How to Use Hair Clippers: Step-by-Step Haircut Guide for Beginners (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Mastering the art of using hair clippers might be more accessible than one would think. With the right tools and a little practice, you will cut professional-looking hair at home in no time.

This step-by-step guide will turn you into an expert user—from the proper selection of guard length to creating a precise, traditional fade.

Ready to take charge of your style? Ease through this incredibly detailed yet easy-to-understand world of home hair clipping.

How to Use Hair Clippers?

Using hair clippers can seem a bit intimidating, but with a little practice you most definitely will get the hang of it.

First, you have to choose the right guard length, and then you will be good to go for the required length of your hair. Guards use 1/8-inch increments so that you can choose precisely what you want. There is also the taper lever—which is good for smooth fades and adds some diversity without changing guards.

Wash and condition the hair before you cut it, after which it should be well-lit. Start by cutting on both sides and at the back of your head against the growth of the hair. Work with mirrors from which to check for evenness.

The clippers should be regularly cleaned for durability. Stick around, and you shall master these skills.

Clippers 101

Understanding clipper guards, using the taper lever, and maintaining clipper blades are foundational skills for achieving precise haircuts. Master these basics, and you’ll be on your way to efficient and professional-looking results.

Understanding Clipper Guards

Understanding clipper guards is essential in getting the haircut you desire. Guard length selection helps in setting hair length; guard numbers refer to 1/8-inch increments of that particular size.

A multiple-guard fade will smooth transition from one length to the other. This, combined with the smoothness imparted by the clipper-over-fingers technique and guide comb versatility, creates your desired size.

Effectiveness in haircutting at home or custom results from a professional might stand as simply as mastering the clipper guards, allowing one to care for/cut hair properly.

Using the Taper Lever

The taper lever on hair clippers makes minute length adjustments while one isn’t using changing guards. This lever can be manipulated for the length varying of tapers, resulting in smooth fades and refined cuts.

Press a little on the lever; then, you can smoothly transition with the professional fading techniques. Adjustable lever adds more versatility and flexibility to clippers and allows more control over clipper settings to the professional for perfect hair cutting and styling every time.

Maintaining Clipper Blades

Proper care keeps your hair clippers sharp and at their best. Follow an oiling routine for improved blade durability and extended lifespan. Also, clean blades often to avoid the accumulation of various stuff. Here’s how:

• Use a soft brush to remove hair
• Use a cleaning solution for thorough sanitization
• Apply a drop of lubricating oil while running

Check for regular sharpening and follow sharpening procedures.

• Frequency of maintenance for optimal performance

Preparing for the Cut

Start by washing and conditioning your hair to make it easier to manage and cut. Choose a comfortable cutting location with good lighting, then gather all the necessary tools, including clippers, guards, combs, scissors, and mirrors.

Washing and Conditioning Hair

Start by choosing shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type for optimal results.

Wash your hair thoroughly, focusing on scalp care to remove oils and dirt. Condition and rinse well, ensuring no residue lingers.

Clean, detangled hair is easier to manage with clippers.

Choosing the Right Cutting Location

First of all, find a comfortable place for a haircut. Make sure the positioning of the mirror allows you to see what’s going on clearly and that the lighting conditions are bright and even. Good ventilation will help against loose hairs and smells. Safety measures are most important, particularly for slipping and electrical accidents.

• Bright Lighting
• Good ventilation

  Principally, a stable surface for tools.

• Convenient power outlets
• Clear, unobstructed mirror view

Gathering Necessary Tools

With your location set, it’s time to gather your tools. You’ll need various items for a smooth cut.

Tools	Purpose
Hair clippers	Main cutting tool
Comb	Sectioning, even cuts
Cape	Keeps clothes hair-free
Hair scissors	Precision cutting
Mirror	Checking angles, precision

Ensure comb selection suits hair texture and lengths, keep tools sanitized, and sharpen scissors.

