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Clipper guards, also called guide combs, set how much hair is left after the clipper passes. The number is the hair that stays, not what comes off. We use the Wahl USA guard size guide for the size chart and lengths, and adds a few buying notes. Here is what the makers’ size charts say.
In this article
Quick Answer
Quick verdict
- A higher number leaves longer hair. A #1 leaves 1/8 inch and a #8 leaves 1 inch, per Wahl.
- For a fade, work up from a low guard at the bottom to a higher one, per Wahl’s examples.
- Check that guards fit your exact clipper before buying a set. Not every brand’s guards fit every clipper.
Guard Size Chart
| Guard | Length left | Typical look (per Wahl) |
|---|---|---|
| #1/2 | 1/16 inch | Skin fade length |
| #1 | 1/8 inch | Short buzz cut |
| #2 | 1/4 inch | Traditional buzz cut |
| #3 | 3/8 inch | Longer buzz, or fade up to this length |
| #4 | 1/2 inch | Crew or brush cut |
| #5 | 5/8 inch | Enough to style with product |
| #6 | 3/4 inch | Part the top |
| #7 | 7/8 inch | Side part, peaked cut, crew cut |
| #8 | 1 inch | Longest clipper length, often used on top |
Source: the Wahl USA guard size guide. Other brands can number guards differently, so confirm on the product page.
Example Combinations From Wahl
- Fade cut: #1/2 on the lower sides and back, #2 on the upper sides.
- Brush cut: #1/2 at the front sides, #1 on the rest of the sides and back, #7 on top.
- Buzz cut: #2 on the sides and top.
- Side part: #4 on the sides, #8 on top.
Buying Notes
- Fit: match the guard set to the clipper model. Some boxes include a full set and some do not. See Andis Master vs Wahl Magic Clip for how two models differ.
- Magnetic vs clip-on: StyleCraft lists magnetic guards in its Instinct kit. See the Instinct guide.
- Blades matter too: the blade sets how close the cut is under the guard. See taper vs fade blades and zero-gapping.
Browse clipper guard sets and fade combs on Amazon. Confirm the model fit on the listing.
Cape Specs From the Makers
| Feature | Wahl 5 Star Cape | Andis Barber Cape |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% polyester | Lightweight, water-repellent |
| Size | 54 x 63 inches | Not listed on the page we read |
| Closure | Snap closure, adjustable collar | Adjustable snap closure |
| Other | Bleach proof, color cream resistant, static free | Anti-static perforation |
Sources: the Wahl Pro 5 Star Cape page and the Andis UK barber cape page. The Wahl page showed the cape as out of stock when we read it, and the Andis page is the UK store, so check availability and details where you shop. Prices change, so we do not list them.
What to Check in a Cape
- Fabric: water-resistant and static-free so hair falls off instead of clinging.
- Closure: an adjustable snap collar fits different necks without pinching.
- Size: long enough to cover the client’s lap.
- Washing: follow the care label on the product page.
- Hygiene: see our disinfecting guide and oil vs spray vs coolant for the rest of your station routine.
Browse barber capes and neck strips on Amazon. Match the size and closure to your chair.
Barber capes
The capes covered above, if you want to check current listings.
What the Makers Say About Guards
Guard design differs by maker. We read the Wahl USA and Andis pages on October 13, 2026.
- Wahl Cordless Color Pro: Wahl lists color-coded snap-on guards so each size is easy to identify.
- Wahl All Metal kit: Wahl lists 12 secure-snap guide combs from 1/16 to 1 inch, plus a comb caddy case.
- Wahl Sure Cut kit: Wahl lists 8 guide combs, which is the “goof-proof” set Wahl pitches at beginners.
- Andis Master: the Andis page lists separate Dual Magnet comb sets, a small 5-comb and a large 4-comb set, instead of one bundled set.
That last point matches the note above that the Andis Master box lists none. If you buy a clipper and need guards, check whether they are included before you add a separate set.
How to Choose a Guard Set
- Match the set to the exact clipper model. The makers sell sets for specific clippers.
- Look for the size you use most. If you fade often, you want the 1/16 inch and 1/8 inch sizes.
- Prefer a set with a storage case. Loose guards get lost.
- Replace a cracked guard instead of using it. It will not seat evenly.
For the clippers themselves, see our Oster Classic 76 guide and best professional cordless clippers.
Kits mentioned in this section
Guard sets differ by kit, so match the set to the clipper.
What Comes in Common Kits
Guard counts vary a lot between kits. The chart above lists the full Wahl range, but most kits include only part of it. This table shows what Wahl lists in four home kits.
| Kit | Numbered guide combs listed | Also in the box (per Wahl) |
|---|---|---|
| Sure Cut Corded | No. 1 to No. 6 (1/8 to 3/4 inch) | Left and right ear taper guards, pocket comb, styling comb, scissors, brush, blade oil, soft zippered case |
| Elite Pro Corded | No. 1/2 to No. 8 (1/16 to 1 inch), including 1-1/2 (3/16 inch) | Left and right ear taper guards, large styling comb, scissors with guard, brush, blade oil, premium storage case, guide comb storage bag |
| Cordless Color Pro | No. 1/2 to No. 8 (1/16 to 1 inch), color coded | Left and right taper ear guards, USB-A charging cord, scissors, small and large brushes, blade oil, soft handle case |
| All Metal Corded | 12 secure-snap guides, 1/16 to 1 inch | Comb caddy case, scissors, styling comb, beard brush, oil bottle, detail brush, hard storage case |
Source: Wahl USA pages for the Sure Cut, Elite Pro, Cordless Color Pro and All Metal, read October 13, 2026.
Two details from the Wahl pages are worth knowing. The Elite Pro lists a No. 1-1/2 guard (3/16 inch) between the No. 1 and No. 2, which the main chart above omits. And the Color Pro lists snap-on guards with color coding, so you can pick the right size by color. Ear taper guards are separate from the numbered set and are meant for the neckline and around the ears.
Guard Basics From the Makers
- Do guard numbers match across brands? No. Wahl’s numbers and Andis comb sets are sold separately for specific clippers, so confirm fit before you order.
- What does a number mean? It is the hair left after the pass, not the hair removed. A No. 4 leaves 1/2 inch.
- Can I cut without a guard? Only a barber with training should. A bare blade cuts the closest, and Wahl’s own maintenance advice stresses alignment so the clipper does not cut too close.
How We Researched This
We used the maker pages named above (read October 13, 2026), Wahl USA’s guard size guide, and the Wahl Pro and Andis UK cape product pages. Maker claims are attributed to the maker. Prices move, so check the current listing.
FAQ
What does a #2 guard cut to?
Wahl lists a #2 at 1/4 inch.
What is the shortest guard?
Wahl lists #1/2 at 1/16 inch as the shortest standard guard.
Do all clippers use the same guards?
No. Check that the guard set fits your clipper model.
