Last Updated on May 24, 2023 by David Eisenman
Easy Tips for Maintaining Your Hair Clippers!
The best haircuts are done with a set of clean hair clippers. Does that mean you have to run out and buy new ones every so often? No. It means you may need to work a little harder for hair clipper maintenance.
If your clippers seem to clog easily or aren’t cutting like they did when they were new, it isn’t time to toss them out. It only means that you need to figure out what is causing them not to cut as well as you expect.
Lucky for you, we have searched to discover what may be wrong so that you can make it right. Our best tips for hair clipper maintenance will ensure that you can keep your clippers in the best condition for years to come.
Brief Overview
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICES |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Wahl Premium Hair Clipper Blade Lubricating Oil | . WAHL . Trimmers . Black . 0.1 Pounds |
Check Price |
 |
LUEXBOX Hair Trimmers Case | . LUEXBOX . Black . Hair Cutting . 1.19 pounds |
Check Price |
 |
Andis Blade Care Plus Dip Jar | . 7-in-1 Blade . Eco-Friendly . Enriched . 0.1 Pounds |
Check Price |
 |
Andis Cool Care Plus Blade Cleaner | . Easy To Use . Lightweight . SureGrip . 1.19 pounds |
Check Price |
Tips for Hair Clipper Maintenance
Some people feel that when you buy a set of hair clippers, you need to know how to use them to cut or trim the hair. To some extent, this is true. However, you will have to do routine maintenance to protect the clippers and save yourself money. Some of the most important considerations are listed below.
Cleaning
One of the most important things you can do for your hair clipper maintenance is to keep them clean. Doing so if you use them frequently and consistently is a given for most people. Think of your barber and how often they clean their clippers. However, what we fail to think about is that we need to clean them before and after each use if we only use them occasionally, as well. It is easy to keep the blade sharp and protects from germs and bacteria. Trust us; you do not want an infection because your clippers scuffed your neck!
To clean properly, you will want to start with a brush. Most kits come with a soft bristle cleaning brush. You can use it or any other fairly soft brush. This will eliminate most of the hair that may be trapped inside. Even a toothbrush can work. Your only goal is to remove as many hair clippings as possible.
There are 5-in-1 liquids like “Andis Cool Care Plus Clipper Blade Cleaner” designed for home users. You can also use cooling clipper spray, which provides a double bonus. When using clippers, they can get hot very quickly. Too much heat can cause burns, especially when giving someone a close fade hairstyle or something similar. The cooling spray will cool them down instantly, add a little lubrication, and even help you to sterilize the clippers. Andis Cool Care Plus for Clippers is undeniably one of the best, according to most people.
Deep Cleaning
Once you have removed all that you can see, you will need to use a liquid solution to remove what remains inside the clippers. Andis Blade Care Plus and Barbicide are the products that many pros use. It lubricates, prevents rust, and decontaminates. You only need to dip the clipper head into the solution, turn it on, and allow it to run for 20-30 seconds or until nothing more flows out of it.
If you do not have clipper blade wash, dish soap, water, and shampoo will also effectively clean your blades. To sanitize, you can use 1/4-part alcohol in water and repeat the process of running your clippers. Ideally, the alcohol you choose will be higher than 60%. If you don’t have this, white vinegar can also work.
You can hang them and wipe them off with a paper towel to dry them.
If you are uncertain that you can get your clippers clean enough, you can take them to a professional to have them cleaned. However, this isn’t necessarily the easiest or most cost-effective option.
Oiling
Oiling hair clippers is almost as important as hair clipper maintenance; according to some people, it may be even more important. However, you must choose an oil that will effectively protect your clippers. Most professionals say that you should oil clippers after every use.
There are many different oils available that are specifically designed for hair clipper maintenance. They all have one thing in common. They are low viscosity, which means they can withstand very high temperatures without breaking down quickly.
If you do not have clipper-specific oil available right now, olive oil or vegetable oil can make a good improvisation. Still, we urge you to consider getting actual oil as soon as possible. It only takes a few drops to protect your blade, so they do not rust or corrode. It also lubricates to ensure smoother performance.
Not sure how to apply oil to your clipper? Follow the instruction below:
- Step 1: Apply a drop of oil to each corner of the blade, a drop in the middle, and a drop to each side.
- Step 2: Turn on the clippers and let them run for several seconds. This will spread the oil around.
- Step 3: Wipe away any excess oil to ensure that dust, dirt, and clippings do not get gummed inside the clippers.
Wahl-Oiling-Directions
Tips: Some of the most popular blade oils include “Wahl Premium Hair Clipper Oil” or “Andis Clipper Oil”. Both come in good-sized containers that should last you for quite a while, even if you use your clippers often.
