What Are Haircut Numbers And How To Convert Them Into Haircut Lengths (2024)

    We often underestimate such valuable information as haircut numbers. Meanwhile, it contributes greatly to the success of the final result. The thing is, using the number of a haircut allows you to avoid a lot of confusion and misunderstanding when explaining to your barber how long you want your hair to be. To help you sort things out, we have prepared this informative guide, where we have all the numbers of haircuts explained.

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    Quick Navigation

    • Number 0 Haircut
    • Number 1 Haircut
    • Number 2 Haircut
    • Number 3 Haircut
    • Number 4 Haircut
    • Number 5 Haircut
    • Number 6 Haircut
    • Number 7 Haircut
    • Number 8 Haircut

    Haircut Numbers And Hair Clipper Sizes

    It makes sense to start from the very beginning. When you talk about clipper guard sizes, you imply the attachments that you place on clippers or a hair trimmer. All the hair clipper lengths are represented by numbers that can be found on the surface of combs. In general, there are eight clipper sizes and each refers to the hair length that you will get after the trim. As a rule of thumb, haircut lengths change at intervals of 1/8 in., increasing with the haircut numbers.

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    Quick Reference Guide For Hair Clipper Sizes And Haircut Numbers

    Like we said before, clipper size numbers increase proportionately with the lengths of haircuts. Thus, when you are requesting the number 1 haircut, it means that the barber will trim your hair to 1/8 of an inch length. For your convenience, we have prepared the clipper sizes converted into hair length chart men can refer to whenever they are choosing their haircut.

    #1 Clipper Length – 1/8 in.
    #2 Clipper Length – 1/4 in.
    #3 Clipper Length – 3/8 in.
    #4 Clipper Length – 1/2 in.
    #5 Clipper Length – 5/8 in.
    #6 Clipper Length – 3/4 in.
    #7 Clipper Length – 7/8 in.
    #8 Clipper Length – 1 in.

    To get a better understanding of what different clipper lengths look like in terms of haircuts, we have prepared these visual examples.

    Number 0 Haircut

    For the number 0 haircut, you use attachment-less clippers. As a result, you get the shortest version of the buzz cut existing, also known as a bald fade or simply a shaved head.

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    Number 1 Haircut

    The #1 haircut length is one-eighth in. It is slightly longer compared to a zero haircut but is still pretty short. So, when you opt for it as an all-out haircut, you should be aware that you will get a buzz cut that will expose the scalp. That is why it is most suitable for getting the sides faded.

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    Number 2 Haircut

    Men very often use the number 2 haircut for a one-fourth in. long buzz cut as well as to get their hair on the sides faded, which makes it the most common size of clippers. With the # 2 haircut, your scalp is not showing, so it is a great way out for guys who have thin hair.

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    Number 3 Haircut

    The # 3 haircut implies taking the hair to the three-eighths in. length. This is the longest fade haircut that barbers use. Similar to the #2 clipper length, it is still quite short thus easy to maintain. And it does not expose the scalp as well. One of the best things about this haircut is that it works for both thin and thick locks.

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    Number 4 Haircut

    With the number 4 haircut, you can expect your hair to be one-half of an inch long. As it comes out the pretty low-key and reserved, it is in great demand by men who need to look professional or conservative.

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    What Are Haircut Numbers And How To Convert Them Into Haircut Lengths

    Number 5 Haircut

    The number 5 haircut is five-eighth of an inch long. Its length allows you to brush and style your hair in multiple ways. Besides, with these haircut numbers, you can easily complement the long top with tapered sides for a soft and smooth transition between different clipper lengths. So, it is not hard to guess that this is a go-to option for gents who choose an elegant and classy look.

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    Number 6 Haircut

    When you want your haircut to be three quarters in. long, you go for the number 6 haircut. You can also use it to taper the hair on the sides and all in all end up with a haircut that looks very much like a crew cut.

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    Number 7 Haircut

    To get a crew cut using your hair clippers, go for the guard size number 7. It will leave your hair seven eighth in. long and is a great way to cut the top if you do not want to bother to employ shears. On the sides, it is better to go with a shorter length for a defined look.

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    Number 8 Haircut

    The number 8 haircut is usually the highest of all clipper lengths in haircut numbers. The hair it leaves is an inch long, so you can use it to trim the top while getting the sides faded with the help of a lower hair clipper size.

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    When you know what haircut numbers mean, you are almost guaranteed to leave the hair salon with the desired hair look. So, we highly recommend you to study our guide carefully. And next time when you visit your barber, you can simply tell them the number of a haircut you want to get without the need to explain it.

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    FAQs

    What do the numbers mean for a haircut?

    The numbers in terms of a haircut refer to hair clipper sizes, which in turn, mean, how much hair will be left after the cut.

    What does a 5 look like haircut?

    A number 5 haircut features ½ inch long hair on the sides and a relatively long top, which can be styled in a wide variety of ways.

    What length is a number 8 haircut UK?

    The length of a number 8 haircut is 1 in. or 25 mm if you use the UK system of units.

    What does a number 3 haircut look like?

    You usually use a number 3 haircut for a buzz cut or a fade, as it cannot be styled elaborately. This size of clippers is the longest in regard to the fade clipper cut on the sides, which is 3/8 in. long.

    How do I give myself a number 4 haircut?

    To get a DIY number 4 haircut, first, you need to arm yourself with trusty clippers and a bunch of different clipper guards. Now, follow these steps:

    1.Attach the guard #4 to your clippers and trim all the hair on the sides, starting at the hairline and moving toward the crown.
    2.Switch to the guard #3 and trim the sides once again but this time, indent 1 in. from the crown.
    3.Repeat step 2, indenting an inch from the previous indention.
    4.Outline the edges with a razor or trimmer for a clean look.

