What's the Highest Guard for Hair Clippers?

The highest standard guard for hair clippers is #8, which leaves 1 inch of hair. Some brands offer longer guards—#10 leaves 1.25 inches, #12 leaves 1.5 inches, and specialty #16 guards reach 2 inches. These longer guards help you trim without cutting too much off. This guide explains all guard sizes and when to use each one.

How Guard Numbers Work

Guards snap onto clipper blades and stop them from cutting too short. The number tells you exactly how long your hair stays.

Simple rule: Bigger number = longer hair

Each number represents a specific length:

Using no guard (#0) cuts almost to skin, like a close shave.

According to basic clipper design, guards give consistent length across your whole head.

Standard Guards (#1-#8)

Most home clippers include guards #1 through #8. This covers all basic haircuts.

Short Length (#1-#3):

• Buzz cuts
• Fades
• Summer cuts
• Low maintenance

Medium Length (#4-#6):

• Crew cuts
• Tapered styles
• Versatile for most people
• Balance of short and styled

Long Length (#7-#8):

• Maximum standard length
• Can comb and style
• Good for transitions
• Professional appearance

Guard #8 is where standard sets end. For longer, you need special guards.

Extended Guards Beyond #8

Some brands make guards longer than the standard #8. Here's what's available:

Where to find them:

• Buy from clipper manufacturer directly
• Barber supply stores
• Online (Amazon, specialty sites)
• Price: $10-$25 for extended sets

Compatibility: Most work with major brands like Wahl and Oster. Check before buying to ensure they fit your clippers.

When You Need Longer Guards

Extended guards work for specific situations:

Trimming Long Hair: If you have 3-4 inches and want to remove just a little, #10 or #12 guards take off enough without dramatic change.

Blending Short to Long: Modern styles use short sides (#2) and long top (#10). Extended guards make this easier.

Thick Hair: Dense hair looks shorter than thin hair at same length. Longer guards compensate.

First-Time Cutting: Start long, go shorter if needed. Can't put hair back once cut.

A complete grooming kit for home often includes extra guards for different lengths.

Problems with Long Guards

Guards over #10 have drawbacks:

Bend Easily: Longer plastic bends under pressure. Causes uneven cuts. Use very light touch.

Harder to Keep Even: Long guards lose contact with scalp easier. Results may vary slightly.

Not Always Available: Many clipper sets stop at #8. May need separate purchase.

Less Precise: Long guards remove bulk but aren't precise like scissors.

Using the Side Lever

Most clippers have a small lever on the side. This changes blade position slightly.

How it works:

• Lever up (open) = Cuts longer
• Lever down (closed) = Cuts shorter
• Middle = In-between length

Example: #8 guard with lever open cuts slightly over 1 inch. With lever closed, cuts slightly under 1 inch.

This helps blend between different guard sizes smoothly.

When Scissors Work Better

Beyond 2 inches, scissors beat clippers:

Scissors vs Clippers:

For tops over 2 inches, use clippers on sides and scissors on top for best results.

According to professional hair techniques, combining tools gives salon-quality cuts.

Choosing Your Guard Size

Pick based on these factors:

Hair Thickness:

• Thick hair: Go 1 guard longer (looks shorter when thick)
• Thin hair: Use listed guard (looks accurate)
• Curly hair: Add 1-2 guards (shrinks when dry)

Your Style:

• Buzz cut: #2 all over
• Crew cut: #2 sides, #8 top
• Modern cut: #1 fade to #10 top
• Conservative: #4 sides, #10 top

Experience: Beginners start with #6 or higher. Practice with longer guards first.

Popular Guard Combinations

Here are common haircut styles by guard:

Tools from Bestbomg include multiple guards for trying different styles easily.

Taking Care of Guards

Guards last longer with proper care:

After Each Use:

1. Remove and brush off hair
2. Wash with soap and warm water
3. Dry completely
4. Check for cracks or bends

Monthly Check:

• Inspect teeth for chips
• Test fit on clipper
• Replace if loose or damaged

Bent guards make uneven cuts. Replace immediately if damaged.

Follow cleaning best practices to prevent skin problems.

Where to Buy Extended Guards

Official Sources:

• Wahl.com - #10 and #12 guards
• Oster.com - #10 guards
• Andis.com - Extended sets

Third-Party:

• Clipquik - Universal #16 guards
• Amazon - Multiple brands
• Barber supply websites

Price Range:

• Single guards: $5-$10
• Complete extended sets: $15-$25

Read reviews before buying third-party guards to ensure quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a 16 guard for clippers?

Yes. Specialty brands like Clipquik make #16 guards that cut to 2 inches. They fit Wahl clippers and are available from barber supply stores online.

What does 1,2,3,4,5 mean in haircuts?

Numbers are guard sizes. #1 = 1/8 inch, #2 = 1/4 inch, #3 = 3/8 inch. Each number adds about 1/8 inch. Lower number = shorter hair.

Is a 16 guard longer than an 8 guard?

Yes, twice as long. #8 cuts to 1 inch, #16 cuts to 2 inches. Use #16 for maximum clipper length before switching to scissors.

How long is a 7 guard haircut?

7/8 inch (22mm). Enough length for styling with gel or pomade while staying relatively short. Good for crew cuts and side parts.

How short is an 8 guard haircut?

Leaves 1 inch (25mm) of hair. Longest standard guard. Short to medium length with styling options but not long hair.

How long is a 12 guard?

1.5 inches (38mm). Extended guard not in standard sets. Wahl makes #12 guards for trimming longer hair with clippers.

Pick the Right Guard

Most clippers include up to #8 guard (1 inch). Extended guards reach 1.5-2 inches for longer styles. Start long if unsure—you can always go shorter.

Browse complete clipper sets with multiple guards for every length and style.