Are you thinking of attempting a home haircut? Well, you’ll join a long list of men who have opted to do so for various reasons.
Maybe you can’t get to a barber, and cutting your hair at home is the only option.
Or you want to maintain short hair, in which case visiting a barbershop now and then can be expensive.
The good news is it’s not so hard to use hair clippers. It’s something you can learn pretty fast. Read on to learn how to cut hair using clippers.
Tools You Need to Cut Hair With Clippers
Like with any other job or project, the right tools can make all the difference. It takes you halfway through and makes a clean, easy, and quick cut.
Here are some essential items you require when cutting hair with clippers:
- High-quality clippers
- Hair-cutting scissors
- Comb and brush
- Mirror
8 Steps to Follow When Cutting Hair With Clippers
Once you’ve purchased the right tools, it’s time to get down to work. To achieve the best haircut, follow the following steps:
#1. Prep Your Work Area
The first thing you need to do is find an area suitable for cutting hair, such as your bathroom or backyard and gather all the tools there.
It should be a place that’s easy to clean. And don’t forget to keep the vacuum cleaner nearby so that immediately you’re done, you can clean stray hairs easily.
Next, familiarize yourself with the features, particularly the blade guards and clipper numbering system.
The blade guards are numbered 0 to 8, each size differing by an eighth of an inch. These numbers determine how short you cut the hair, but generally, the smaller the blade guard number, the shorter it’ll cut hair and vice versa.
That said, as you gain more confidence, it’s okay to use multiple blade guard sizes. Most barbers do so to create a gentle fade. You can start with a number 2 or 3, then finish with a number 1 and 0.
#2. Wash Hair
Greasy hair is not clipper-friendly. The strands tend to clump together, getting stuck in the clippers. So, shampoo and condition the hair to ensure it’s natural to work with.
The consensus is that hair should be dry to achieve intended results, but it’s possible to cut wet hair. You could try both and see which works best for you.
Before you can set your clippers, comb through the hair. That’s necessary, especially if you’re working with long hair, as it removes any knots that may stick into your clippers when shaving.
#3. Cut the Sides
Ensure you have all the attachments you need for the desired buzz cut lengths before you start trimming. Most people opt for the 3-2-1 grade haircut with a number three on top, two at the sides, and one around the lower neck and ears. However, the choice is yours.
Trim the sides first. Cut the hair carefully, making sure not to injure the ears. Start from the lower side as you maneuver the clippers upwards. Do this several times to ensure you leave no hair.
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#4. Cut the Back
To cut the rear, start from the nape as you maneuver the clippers upwards. Do so slower and steadier than before. And just like you did with the sides, make sure the cut is uniform.
It’s worth noting that you should shorten the lower part a little bit more to allow the different lengths to combine, creating a seamless fade. Do this on the sides and the back. It makes your haircut appear more polished.
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#5. Give the Hair a Fade
Create a clear distinction between the lower and upper lengths. The position of this line is what will determine whether it’s a high, mid, or low fade. The line should be smooth all around your head.
Do you want the line to be even more evident? If so, pull the clippers over the line separating the two hair lengths in an upward motion. Be cautious not to extend too far up to avoid ruining your fade altogether.
#6. Cut the Top
It’s time to focus your attention on the top section. Shift to the longer setting on your clippers (number 4, usually ½ an inch, or number 3, usually 3/8th of an inch) and run it on the top hair. Remember to work from the front to the back.
For men with long curly hair, consider using scissors. Comb and divide the hair into small sections and then cut each section to the desired length. The best way to do this is to lift the hair, holding it between your fingers, and prune any hair that’s longer than the desired length. Confirm that the trimmed sections are uniform in length.
How are you doing so far? Pause the cutting and examine the hair. If you notice any problem, typically unevenness, don’t worry. Use your pruning scissors to make it even.
#7. Clean Up Your Hairline
You’re almost done. If there’s any stubble, now is the time to fix it up along the hairline. Holding your clippers upside down, move around the hairline, tidying it up. Just don’t move too far up, so you don’t mess up everything.
As for the neck, style it as you wish.
#8. Style Hair
Finally, you’re through with the cutting. What’s left is for you to wash your hair and dry it out. If you’re the guy who likes styling their hair, the time is now. You can apply your gel or even spray it or style it in any way you desire.
If a cut is all you wanted, then comb the hair.
Wrap Up
Congratulations! You’ve added to the list of beneficial skills that you possess. Now numerous trips to the barbershop can be a thing of the past. It doesn’t matter what prompted you to learn how to cut hair with clippers, but one thing’s for sure— it’ll save you a lot of money moving forward.