Use Hair Clippers
Men who grow weary of paying for expensive haircuts from stylists often opt to use hair clippers (or buzzers) instead, as do women who sport short hairstyles. Using clippers is very easy and fast. Those who clip can sometimes cut their hair themselves in their bathrooms and shower afterward, avoiding the annoyance of small hairs that prickle under their collars or inside shirts.
Contents
Steps
- Choose your guard size. Every hair clipper comes with a number of attachments that allow you to cut your hair to different lengths. Many people choose to cut the sides of their hair shorter than the top.
- The longest is a size 7 or 8, depending on the clipper, which leaves about an inch of hair on your head.
- Using a guard shorter than a size 4 will show your scalp, which leaves you vulnerable to sunburn.
- Dry your hair. Never cut wet hair with clippers because this will cause the blades to rust.
- Hold the clipper with the blades down and work against the direction of your hair's growth, so you can catch more hair with the guard.
- Take care not to go too fast so you don't tug on the hair or hit your scalp. By going slowly, you not only ensure that you're giving a comfortable cut, but a smooth, even one as well. Your goal is to cut all the hair in one pass.
- Remove the guard and turn the clipper over in your hand. Carefully cut a clean line at the back of the neck and around the ears. Go slowly so you don't make a mistake.
- Draw the clipper down from the hairline at the back of the neck to clip the hair in that region. This leaves the neck feeling smooth and comfortable.
- Cut a line at the bottom of the sideburns, comparing their lengths to ensure they're even. If you or the person whose hair you're cutting has facial hair, use a guard to provide a smooth transition from the sideburns to the beard.
- Clean your clippers by brushing the blades free of hair, disinfecting them with alcohol and then applying a thin film of oil. Use the oil that came with the clippers.
Tips
- A hairdryer is good for blowing short hairs off the neck after a clipper cut. Applying baby powder to the neck keeps the hairs from adhering to the skin, making them easier to remove.
- If it's not possible to shower immediately after getting a haircut, it's helpful to find a slick material to drape around your shoulders and pull tight against your neck. A slick fabric allows the hairs to fall off onto the floor instead of sticking to shirts, pants or chair fabrics.
Warnings
- Don't be too eager to give your friends haircuts. Not only will they be angry with you if you don't cut their hair well, but if you do a good job, you'll have to cut their hair again and again.
- When cutting very fine hair, don't try to make passes that are the width of the clippers. Instead, use only the center of the blades for a narrower pass.
