Understanding Clipper Cutting Lengths & Attachment Combs

This guide is made to help you understand the different clipper cutting lengths and attachment combs

When it comes to achieving the perfect haircut at home or in a professional setting, understanding clipper cutting lengths and attachment combs is essential. Wahl, a global leader in grooming products, provides a range of tools that make precision and customization possible. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about clipper cutting lengths, attachment combs, and how to achieve your desired style.

What Are Clipper Cutting Lengths?

Clipper cutting lengths refer to the amount of hair left on the head after using a specific clipper blade or attachment comb. These lengths are often measured in millimeters or inches and correspond to numbered guard sizes. Knowing these sizes allows you to achieve a variety of hairstyles, from close fades to longer, blended cuts.

How Do Attachment Combs Work?

Attachment combs, also known as clipper guards, attach to the blade of the clipper and control the amount of hair cut. Each guard has a specific length, which correlates with the amount of hair that will be left behind. For example, a #1 guard typically leaves 1/8 inch (3mm) of hair, while a #4 guard leaves 1/2 inch (13mm) of hair. By swapping out different guard sizes, you can customize the look and feel of your haircut

Best Clippers & Guard Options:

1. Best Barber Professional Hair Clippers Overall For all-around performance, the best hair clippers should offer precision, durability, and ease of use. Wahl’s professional-grade clippers deliver on all fronts, providing smooth cutting action and a range of attachment combs for versatility.
   We suggest either of these two:
   Vapor Clipper – Perfect for fading and creating clear lines
   Black Magic Clip – A great all rounder that is a staple of barber shops across the UK

2. Best Clipper Lengths for Longer Hair For those with longer hair, a clipper with multiple large guard options (like #6, #7, or #8) is essential. Wahl’s clippers offer a wide range of attachment combs to maintain longer hair lengths with precision and consistency.
3. Best Clipper Length for Buzz Cuts A classic buzz cut requires a short, uniform length. Wahl’s clippers equipped with a #2 or #3 guard make it easy to achieve a sharp, uniform buzz cut that stays fresh for weeks.
4. Best Clippers for Bald Heads For a completely bald look, you need clippers that cut as close as possible to the skin. Wahl’s balding clippers are engineered to achieve ultra-close cuts, leaving you with a smooth, bald finish.

How to Choose the Right Clipper Cutting Length

Choosing the right clipper cutting length depends on the look you’re going for. Here’s a simple guide for different styles:

• Buzz Cut: Use a #2 or #3 guard for a classic buzz cut look.
• Fade Haircut: For a fade, you’ll typically use a combination of #0 to #4 guards to create a gradual blend from skin to a longer top.
• Crew Cut: A crew cut typically requires a #4 guard for the sides and back, with a slightly longer length on top.
• Longer Cuts: If you want more hair on top, use larger guards like #6, #7, or #8 for added length.

Pro Tips for Using Wahl Clippers & Attachment Combs

1. Start Big, Then Go Smaller It’s always best to start with a larger guard size and trim down as needed. This approach prevents you from accidentally cutting off too much hair at once.
2. Use the Right Angle Hold the clipper at a slight angle to the scalp for an even cut. Move it in the opposite direction of hair growth for the most effective results.
3. Blend Carefully To create a smooth blend, switch between smaller guard sizes gradually. This is especially important for fades and tapers.
4. Clean Your Clippers After each use, clean your clippers to maintain performance and hygiene. Remove hair from the blades, wash the guards, and oil the clipper blade to keep it sharp.
5. Practice Patience If you’re new to clipper cutting, it may take time to get the results you want. Take it slow, and don’t be afraid to adjust as you go.