Cutting Techniques

First, select a proper length guard for the look you want to achieve. Trim the sides and back of his head by angling the clippers just slightly to the head and working against the direction of hair growth. Use progressive lengths of guards to blend from top to bottom for a seamless transition between different lengths of hair.

Using the Correct Guard Length

You must select the right length of guard needed for your purpose.

The different types of guards, however, make the job consistent for every kind of hair length and texture.

To achieve fade transitions, start with a higher setting and switch to lower settings.

Use clipper accessories for the tricky spots, and always remember to comb the hair regularly.

Trimming the Sides and Back

Start with a lower guard size on your hair clippers, ideally between 3 or 4. Tilt the blade slightly while trimming from the bottom to the top, ensuring even coverage. Repeat on the other side, maintaining consistent fade length. Use the taper lever for finer adjustments. For thicker hair, you might need to go slower. Always verify evenness in a mirror.

Creating a Fade

To fade, operate at a lower setting on the lower half of the hair and lower levels, working slowly to achieve a smooth-blend effect. Lift hair of temples and earlobes, blending lengths:

• Use short scooping strokes.
• Alternate between the machine and scissors for precision.
• Adjust the guard sizes as you transition.

Monitor for skin irritation, allowing a smooth, nonirritating fade.

Check the balance and evenness all the time.

Refining the Cut

Check the cut for evenness using mirrors, ensuring consistency throughout. Trim the sideburns and neckline for a polished look, then rinse and style the hair as desired.

Checking for Evenness

After fading, using mirrors, check for evenness. After that, lift the hair in sections of the temples and lightly stroke the clippers over it to ensure everything is even before working more on top of the hair, ensuring it’s well-balanced. Haircut guide tip: rotate your head to spot discrepancies. This method helps beginners create a polished, professional look.

Trimming Sideburns and Neckline

Start with a small or no guard when trimming sideburns and taping off the neckline.

Sideburns should blend with an upward stroke to ensure smooth transitions.

Next, take short scooping motions for the neckline to avoid sharp lines.

Keeping your clippers clean also prevents hair irritation.

Always select the appropriate guard length for the suitable polish.

Perfect for professionals and barbers, these tips will fit into all hair care requirements.

Rinsing and Styling

After trimming the sideburns and neckline, rinse the hair thoroughly to remove any loose clippings. Gently pat dry with a towel, then style as desired using your favorite products and tools. A quick blast with a hairdryer can help set the style. With the right techniques, you’ll achieve a polished, professional-looking haircut every time.

Maintenance and Tips

To keep your clippers in top shape, clean the blades and guards regularly, and oil them as specified in the owner’s manual. Remember to choose the right guard length to achieve your desired hair length while avoiding overcuts.

Cleaning and Maintaining Clippers

Cleaning and servicing of the hair clippers are very vital for their performance. For example, the guard blades must be cleaned with soap and water after every use.

The hair on the blades and the outside of the clippers is removed using a soft-bristled brush.

While still running, apply one drop of lubricating oil on the blades; these oils lubricate the inside for easy operation.

Oil maintenance and proper cleaning are essential if you want your clippers to always remain in top condition for perfect cuts on all profiles of hairs.

Additional Hair Cutting Tips

For the best results, keep in mind the following additional hair cutting tips:

• When using scissors, maintain sharpness for precision.
• Be gentle when cutting pubic hair to avoid nicks.
• When shaving long hair or medium hair with clippers, use a more extended guard.
• For children, make sure hair care is gentle and for all hair colors and goals.

Such tips will give a consistent, safe, and effective haircut.

Hair Length Numbers and Conversions

Mastering the knowledge of guard size conversions is essential to understandingippers. Every guard number indicates a length of hair. The small numbers are concise, hence smaller in cut; large ones are long.

Generally speaking, guards follow 1/8-inch increments as follows: A number one guard will cut off roughly 3 millimeters of hair.

Understanding your attachment types and how often you should oil your clippers will check off another box on your way to an overall consistent haircut. Don’t miss having an even result when working with the hair growth pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)