Have you ever looked at a clipper guard size chart and wondered what it means?
Have you been wanting to learn how to cut your own hair?
Are you in need of tips on how to clean hair clippers at home?
If you answered yes to these questions and want to know how to cut men's hair for beginners, you have come to the right place.
So, without further ado, here is our Hair & Beauty Kingdom guide to finding the correct hair clipper guard sizes to achieve your favourite look.
What Are Hair Clipper and Shaver Guards?
Did you know that some of the most on-trend men's haircut styles can be achieved with only a few of the right tools and a bit of know-how? This is where hair clippers and shaver guards come into play.
For beginners unfamiliar with the term, hair clipper guards are attachments that fit onto a hair clipper and help measure the length of the strands you are cutting. These can be used when you visit a barber or when you cut hair on your own. Without a quality hair clipper or shaver guards, there are some common styles, such as fades, that you won’t be able to achieve—at least not successfully!
Clipper guards are especially important for popular cuts like the men’s fade haircut and burst fade design, allowing you to control the length and create clean, precise lines.
Understanding Hair Clipper Guard Sizes: The Key to Your Perfect Cut
If you have ever asked for a number one, two, or three, this concerns the hair clipper guard sizes your men’s stylist will use.
Several hair clipper guard sizes are available to guide beginners as they cut hair on their own. These sizes are organised in numbers rather than actual measurements, listed between zero and twelve:
- #0 (1/16 inch, 1.5 mm): Great for ultra-close cuts, like a skin fade.
- #1 (1/8 inch, 3 mm): Perfect for very short styles and tapered fades.
- #2 (1/4 inch, 6 mm): A good option for a tidy, professional look.
- #3 (3/8 inch, 10 mm): A versatile guard for medium length, great for blending.
- #4 (1/2 inch, 13 mm): Common for a classic buzz cut.
These are just some of the main guard sizes, but knowing how they work will help you achieve a great cut at home.
Always start with a longer guard size, then work your way shorter. You can always take more off, but you can’t put your hair back on!
Make Use of a Clipper Guard Size Chart
Choosing hair clipper guard sizes is significantly easier when referencing a size chart. By having one on hand, you can use this chart to help you find the perfect option for your needs.
Remember: Different hair clipper brands use different clipper guard sizes, each with its own size chart. These guards also differ from blade sizes, which have their own reference size chart, so be sure to consider these when choosing your hair clipper positions or lengths when you cut hair on your own.
How to Cut Men's Hair with Clippers: Step-by-Step Guide
Cutting hair with clippers might feel daunting at first, but with a few steps, you can master the art of how to cut men's hair with clippers:
- Preparation: Start with clean, dry hair. Comb through to remove any tangles.
- Choose the Right Guard: Select the guard size based on how much hair you want to remove.
- Start from the Sides: Begin with the sides and back, holding the clipper at a 90-degree angle to the scalp.
- Work Towards the Top: Use longer guards as you move up the head for a smooth transition.
- Blend and Taper: Switch guards gradually to blend the different lengths seamlessly.
- Check Your Work: Double-check with a handheld mirror to ensure evenness.
For styles like the men’s fade haircut or burst fade design, adjust the guard sizes incrementally to create that smooth gradient effect.
How to Clean Hair Clippers for Beginners
Now that you know which shaver or hair guard to choose, it is essential to maintain and clean hair clippers to guarantee quality results when cutting hair on your own.
Always remember the two main steps: clean and lubricate.
- Turn Off Your Clippers: Always start by ensuring the clippers are turned off and unplugged.
- Remove Hair Build-up: Remove the head from your clipper and use a clean brush to gently, yet firmly, sweep away any build-up of hair and skin. If your clipper head is not detachable, brush the blade area.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the head under the tap to remove debris such as hair or oil. Thoroughly dry the clippers' heads and reattach them to the tool.
- Sanitise and Lubricate: Use sanitiser spray to kill any lingering germs. After all, the last thing you need when learning how to cut hair on your own is to deal with unpleasant infections like folliculitis!
- Invest in Clipper Oil: Investing in clipper oil can help enormously with maintaining your shaver or hair clippers at home.
Ensuring your clippers are clean and well-maintained is crucial for both the longevity of your tools and the quality of your haircut.
Find the Right Tools for Beginners & Pros at Hair and Beauty Kingdom
If you are looking for quality hair clippers/hair trimmers, there is no better place than Hair and Beauty Kingdom to stock up on all your men’s hair tools and accessories.
Our team is here to help you learn to cut men’s hair with ease and precision, thanks to our range of professional-quality tools, including electric hair clippers and versatile shaver guards.
Using any of our items, beginners can work with a clipper guard size chart to find the best option for their needs and begin enjoying salon-quality results when cutting hair.
To learn more about how to cut your hair, contact our Hair and Beauty Kingdom team today by emailing sales@hairandbeautykingdom.com.au or calling 1300 061 808.