a short crop with more length.
• Common Styles: Long fades, short pompadours, and layered cuts.

9. Clipper Size #7

• Hair Length: 7/8 inch (22 mm)
• Description: The #7 guard leaves your hair with a slightly longer length, perfect for layered cuts and fuller styles. It’s commonly used in stylish fades and can be used to create a more voluminous look.
• Common Styles: Longer fades, stylish layered cuts, and voluminous styles.

10. Clipper Size #8

• Hair Length: 1 inch (25 mm)
• Description: The #8 guard is the longest clipper guard in the standard set. It leaves the hair at a full length of 1 inch, providing a more natural look with some volume. It’s ideal for those who prefer their hair on the longer side while still maintaining a professional appearance.
• Common Styles: Longer fades, medium-length hairstyles, and textured layered cuts.

How to Choose the Right Clipper Size for Your Haircut

Selecting the right clipper size depends on the length and style you want to achieve. Here are a few tips on how to choose the appropriate size:

1. Consider the Length of Hair You Want

• For a short buzz cut, start with clipper sizes #0, #1, or #2.
• For medium-length fades or a bit more length, go for #3, #4, or #5.
• For longer styles or textured cuts, sizes #6 through #8 work best.

2. Think About Your Fade

• For a low fade, you can use shorter guards like #0 or #1 for the shortest part, blending into longer guards like #3 or #4 as you move up.
• For a high fade, start with a #2 or #3 and blend into #5 or #6 for the top part.

3. Hair Type

• If you have thick hair, you may want to use a slightly longer guard to avoid uneven cutting.
• For fine hair, you can use shorter guards for a clean, precise cut.

4. Cutting a Fade

To achieve a fade, it’s important to start with a shorter clipper size near the base of your hairline and gradually use longer sizes as you move upward. This will help create a smooth transition between the different lengths of hair.

Tips for Using Hair Clippers

1. Start with Clean, Dry Hair: Wet hair can cause the clipper to drag, so always start with dry hair for the cleanest cut.
2. Work in Sections: Divide your hair into sections to make it easier to manage and ensure you’re using the right clipper size for each part of your haircut.
3. Go Against the Grain: For a cleaner and closer cut, move the clippers against the natural growth direction of the hair.
4. Keep the Clippers Clean: Regularly clean your clippers to ensure smooth operation and avoid buildup.

Conclusion

Having the right clipper size is crucial to achieving the desired length and style for your haircuts. The haircut clipper size chart provided in this guide will help you choose the correct guard size for your next cut. Whether you’re going for a buzz cut, fade, or a longer textured style, understanding clipper sizes and how to use them will help you achieve professional results at home.

By practicing and experimenting with different clipper sizes, you’ll become more comfortable using clippers and be able to create a variety of looks to suit your personal style. Happy haircutting!