Number 0 Haircut: What It Is, Length & Styles

The Ultimate Guide to the Number 0 Haircut: Bold, Clean, and Low-Maintenance

When it comes to resetting your style, few choices are as dramatic or liberating as the number 0 haircut. Sitting at the very bottom of the barber’s clipper scale, this ultra-short cut strips away the clutter and delivers an effortlessly sharp, confident look.

Whether you are considering a complete buzz cut or a high-contrast fade, here is everything you need to know about the number 0.

What Exactly Is a Number 0 Haircut?

In the standard clipper numbering system (which generally runs from 1 to 8, with each number representing an eighth of an inch of hair length), the number 0 means using the clippers with no guard attached.

Depending on how your barber sets the clipper blade, a number 0 leaves behind roughly one-sixteenth of an inch (about 1.5 mm) of hair. It isn’t quite a completely smooth, skin-shaved bald look (which requires a foil shaver or razor), but it creates a distinct, heavy shadow where your scalp is heavily visible.

Popular Ways to Wear It

The number 0 is versatile and serves as the foundation for several iconic styles:

• The Zero All-Over Buzz Cut: Shaved down to the same minimal length across the entire head. It’s clean, athletic, and requires zero styling effort in the morning.
• The Skin or Zero Fade: A cornerstone of modern barbering. The hair starts ultra-short at a 0 near the neckline and temples, then gradually blends into longer lengths (like a 1, 2, or 3) as it moves up the head.
• The Undercut Base: Used on the sides and back while leaving the top significantly longer and textured, creating a sharp contrast.

Pros and Cons of Going So Short

Before you take the plunge, it helps to weigh the everyday realities of rocking a number 0: