A Guide to Hair Clipper Guard Sizes

Ever felt confused by the numbers on your hair clipper guards?

This is your go-to guide for understanding hair clipper guard sizes and how they impact the haircuts you’re carrying out. Whether you're a professional barber or just someone who trims their hair at home, we'll break down these numbers so you can achieve the perfect hairstyle. 

Say goodbye to the mystery of clipper guard sizes and get ready to take your skills to the next level.

 

What are hair clipper guards?

Let’s start at the beginning, hair clipper guards are attachments or comb-like accessories that fit onto the blades of hair clippers. They control the length of hair being cut, letting you achieve different hair lengths and styles with precision and consistency. These guards are an essential tool for both professional barbers to achieve the styles their customers want.

 

How hair clipper guards work

Hair clipper guards are designed to leave a specific length of hair on the scalp when attached to the clippers. They consist of a comb-like structure with teeth that guide the hair into the clipper's cutting blades. 

The length of the hair is determined by the length of the guard and can vary from very short to longer styles. The lower the guard number, the shorter the hair will be cut—we’ll explain how to get the right clipper guard sizes later in this article.

 

How to use hair clipper guards

If you’re new to hair clipper guards, or you’re not sure how they work, here’s an overview of how to use them. Remember, you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions before you start so you know that you’re using your particular ones correctly.

Maintenance

Ensure that your hair clippers are clean, oiled, and properly functioning. It's essential to start with a well-maintained clipper to achieve the best results.

Length check

Before you start, you’ll need to consider the length of cut you’re going for, this will help inform what clipper guard size you need to maintain the correct length.

Clipper guards are usually numbered or labelled with the corresponding length in inches or millimetres (more on that shortly).

Installing the guard

Slide the selected guard onto the clipper's blades. The guard should click into place securely. Make sure the guard covers the entire blade, leaving the desired length exposed.

Test the guard

Before you begin cutting your hair, it's a good practice to test the guard on a small section of hair. This allows you to verify that the guard is securely attached and that it provides the desired length.

Start cutting

When cutting, hold the clipper perpendicular to the head and move it against the direction of hair growth. This ensures an even cut. Start from the base of the hair and work your way up.

Depending on the style you're aiming for, you may need to go over the same section of hair multiple times to achieve the desired length and evenness. Be patient and take your time to avoid uneven results.

Switch it up

For styles that require blending or shaping, you can use different guard sizes and techniques. Gradually transition from longer to shorter guards for a smooth blend or fade.

Clean and store

After each use, clean the guard and the clippers to remove any hair clippings and prevent clogs. Lubricate the clipper blades as needed for smooth operation.

Remember to store your clipper guards in a clean, dry place to prevent damage or misplacement.

 

Hair clipper guard sizes and lengths

Hair clipper guards come in various sizes, usually they’re numbered or labelled with a corresponding length in inches or millimetres. The lower the guard number, the shorter the hair will be cut. The following are common clipper guard sizes and their associated lengths.

• No Guard/#0 - this results in the closest cut, leaving hair at approximately 1/16 inch (1.5mm) or even shorter
• #1 Guard - leaves hair at approximately 1/8 inch (3mm) in length
• #2 Guard - cuts hair to around 1/4 inch (6mm)
• #3 Guard - leaves hair at approximately 3/8 inch (10mm)
• #4 Guard - this guard size results in hair about 1/2 inch (13mm) long
• #5 Guard - leaves hair at around 5/8 inch (16mm) in length
• #6 Guard - cuts hair to approximately 3/4 inch (19mm)
• #7 Guard - this guard size leaves hair at about 7/8 inch (22mm) in length
• #8 Guard - leaves hair at approximately 1 inch (25mm)

Remember guard sizes and lengths can vary slightly between different clipper brands and models, so always check the manufacturer's information for precise measurements. As a barber it’s up to you to understand the tools that you’re working with.

 

How to choose the right clipper guard size

By selecting the right guard size and following the correct technique, you can use hair clipper guards to achieve a range of hair lengths and styles. Practice and experience will help you become more proficient in using clipper guards to create your desired haircut.

Hair clipper guard sizes are essential for achieving different hair lengths and styles, and understanding the guard sizes is one of the most important tools. Here's a guide on how to choose the right hair clipper guard sizes:

Before choosing a clipper guard, have a clear idea of the hair length you want to achieve. Consider the style you're aiming for, whether it's a short buzz cut, a crew cut, a longer style or a fade.

This’ll then help you to choose the right guard size. Lower numbers (e.g., #1 or #2) result in shorter haircuts, while higher numbers (e.g., #4 or #6) leave longer hair.

The thickness and texture of hair can affect how it looks at different lengths. Thicker hair might appear shorter than finer hair with the same guard size. Keep this in mind when choosing a guard. Take a look at some style references from your client.

Fades or blended styles may require multiple guard sizes to create a smooth transition between shorter and longer sections. Start with a longer guard at the top and gradually switch to shorter guards as you move down the sides and back. Go gradually. Precision cutting, especially for specific styles or lengths, may require using scissors or clippers without guards for detailed work around the edges and to define the style.

 

Choosing the right clipper guard size for different haircuts

Selecting the appropriate guard size depends on the haircut style you want to achieve. Here are some general guidelines - always use your professional judgement and expertise to choose the right clipper guard size to achieve the desired look for your client.

• Close crop or buzz cut - use a #1 or #2 guard for a short, even cut
• Crew cut - opt for a #3 or #4 guard for a slightly longer style
• Medium length - for a longer style, consider a #5 or #6 guard
• Long hair - for maintaining longer hair lengths, use a #7 or #8 guard
• Blending and fading - achieving smooth transitions between different lengths often requires multiple guard sizes and a skilled hand
• Custom styles - for unique or specific styles, you may need to use a combination of guard sizes, often without a guard for blending or shaping

 

Maintenance and care of clipper guards

Proper maintenance and care for your hair clipper guards is essential to ensure they perform at their best and have a longer lifespan. To keep them in top condition, start by regularly cleaning them. 

After each use, remove any hair clippings and debris using a brush or a small cleaning tool. This prevents the accumulation of gunk that can affect the guard's performance. You can also use a bit of clipper oil to lubricate the guard's moving parts, but make sure to wipe off any excess oil to avoid it coming into contact with someone else’s hair during the next use.

Additionally, store your clipper guards in a dry and safe place to prevent any damage or misplacement. Use a guard holder or a storage container designed for clipper accessories to keep them organised and protected. You also need to keep them clean and sterilised between clients.

Periodically inspect your guards for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any cracks, broken teeth, or other issues, it's a good idea to replace the guard to maintain the quality of your haircuts and avoid any accidental injuries. With these simple care practices, your clipper guards will remain in excellent shape, ensuring consistent and reliable performance for your hair grooming needs.

Understanding your hair clipper guard sizes is like unlocking the secrets of the perfect haircut—it’s your key to success as a barber. By choosing the right guard size, practising your technique and maintaining your tools, you'll be well on your way to getting the right cuts with your guards.

 

Specialist barber insurance through Ripe

After purchasing some new equipment, you may want to consider insuring it, just in case the worst were to happen such as your clippers become damaged or cause damage to someone in your chair.

Specialist barber cover through Ripe includes public and products liability which provides up to £10m of cover protecting you against third-party claims for injury or property damage.

Learn more about barber insurance through Ripe or click to get an online quote today.