Hair clippers are a versatile and essential tool for anyone who wants to maintain their hair at home or save money on salon visits. Whether you’re a professional barber or a DIY enthusiast, clippers can help you achieve various hairstyles, from buzz cuts to fades, undercuts, and textured looks. However, using clippers requires some knowledge, skills, and precautions to avoid mistakes and injuries. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hair clippers, from choosing the right type to mastering the techniques and tips for a perfect cut.
What are Hair Clippers?
Hair clippers are handheld devices that use oscillating blades to trim hair at different lengths. Clippers come in various sizes, shapes, and styles, depending on the intended use and the user’s preferences. The most common types of hair clippers are:
- Electric clippers: These are powered by a motor and have a cord or a rechargeable battery. Electric clippers are faster and more powerful than manual clippers, making them ideal for thick, long, or curly hair.
- Manual clippers: These are operated by hand, without any motor or electricity. Manual clippers are quieter, lighter, and more portable than electric clippers, but require more effort and skill to use.
- Corded clippers: These are connected to an electrical outlet via a cord, providing constant power and eliminating the need for recharging. Corded clippers are ideal for long cutting sessions or professional use, but may limit your movement and flexibility.
- Cordless clippers: These have a rechargeable battery that allows you to use them anywhere without a cord. Cordless clippers are more convenient and portable than corded clippers, but may run out of battery quickly and require regular charging.
How to Choose the Right Hair Clippers?
Choosing the right hair clippers can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner or don’t know much about hair cutting. Here are some factors to consider when buying hair clippers:
- Purpose: Think about why you need hair clippers and what kind of haircuts you want to achieve. If you’re a professional barber, you may need different types of clippers for different clients and styles. If you’re a DIY user, you may want a versatile and easy-to-use clipper that can handle different lengths and textures.
- Blade type: Clippers blades come in different materials and sizes, ranging from stainless steel to ceramic, titanium, or carbon. The blade size determines the cutting length, with larger numbers indicating longer lengths. Consider which blade size and material suit your needs and preferences.
- Motor power: Electric clippers have different motor types and speeds, ranging from magnetic to rotary or pivot motors. The motor power affects the speed, noise, and torque of the clippers, which can influence the cutting performance and comfort.
- Ergonomics: Look for clippers that feel comfortable and easy to handle, with a good grip and balance. The weight, shape, and design of the clippers can affect your control and accuracy, especially if you have small or large hands.
- Accessories: Check if the clippers come with additional attachments, such as guards, combs, oil, or a storage case. These accessories can make your hair cutting experience more convenient and versatile.
How to Use Hair Clippers?
Using hair clippers is a straightforward process that requires a few basic steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use hair clippers:
- Choose the right clipper guard: The guard is the attachment that determines the length of hair that you want to cut. The guards come in various sizes, so choose the appropriate one that fits your desired hair length.
- Prepare the hair: Start by washing and drying your hair thoroughly. Then comb or brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
- Attach the guard: Snap the guard onto the clipper. Make sure it is securely attached and aligned straight.
- Turn on the clipper: Press the power button to turn on the clipper. You should hear a buzzing sound.
- Start cutting: Hold the clipper in your dominant hand and start cutting the hair from the sides, back, and top of the head. Use slow and steady strokes, moving the clipper in the opposite direction of hair growth.
- Check the hair length: After cutting each section of hair, check the length to make sure it’s even. You can use a hand mirror or ask someone to check the back of your head.
- Blend the hair: Once you have cut all the hair to the desired length, use a shorter guard to blend the hair on the sides and back of the head.
- Clean the clippers: After you finish using the clipper, turn it off and detach the guard. Use a brush to remove any hair from the clipper blades. You can also use a clipper oil to lubricate the blades and keep them sharp.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can use hair clippers to give yourself or someone else a great haircut.
