A number 1 haircut uses a #1 clipper guard, which leaves 1/8 inch (3 mm) of hair. Below you can see exactly how long that is, who it suits, the best combinations to ask your barber for, and how often to get it touched up.
| Number | Inches | mm | Scalp shows? | Best for |
|---|
Sizes follow the standard Wahl and Andis guard sets. Some brands differ slightly, so check your clipper’s manual.
What a Number 1 Haircut Looks Like
A #1 is a very short buzz. Your scalp is clearly visible, especially in bright light, and the hair feels soft and fuzzy to the touch. It reads as a clean, almost shaved look without the shine of bare skin.
Who a #1 Haircut Suits
- Anyone wanting the lowest-maintenance cut short of shaving
- Receding or thinning hairlines, because it removes the contrast between thick and thin areas
- Hot climates and active lifestyles
- Strong jawlines and oval or square faces
Popular #1 Combinations
- High and tight: #1 on the sides and back, #3 or #4 on top.
- Low fade: #1 at the bottom blending into a #2 or #3.
- All-over #1 buzz: the classic military-style buzz.
How to Ask Your Barber
Say the guard number and where you want it, for example “#1 all over” or “#1 on the sides, longer on top”. If you want a smooth blend between two numbers, ask for a half size in between, such as a #1.5 between a #1 and #2.
How Often to Get It Cut
Every 1 to 2 weeks. Hair grows about 0.4 mm a day, so a #1 looks like a #2 within about a week. Plan your next appointment with our haircut frequency calculator, and see what it costs near you with our haircut cost calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How short is a number 1 haircut?
A #1 guard leaves 1/8 inch, or about 3 mm, of hair.
Is a number 1 or number 2 shorter?
A #1 is shorter. A #2 leaves 1/4 inch (6 mm), twice the length of a #1.
Will my scalp show with a number 1?
Yes. Your scalp will be clearly visible with a #1, more so with lighter or finer hair.
Compare Other Haircut Numbers
Longer: Number 2 haircut. See every length side by side on our haircut numbers chart.