How do Hair Clippers Work

How Do Electric Hair Clippers Work?

 

Hair clippers are a special tool that have been used for a long time to cut hair. They were invented between the period of 1850 and 1980 by a Serbian barber called Nikola Bizumić. Even though they work on the same principle as a pair of scissors, they are distinctly different from a pair of scissors and even razors.

 

Manual hair clippers comprise of a pair of sharp comb-like blades which are in close contact with one another. They are operated by a pair of handles that are squeezed together and released. Barbers use hair clippers to cut hair close and as fast.

 

 

While manual hair clippers are still used to this day, they’re primarily used for trimming and other types of hairstyles. Technological advances mean we’ve moved on from using a pair of manual hair clippers to that of electric hair clippers. Similar to the manual hair clipper, electric hair clippers were designed to get hair off the head as quickly as possible. However, as time went on, modifications and advanced designs have allowed salons and barber shops to use electric hair clippers as part of a normal haircut/styling routine.

 

 

The main difference between an electric hair clipper and a manual one is that its driven by an electric motor instead. If it’s your first time using an electric hair clipper, it would be helpful to know how they work so you’re able to fully use its features.

 

Motor

 

The motor drives electric hair clippers and attached to the motor is a piston that holds a set of small and sharpened blades shaped like teeth. Once you turn the power button on, the motor is powered by the electricity and moves quickly horizontally with a slight vertical axis. This axis allows the blades to rub against each other quickly and allows hair to be cut evenly and efficiently.

 

Blade

 

The blades of electric hair clippers are self-sharpening. This means that the hair is cut without the removal of the follicles from the scalp. Electric clippers are also made of stainless steel which is rust-resistant. However, you can also purchase electric clippers made of ceramic blades.

 

With ceramic blades, they stay sharper for a longer period and remain cool to the touch even with prolonged use. However, because ceramic is not a good heat conductor, they can break easily and may be more expensive to replace than their stainless-steel counterpart.

 

It might comfort someone to know, however, that blades of electric hair clippers require minimal maintenance. You’ll just need to brush the hairs out of the blades, disinfect them with alcohol and apply lubricating oil to allow trouble-free trimming for years to come.

 

Guards

 

Most of the current modern electric hair clippers that are designed for styling and come with several clipper guards. These guards are attached on top of the blades. Depending on the size of the guard, they can cover the teeth of the blades and provide optimal cutting length.

 

 

Some clippers also come with an adjustable lever so you can cut hair to about 1/32 of an inch. This is especially beneficial if you’re cutting a fade haircut which comprises the hair decreasing in length as it gets further down the head.

 

How to use them?

 

Now you know the different parts of an electric hair clipper, it’s also important to know how to use them. While using electric hair clippers, make sure to not use it on wet hair because it’s impossible to cut properly. Working on dry hair makes it much easier to achieve the hairstyle of your choice, and your clippers won’t rust as easily.

 

 

Before you begin the cut, make sure the correct guard is attached for your preferred length. A word of advice – it’s best to use the longest guard first before moving to shorter guard lengths. To use the clippers, hold it with the blades pointing downwards and the guard’s tip lightly touching the scalp.

 

Due to the speed of the electric hair clippers, it only takes a few minutes to finish cutting hair. To prevent any mistakes, take your time and have a steady hand while holding the electric hair clippers. Try not to tug the hair or hit the scalp to achieve a cut that’s both smooth and comfortable. You’ll also want to work in smaller sections so you can ensure that you’ve cut all the hair and not irritated the scalp.

 

Electric Hair Clippers – A Barbers Best Friend For a Reason

 

Now you know what electric hair clippers are made of and how to use them, it’s important to think about the hairstyles you’d like to create. With something in mind, you’d then be able to select the best electric hair clippers for that hairstyle.

 

While most electric hair clippers come with a good selection of guard and combs, some of them also allow you to adjust the angles of the blade. Make sure that your electric hair clippers have the right guards for your hairstyle of choice. Take your time in selecting an electric hair clipper that suits you best.