Trending 16 Guard Haircuts for Men
The 16 guard haircut is like the standard buzz, but it’s longer and has more texture. People are wearing their hair in this cool style on TikTok. It’s been called the “forbidden buzz cut” because it looks like a mix between a grown-out buzz and a short fringe.
This long buzz cut, which is about 2 inches long, gives you more styling choices than a regular buzz while still keeping it sharp and low-maintenance. Some guys with taller foreheads might want to try a shorter guard, like an 8 or 12, for better balance. It works on curly, straight, or wavy hair and most face types.
How Clipper Guards Work and Why #16 is Different
Clipper guards usually go from #0 to #8, with each step being 1/16 inch bigger than the last. However, most kits don’t come with a normal 16-inch guard. To get the same 2-inch guard length, barbers use universal long guards or finish with scissors. This makes it easier to cut and style hair, especially for current looks like the longer guard cut.
How Long Is a 16 Guard Cut?
The 16 guard cut leaves about 2 inches (5.1 cm) of hair behind, which is a lot more than the 8 buzz cut, which only leaves 1 inch. For guys who want a fuller, layered buzz cut with less work, the extra length gives them more shape, body, and style options.
Why Should You Get a 16 Guard Instead of a Shorter Buzz Cut?
The 16 guard cut is the best choice if you like the clean, manly look of a buzz but aren’t ready to go really short. This style is great for guys who want a modern, unique look without a lot of upkeep because it has a strong structure that can be changed with tapers, fades, or textured layers.
Best Trending 16 Guard Haircuts for Men
Best trending 16 guard haircuts for men focus on clean length, natural volume, and smooth fades. From classic buzz cuts to low taper styles, these looks stay sharp, simple, and easy to maintain.
1. 16 Guard Buzz Cut
This 16 guard buzz cut has a longer length on top and faded sides to make a clean, stylish look. This version gives it more shape and volume while keeping the general look simple and clean. The fade goes away slowly around the ears and neck, giving the song a clean ending. A quick blow-dry and a little texture powder or style cream will do the trick. That color looks great with dark hair, and it looks even better with a small mustache or beard.
2. 16 Guard Low Taper Cut
The 16 guard cut low taper has a full, thick top with a soft, rounded shape. The sides and collar have a clean low taper fade. With the low curve, the look stays neat and the volume is kept. For soft hold, blow dry your hair and use a light style cream. The best colors are natural black or dark brown. Guys who are sure of themselves and like a clean but laid-back look will like this style.
3. 16 Guard Cut Curly Hair
The short, curly top of the 16 guard cut curly hair makes for a clean, modern look. The sides are faded to make a sharp contrast. The curls stay neat and well-defined, and they have natural thickness without being too long. The fade is smooth around the ears and the neck. A blow dryer and a curl-enhancing cream or leave-in conditioner can be used to style it. If you have dark hair, this cut looks great on you. It also looks great with a beard or stubble.
4. 16 Guard Blowout Taper
The 16 guard buzz blowout taper is a sharp and modern cut. The top is rough and short, and the sides have a clean taper fade. With soft spikes and even volume, the top looks like it was blow-dried naturally. The taper makes the area around the ears and collar look smooth and new. Blow-dry cream and sea salt spray make it easy to style. This look is bold and stylish, thanks to the dark colors and light beard. Want styles that are like these? Check out the Blowout Taper Haircut for cuts that focus on volume.
5. 16 Guard Blonde Haircut
You can get a bold, clean look with the 16 Guard Blonde hair. It has a soft, bright tone that makes you stand out right away. The 16-guard cut keeps just the right amount of hair to show off its natural structure while keeping it light and easy to style. This haircut is great for boys and teens who want something easy but still cool. Wash it once a week with Clarifying Shampoo and brush the top forward for a neat look.
6. 16 Guard Edgar Cut
The 16 Guard Edgar Cut keeps the hair short and even, but gives it a bold Edgar shape by adding a straight, blunt fringe in front. With a clean fade, the sides stay tight, and the top keeps a light texture for a sharp, young look. This cut looks new, doesn’t need much care, and is great for kids. Add grip and make the fringe stand out by rubbing in a little Texture Clay.
7. 16 Guard Cut Straight Hair
Straight hair cut with a 16-gauge buzz gives you a clean, smooth look with sharp lines and a soft fade. With a 16-guard, the straight hair on top is buzzed equally, giving the style a sharp look that doesn’t require much care. The fade works great in the back and around the ears. Use blow-dry cream or texture clay to style it fast. You can wear this style with dark colors and either a clean shave or light hair.
8. 16 Asian Guard Haircut
For Asian hair types, the 16 guard buzz haircut is a sharp and stylish option. The top of this cut stays neat with a uniform 16-guard length. It has a soft, natural shape that looks good on thick, straight hair. The clean, low curve on the sides makes the shape stand out and looks better. Do a gentle blow dry, and then use texture clay or light hold cream to finish. For this style to look best, you should have dark hair and a smooth, shaved face or light beard.
9. 16 Guard Haircut White Guy
For white men who want to look clean and modern, the 16 guard haircut is a great choice. It’s short and easy to do. The top is cut with a 16-guard, which gives it a short shape without getting too close. The worn-in sides make it look different and keep it looking new around the ears and collar. To style it fast, blow-dry it and add a little molding paste. It looks great with brown, dirty blonde, or cool-toned hair, and a short beard or stubble goes well with it too.
