While they’re often overlooked, hair clipper guards play a key role in creating various haircuts. They help maintain a set length of hair while also preventing cuts and nicks.
Understanding how different guard sizes work can help you make the best choice for your desired look. Choosing the right clipper guard size can save you from a embarrassing mistake like John’s!
1. Durability
Cutting your own hair with clippers can be pretty addictive, and it also makes a lot of sense in terms of saving some money. However, if you’re not careful you can end up with some really crappy haircuts. That’s why I recommend always having some spare clipper guards to change out with when your current ones get dull or worn out.
Some clippers come with cheap plastic guards, but these aren’t durable and can break easily if you drop them or mishandle them. In that case, it’s best to go with a metal set instead which are usually more durable and will last you much longer. They’re often magnetic too so they stay on the clipper more securely and don’t fall off in the middle of a haircut.
Clipper guards are an important part of the haircutting process and should be carefully handled and maintained. For example, you should keep them in a holder or storage container designed specifically for clipper accessories to prevent them from getting damaged or misplaced. You should also regularly inspect and replace them when they become worn out or cracked. Additionally, you should keep your clippers clean and oiled to avoid any accidental slips while cutting that could cause damage or injury.
The GAMMA+ Barber Hairstylist DUB Universal Double Magnetic Clipper Guards are a great option for anyone who’s looking for durable clipper guards that can hold up to heavy use. They have a strong double magnet system that keeps them in place and a matte finish that matches the color of your clippers. These clipper guards are also a great choice for achieving fades and blending styles because they have multiple length options that let you gradually transition between shorter and longer sections.
2. Flexibility
Clipper guards are plastic attachments that snap onto barber clippers and prevent them from cutting hairs shorter than a certain length. They’re used by professional barbers and home stylists to maintain a specific haircut style. Whether you’re cutting a crew cut, fade, or another style, clipper guards help ensure your client gets the exact look they want.
These durable guards are available in a variety of sizes to suit any haircutting need. They feature a matte finish and a magnetic backing that makes them easy to attach to most clipper brands. Plus, their advanced hair channel design helps to guide the hair through the guard and into the blades for a smooth and precise cut.
In addition to their versatility, these clippers guard are also durable enough for repeated use. They’re designed to resist cracks and breakage, making them a great choice for barbers who work with thick or rough hair. They’re also lightweight and easy to clean, which helps keep the clippers running smoothly.
One of the most important factors when using clipper guards is knowing the correct hair cutting technique. This includes holding the clippers perpendicular to the head and avoiding any overlapping. It’s also necessary to use the right guard size for the desired haircut. Choosing the proper guard size can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the numbering system for clipper guards.
Guards are usually numbered or labelled with a corresponding length in inches or millimetres. For example, a “1” guard will leave the hair 1/8 of an inch longer than without a guard. However, the actual size of a particular guard can vary slightly between different clipper brands and models.
3. Safety
Hair clipper guards are comb-like attachments that snap onto barber clippers and prevent them from cutting shorter than a specific length. They help both professional barbers and home haircut connoisseurs achieve different styles with precision and consistency. Hair clipper guards come in a variety of sizes, and it’s important to choose the right one for each client. However, it’s also crucial to keep your clipper guards secure and firmly attached during the haircut. Otherwise, they could become detached and fall off in the hair, creating a jagged, uneven cut.
This is especially true for plastic clipper guards, which can deform or leave track marks in the hair if they’re not securely seated in the clipper blade. In addition, they might clog the clipper’s moving blade or create an unnecessarily close gap between the stationary and cutting blades. The best hair clipper guards have a strong double magnet system that keeps them firmly in place throughout the cutting process.
In addition to the double magnet system, these magnetic clipper guards are made of high-quality ABS plastic and feature a rigid structure. This means they won’t flex when challenged with thick, dense hair or trap and pull out hair like some of the other plastic attachments we tested.
These hair clipper guards also have a wide range of attachment options, including sizes 1 to 8. This allows them to accommodate most hairstyles and work with both rotary and fixed blade clippers. Plus, the strong neodymium magnets ensure that the guards are seated firmly in the clippers, preventing them from accidentally popping off in the middle of a haircut. These features make them an excellent choice for professionals and home clipper users alike.
4. Style
When choosing a clipper guard size, consider the length of cut you want to achieve. Clipper guards are usually numbered or labelled with a corresponding length in inches or millimetres. The lower the number, the shorter the hair will be cut. The best way to ensure that a clipper guard is properly attached and provides the desired length of cut is to test it on a small section of hair before starting your haircut.
As you use your clippers, be sure to clean and lubricate the guards as needed to keep them in good condition and prevent any clogs. It is also important to store your clipper guards in a clean, dry place to prevent damage or misplacement. Keeping your clipper guards clean and well-maintained will help to prolong their life and ensure that they provide a smooth, even haircut for each client.
Clipper guards have teeth that act like a rake and spacer to pull the hair up over the blades, giving you the desired length of cut. The numbers on the guards represent the length in inches, but they can vary slightly between different brands of clippers. For example, Oster’s red guards have a numbering system that is different from the standard clipper guard system. A “1” on Oster’s guards does not equal a “1” on a standard clipper guard, but a “2” does.
Depending on the haircut style you’re aiming for, you may need to use multiple sizes of clipper guards to create a smooth blend or fade. To avoid uneven results, start with the longest guard and work your way down. Then, gradually switch to a shorter guard as you move down the head for the desired look.
5. Cost
The plastic attachments that snap on to barber clippers and prevent them from cutting shorter than a certain length are known as guards. They’re not the only tools used to cut hair, but they’re very important ones that every barber and aspiring stylist should know how to use.
When choosing a clipper guard, it’s essential to consider the desired style of haircut you want. This will inform which length of clipper guard you need to maintain the appropriate length. The guards are typically numbered or labelled with the corresponding length in inches or millimetres. When you find the right guard, simply slide it on and click it into place securely. If you’re unsure of the correct size, test the guard on a small section of hair to verify it provides the intended length.
While many people think that shears are better for short hair, clippers provide more versatility when it comes to trimming longer styles and fading. Shears are more suited to maintaining flat or tilted angles and tend to leave the tips of the hair leaning upward rather than laying down, which gives the hair a chiseled look. Clippers, on the other hand, cut from two directions, which results in a more rounded and polished tip and allows the hair to bend down as it grows.
While some clipper manufacturers may vary slightly in the lengths of their combs, most have standardised the lengths for all their guards. This is useful because it makes the transition from one size to another seamless and ensures all customers receive a consistent haircut. However, many highly skilled traditional barbers prefer not to use plastic clipper guards, as they’re confident in their ability to cut freehand to the desired length for each customer.
