If you ask your barber for a number one cut, you are asking them to cut your hair so it is an eighth of an inch long. If you ask for a number eight cut, the hair left on your head will be one inch.
Number 4 Haircut: Half an inch
Using number 4 clippers will result in less of a buzz cut and more of a brush or crew cut. It'll leave your hair 1/2″ (or 12.7mm) long, which is just long enough to comb and style.
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. Number 4: Half an inch.
Simple clipper cuts are also often referred to using numbers. These refer to the guard length used on the blades and therefore the subsequent hair length created. #1 – 3.4mm, #2 – 6.4mm, #3 – 9.5mm, #4 – 12.7mm, #7 – 22.2mm, #8 – 25.4mm.
Number 3 haircut is achieved using a guard three clipper resulting in 3/8-inch length. Guard 3 clipper is the longest length used for fades and sides. Never use guard 3 for shorter sides.
Number two haircut
Although still very short, the popular number two clipper guard is also used for buzz cuts and fades. However, because the hair is a quarter of an inch long the scalp is not exposed in the way that it is with a zero or one cut. This makes it a good cut for guys who have thin hair or who are balding.
If you are looking for a medium length hairstyle, then the number 4 haircut is exactly what you should ask for. Why? Well, it measures a 1/2 inch or 13mm long, hence, the #4 is the medium length for standard hair clipper guard combs.
Turns out, the secret to a great haircut is two-fold. First, you must consider your face shape, and secondly, you need to choose a cut that works with your hair's texture. While it's definitely fun to change it up and go for the unexpected, there's something to be said for a classic, flattering cut.
Ranging from 0 to 8, where 0 is the shortest setting (without the clipper guard) and 8 is the longest setting, the stylist is then able to determine what length to cut the sides of your hair and from that length, determine how best to cut the rest of your hair to your desired haircut and to best suit your features.
There's an easy, and we mean easy, way to decide if short hairstyles are in your future. We call it the 2.25 rule. Practically fool proof, this rule states that if the longest part of your chin is less than 2.25 inches from the tip of your earlobe, then short hairstyles are for you.
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.
Most barbers perform buzz cuts based on the golden 3-2-1 rule. That means a #3 guard on the top, a #2 guard on the sides, and a #1 guard to trim up the edges.
180-Degree haircut style is best known as the shag and is most often used for people with long hair.
How to ask for a crew cut. Depending on the style you're going for, ask for a short trim on top between ½ an inch and 2 inches long, with tapered sides. Alternatively, you can ask for a low, mid or high fade to accompany the longer length on top.
Always show a photo example to your barber, as there's no better way to get the hairstyle you want than showing a photo of a cut that at least, looks similar. It's always best to choose a photo where the model in the picture has a similar hair texture to your own.
Know what you want
Your barber will oblige this request if they have to, but they'd rather not. Most of the time people say “do what you want”, what they actually mean is “read my mind and if you don't get it right I'm never coming back here again”.
Communication is key when you're getting your hair cut and most of us have no idea what to say. Try these tips to make sure you leave happy—and looking like the inspo photo you brought with you.
From the Rachel 2.0 to butterfly layers, contour cutting and Hailey Bieber-inspired bobs—there are a few themes among 2023's trends: Layers, fringe and framing. The radar is still showing the influence of the '60s, '70s, plus a major influx in '90s cuts with extreme layering at every length.
Try a deep side part to also create more angles to a round face, or pull your hair up into a high ponytail to elongate the face. If you're feeling especially daring, a short pixie cut with volume at the top looks fabulous on round face shapes, as it adds texture and angles, without looking harsh.
Find your jawline where it begins under your ear and measure to the tip of your chin (then double this number to account for the other side). Then, once all four steps are completed, it is time to compare numbers to see if your face shape is round, oval, triangle, oblong, diamond, square or heart.
Common Sizes
So, when you ask your barber for a #1 haircut, you want the hair on top to be only 1/8-inch long. To help you get familiarized with the usage of Oster clippers and the guides that come with them, here is a quick guide: #1 Guard – 1/8”. #2 Guard – ¼”. #3 Guard– 3/8”.
A taper is when hair gradually changes from one length to another. A fade is a shorter taper that blends or fades into the skin (hence the name).
A brief description of the basic overall style you are looking for. Any specific details you can give about: The length of hair you want on top, side, back of head. The type of gradient you want to achieve e.g., Fade or Taper.