10. 16 Guard Burst Fade
With its clean lines and edgy look, the 16 guard burst fade is a haircut that’s easy to style. The 16-gauge is used to trim the top equally, making it short and soft. The burst fade curves around the ears, giving the hair a new and modern look. The difference in color between the sides and the top makes it look bold. To lift your hair, blow it dry, and to hold it in place, use texture powder or molding paste. It looks good with dark colors and a clean-shaven appearance.
11. 16 Guard Mid-Taper
With its sharp edges and smooth finish, the 16 guard buzz mid taper is a modern and stylish shape. In this style, a 16-guard is used to keep the top buzzed evenly, giving it a simple but interesting shape. It starts around the temples and flows easily into the neckline, giving the hair a new contrast. To add volume, blow dry your hair and add a little texture clay or style cream. It looks good with dark hair and a well-groomed beard or light sideburns.
12. 16 Guard Taper Cut
The 16 guard taper is a clean and stylish haircut that keeps the natural look while adding shape. With a 16 guard, the top is buzzed equally to give it a soft feel and a clean shape. At the sides and neckline, the taper fade blends in easily, making a sharp contrast. It is easy to style with a blow dryer and a styling cream or texture clay with a light hold. This color goes well with dark hair and a short beard or goatee.
16 Guard Haircut: Talking to Your Barber About the Right Cut
When asking for a 16 guard haircut, tell your barber you want a long, low-maintenance cut with shape and texture, not a close buzz. A 16 guard equals around 2 inches, so barbers may use scissors or a longer guard for the right length. Sharing front, side, and back photos helps achieve a clean, grown-out look with natural volume.
Tip: Say you want a 16 guard haircut with soft fades and texture to keep the style neat while maintaining length.
Fade Options: Low, Medium, or High
Don’t skip this part because the fades change the whole mood of the cut. A low fade gives a finish that is soft and natural. A mid fade offers balanced contrast and looks good on most face types. And a high fade makes the hair stand out by giving it a bold definition. Tell us about your favorite fade type so that the edges and structure of your 2-inch buzz are clean.
Add-Ons for Beards or Line-Ups
Make the finish strong with sharp edges. We can do a clean line-up around the forehead, a beard fade to blend the hair on your face, or a crisp edge-up to make your face stand out. These haircut extras make your long buzz cut look styled, clean, and purposely sharp.
16 Guard Haircut Styling Instructions
Choosing the right product for your hair type is key to styling a 16 guard haircut. For straight hair, use a light pomade or styling cream to add shine and hold without weighing it down. If you have curly or wavy hair, a leave-in conditioner or curl cream helps define texture while keeping the style soft and controlled. Daily-use products like styling creams or curl enhancers work well to maintain shape and a natural finish.
Define Fades or Tapers
Use a little smooth clay or texture powder to make the difference between your buzzed top and your faded or tapered sides stand out more. This makes the edges stand out more and gives the cut a more polished, barbershop-fresh look. Try Forte Series Texture Clay for a hold that is clean and doesn’t shine.
Keep It Groomed Using a Brush or Comb
Grooming every day is important, even if you have a longer buzz cut. If your hair is straight, use a soft bristle brush. If your hair is curly or waved, use a wide-tooth comb. When you brush the 2-inch buzz, it stays even and helps it keep its shape. Getting groomed regularly also helps the product spread out better, making the end more even.
How to Maintain a 16 Guard Haircut
Trim your 16 guard haircut every three to four weeks to keep it looking sharp and polished. Regular trims maintain the shape, prevent uneven growth, and keep fades or curves clean. Following a consistent trim schedule ensures your haircut stays low-maintenance while looking fresh and stylish.
Hair Care Routine Every Day
Use a mild shampoo without sulfates to wash your hair two to three times a week. This keeps the product from building up on your head without making it dry. After that, use a light leave-in or conditioner to keep the 2-inch buzz soft and simple to style. Use a soft bristle brush or comb every day to keep your hair looking even and bring out its natural structure.
Sun Damage Protection for Hair and Scalp
People with longer buzzes, like the 16 guard, still get sun on their heads. If you’re going to be outside for a long time, wear a hat or use a light SPF hair spray. During the warmer months, protecting your hair from the sun helps stop dryness, irritation, and long-term damage. Taking care of your skin is the first step to having healthy hair.
16 Guard Cut vs. Other Lengths
16 Guard vs 12 Guard
The biggest difference between 16 guard and 12 guard cuts is the length and style. A 16 guard leaves about 2 inches of hair behind, which gives you more volume and styling choices. This is great for people with curly or wavy hair. The 12 guard cuts closer, about 1.5 inches, giving you a cleaner, more finished look that’s great for straight hair or hair that doesn’t need much care. For a bigger look, style the 16 guard with texture powder. For a smooth look, style the 12 guard with light hold cream. Both are good for handsome, confident men who don’t want to put too much work into grooming.
16 Guard vs 8 Guard
The main difference between a 16 guard and an 8 guard cut is the length and style of the hair. The 16 guard saves about 2 inches of hair, which gives hair a fuller, softer look that looks good on curly or wavy hair. On the other hand, the 8 guard leaves about an inch of space, giving hair that is straight a sharper, cleaner shape. To style your hair, use matte clay or light hold cream and a blow dryer with the 16 guard turned on. The 8 guard looks good on oval or angular faces, and the 16 guard looks good on round or wider faces. Both are great for young, stylish guys.
Faqs
Final Verdict
The 16 Guard Haircut is perfect for men seeking a modern, versatile, and low-maintenance style. It offers more length and texture than a traditional buzz, works on all hair types, and pairs well with fades or beard line-ups. With proper trimming, styling products, and daily grooming, this cut stays sharp, polished, and effortlessly stylish making it a top choice for a confident, contemporary look.
