Number 8 Haircut Pros and Cons - Guide by a Barber

Many people wonder what a Number 8 Haircut is and here is a guide by a barber for hair professionals in training or those just looking for information about how to achieve the look, how to style it, and what the number 8 length is.

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What is a Number 8 Haircut?

A Number 8 haircut for men is a specific length that is achieved using a clipper guard with the number 8.

This length is equivalent to 1 inch or 25 millimeters, as the clipper guards are usually measured in millimeters.

The Number 8 haircut is a popular choice for men who prefer a longer length, allowing them to have some hair to style while still maintaining a neat and well-groomed appearance.

👍 Pros of Getting a Number 8 Haircut

Versatility 👍 : The length of a Number 8 haircut provides versatility when it comes to styling. It gives you enough hair to experiment with different styles such as slicked back, side-parted, or even a messy look.
Low Maintenance 👍 : While it may be longer than some other haircuts, the Number 8 haircut is still relatively low-maintenance compared to longer hairstyles. It requires less time and effort to wash, style, and maintain.
Suitable for Different Hair Types 👍 : Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, a Number 8 haircut can work well for various hair types. It provides enough length to accommodate different textures and styles.
Gradual Fading 👍 : The length of a Number 8 haircut is often used as a starting point for fading or tapering the hair. This allows barbers to create a seamless transition between shorter and longer lengths, resulting in a well-blended and polished look.

👎 Cons of Getting a Number 8 Haircut

Limited Short Styles 👎 : If you prefer short and cropped hairstyles, a Number 8 may not be the best choice for you. The length can limit options for shorter styles and may require more trimming and maintenance to keep the hair at a desired length.
Potential Frizz and Flyaways 👎 : Longer hair tends to be more prone to frizz and flyaways, especially in humid weather or with certain hair types. If you have naturally frizzy or unruly hair, you may need to use styling products or techniques to keep your hair in place.

What Does the Number Represent?

The number in a haircut represents the length of the clipper guard used by barbers. Each clipper guard is numbered, indicating the length of hair it will leave behind when used. These numbers typically correspond to specific measurements in millimeters or inches.

The number 8 guard leaves the hair 1 inch or 25 millimeters long. The higher the number, the longer the hair will be left. Conversely, lower numbers indicate shorter lengths.

Understanding the Correct Professional Clipper Guard Lengths

Best Professional Electric Grooming Tools

Barbers use a range of guards when cutting hair to achieve different lengths and styles. While the number system may vary slightly depending on the brand of clippers, the general measurements remain consistent.

It’s important to note that the actual length achieved with each guard number may vary slightly based on factors such as the thickness and texture of the hair, as well as the angle and technique used by the barber.

0 guard “No Guard” : 1/16 inch (1.6mm)
1 guard: 1/8 inch (3mm)
2 guard: 1/4 inch (6mm)
3 guard: 3/8 inch (10mm)
4 guard: 1/2 inch (13mm)
5 guard: 5/8 inch (16mm)
6 guard: 3/4 inch (19mm)
7 guard: 7/8 inch (22mm)
8 guard: 1 inch (25mm)

It’s important to remember that these measurements may vary slightly between different clipper brands, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the length settings on your specific clippers.

How Long is a Number 8 Haircut?

Most barbers don’t use a number 8 guard simply because it’s too long of a guard to achieve a consistent length.

The length of a Number 8 haircut is typically 1 inch or 25 millimeters. This length is achieved by using a clipper guard with the number 8.

The barber will run the clippers over the head, leaving the hair at a consistent length all over. This length can be adjusted slightly based on personal preference or to accommodate specific styling needs.

How to Style a Number 8 Haircut

Styling a Number 8 haircut offers a range of options depending on personal preferences and hair type. Here are some popular styling options for a Number 8 haircut –

Slicked Back: Apply a styling product such as pomade or gel to damp hair and use a comb or your fingers to slick the hair back. This classic style gives a polished and sophisticated look.
Side Part: Create a side part by combing the hair to one side and using a styling product to hold it in place. This style adds a touch of elegance while maintaining a neat appearance.
Messy Textured: Apply a texturizing product to dry or slightly damp hair and use your fingers to create a tousled and textured look. This hairstyle is perfect for those wanting a more relaxed and casual vibe.
Undercut: Combine a Number 8 length on top with a shorter length on the sides and back for an undercut style. This provides contrast and a modern look.

