Hair clippers and trimmers have quickly become a popular choice for at-home haircuts, beard trimming and general grooming. But why? Well, in the long run, you save some cash on those monthly trips to the barbers. Plus, they’re super convenient and simple to use, especially when that shaggy mop of yours is getting out of control and you’re in a rush.
In this handy guide, we’ll run through how to cut hair and trim beards with a set of clippers, how to clean and sharpen them, and the big differences between clippers, trimmers and shavers. Let’s get going…
How to cut hair with hair clippers
Luckily, you don’t have to be a trained barber with years of experience to cut your hair with some clippers. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to get that style you want without having to hit the high street.
This is how to cut hair with clippers in a few simple steps:
Get everything ready – Preparation is key. Set up near a plug socket in a well-lit space (we don’t want any bad hair days) and get all the tools you’ll need – including your hair clippers, a comb, a mirror and a cape or towel to catch all of that hair. It gets everywhere, so you might even want a broom or vacuum cleaner on standby.
Scrub up – Hop in the shower and wash your hair to remove any dirt or oils. Dry it properly afterwards and you’ll be ready to get cutting. After all, dry hair is a lot easier to work with.
Choose the right guard – Hair clipper guards come in various sizes, each for different hair lengths. Start with a higher guard – that way, you won’t take off a load of hair in one go, and realise you’ve made a big mistake. You can always then go shorter later on if you need to. For example, a #4 guard leaves hair about half an inch long, while a #1 will cut hair to about an eighth of an inch. So, very short!
Use proper cutting techniques – When cutting hair, move the clippers against the direction of hair growth. Maintain a consistent pressure and angle the clippers to give yourself an even cut. If you want to get advanced, you can always try a bit of layering or fading. Grab a longer guard and gradually switch to shorter guards as you move down your head. This’ll help to properly blend the look of your hair.
Add the finishing touches – After cutting, tidy up around your neckline and ears using a smaller guard (or no guard at all). Look out for uneven spots and clean them up as and when you find them. Then use a handheld mirror – or a mate or partner - to check the back of your head and make sure it’s all looking even.
And that’s it. Cutting hair with clippers seems pretty straightforward, right?
How to trim a beard with hair clippers
They might be called hair clippers. But you can also give your beard a once over too.
Prepare – Start with a clean, dry beard. Use a comb to untangle any knots, as it’ll be easier to cut when the hair is straight.
Pick a style and length – Choose the right guard for however long you want your beard to be. For a close trim, you might not even need one. If you’re not sure though, start with a longer guard and work your way down.
Trim – Tackle your beard in sections. Start with the sides, then move to the moustache and finally the chin. Keep symmetry in mind (a wonky beard isn’t going to look the part) and trim bit by bit to avoid taking too much off at once.
Shape – If you’ve got them, define your neckline and cheeks with the smaller attachments. Then you’ll end up with a clean, tidy finish.
How to clean hair clippers
You’ve had a trim. Now it’s time for a clean. If you don’t do this regularly, your clippers are going to get clogged up with bits of hair. And that doesn’t just get a bit mucky. It also means they won’t be working at their very best.
Right, we’ll show you how to clean hair clippers quickly and easily…
Unplug and take apart – Before you start cleaning, unplug the clippers and remove the guard. If the blade assembly comes apart, take that off as well.
Brush away loose hair – Use a small brush to clear away any loose hair from the blades and body of the clipper. Your clippers will usually come with one of these brushes in the box.
Wash or wipe down – If the blades are waterproof, rinse them carefully and give them a good dry. Or you can always wipe the blades with a clean cloth or disinfectant wipe.
Oil and reassemble – Add some clipper oil to the blades to keep them running smoothly. Then reassemble all the parts and double check that they’re all sitting securely.
How to sharpen hair clipper blades
You’ve got to keep your clipper blades in good nick. Otherwise, they’re not going to be doing much cutting. And you might end up hurting yourself too. So, it’s time for a bit of TLC.
Here’s how to sharpen hair clippers:
Identify dull blades – First, you’ll need to see whether the blades are actually dull. If the clippers have been pulling hairs (ouch), or you’ve ended up with an uneven trim, they’re both a sure sign it’s time for some sharpening.
Remove the blades – Switch off the clippers and unplug them before you do anything. Then grab the instruction manual (we know, yawn), as the way you unscrew and detach the blades is going to differ depending on the model you’ve got.
Sharpen them – For a few quid, get yourself a special sharpening stone or tool. You won’t be able to do much without one. Ready to go? Make slow, even passes with the blades along the stone to give it a consistent edge.
Put the blades back and test - Clip the blades on, check that they’re aligned and give them a quick oil if you can. Then test them on a small patch of hair (or a bit of paper) to see whether they’re sharp enough.
What are the differences between hair clippers, trimmers and shavers?
They might all sound fairly similar, but each of them is great for different types of cuts and styling…
Hair clippers:
Purpose – Made for cutting bigger areas of hair – typically the stuff on your head.
Blade and guard design – Clipper blades are wider, with guard attachments for changing up how long your hair is or nailing a certain style (e.g. fades, buzz cuts).
Versatility – A more powerful motor means it’ll glide through the thickest hair without any problems.
Beard trimmers:
Purpose – Designed for precision trimming and shaping your facial hair into something majestic.
Blade and guard design – The narrower blades and finer guard settings are great for getting detailed around your jawline, moustache and sideburns.
Versatility – Usually comes with multiple length settings and specialised attachments for mixing up your beard’s bushiness and shape.
Shavers:
Purpose – Gives you a close, clean shave without leaving any stubble. It’s usually used for taming your facial hair or shaving your head (if you want a smooth finish).
Blade and guard design – Includes foil and rotary designs. Both suit different levels of comfort and skin sensitivities.
Versatility – Cuts hair at skin level for a much smoother look, instead of leaving a sculpted length.
To sum things up, hair clippers are built for getting rid of lots of hair at once and basic cuts. Beard trimmers are your go-to for tidying up your facial hair, and shavers offer a close, skin-level shave.
FAQs
What does the lever on hair clippers do?
This handy feature adjusts the blade’s cutting length without having to switch guards. Pushing the lever up (or closing it) brings the blades closer together, which is perfect for a shorter cut. While pushing it down (or opening it) means the blades will be slightly further apart – making it better for a longer trim.
The lever is especially useful for blending and creating a seamless fade, fine tuning the length of your hair as you go. So, if you’re usually asking for that grade 2 on the back and sides at the barber’s that morphs into a 4 on top, now you can do it yourself at home.
Can clippers cause ingrown hair?
Yes, especially if you don’t use the clippers properly or let the blades go dull. To avoid both, make sure you exfoliate the skin before your trim, use the right guard and keep the blades nice and sharp.
Can you bring hair clippers on a plane?
Hair clippers are usually allowed in your carry-on or any luggage that you check in. But it’s always a good idea to check with the airline you’re using before you fly. For more info, have a read of our article here – can you take an electric razor on a plane?
Our male grooming advice doesn’t stop there. Can you trim body hair with a beard trimmer? We find out what’s what. And if you need a couple more tips on how to cut men’s hair at home, you’re in luck.
