A #7 guard is a clipper attachment that cuts hair to a length of 7/8 of an inch (about 22mm), offering a fuller, textured look, often used for crew cuts or keeping length on top while blending with shorter sides for a modern style. It's longer than common fade guards (#1, #2, #3) but shorter than the #8 (1 inch), providing versatility for styles that need more substance on the top without being too long.
Number 7 Haircut
The number 7 is often used for fuller crew cuts or textured styles that still lean on the shorter side. At 7/8 inch, it allows for versatility while still feeling light and fresh.
Guards go 0-8 (sometimes up to 10) depending on the brand. The lower the guard number the shorter the hair will be, a lot of the lower numbers are used in fades, so if you request a fade you'll have extra brownie points for knowing what number you'd like to fade from and into.
Extra Long – These new #10 - 1.25” and #12 - 1.5” size clipper guards allow for cutting of longer hair and fades. Hair Clipper Companion – Wahl®'s Secure-Fit™ guide combs are an upgrade to your existing hair clipper guide combs, and in new sizes.
Yes, a $5 tip for a $20 haircut is considered good to generous, as it's 25%, exceeding the standard 15-20% ($3-$4) for good service, showing appreciation for a great cut, or if the service was exceptional, though some stylists appreciate even more for complex cuts or loyalty.
If you've been on instagram or tik tok lately, you've probably come across videos talking about the so-called “forbidden 16-guard.” It's become a viral trend among newer barbers and hair enthusiasts—but let's set the record straight: there is no official 16 guard, and relying on one says more about a barber's ...
Number 0 or ½
If you don't use a clipper guard, and the lever on the clipper blade is closed, you will get the closest cut to your skin as possible. This is known as a zero-gap haircut because there's no space between the cutting blade and the fixed blade — they're both at the same level.
On the other hand, a number 8 guard will leave your hair at a length of about 1 inch or 25mm.
The "buzz cut 3-2-1 rule" is a popular barber's guideline for a tapered fade, using clipper guards: a #3 guard on the top, a #2 guard on the sides, and a #1 guard around the edges and neckline for a clean, blended look with short length on top, gradually getting shorter down the back and sides. This creates a soft, textured top with sharp, defined edges, a great low-maintenance style for many face shapes.
Does short or long hair make you look younger? Long hair can enhance facial features by diverting attention away from wrinkles or age spots and adding volume to your hair. Short hair does not need to age you, though, as the style and texture of shorter hairstyles can add a youthful appearance.
In haircuts, numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 refer to clipper guard sizes, which are plastic attachments that control hair length; the higher the number, the longer the hair. A #1 is about 1/8 inch, #2 is 1/4 inch, #3 is 3/8 inch, #4 is 1/2 inch, and #5 is 5/8 inch, with each number leaving progressively more hair for fades, buzz cuts, and other styles.
Number 7 Haircut A number 7 haircut can be used to get a crew cut with clippers. At 7/8 of an inch, a #7 guard is best for buzzing your hair on top without the hassle of using scissors. Just remember to use the smaller clipper sizes to give yourself a clean fade on the sides.
Turns out, the buzz cut is one of the best haircuts for receding hairlines. If you think you're dealing with hair loss, the buzz is a classic, low-stress, and confidence-boosting choice.
Clipper Guard Numbers and Hair Lengths
#0.5: Leaves hair at 1.5mm—perfect for tight fades or blending. #1: Leaves hair at 3mm (1/8 inch)—classic for a neat, close cut. #1.5: Leaves hair at 4.5mm—adds a bit of texture for a natural look. #2: Leaves hair at 6mm (1/4 inch)—perfect for short, polished styles.
Number 0 (1/16 inch or 1.5 mm): This is the shortest length, achieved without a guard, resulting in a nearly bald look.
To keep the bottom of your mustache clean and your mouth free of hair, use the trimmer without a guard. Smile with your mouth closed and trim the hair just above your upper lip in an even line. Be careful if you aren't using a guard since your hand could slip and you may take a chunk of hair out of your beard.
The Military Buzz Cut is a short uniform haircut where the hair is clipped close to the scalp for a clean powerful look.
Some have associated the haircut with "gangster culture". In one instance, a restaurant owner in San Antonio, Texas, banned the Edgar due to this association. The haircut was banned in El Salvador public schools in August 2025 following a directive issued by education minister Karla Trigueros.
Candidates aren't required to shave their hair down to the skin, but down to “stubble length.” The Ranger Physical Assessment (RPA) happens on day one of the course.
Many barbers prefer to get tipped in cash. It helps them avoid any fees they or the salon have to pay with credit card transactions. Cash also means they get their tip right away. When tipping on a card, it can take a day or so for the transaction to process.
Typically $25, if it's a place that has multiple people participating in waiting on you(food, runners, tipped out bartenders, bussers) I usually go to about 30% to make sure my my server doesn't lose money by having to pay out other people.
The standard tip for a hair stylist is 20% of the total service cost. For exceptional service or complex treatments, consider 25-30%. For basic services, 15-20% is generally acceptable.