    Do girls like buzz cuts?

    Like with any other haircut, it is a matter of taste. Some girls find a guy with a buzz cut very hot and attractive, for others, it works as a repeller. What really matters is whether a buzz cut suits your head shape and facial features. As there are many buzz cut lengths, you should take care to choose the one that works for you best.

    REFERENCES:

    • What do the numbers mean when I get a haircut? (2020) – Quora. Source
    • Haircuts 101. | Wahl USA. Source
    • A hair clipper is a specialised implement used to cut human head hair. | Wahl USA. Source

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    What Are Haircut Numbers And How To Convert Them Into Haircut Lengths (2024)

    FAQs

    What Are Haircut Numbers And How To Convert Them Into Haircut Lengths? ›

    Each hair clipper size equates to approximately an eighth of an inch. So, a number 1 guard will leave an eighth of an inch of hair, while a number 2 guard leaves a quarter of an inch, and so on.

    What are haircut numbers? ›

    The clipper guard AKA haircut number refers to the length of hair that is left after the clipper has been used, with each number representing one eighth of an inch of hair. This means that the lower the number, the shorter the hair, and vice versa.

    What is the length of a number 2 haircut? ›

    Number 2. This clipper size cuts to a length of ¼ inches — 5/16 inches if it's open. A number 2 haircut may show less of the scalp, but if you have thin hair, you might want to go to a number 3 first.

    What is the length of a number 7 haircut? ›

    A Number 7 clipper on top refers to a haircut style where the barber uses a #7 guard on the clippers for the top of your head. This results in a trim that leaves a length of about 7/8 inch or 22mm, offering a dapper and substantial hairstyle that can be adapted to various looks.

    What is the length of a number 3 haircut? ›

    How Long is a Number 3 Haircut? The Number 3 length is 3/8 of an inch or 10mm. This is a great mid-length option that is stylish yet versatile. While it keeps your hair short and neat, it's not too closely cropped, giving you plenty of options for different hairstyles.

    What does 1 2 3 mean in haircut? ›

    Here's a quick reference for the different haircut lengths. Number 1: One-eighth of an inch. Number 2: One-quarter of an inch. Number 3: Three-eighths of an inch.

    What length is a number 1 haircut? ›

    Haircut Clipper Sizes: A Quick Guide
    Haircut NumberLength in InchesLength in Millimeters
    Number 1 Haircut1/8 in3 mm
    Number 2 Haircut1/4 in6 mm
    Number 3 Haircut3/8 in10 mm
    Number 4 Haircut1/2 in13 mm
    5 more rows
    Sep 5, 2023

    What is a number 4 haircut? ›

    Number 4 Length

    The Number 4 haircut length is 1/2 inch, or 13mm long, striking the perfect balance between style and maintenance. This versatile choice provides ample room styling options while ensuring a well-groomed appearance.

    How long is the number 5 haircut? ›

    The Number 5 haircut length is 5/8 inch or 16mm, striking a balance between ease and style, offering versatility and simplicity. It creates a refined look that is not too short or too long.

    What does a 6 look like haircut? ›

    What does a number 6 haircut look like? The number 6 haircut is a comfortable medium between long and short hair, providing the ease and low maintenance of a buzz cut but with a bit more length to style and play with. A number 6 haircut does not expose the scalp and therefore looks fuller than shorter buzz cuts.

    What is a 7 3 hairstyle? ›

    A 7:3 hairstyle is a type of hairstyle that is often worn by female influencers. This hairstyle is characterized by having seven parts of the hair styled in a certain way, and three parts of the hair left loose. This hairstyle is often worn by women who want to create a more relaxed and effortless look.

    How long is a medium length haircut? ›

    – Short hair stops above the shoulders. It is up to 12 inches for straight tresses and 14-16 inches for waves and spirals. – Medium hair has the length that goes from the shoulder to the armpit, which is about 12-18 inches for straight strands and up to 24 inches for curly ones.

    What is the length of 10 hair? ›

    If your hair is 10 inches long, it reaches the nape of your neck. This length lies between neck length and shoulder length. Therefore, we can say that 10 inches bone straight is the perfect length for transitional cuts that fall halfway between short and medium-length.

    What is a number 8 haircut all over? ›

    What does a number 8 haircut look like? The way a number 8 haircut looks depends on how you style it. A number 8 haircut all over is categorized by an inch of hair on the entirety of the head.

    What is a 2 by 3 haircut? ›

    Getting a barber's cut Filipino style follows the “2 x 3” rule, or the practice of taking off two fingers' worth of hair on the sides and three fingers' worth on the back. The top section of your hair allows for styling flexibility because it's longer.

    How long is a number 12 hair clipper? ›

    Miaco size #10, #12 and #16 hair clipper guide comb set. This three piece guide comb set includes a number 10 guide comb which leaves hair 1.25" (32mm) long, a number 12 guide comb which leaves hair 1.5" (38mm) long and a number 16 guide comb which leaves hair 2" (51mm) long.

    What a number 4 haircut looks like? ›

    A Number 4 haircut is rather short, but not as short as a buzz cut or a bald fade. The hair is still long enough to comb and style in different ways, providing some flexibility while maintaining a clean, well-groomed look.

    What is a 2 3 haircut? ›

    Getting a barber's cut Filipino style follows the “2 x 3” rule, or the practice of taking off two fingers' worth of hair on the sides and three fingers' worth on the back. The top section of your hair allows for styling flexibility because it's longer.

    What is a 180 haircut called? ›

    180-Degree haircut style is best known as the shag most often used for people with long hair.

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