Molly Ayala
Cutting your own hair with electric clippers is a convenient way to save money and time. With the right tools and some practice, you can achieve a neat trim from the comfort of your own home. Electric clippers are easy to use and allow you to quickly clean up your hairstyle whenever needed. This introduction will cover the basics of using electric clippers, including choosing the right equipment, understanding clipper settings, and maintaining your tools. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this introduction, you'll be well on your way to becoming your own barber and achieving the desired look with confidence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric clippers | Philips, Wahl, Babyliss |
| Clipper guard size | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 |
| Clipper guard length | 3/8", 1/2" |
| Clipper maintenance | Oil the blades, clean the appliance |
| Hair length | Short, medium, long |
| Hair type | Wet, dry |
| Haircut style | Fade, burst fade, crew cut |
| Haircut frequency | Every two weeks, biweekly |
| Haircut location | Bathroom, backyard |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your tools and workspace
To prepare your tools and workspace, start by choosing a workspace that is comfortable and has good lighting. If you're cutting your hair indoors, lay down a towel or newspaper to catch any fallen hair and make cleanup easier. You can also do it outdoors to prevent hair from getting everywhere.
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and keep them within easy reach. This includes your electric clippers, a mirror, a comb, scissors, a cape or towel to protect your clothes and skin, and any specific products you plan to use, such as clipper oil or hair gel. If your clippers require charging, ensure they are fully charged before you start.
Familiarize yourself with your electric clippers, especially if you are using them for the first time. Practice turning them on and off, and experiment with different grip positions to find the most comfortable hold. If your clippers come with adjustable settings or multiple clip-on comb attachments, take the time to understand how to change the settings or attach the combs securely.
When you are ready to begin trimming, select the appropriate guard size or comb attachment for the desired hair length. If you are unsure, start with a longer guard size and work your way down gradually to avoid cutting your hair too short. Attach the guard or comb securely to the clippers, ensuring it is correctly positioned and locked in place.
If you are cutting your own hair, set up a mirror to clearly see your head from different angles. You may also want to have an extra hand mirror to check the back of your head and neck. If someone else is cutting your hair, ensure your head is positioned at the same level as their chest for easy access and visibility.
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Choose the right guard size
Choosing the right guard size is essential for achieving your desired hair length and style. Hair clippers and trimmers typically follow a standard numbering system from 1 to 8, with some brands offering up to 12 guard sizes. The higher the number, the longer the hair will be after cutting. For example, a #1 guard will leave hair around 1/8 inch (3mm) long, while a #4 guard will leave hair around 1/2 inch (13mm) long.
When choosing a guard size, it's important to consider the style you want to achieve. For example, for a classic buzz cut, use a #2 or #3 guard, and for a fade haircut, use a combination of #0 to #4 guards to create a gradual blend from skin to a longer top. If you're unsure which guard size to use, it's always best to start with a larger guard size and gradually work your way down to avoid cutting off too much hair at once.
Different brands may have different guard sizes, so it's important to check the specific guard sizes for the brand you're using. Additionally, some clippers have a taper lever that allows you to adjust the closeness of the cut between guard lengths. By moving the lever up, you can achieve a closer cut, and by moving it down, you can achieve a longer cut.
Understanding the haircut number system and guard sizes is crucial, especially when communicating your desired hairstyle to a barber. By selecting the right guard size and practising your technique, you can achieve a range of hair lengths and styles with precision and consistency.
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Use the correct technique
Using electric clippers to cut your hair can be an easy and convenient way to save money on haircuts. Here are some tips on the correct technique to use when trimming hair with electric clippers:
Firstly, make sure you have the right equipment. Electric hair clippers can be corded or cordless, and prices vary depending on the brand and features. It is important to purchase clippers with a range of clip-on combs in various cutting lengths to achieve your desired hairstyle. You should also consider buying clipper oil to keep the blades lubricated.
