Overview
This guide explains the purpose and use of hair clipper guards, their different sizes, and how to select, maintain, and care for them to achieve desired haircut styles.
What Are Hair Clipper Guards?
- Hair clipper guards are comb-like attachments that control the length of hair being cut.
- They help both professionals and amateurs achieve consistent and precise hair lengths and styles.
How Hair Clipper Guards Work
- Guards fit onto clipper blades, leaving a specific hair length determined by the guard size.
- Lower guard numbers result in shorter haircuts; higher numbers leave the hair longer.
Using Hair Clipper Guards
- Clean, oil, and check clippers before starting for best performance.
- Decide on desired hair length and select the corresponding guard size, noting that sizes are usually numbered.
- Attach the guard securely, test on a small hair section, and proceed cutting against hair growth for even results.
- Use multiple guards for blending and shaping, cleaning guards after each use and storing them safely.
Common Clipper Guard Sizes
- No Guard/#0: ~1/16 inch (1.5mm)
- #1: ~1/8 inch (3mm)
- #2: ~1/4 inch (6mm)
- #3: ~3/8 inch (10mm)
- #4: ~1/2 inch (13mm)
- #5: ~5/8 inch (16mm)
- #6: ~3/4 inch (19mm)
- #7: ~7/8 inch (22mm)
- #8: ~1 inch (25mm)
- Guard sizes can vary by brand, so check manufacturer details.
Choosing the Right Clipper Guard Size
- Determine desired hair length and style (e.g., buzz, crew, medium, long, fade).
- Lower numbers are used for shorter cuts; higher numbers for longer styles.
- Consider hair thickness and texture, which affect final appearance.
- Blending and fades often need multiple guards and gradual transitions.
- Precision work may require scissors or unguarded clippers.
Suggested Guard Sizes for Common Haircuts
- Close crop/buzz cut: #1 or #2 guard.
- Crew cut: #3 or #4 guard.
- Medium length: #5 or #6 guard.
- Long hair: #7 or #8 guard.
- Blending/fades: use several guard sizes skillfully.
- Custom styles: combine guards or use no guard for details.
Maintenance and Care of Clipper Guards
- Clean guards after each use to prevent clogs and maintain performance.
- Lubricate moving parts and store guards in a dry, safe place.
- Sterilize guards between clients to ensure hygiene.
- Replace guards that show cracks, broken teeth, or other damage.
Specialist Barber Insurance
- Consider insuring barber equipment to cover potential damage or third-party injury claims.
- Ripe offers cover including public and products liability for barbers.
Recommendations / Advice
- Always follow manufacturer instructions for clipper guard use and maintenance.
- Regular inspection and careful storage extend the life and effectiveness of clipper guards.
- Select guard sizes to suit each client's hair type and desired style for best results.