The 13 guard buzz cut is a bit of a ghost in the world of barbering. If you walk into a standard neighborhood barbershop and ask for a number 13, your barber might actually laugh or, more likely, just look at you with total confusion. Most standard clipper sets—the ones you see from brands like Wahl, Andis, or Oster—usually cap out at a number 8. That number 8 leaves about an inch of hair on your head. So, when people start searching for a 13 guard buzz cut, they are usually entering the territory of "long buzz cuts" or what professionals call "tapered crops."
It’s a specific look. You want the ease of a buzz but you aren't quite ready to see your scalp. It's for the guy who wants to wake up, roll out of bed, and not touch a comb, yet still look like he tried. Honestly, it's the ultimate "low-effort, high-reward" hairstyle. But because a physical "13 guard" doesn't really exist in the traditional sense, achieving this look requires a little bit of barbering translation.
The Reality of the 13 Guard Buzz Cut Length
Let's do the math. In the clipper world, guard numbers generally represent eighths of an inch. A #1 is 1/8", a #2 is 1/4", and a #8 is a full inch. If we follow that logic, a 13 guard buzz cut would technically leave 1 and 5/8 inches of hair on your head. That is significantly longer than what most people visualize when they think of a "buzz." At over an inch and a half, the hair is long enough to lay flat, show texture, and even have a bit of a wave if your hair is naturally curly.
Most home clipper kits don't go this high. To get this specific length, barbers usually have to use specialized "large" guards or, more commonly, perform "clipper over comb" work. Or, they might use a proprietary numbering system from a brand like Remington, which sometimes uses different scaling for their consumer-grade vacuum clippers. If you’re at home trying to do this, you’re likely looking for a "1.5-inch attachment."
Why do people want it? Simple. Versatility. A 13 guard buzz cut is the safe zone. It hides "lumpy" head shapes that a shorter #2 or #3 would expose. It covers scars. It makes thinning hair look slightly fuller because there's enough length to create some visual density. It's the "I’m not bald, I’m just busy" haircut.
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Why Your Barber Might Be Confused
Communication is everything in a barbershop. If you walk in and demand a 13 guard buzz cut, you might end up with something you didn't expect. Since the industry standard ends at #8, many barbers will assume you’re confused and just give you a 1-inch cut. Or worse, they’ll try to eyeball it and leave it too long, making it look like a grown-out mess rather than a deliberate style.
Specifics matter. Instead of just saying "13," tell them you want about an inch and a half on top. Mention that you want the sides tapered. A uniform 13 guard buzz cut all over the head can look a bit "helmet-like." It lacks shape. Most guys who pull this off successfully actually get a "fade" or a "taper" on the sides—maybe a #3 or #4 on the temples and neck—while keeping that 1.6-inch length on the crown. It creates a silhouette. It gives you a jawline.
How to Style This "Phantom" Guard Length
Even though it’s a buzz cut, at 1.6 inches, you actually have to "style" it a little bit. If you leave it totally dry, it can look fuzzy or frizzy, especially if you have coarse hair. You’ve got options here that a guy with a #1 buzz simply doesn't have.
First, consider a light pomade or a matte clay. You don't want it to look greasy. You just want to knock down the "fuzz" factor. Rub a pea-sized amount in your palms and just ruffle it through the top. This gives the 13 guard buzz cut some intentional texture. It makes it look like a style rather than a lack of one.
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Second, think about your hairline. With a shorter buzz, the hairline is what it is. With this longer length, you can actually push the front up a tiny bit or sweep it to the side. It’s subtle. It won't look like a pompadour, but it gives the face a bit of framing.
- Matte Clay: Best for a natural, "no-product" look.
- Sea Salt Spray: Great if you want that messy, beachy texture.
- Conditioner: Don't skip it in the shower. Longer buzz cuts show dandruff and dryness much more than skin-fades do.
Maintenance and Upkeep
The irony of the 13 guard buzz cut is that while it’s low-maintenance daily, it’s high-maintenance monthly. Because it’s a longer length, it starts looking "shaggy" very quickly. Hair grows about half an inch a month. In four weeks, your 1.6-inch cut is now over 2 inches. Suddenly, it’s not a buzz cut anymore; it’s just a short haircut that’s lost its shape.
To keep it looking sharp, you really need a trim every 3 to 4 weeks. If you go longer than that, the "clean" look of the buzz disappears. The sides will start to flare out. You’ll get that "poof" around the ears. If you’re doing this to save money on haircuts, you might be better off going shorter. But if you're doing it for the aesthetic, be prepared to see your barber regularly.
Is It Right for Your Face Shape?
Not every head is built for a buzz cut. But the 13 guard buzz cut is arguably the most forgiving version of the style.
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If you have a very round face, a uniform buzz can make your head look like a literal bowling ball. To fix this, ask for the sides to be shorter than the top. This elongates the face. If you have a long, thin face, keeping the sides a bit fuller—closer to that 13 guard length—can actually help balance things out.
Oval faces? You’ve won the genetic lottery. You can do whatever you want with a 13 guard and it’ll probably look great.
The biggest thing to watch out for is your hair density. If your hair is very thin or fine, a longer buzz cut can sometimes look "patchy." When the hair is longer, it can clump together, revealing the scalp underneath. In those cases, a shorter guard—like a #3 or #4—actually makes the hair look thicker because there's less "weight" pulling the hairs together.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a 13 guard buzz cut, don't just wing it at home with a pair of cheap clippers. Most home clippers will struggle to cut through that much hair evenly, and you’ll likely end up with ridges and lines.
- Find the right tools: If you are committed to the DIY route, look for clippers that specifically include "long guards" or "taper combs." Brands like Remington often have sets that go up to 1.5 or 2 inches.
- Talk to your barber correctly: Use inches, not just guard numbers. Ask for "an inch and a half on top with a tapered side." Show a photo of a "long crew cut" if you need a visual reference.
- Invest in a matte product: Buy a high-quality matte clay. It will be the difference between looking like you just got out of bed and looking like a guy who knows how to groom.
- Check your scalp health: Since you’re leaving more hair, you’re trapping more oils. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to keep the skin under that 13 guard length healthy and flake-free.
The 13 guard buzz cut is the perfect middle ground for the modern man. It’s short enough to be masculine and easy, but long enough to remain professional and versatile. It requires a bit of translation and a steady hand, but once you find that sweet spot, you might never go back to a standard haircut again.