A Simple Guide to Men's Hair Grades & Haircut Numbers

Are you the one who just scroll through Insta pics of dope cuts & put your finger on the best one, letting your barber decides the rest? Or did you ever tried to get into the mysterious numbers and barber lingo?

Sounds like a morse code of styling world, right? Well, it isn’t.

These haircut numbers just refer to the length of hair needed for your desired cut. Our experienced team at Barber Nation is encoding & decoding these numbers for 17 years. And we know them like you know counting in Maths.

Let us explain the men’s hair grades in simple English to you. So, the next time you go for a haircut, you can tell what you want like a pro.

Haircut numbers & Hair Grades: What Do They Mean?

Men’s Hair Grades and Haircut Numbers refer to sizes of guards. The attachments with clippers for the hair that decide the length of a cut. Each numbered guard controls the length of hair that remains, from nearly skin-close cuts to longer styles.

Behind the scenes, this system makes communication simple. Saying “Grade 3 on the sides, a bit longer on top” lets your barber set up the right guards right away. When you add terms like mid taper fade, it signals how to mix these grades for your desired look.

If you know the language of grades means you don’t have to rely on vague descriptions or finger gestures to point out which cut you want. Instead, you can make direct & confident convo with your barber, & he’ll know he is not talking to a noob.

Chart of Haircut Numbers or Hair Grades

Below is a clear snapshot of what each grade looks like in inches, millimetres and how it translates into the ideal lengths of hair.

Grade	Guard Size (mm)	Hair Length (inch)	How Does it Look?	Hair Style / Use Case
0	1.5	1/16	Barely any hair, skin fade-ready	Clean, bold look
1	3	1/8	Very short, close to skin	Low taper fade haircut, boy cut
2	6	1/4	Short with distinct outline	Common for boy hairstyles
3	10	3/8	Neat short cut with shape	Short hairstyles men, fades
4	13	1/2	Short with texture	Classic short back and sides
5	16	5/8	Medium short, low styling need	Great for casual medium cuts
6	19	3/4	Medium, some volume retained	Looks good on most hair types
7	22	7/8	Medium-long, fuller top	Ideal for medium length cuts men
8	25	1	Longest clipper cut	Perfect for medium cut hairstyles men

In summary, the lower the number the shorter the hair and vice versa.

What Type of Haircut Will You Get with Each Number?

Okay, enough about numbers and measurements. We’ll now explain how these grades get merged to give you the fades, layers, and styles of your choice. So, you can find out the hair cuts for boys you can get with each number.

Grade 0

This cut leaves nothing but skin. Perfect for tight skin fades or shaved head. It’s bold, easy to maintain, and highlights facial features.

Grade 1

Still very short, with about 3 mm of hair left. It the highest number used for fades. You can get a low taper fade haircut or short buzz cut with its neat finish along the hairline and around the ears.

Grade 2

This grade gives a classic boy cut hairstyle or traditional buzz cut with shadow-length all over. Easy to maintain for school styles or minimalist looks.

Grade 3

Keeps hair short but adds shape. So, you can get fades or a buzz cut with a bit of style. It’s neat and textured, so choose it if you want structure.

Grade 4

A standard for the timeless short back and sides means brush cut or crew cut. Easy to style with side parting or brush-up methods. It gives a polished contrast between sides & top.

Grade 5–6

These are solid mid-range options with enough length to part the portions. It gives you volume and texture & suits a wide range of short hairstyles men. Go for them if you want styling flexibility without commitment to long hair.

Grade 7–8

Retains noticeable hair, the longest you can get with a clipper. So, it makes easy to go for any structured medium length cuts men. You can style it with side parts or a brush-back look.

Factors To Consider While Choosing A Hair Grade

Choosing your grade involves more than just preference. You have to know how your hair and face work with it. It should suit your personality & bring the best out of your hair. Just keep these factors in mind & you’ll choose the best haircut grade.

1. Hair type

Do you have straight, wavy or curly hair?

Straight hair reflects the actual grade length.
Wavy or curly hair sits shorter; curls spring up.
For curls, add one grade up to keep visible length.

2. Hair texture

What is the thickness of your hair?

Fine hair can look thin if cut too short, so get a longer grade.
Thick/coarse hair can handle shorter grades easily without patchiness.

3. Face shape

Not only hair type but face shape also plays a role.

Round faces benefit from tighter sides for structure.
Long faces look balanced with volume on top.
Square faces can carry off a mid taper fade

4. Maintenance routine

How often you wash & comb your hair? What’s your hair care routine?

Grades 0–2 are simplest, where minimal to zero styling required.
Grades 3–4 need basic upkeep (cleaning lines, trimming sides).
Grades 5–8 need regular trimming and styling products to hold shape.

5. Your barber’s opinion

Okay, last but not the least. Your barber deals with hair of every type & face of every shape daily. So, he definitely knows the best. Tell him your preference & then ask for his opinions to avoid the regrets later.

Why You Should Know About Haircut Numbers?

Are you thinking why go into the trouble of numbers? When you can simply show your barber a picture & get a duplicate of it. Well, here are some reasons.

Benefit	Details
Clear communication	You avoid misreading your barber. No more awkward hand signs or “about this long.”
Personalised style	You can combine grades for fades, layers, and blends, customising your style.
Confidence and control	You walk in knowing what you want and leave knowing you got exactly that.
Adapts to change	Want to grow hair out or try a fresh fade? You can plan by knowing what changes with each grade.
Barber collaboration	When you understand the terms, your barber can add creative touches. And you both will be on the same page.

So, instead of being vague, you choose your style like a pro.

Want a Men’s Hair Grade that Shows Your Personality?

Discover Your Style at Barber Nation

At Barber Nation, we fuse traditional barbering with modern edge.

From low taper fades to more relaxed medium cut hairstyles men. Our experienced barbers deliver craft and comfort. We guide you through numbers, grades, shapes, and routine care required for each one. So, you can easily look good and feel great.

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