Haircut numbers and hair clipper sizes have confused men for years. Whether you are visiting a barbershop for the first time or learning to cut your own hair with a clipper set, it’s important to know what lengths correspond to different clipper guard sizes. So, let’s demystify some of the common myths around these and get you the perfect trim!

What is a hair clipper and why is it so important? A hair clipper (often individually known by the apparent plural hair clippers in a similar way to scissors) is a specialised implement used to cut human head hair. They work on the same principle as scissors, but are distinct from scissors themselves and razors. Similar but heavier-duty implements are used to shear sheep, but are called hand pieces or machine shears.

Hair clippers comprise a pair of sharpened comb-like blades in close contact one above the other and the side which slide sideways relative to each other, a mechanism which may be manual or electrical to make the blades oscillate from side to side, and a handle. The clipper is moved so that hair is positioned between the teeth of the comb, and cut with a scissor action when one blade slides sideways relative to the other. Friction between the blades needs to be as low as possible, which is attained by choice of material and finish, and frequent lubrication.

Hair clippers are operated by a pair of handles which are alternately squeezed together and released. Barbers used them to cut hair close and fast. The hair was picked up in locks and the head was rapidly depilated. Such haircuts became popular among boys, mostly in schools, and young men in the military and in prisons.

They are of two types, the latter being the focus of this article-

1.MANUAL CLIPPERS-

Manual clippers were invented between 1850 and 1890 by Nikola Bizumic, a Serbian barber.[1] While they were widely used in the distant past, the advent and reduction in cost of electric hair clippers has led to their largely replacing manual clippers. Some barbers in Western countries continue to use them for trimming. They are also used in the Russian army: when conscripts enter boot camp, they cut their hair close to the skin, sometimes using manual clippers.

2.ELECTRIC CLIPPERS-

Electric hair clippers work in the same way as manual ones, but are driven by an electric motor which makes the blades oscillate from side to side. They have gradually displaced manual hair clippers in many countries. Three different motor types are used in clipper production: magnetic, rotary and pivot. Rotary style may be driven by direct current or alternating current electricity source. Both magnetic and pivot style clippers use magnetic forces derived from winding copper wire around steel. Alternating current creates a cycle attracting and relaxing to a spring to create speed and torque to drive the cutter across combing blade.

Leo J. Wahl invented the first electric hair clipper. He first designed a hand-held massager for his uncle, Dr. Frank Wahl. Frank Wahl opened a manufacturing plant in Sterling, Illinois to produce and sell Leo’s massager. During this time, Leo would sell massagers to various barbers and noticed an opportunity to improve upon the tools barbers were using at the time.

USE-

Let’s start from the basics here. Haircut numbers refer to clipper guard sizes, and you can find the number etched into the guard itself. Most clipper sets provide 8 guards, and each hair clippers size represents the amount of hair that will be left when used. The larger the number, the longer the haircut. Oftentimes, most brands like Oster, Wahl, and Andis use increments of 1/8 of an inch.

For example, asking for a “Number 2 Haircut” means the #2 guard will be attached to the clipper to leave 1/4 inch of hair on the scalp. Similarly, a “Number 1 Haircut” is a very short cut that corresponds to a 1/8 inch length; a “Number 3 Haircut” cut to 3/8 inch; and a “Number 4” is the medium length of 1/2 inch. In this way, a man can request a Number 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 haircut, where a “Number 0” means no guard is used, resulting in a near-shaved look with 1/16 of an inch of hair left.

1.A“Number 0 Haircut” has no guard attached and therefore uses the permanent guard attached to the clipper for a short cut. A zero is often used to provide a very short buzz cut or almost skin fade, leaving the scalp exposed.

2. A “Number 1 Haircut” is about 1/8 of an inch, which is a little longer than a number zero. The guard is still ideal for buzz cuts, or you can use it to taper or fade from different numbers. However, we do not recommend a number 1 cut if you don’t want your scalp to show.

3. The “Number 2 Haircut” is one of the most popular clipper sizes for fade haircuts. Not too short or long, it gives you 1/4 of an inch in length, allowing for a fuller hairstyle that doesn’t expose the scalp. A number 2 is a safe bet for guy’s with thinning hair and is likely perfect for thick hair.

4. The “Number 3 Haircut” cuts your hair down to 3/8 of an inch, and is generally the longest clipper size most barbers will use to maintain short faded sides. On the other hand, it can also be used on the top for a longer buzz cut style (e.g. burr cut).

5. A “Number 4 Haircut” leaves hair 1/2 inch long, making it the medium length of the clipper guards. With this size, you can start to get a brush or crew cut, which are similar to a buzz cut but include a skin fade on the sides and longer hair on top. The number 4 works well for both thick and thin hair.

6. The “Number 5 Haircut” length is 5/8 of an inch.

7. The “Number 6 Haircut” is 3/4 inches long. It’s for tapering of hair.

There are numerous types of clippers available in market today. However, the Cordless Men Hair Shaving Machine Clipper is a hot favourite! They need three to five hours to be fully charged depending upon the model. Such a trimmer, prevents snagging, uneven cutting and pulling and includes multi-cut clipper, detail trimmer, blade guard, two hair clips, soft storage case, barber comb, cleaning brush, styling comb, scissors, blade oil, left/right ear taper, barber cape, ear trim guide, eyebrow guide, and full colour instructions.

They usually have adjustable blade length settings to choose from and some have their entire body rubberized, which means it won’t slip from your hands, and it cuts precisely and smoothly. What more could you ask for? Some really advanced and newly launched trimmers are powered by lithium technology which means longer battery life!

If you just want to try a trimmer out or want one which is a little easy on the pocket, you can easily go for the Rechargeable Hair Trimmer! These can be with a cord or cordless. A trimmer with a cord is a little easy on the pocket and gives more or less the same benefits. All in all, it is the best option for a first try!

It must be noted that all these clippers demand oiling to maintain the rotor blades in good shape. You will be provided with a little of the lubricating oil during purchase, however you do not need to purchase oil of the exact same manufacturer as the clippers once you run out of the original. Hair clipper oil assists in keeping the rotor blades of the clippers well-defined, however more to the point, it has two other considerations. First of all, it cuts down on friction and for that reason heat, maintaining your rotor blades from heating or perhaps appropriating up. This ultimate decrease in rubbing enables the blades to go faster. If they transfer quicker, they will trim much better!

So, now you have enough for basic knowledge. Happy shopping!

Author's Bio: 

Barber Syndicate is the online retailer that provides the best quality products that can be used for grooming. We are based out of Mori Gate, New Delhi and have been operating from quite some time.