Best Face Shapes For a Number 8 Haircut

The best face shapes for a Number 8 haircut can vary, as different styles and lengths can suit various face shapes. However, here are some general guidelines –

Oval Face: An oval face shape is considered the most versatile, and a Number 8 haircut can complement it well. This haircut can maintain a balanced appearance and accentuate the face’s natural proportions.
Square Face: The length of a Number 8 haircut can soften the angles of a square face, adding a touch of gentleness. It can help to balance the strong jawline and create a more harmonious overall look.
Round Face: For men with a round face shape, a Number 8 haircut can help to create the illusion of length and make the face appear slimmer. By providing some height and volume, it can add dimension and structure to the face.
Oblong Face: An oblong face shape, characterized by a longer face, can benefit from a Number 8 haircut. The additional length can balance the proportions and add width to the face, creating a more balanced appearance.

Ultimately, the best face shape for a Number 8 haircut is subjective, and it’s important to consider personal style preferences and hair texture in addition to face shape. Consulting with a professional barber can help determine the most flattering hairstyle based on individual features and preferences.

Zero No-Guard Haircut Through Number 8 Haircut

Zero Haircut – No Guard

A zero haircut, also known as a “shaved head” or “bald” look, involves using no guard on the clippers, resulting in the hair being cut down to the scalp. This style is achieved by using the bare blades of the clippers, which provide the closest possible shave.

The zero haircut is popular among those who prefer a low-maintenance and clean-cut appearance. It eliminates the need for regular haircuts, as the hair is kept extremely short.

This can also be another way of asking for a military style fade.

Number One Haircut

A number one haircut is achieved by using a number 1 guard on a pair of hair clippers. This results in the hair being cut to a length of 1/8 inch (3mm) all over the head.

The number one haircut is a common choice for those who prefer a very short, low-maintenance look. It offers a clean and uniform appearance that is ideal for those with a busy lifestyle or who prefer a minimalist style.

Number Two Haircut

A number two haircut is achieved by using a number 2 guard on a pair of hair clippers. This results in the hair being cut to a length of 1/4 inch (6mm) all over the head.

The number two haircut is slightly longer than a number one haircut and provides a bit more hair texture and coverage. It is a popular choice for those who want a short yet defined look that still requires minimal styling.

Number Three Haircut

A number three haircut is achieved by using a number 3 guard on a pair of hair clippers. This results in the hair being cut to a length of 3/8 inch (10mm) all over the head.

The number three haircut offers a bit more length and coverage than the previous options. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a slightly longer style with more versatility for styling options.

Number Four Haircut

A number four haircut is achieved by using a number 4 guard on a pair of hair clippers. This results in the hair being cut to a length of 1/2 inch (13mm) all over the head.

The number four haircut provides a medium-length style that is still relatively short. It offers more coverage and texture than the shorter cuts, making it suitable for those who prefer a bit more hair to work with for styling.

Number Five Haircut

A number five haircut is achieved by using a number 5 guard on a pair of hair clippers. This results in the hair being cut to a length of 5/8 inch (16mm) all over the head.

The number five haircut offers a longer, more textured look compared to the shorter options. It provides more versatility for styling and is suitable for those who prefer a medium-length style with a bit more hair coverage.

Number Six Haircut

A number six haircut is achieved by using a number 6 guard on a pair of hair clippers. This results in the hair being cut to a length of 3/4 inch (19mm) all over the head.

The number six haircut provides a medium-length style that offers a balance between having some length on the head while still maintaining a neat and tidy appearance. It allows for versatility in styling and is suitable for various hair types and textures.

Number Seven Haircut

A number seven haircut is achieved by using a number 7 guard on a pair of hair clippers. This results in the hair being cut to a length of 7/8 inch (22mm) all over the head.

The number seven haircut offers a longer length compared to the previous options. It provides more hair coverage, making it suitable for those who prefer a longer, more voluminous style with less scalp exposure.

Number Eight Haircut

A number eight haircut is achieved by using a number 8 guard on a pair of hair clippers. This results in the hair being cut to a length of 1 inch (25mm) all over the head.

The number eight haircut offers the longest length among the commonly used clipper guard options. It provides maximum hair coverage and is suitable for those who prefer a longer, fuller hairstyle with ample styling options.

Best Reviewed Barber Tools for Barbers or At Home

Here are the best barber clippers, trimmers, and other tools to achieve your desired haircut in the barbershop for your clients or at home for yourself and family. To learn more about these tools please see the articles associated with the tool.

Number 8 Haircut Pros and Cons – Guide by a Barber