Tap a guard number to see the exact length, common uses, and which hairstyles use it.
#2
Guard Number
1/4"
Inches
6 mm
Millimeters
Short but with decent coverage. The most popular guard size for sides and back.
Common Uses
Pro Tip
The #2 is the sweet spot — short enough to look clean, long enough that scalp doesn't show through on most hair types.
Hairstyles Using This Guard
| Guard | Length | mm | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| #0 | 1/16" | 1.5 mm | Skin fades (lowest point) |
| #1 | 1/8" | 3 mm | Fade starting point |
| #2 | 1/4" | 6 mm | Standard fade sides |
| #3 | 3/8" | 10 mm | Fade top point |
| #4 | 1/2" | 13 mm | Crew cut (top) |
| #5 | 5/8" | 16 mm | Longer taper sides |
| #6 | 3/4" | 19 mm | Longer all-over cuts |
| #7 | 7/8" | 22 mm | Longer top lengths |
| #8 | 1" | 25 mm | Maximum clipper length |
Haircut numbers refer to clipper guard sizes. Each number represents a specific hair length — #1 is 1/8 inch (3mm), #2 is 1/4 inch (6mm), and so on. The higher the number, the longer the hair left after cutting.
The #2 guard (1/4 inch / 6mm) is the most popular size. It's the standard choice for fade sides — short enough to look clean but with enough coverage that scalp doesn't show through on most hair types.
For a classic fade, ask for a #1 or #2 on the sides fading up to a #3 or #4. For a buzz cut, #2 or #3 all over is most popular. For a crew cut, ask for a #4-5 on top with #2 sides.
A #1 guard leaves 1/8 inch (3mm) — very short with some scalp visible. A #2 leaves 1/4 inch (6mm) — still short but with better coverage. The #2 is the more common choice for fade sides because it looks clean without showing too much scalp.
The #8 is the longest standard clipper guard at 1 inch (25mm). Beyond that length, barbers switch to scissors. Some clipper brands sell extended guards that go up to 1.5 inches.
Yes — thin or fine hair shows more scalp at shorter lengths, so you may want to go one number higher. Thick or coily hair looks fuller at the same guard length, so you can go shorter if you prefer a tighter look.
Upload a selfie and let AI recommend 5 hairstyles that suit your face shape, hair type, and proportions — with the exact clipper numbers to ask for.
Try AI Analysis - $7.99