how to use hair clippers

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Haircuts can get very expensive very quickly, particularly if you maintain a short hairstyle. Luckily, cutting hair with hair clippers isn't terribly difficult to do. You'll need to learn the basics of cutting, including familiarizing yourself with clipper guard numbers. Then, start clipping based on what hairstyle you want. Follow up with a bit of trimming for a more professional look, and learn how to care for your clippers.

1

Learn the numbering system for the blade guards. The "numbers" in clippers refer to the blade guards, which determine the length of your hair. Generally, the smaller the number, the shorter the cut. For instance, a "0" will give you barely-there hair, while an "8" is 1 inch (25 mm). In between, the blade guards go up by an eighth of an inch (3.18 millimeters) for each number, starting with ¹⁄₈ inch (3.2 mm) for number "1."^[1]

EXPERT TIP

Arthur Sebastian is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon in San Francisco, California. Arthur has worked as a hair stylist for over 20 years and received his Cosmetology License in 1998. He believes that the true work of a successful hair stylist comes from passion and a love for hairdressing.

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist

You can use multiple guard lengths to create a gentle fade. Arthur Sebastian, the owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon, says: "The tapered look is popular these days, so I have a lot of guys who come in and they want to start with a medium-short clipper attachment, like a number 2, then have me taper down to a 0, which is just skin. You can use a 1 or a 1.5 to fade the hair seamlessly down to the neck."
2
Start with a good wash. Hair should be washed before it's cut so that it is easy to comb and doesn't have any extra bends or waves. You should also use a de-tangler, particularly if the hair typically tangles.
- There's some debate about whether you should leave the hair dry or wet. You can try it both ways to see what works best for you.
3
Cover the person's shoulders to catch falling hair. If it's not possible to shower immediately after getting a haircut, it's helpful to find a slick material to drape around the person's shoulders and pull it tight against their neck. A slick fabric allows the hair to fall off onto the floor instead of sticking to clothes.
- Hair cutting can get fairly messy, so to cut back on that mess, try going outside, where it won't matter as much. Another option is cutting in the garage. If the weather doesn't permit either of those, stick to an easy-to-clean area, such as the bathroom or kitchen.^[2]
4
Start with the longest blade guard to take off long growth. If you need to remove a lot of hair, start with a blade guard for the longest length you want. That way, you can just buzz it all over the head, and then go back and cut parts shorter. This method works especially well if you need to remove a lot of hair.
- So, for instance, if you want #2 on the sides and #4 on top, start by buzzing your whole head with #4.
- Where you start is up to you. You can start at the back or move from one side to the other. You can also start at the top if you prefer. Whatever way you choose, try not to skip around so you don't miss areas.
5

Move against the growth of hair. If you think about how your hair grows, it grows down the sides and back. When you're using clippers, you want to go against that growth, so you'll move up the sides and back. Similarly, on the top of your head, you'll generally move from front to back.^[3]
6

Scoop the hair with the blade. Start by moving in close to the skin with the clippers. As you come up, scoop outwards a little bit. Use short scooping strokes all over your head, which creates a softer cut.^[4]
7

Blend with a guard in between the two lengths. If you've used more than one blade, you'll notice there may be a line between the shorter and longer length. To help fade that out, use a blade guard between the other blade guards you've chosen. So if you've used #2 on the sides and #4 on top, blend with #3. Just go along the line and smooth out the border between the sections.^[5]

1

Use guard 1 for a burr cut. A burr cut is a typical military-type cut where you buzz off your hair to one short length. Use guard 1 to move all over your head. Start at the back, and proceed to the sides. Finally, buzz off the top.^[6]
2

Do a high and tight with guards 2 and 1. Start by buzzing your whole head with the 2 blade. Then come back and shave down the sides and back with the 1 guard. Work up from the button, making an even line around your crown. Go from one side to the other so you get all of the hair.^[7]
3

Begin with a guard 2 or 4 for a crew cut. Start by cutting the sides and back with a 2 or 4 blade. Choose which one you prefer based on length. Transition up to the crown by moving up guard sizes, leaving the top for last. Trim the very front with the longest guard you want to use, then gradually reduce the guard size as you cut back to the crown in rows.^[8]
4
Use a shorter guard to create a basic boy's cut. Begin by buzzing the whole head with a 3 or 4. Once you've got the whole head buzzed down, change out the blade for a shorter one. Move up the sides to shorten them to your desired length. Make sure you keep a clean line at the top around the skull if you want longer hair on top.^[9]
- If you're cutting your own hair, place your hand on the top of your head. Use it to guide the clippers, so you don't take the clippers too far up your head.
- You can start in the back or move around from one side to the other.^[10]

