Hairdressing Clippers Guide
, by Martin Forshaw, 2 min reading time
Clippers – Diamond Edge advises …
As with selecting any equipment, the first question to answer is: what do you want the clippers to do?
Professional hairdressers or barbers carrying out a high number of clipper cuts may prefer a more powerful clipper that is able to be used for long periods. These machines may offer a range of quick-change blades, together with attachment combs, allowing hair to be clipped to a variety of lengths.
However, the traditional barber may be perfectly happy with a lighter-duty machine for trimming, edging and lining out. Small cordless trimmers are also very popular for detailed work around the neckline, sideburns, ears and beard.
When choosing clippers, it is worth considering:
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How often the clippers will be used
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Whether they are for full haircuts or light trimming only
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The weight and balance of the clipper
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Noise and vibration levels
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Corded or cordless operation
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Blade choice and attachment comb availability
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Whether replacement blades and spare parts are readily available
Clipper Blades
Clipper blades are generally supplied as a pair, with an upper and lower blade.
The lower blade remains fixed while the smaller upper blade performs the cutting motion.
There is a wide choice of blade sizes available, particularly for more powerful clippers with rotary motors and detachable blades. These allow the barber or hairdresser to change cutting lengths quickly and efficiently.
Smaller clippers with electro-magnetic drives will often offer a more limited blade choice, with different cutting lengths achieved by using attachment combs or guards.
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Attachment Combs and Guards
Attachment combs, sometimes referred to as guards, are plastic combs which fit onto the clipper blade to increase the cutting length.
They are commonly used for short back and sides, fades, blending and maintaining an even length over larger areas of the head.
Different comb sizes leave different lengths of hair, so it is useful to build up a range of guards if you carry out regular clipper cutting.
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