Table of Contents
We still got confused when our hairstylist or barber asks for our preferred haircut number. Even though we have been getting our hair cut all our life, we still have no clue what they are. Therefore, today, we will be explaining the mystery behind haircut numbers, as well as some of our tips and tricks. Keep on reading to find out more!
What are Haircut Numbers?
What does it truly mean when your hairstylist or barber requests you for a number? These are, in a way, associated with the hair length. Every haircut number symbolizes 1/8 of an inch of hair length. The length of the hair increases as the number rises. If you’ve selected number 2, it entails that 2/8 of your hair will remain on the scalp. Usually, the highest haircut number is eight, while there can be larger clippers based on hair length.
What is a Clipper Guard Number?
Haircut number’s hair clipper refers to the attached clips to electric hair trimmers. You can see the number of every guard displayed into the plastic. Often, most hair clippers are in a set with eight guard sizes and exemplify the length of hair, which will be left when cut. A number 0 is trim with no guard and is a shaved look (leaves 1/16 inch of hair). Various sizes of the guard are handy when stylists or barbers use clippers for fade haircuts or buzz cuts.
Sizes from 1-8 are in the ascending order of hair length being left out if you consider the clipper with the highest number. For instance, the clipper with the number 8 size is 1 inch in size. It is relevant to apply men’s best hair clippers if you’re trimming your hair. Other men add professional-grade clippers to trim through thick hair that is difficult to cut, while most men only need a good hair trimmer for home use. There are different grooming tools trusted by barbers. Whether you require one of the top-rated men’s’ hair clippers to blend various types of fades, trim a buzz cut or clipped haircut, add beard styles, and experience to shave your head bald, there’s always a trimmer for you.
Why are Haircut Numbers Significant?
Other than the hair clipper sizes, haircut numbers are significant to understand if you have your hair trimmed at a barbershop. Clipper guards correspond to various haircut lengths of men. You’d be surprised at the difference of 1/8 of an inch, even though a number 3 or number 2 fade appears like a trivial difference. Just by changing the clipper haircut number, your hair could improve drastically.
1. Number 0 Haircut
This haircut means total shaving of the head, with a thin hair layer. Clippers have no guard left out when getting this haircut. There are gradations such as 0.5 that are between numbers 0 and 1. This is the shortest haircut number.
2. Number 1 Haircut
There’s only 1/8 inch of hair left on the scalp when you have this cut compared to the other hairstyles. The layer of hair is skinny showing off your scalp, so be warned when using its corresponding clipper size all over your head. Among the haircuts, this is preferable if you don’t like to have fade hair or go bald, but want to shave your head.
3. Number 2 Haircut
Number 2 haircut tends to leave enough hair on your scalp that it is slightly longer compared to haircut number 1. You can even style your hair into some known haircuts such as crew cut and buzz cut with substantial hair that is left on your scalp. Of all the hairstyles, this is undoubtedly one of the summer’s most go-to haircuts as it keeps your scalp cool. It’s a safe bet if you are balding or you have thin or curly hair.
You can easily maintain haircuts like this. You so it is perfect for people with a busy lifestyle as it does not require much time to fix. Just taper your hair, and you’re all done.
4. Number 3 Haircut
Hairstyle number 3 is the cut with longer hair left on your scalp. The number 3 guard permits hair growth in 3/8 inch. Barbers will use this as the highest number to cut a fade. You may not be able to style it too much. However, it can be applied for short hairstyles or fades, including crew cut and a buzz cut. Frequently, men will request for a number 3 buzz cut or fade over the other hairstyles because it’s low-maintenance and short.
Unlike the other haircuts, this one does not show your scalp. You can make a spiky hairstyle with this length of hair. This haircut works well for thin and thick hair. It also belongs to haircuts with easy maintenance.
5. Number 4 Haircut
This haircut is applicable for a 1/2-inch trim as it leaves the right amount of hair on the scalp. Number 4 guard offers a reasonable hair length for more conservative hairstyles and haircuts as the average length of hair is available on most clippers. You can do long and short hairstyles. Also, this length is possible for parting. It is excellent for people with round face to begin going up from number 4 with more hair left on the scalp, which makes their face appear thinner.
6. Number 5 Haircut
Expect half an inch hair left on your scalp in this hairstyle. It’s easy to brush and style the hair left at 5/8 in length. Such haircut enables you to style hair into various styles, such as the many fades and parted hairstyles. Sometimes, fringe and even quiff hairstyles are possible with number 5 haircuts. Set this up if you like to taper the sides of a longer haircut without much contrast. Use this clipper size for more gentlemen or classic cuts. Most men favor this hair length.
7. Number 6 Haircut
This hairstyle requires a hair length of 3/4 inch with a little longer hair on the scalp than number 5. However, the style is similar to that of number 5. It typically applies a number 6 size for taper sides like #5. Number 6 clipper guard gets you a crew cut but not a buzz cut at this length of hair and above.
8. Number 7 Haircut
Such haircut results in a crew cut with clippers and some of your hair cut with plenty of hair left. A #7 guard, at 7/8 inch, is perfect for buzzing your hair on top of your head without the hassle in using scissors. This is favored by men who keep styling their hair into various hairstyles. As such, it reveals the natural texture of their hair. Never forget to use smaller clippers to offer the taper sides a clean fade.
9. Number 8 Haircut
Number 8 haircut only trims light with most of your hair left intact. It uses a clipper with the most extended size for most brands. You’ll when you like styling your hair in fades leaving the upper part of the hair in punkish styles or complicated Mohawk. It is ideal for tapering longer hair located on top of an entire hair inch. Fading the sides of your hair with shorter settings will help improve and provide a shape and contrast cut. As a result, it balances the #8 guard for your haircut. You can also choose this haircut when you prefer not to lose much of your hair but trim its edges.
What Do You Say To The Barber?
Generally, haircuts can either make or break every man’s appearance; hence, it is sacred. The next time you visit a salon, see to it that you know your desired haircut and clipper number. Be clear on your goal for the haircut rather than giving him directions. Communicate with your barber and ask for his advice on what cut fits you right. Knowing your haircut number and hair clipper number is significant to get the perfect experience at the barbershop or if you plan to trim your hair.
On That Note,
Haircut numbers of hair clipper sizes are displayed the same in most barbershops. In case you want your hairstyle always to be the same length, while also avoiding those weird looks at the barbershop, learn your haircut numbers hair clipper size. It will make your life a whole lot easier, at least when it comes to maintaining your hair!