1

Switch to a lower number around the ears. Even if you want your hair all the same length, it's still a good idea to switch to a lower guard number when doing your ears and sideburns. That will give you a cleaner look overall.^[11]
2
Trim the sideburns and back of the neck with trimmers. You need to even out the sideburns for a clean, finished look. When trimming, you move with the growth, so you'll move downwards. Cut one sideburn to the desired length. As you do the other one, make sure you are getting them even by looking at the person from the front or looking at yourself in the mirror.^[12]
- In the back, clean up the edges a bit with the trimmers.
3
Trim up around the ears with scissors. It can help to trim a bit with scissors once you've finished cutting the hair because you may have some scraggly hairs around the edges. For instance, you may want to trim around the ears with scissors.^[13]
- Use a sharp pair of scissors meant for hair cutting. If you're in a pinch, try a small, sharp pair of embroidery scissors.
4

Use a lint roller to pick up loose hair at the end. A lint roller can help get that pesky hair off the person's neck and clothes. Just roll it up and down a bit on the person's neck and back to remove the hairs.^[14]

1

Clean the blades off in soap and water. Brush or rinse the hair off the clippers. Scrub them down with soap and water, using a cloth or light brush to get in the nooks and crannies. Leave them to dry on a towel.^[15]
2

Brush the hair off the blades and exterior. Don't use water on the actual clippers, as that is dangerous. Instead, use a brush to get off as much hair as you can from the blades and the exterior.^[16]
3
Oil the blades. Turn the blade on. Add a drop of lubricating oil to the blades. Let it run for about a minute or so, which will spread the oil throughout the blades. Turn off the blades, and wipe off any excess oil.^[17]
- Most clippers come with oil to use.
4

Oil the insides. Some clippers require that you oil the insides, as well. Your owner's manual will say whether your clippers need this treatment or not. Typically, you unscrew a panel, though some clippers have a designated spot where you add a drop of oil, indicated by an arrow.^[18]

Add New Question

Question

How do I cut the top of the hair?

Start at the front hair line with the clippers and make smooth strokes toward the back of the head. Make sure you get the crown well so it will blend. It is also a good idea to move the clippers in different directions to ensure you get all the hair even. Another tip: use a longer guard than you think you will need first to make sure you do not take it shorter than you want it.
Question

How do I affix the attachments to the clippers?

Most just slide on or snap on. The clipper teeth should fit snug up against the guard teeth.
Question

Can the same methods be used for pubic hair?

Absolutely, provided that you use caution around delicate areas. You'll need to be more gentle.
Question

Why is there a part that changes the speed of the blade?

Lower speeds can work better for more sensitive areas, such as at the back of the neck.
Question

Does it hurt to use hair clippers on long hair?

No. You don't have feeling in the actual hair, only where the hair is anchored in the scalp.
Question

What does the barber apply to the hair at the end?

Some barbers apply talc onto skin that has been shaved. It absorbs excess moisture and is supposed to prevent irritation. Anecdotally, it reduces darkness on the face by covering the 5 o'clock shadow that some men experience even being freshly shaven. Personally, I believe when used on the back of the neck after shaving (usually with a whisking brush) it frees cut hair that is stuck to the skin due to the natural oil it produces.
Question

Do the blades have to be replaced after some time?

It depends on what clippers you have, but most brands have replacements blades, mostly for professionals. Most likely, every clipper will get dull in time. Be sure to take care of your clippers by putting lubricant on them prior to cutting. And always wash with clippercide, even if you're just using it on yourself.
Question

Do I need to use the oil before the first use?

No. Most of the time clippers come pre-oiled from the manufacturing process.
Question

Where should the lever be that pushes the blade forward?

The lever is typically on the left side of the clipper at the front near the blades.

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Video

A hairdryer is good for blowing short hairs off the neck after a clipper cut. Applying baby powder to the neck also keeps the hairs from adhering to the skin, making them easier to remove.

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Article SummaryX

To cut someone's hair using hair clippers, start by using the longest blade guard to trim off excess length from all over their head. Then move into closer to the skin with the clippers. As you move them against the direction of the hair growth, scoop them outwards from the head a bit. To clean up the edges, use a lower number guard. Finally, trim side burns and the back with a trimmer, making sure to move it in the direction of the hair growth. If you want to learn what guards to use for different hairstyles, keep reading!

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