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Writer's pictureKristin Baiocco

What Is a Clipper Cut?


What is a clipper cut? A clipper cut is simply a haircut done with a pair of hair clippers, but we have so much more to talk about than just that. We’re going to explore who should get a clipper cut, where to get a clipper cut, what the different settings mean, how often to get a clipper cut, and common cuts.



what is a clipper cut



Who Should Get a Clipper Cut

A clipper cut is synonymous with a classic men’s haircut. Unlike a scissor cut, the clipper cut is designed for short, tight haircuts. Clippers themselves have existed for around three centuries. In the 19th century, before electric clippers were invented, barbers used manual clippers for men’s haircuts. Before that, they used razors. In the early 20th century, we saw a dramatic increase in the number of electric clippers coming to market and the popularity of barbershops. Now, we use clippers for both men and women who want their hair cut shorter than about an inch.


Clipper Settings

Clippers use guards to cut the hair at a specific length. Clipper guard sizes usually range from 1-8. Each clipper guard number refers to a different length of hair. So, when you ask a barber or stylist for a #1 haircut, they’ll know you want your hair cut short to ⅛”. Here are the lengths of each clipper guard:

  • #0 - No Guard

  • #1 Guard – 1/8”

  • #2 Guard – ¼”

  • #3 Guard– 3/8”

  • #4 Guard – ½”

  • #5 Guard – 5/8”

  • #6 Guard – ¾”

  • #7 Guard – 7/8”

  • #8 Guard – 1”


Where to Get a Clipper Cut

Where you get your clipper cut is going to be completely dependent on the person. The haircutting experience is entirely individual, so it makes sense that your preferred experience is unique, too. We’ll go over all of the options.


At Home

Although this is not our first choice for most people, it is possible to give yourself a clipper cut at home. Clippers should be a part of every man’s home. You’ll never know when they could come in handy. Even if you’re not a haircutting expert, don’t worry. There are plenty of YouTube videos demonstrating how to give yourself a haircut, especially post-2020. At-home haircuts can be something as simple as cleaning up the neckline or giving yourself a buzz cut, but they can also get pretty difficult. Haircuts get much trickier when you want to blend the hair so it’s longer on top and shorter on the sides, especially if you don’t have someone to help you. This makes the most sense for men with close cuts who need to shave their heads every day or every other day to maintain the short look.


Salon Chains

Salon chains are always an easy option for haircuts. They’re typically the most affordable and convenient since you don’t need an appointment. They’re also less reliably predictable than higher-end barbershops and salons. You might not see the same stylist twice, so the quality of your haircut may vary every time you go in. The experience is less personalized, so it’s best for people who just want the bare minimum.


Salons and Barbershops

Locally owned, high-end salons and barbershops are the best of the best. Once you find a salon with stylists or barbers you jive with, you’ll never go back to hair salon chains. Especially at Studio One Salon, we treat hair like an art. Your haircut becomes a conversation about what suits your hair type, what will best frame your face, how often you like to get haircuts, and how you style your hair in the morning. You’ll develop a relationship with your stylist until they know your hair better than you do. We take our time to make sure you’re 100% satisfied with the finished product. We want this to be the best haircut of your life along with every haircut after.


Not only is the haircut good, but the experience is unlike any other. Your haircut becomes self-care. Studio One Salon takes notes from the history of haircuts where salons and barbershops used to be a gathering place for people to converse, relax, and unwind— almost like a social club but without the membership fees.




what is a clipper cut


The Most Common Clipper Cuts


Close Cut

The close cut is the shortest of all the clipper cuts. It’s as close as you can get to a shaved head without using a razor—like 5 o’clock shadow on your head. This is great for guys who have thinning hair and want it to look more uniform. This cut is done without a clipper guard and the taper level at its closest position on the clippers.



Buzz Cut

The buzz cut is a little longer than the close cut, but it’s still a short haircut. It can be as short as a 1 or as long as a 4. The shorter the cut, the more important it is to clean up the hairline. A defined hairline gives shape to the face for a more flattering look.


One & Two

Buzz cuts on 1-2 are the lightest and airiest of all the buzz cuts. They’re low maintenance as far as styling but require regular cuts to keep the length short.


Three

Buzz cuts on 3 are a little longer and look like the classic army soldier haircut. The growth is long enough to cover the scalp completely and show the contrast between the hair and face.


Four

Longer buzz cuts on 4 still look polished, but at ½” are borderline a scissor haircut length. They’re a great transition length.


Fade


A fade haircut is when the hair gradually gets shorter from the top of your head and “fades” into the skin. Fades are completely customizable. You can customize the length of the fade and the point at which the fade starts on the head. Your stylist can explain the details of where your fade will start if it’s high, mid, or low to make sure you receive the look you want.



what is a clipper cut


High and Tight

A high and tight haircut is the shorter equivalent of a crew cut. This haircut includes either completely shaved sides or a high fade with slightly longer hair at the very top. This haircut is often associated with Marines.


Crew Cut

The crew cut is a slightly longer version of a high and tight. It’s probably the most classic hairstyle we’ll cover. The hair on the top of the head is typically long enough to require a scissor cut but the sides are tapered or faded.


Undercut

The undercut is a hair style defined by long hair, even longer than a crew cut, on top of the head. Many times the hair is long enough to be combed over to one side. The sides are faded very abruptly which creates a stark contrast between the hair on top of the head and the skin on the sides.


Tapered Neck

A tapered neck is longer than a fade. It is still a gradual shortening of the hair on the sides and back of the head, but the hair doesn’t fade into the skin. It’s a softer-looking haircut.


Sideburns

Clippers are perfect for maintaining and blending sideburn hair until it fades into the skin. Clippers are convenient for trimming sideburns to the desired length and making sure they’re even on both sides.



With all of the clipper cut options available, it’s helpful to see a stylist who cares about giving you the best haircut for your face. Whether you want to try out a new haircut or you want more consistency in the quality of the haircuts you get, Studio One Salon is here to deliver. Our stylists are excited to work with you and make your hair dreams come true.



Kristin Baiocco

Kristin Baiocco is the creative behind Studio One Salon in Hockessin, DE. Kristin has been a hairstylist for over 15 years and founded Studio One in 2022 to create a space for stylists and guests that was more creative and inspiring than the average salon. Her love for people and this industry really drive home why she set this goal in the first place: To create, every day.


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