Number 3. This clipper size cuts to a length of ⅜ inches to about 7/16 inches if it's open. If you're opting for a fade, it might be best to ask your barber to start with a 3 so then they can move down to a 2 and lower as they fade it out. It also helps you keep more of your length.

A Number 5 haircut leaves the hair at a length of 5/8 inch, or approximately 16mm. This haircut is considered medium-short, offering a clean-cut look while still being long enough to provide some styling flexibility.

If you ask your barber for a number one cut, you are asking them to cut your hair so it is an eighth of an inch long. If you ask for a number eight cut, the hair left on your head will be one inch. Here are all the haircut length numbers and their corresponding clipper guard size: Zero: 1/16 of an inch.

The number 4 haircut leaves hair half an inch long, making it a medium-short style that's versatile and popular. It allows for more styling options and is less severe than lower numbers. The number 4 haircut is great for those who want to keep their hair short but stylish.