Quick answer: For fading and blending, the guards barbers rely on most are the Wahl Black Clipper Guide Combs (sold individually from #0.5 to #8, $11.95 each), the Wahl Colour-Coded Guide Comb Pack #1–#8 ($29.95) and the half sizes in the #0.5 and #1.5 guide comb set ($9.91). Half sizes matter more than anything else for smooth blends. For guards that lock on during a fade, use the double-magnetic sets that come with clippers like the MRD Pro Smart Brain, MRD Pro Cyborg Track, Gamma+ Boosted Up and StyleCraft Saber 2.0.
These picks are based on what barbers bought most from MV Hair & Beauty, a barber and salon supplier in Kilburn, Adelaide, over the last 12 months. The Wahl Black guide combs were our best-selling guards by a wide margin. Prices are AUD including GST at 26 September 2026.
Last updated: 26 September 2026, by the MV Hair & Beauty team.
Clipper guard sizes in mm
| Guard | Length | Common use in fades |
|---|---|---|
| #0.5 | 1.5 mm (1/16 in) | First step up from the skin or a closed blade |
| #1 | 3 mm (1/8 in) | Low fades and the base of most blends |
| #1.5 | 4.5 mm (3/16 in) | Softening the line between #1 and #2 |
| #2 | 6 mm (1/4 in) | Mid fades and tapers |
| #3 | 10 mm (3/8 in) | Blending into the top or a longer taper |
| #4 | 13 mm (1/2 in) | Longer tapers and clipper cuts |
| #5 to #8 | 16 to 25 mm | Bulk removal and longer all-over cuts |
These are standard Wahl sizes, and other brands can differ slightly. Our clipper guard size chart covers every number in detail, and our Wahl guard size guide covers which Wahl clippers they fit.
The best clipper guards for fading and blending
1. Wahl Black Clipper Guide Combs: best for building a fade kit
Sold one size at a time from #0.5 to #8 at $11.95 each, so you can add the half sizes and replace the sizes you use most. These were our best-selling guards over the last 12 months. They are made for Wahl clippers, and fit depends on the blade, so check our Wahl guard guide before you buy.
2. Wahl Colour-Coded Guide Comb Pack #1–#8: best value full set
Eight colour-coded guides for $29.95. The colours make it quicker to grab the right size mid-service. Add #0.5 and #1.5 half sizes for fading.
3. #0.5 and #1.5 guide comb set: the half sizes that make blends
The two sizes that many standard sets skip, for $9.91. Half sizes remove the visible step between a closed blade and #1, and between #1 and #2. Check the listing for clipper fit.
4. Magnetic guard sets included with pro clippers
Magnetic guards are designed to hold securely and swap quickly, which suits fast guard changes during a fade:
- MRD Pro Smart Brain: six double-magnetic guides from 1.5 to 13 mm
- MRD Pro Cyborg Track: six double-magnetic guards from #0.5 to #4
- StyleCraft Saber 2.0: four magnetic tight guards from #0.5 to #2
- Gamma+ Boosted Up: four double-magnetic guards
- Pro-One Vecta: six magnetic combs from 1.5 to 13 mm
Which guards do you need for a fade?
- Skin or bald fade: a foil shaver or closed blade at the bottom, then #0.5, #1 and #1.5 to blend up.
- Low or mid fade: #0.5, #1, #1.5 and #2.
- Taper or a longer blend into the top: #2, #3 and #4.
Blending between guards also relies on the taper lever. Opening the lever lengthens the cut slightly, which is how barbers bridge two sizes when a half size isn't on hand.
Guard care
Brush guards clean after each client and spray them with a clipper disinfectant such as Clippercide Clipper Spray ($21.95). Replace any guard with cracked or bent teeth, because a broken tooth can snag hair.
Where to buy clipper guards in Australia
MV Hair & Beauty stocks Wahl guide combs, half-size sets and clippers with magnetic guard sets, with dispatch from Kilburn, Adelaide within 24 hours on business days and free standard shipping on eligible orders of $99 or more. Browse hair clippers or Click & Collect from our showroom.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best clipper guards for fading?
Wahl Black Clipper Guide Combs are the most-bought guards at MV Hair & Beauty. They are sold individually from #0.5 to #8, so you can build a fade kit with half sizes. For guards that lock on, use the double-magnetic sets included with clippers like the MRD Pro Smart Brain and StyleCraft Saber 2.0.
What guard sizes do I need for a fade?
Most fades use #0.5 (1.5 mm), #1 (3 mm), #1.5 (4.5 mm) and #2 (6 mm). Skin fades start from a foil shaver or closed blade, and tapers add #3 (10 mm) and #4 (13 mm).
What does a #1.5 guard cut to?
A #1.5 guard leaves about 4.5 mm (3/16 in) of hair. It sits between a #1 (3 mm) and a #2 (6 mm) and softens the line between them.
Are magnetic clipper guards better?
Magnetic guards are designed to hold securely and swap quickly, which helps during fades. Clip-on guards like Wahl's guide combs are cheaper to replace one size at a time. Many barbers use both.
Do Wahl guards fit other clippers?
Wahl guide combs are made for Wahl clippers, and fit depends on the blade. Check the product listing or our Wahl guard size guide before buying guards for another brand.
How often should I replace clipper guards?
Replace a guard when its teeth are cracked or bent, or when it no longer clips firmly onto the blade.