Before you start cutting, familiarise yourself with the clippers. Spend some time turning them on and off, finding a comfortable grip, and charging them if they are cordless. Attach the desired comb attachment and set the correct length setting. It is recommended to start trimming at a high length setting and gradually reduce the length until you reach your desired hair length.
When trimming your hair, use light, fluid motions and move the clippers against the direction of hair growth. This will help to prevent jagged, uneven cuts. Hold the clippers upside down so that the top of the guard is against your scalp, and move them up towards the top of your head. When trimming the top of your head, move from front to back. Remember to use a rocking motion to help with blending and pull down on the tops of your ears to avoid missing spots.
For trimming around the ears, it is recommended to use scissors to create a clean hairline. Fold down the top of your ear and use scissors to snip away any longer strands. You can also use the inverted clipper technique, which involves flipping the clippers over so that the top of the clipper faces your head, providing more agility and precision.
Finally, remember to clean up the neckline. Use the clippers without any guard attachments or with the 0 setting to tidy up the hairline and create a clean, finished look.
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Trim hard-to-reach areas
Trimming the hair at the back of your head and around your ears can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you cut hard-to-reach areas:
- Start by cutting the sides of your head, working in an upward motion from the bottom.
- Move the clippers against the direction of hair growth.
- Work slowly and steadily, and use a mirror to check the back of your head as you go.
- Use your hand to check for any longer areas that you may have missed.
- If you're cutting your own hair, sit in front of a mirror and cut what you can see. You will have to cut the back by feel, so go slowly and use controlled movements.
- To trim the hairline around your neck and ears, use the "inverted clipper technique". This involves flipping the clippers over so that the top of the clipper is facing your head, giving you more agility and precision.
- To get a softer cut, hold the clippers close to the skin and scoop the blade outwards and away from the scalp, using short strokes.
- If you have a lot of hair, use scissors or the clippers away from the scalp first to avoid pulling.
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Clean up and maintain your tools
Maintaining your electric clippers is essential, as it will help them stay sharp and accurate. If not maintained, they will become dull and could hurt your skin. Here are some detailed steps to clean and maintain your electric clippers:
Cleaning the Clippers:
- Start by unplugging the clippers from the power source. If your clippers are battery-operated, ensure they are turned off.
- Use a brush to remove any hair bits stuck between the blades.
- Disassemble the clippers by separating the shaving head, comb attachment, and foil. Refer to the user manual if you are unsure how to do this.
- Clean each part with a disinfectant, such as a verified Hair Clipper Spray. This step is crucial, as the clippers come into direct contact with your skin and scalp, and can transfer bacteria and cause skin problems.
- You can also use simple soapy water, but this may not be as effective as a dedicated disinfectant spray.
- Reassemble the clippers and apply a light coat of oil to the blades. This will help the clippers run smoother on your skin and reduce the chances of nicks and cuts.
Maintaining the Clippers:
- Regularly oil the blades to keep them sharp and prevent rust. This should be done at least once or twice a month, depending on usage.
- Store the clippers in a safe and dry place when not in use.
- Ensure you follow the user's manual for any specific care instructions or maintenance routines provided by the manufacturer.
- Replace the blades when they become dull or damaged.
By following these steps, you will be able to keep your electric clippers in optimal condition, ensuring a smooth and safe trimming experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many electric clippers on the market, but the Wahl Elite Pro Clipper is a popular choice. It is powerful, precise, and has self-sharpening blades.
It is best to trim dry hair as wet hair can stick to the skin. Use a comb to brush the hair up in a straight line and cut along the line of the comb's teeth.
The back of the head is tricky to trim alone. It is best to get someone to help, but if you are trimming your own hair, use a mirror and cut by feel. Go over your head multiple times from different angles to ensure an even cut.
Start with the sides and back, using a 2 or 4 blade guard. Transition to the crown of your head by increasing the guard size, leaving the top for last.
Use the clippers without a guard to trim the hair closest to the skin, such as the hairline, sideburns, and back of the neck. Use scissors to trim any stray hairs around the ears.
