Blade Numbers & Lengths

[Wingz]

I see people talking about clippers and blades and they are measured in numbers like 000, 1,2,3, etc but I was looking at some clippers in the store and they say they come with guards for several hair lengths, each measured in inches such as I believe the lowest one I saw was 1/8".  There was 1/4", 1/2", etc.  So, how do the numbers correspond to these lengths?  I'd assume the blade by itself is 0, right?  So if I trimmed it REALLY close that would probably call for 1/8 but then without the guard it would be 0?  I dont remember what the brand was but they all had it in inches.

Also.... if your hair was at the shortest length could you use an electric razor like you'd do on your face - the round 3-head type?  I use that for regular shaving, dont use a blade.  too many nicks on the face years ago.  I wonder if that would work for the head too?

[D.A.L.U.I.]

I see people talking about clippers and blades and they are measured in numbers like 000, 1,2,3, etc but I was looking at some clippers in the store and they say they come with guards for several hair lengths, each measured in inches such as I believe the lowest one I saw was 1/8".  There was 1/4", 1/2", etc.  So, how do the numbers correspond to these lengths?  I'd assume the blade by itself is 0, right?  So if I trimmed it REALLY close that would probably call for 1/8 but then without the guard it would be 0?  I dont remember what the brand was but they all had it in inches.

Each number represents 1/8", for Wahl at least.  Without guard is 0.

Also.... if your hair was at the shortest length could you use an electric razor like you'd do on your face - the round 3-head type?  I use that for regular shaving, dont use a blade.  too many nicks on the face years ago.  I wonder if that would work for the head too?

If you took a zero or no blade clipper, what was left could be removed with an electric.  I haven't used an electric, the new blades like Fusion and Hydro 5 are so easy that I can't think anyone could nick themselves unless they had lots of skin irregularities like pimples on the scalp.  But, yes, electrics will give you a nice clean melon.

[Wingz]

Ah, that does make sense.  1/4, 1/2.....all 8ths and numbered.

I started using the electric on the face because I do have some uneven skin and acne and it definitely helped.  Not sure about the head though.  I'd probably just use the same thing.

I'm leaning toward getting a Clipper and going in stages, real short at first.

[chgobuzzbald]

Wahls sells an inexpensive  home clipper that is black and chrome. It has a 1/16 inch plastic guard. I got one at Target. It is harder to find a 1/16th inch guard on a home clipper set without spending a lot more money. Maybe look for that one as it will have all the longer length plastic guards as well. Anything shorter than 1/16th would be either with no guard at all, a zero basically or clipper headshave. Andis, Oster and Wahl    make professional clippers with blades that go down past 1/16 to 1/32, 1/64, 0, 00, 000, 0000, 00000, and 000000. Basically bald shaved with a clipper. But they are expensive and larger making them more difficult to use on yourself.

[mrzed]

A year or two ago a bought a wahl clipper set at WalMart. It was yellow and black with chrome trim. It has the 1/16'th guard (i.e. #1/2). But I've come to like 'no guard' that I rarely use the guards any more. 

The 000 and 0000 are more in the line of professional clippers and get even shorter than #0 on a wahl.  Never seen or used one, except for the online pictures.

[D.A.L.U.I.]

I'm leaning toward getting a Clipper and going in stages, real short at first.

Quit "leaning" and get shaving!   You've talked the talk, it's time to walk the walk, now off to Wal-Mart, buy the clippers, Wahl would be my suggestion because additional guides are available if you decide on a beard in the future.  Get moving!  "Git 'er done!" Sly by sundown!

[baldjoeg]

I agree Saintc. Go for it!

Wahl also makes a balding clipper. You need to be careful though because the blade is pretty sharp.

I prefer a razor and shaving cream or gel myself. I have used the Gillette fusion power hand razor and the mach 3 which work pretty well. The panasonic wet/dry shaver also works well. Good luck and post a picture after you do the deed.

 

[Slynito]

A little tuff luv from Saintc, coo-el! But he's right amigo, it's time to get off the pot and lather up...