Properly Aligned Blades
Hair clippers are designed to have a sharp blade to remove hair. Therefore, it should not surprise you that they can stop cutting because of misalignment. This can cause it to nick or cut the person who is receiving a haircut. How do you know the blade is safe to use?
To check, you must hold the clippers sideways and look down their length. The blade should be parallel but slightly back from the teeth tips. All the teeth should be straight across as well. You can use a screwdriver to loosen the blade if imperfections are noticed. It doesn’t have to be loosened completely. You only need to wiggle the blade to put it back in the right spot. The easiest way to ensure the proper placement is to put the taper lever up and work the blade until it is straight.
Once this is done, you will need to be careful tightening the screws to make sure you do not displace the blade. When it is secure, look again to make sure it lines up, and you may even turn it on while running your finger over it to feel for possible rough areas.
Check Blade Sharpness
Before the First Cut
When you trim your hair, the last thing you want to do is discover that your blade is not sharp enough to finish the job. How do you prevent this from happening? You should not cut your client’s hair without checking things out.
Though it is true that there is no hair for testing, if we don’t perform the first cut, you still can check your clippers. The easiest way is to take a string that fits between the clipper’s teeth and see if the blade will cut it. Cotton string is the best; all you need to do is set the string, turn it on, and see what happens.
Another way it can be done is to find an old towel or a furry costume. You can tell if the blades are sharp by their ability to cut this different type of material. The theory is if it can cut cotton, it should be able to cut much thinner hair.
Please note that using clippers on anything other than hair can cause them to lose their sharpness. Therefore, we do not encourage you to do anything more than a quick test, and even that should only be done rarely. Blades will not normally fail without use, so your blade should be fine without testing unless you see rusty areas or other problems.
Routine Check
Either way, if you feel that your blades are less than sharp or there is a risk of snags and pulls, you can sharpen them. To do this, you need to clean and dry them. Then use a whetstone. Two will give you the best results. You can use 3,000 grit and 8,000 grit.
To begin, soak the 3,000-grit whetstone in room-temperature water. Disassemble the clipper blades and clean them again if needed. Using a permanent marker that is easy to see, you will want to highlight the flat surface of the blades. This side is what cuts your hair because it will rub together. The marking gives you an idea of how much you have whittled it down.
Then sharpen the blade combs and the blade being careful not to injure yourself. A good starting point is 15 passes on each side.
Repeat with the 8,000 grit and reassemble after the set has been washed and dried. You can also repeat doing both sides if it has been a while since you sharpened.
Storage
After you have done your hair clipper maintenance, it will be time to store them. They should only be put away once they are completely dried out. The same thing should be said for your different cutter guards.
Most clipper sets come with their storage container. This container, with all the pieces and parts, should be kept in a cool, dry area. This will ensure it does not become contaminated. You should also put it in an area that will not allow it to fall from a dangerous height.
This does not mean you are doomed if you do not have a storage bag or box for your clippers. It simply means that you need to find one. Any box or makeup bag will work, within reason. However, you can also pick up a storage space based on what type of hair clippers you have.
Additional Tips for Your Cordless Clippers
Caring for cordless clippers will require the same basic hair clipper maintenance as corded ones. However, they do come with one extra consideration if your clipper is battery-powered. To extend its battery life, you need to ensure:
- your clippers are kept in cooler areas
- not always stay on the charger
- fully charge before the first use
- prevent complete battery drainage
FAQs
Why Is It So Important to Clean & Care For Barber Clippers Properly?
When it comes to hair clipper maintenance, proper maintenance is key. Not only is it important for the health and safety of both you and your clients, but if you take care of your clippers properly, they will last longer – meaning you don’t have to spend money on replacements as often.
It might seem like a hassle to clean them after every use, but it doesn’t take that long, and the benefits are worth it! Below we outline some of the main reasons why keeping your clippers in good condition is so important:
Hygiene: The most obvious reason for your hair clipper maintenance is hygiene. If you don’t clean them properly between uses, all that hair, skin, and oil will build up – creating an ideal environment for bacteria growth. This can cause inflammation or even infection, not to mention leading to bad smells. Not exactly appealing for either yourself or your clients!
Longevity: Another key benefit of cleaning & caring for your Clippers correctly is that it helps prolong their lifespan. All those gunks sticking around on blades & other parts can slowly wear down components over time – reducing efficiency and eventually causing damage that might require replacement parts or even need to be cleaned after every use.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my clippers?
Clipper spray is an essential item for anyone who owns hair clippers – it helps to cool the blades, prevent rust, and disinfect them. However, if you’re caught without clipper spray, you can use rubbing alcohol as a substitute.
Hold your clipper over the sink after disconnecting it, taking off any attachments, and brushing the hair away. Make sure that your clipper’s electrical compartment is out of the way while you gently pour a tiny cup of isopropyl alcohol over the blade unit’s teeth. Before using them once more, gently dry them off.
How often should clipper blades be cleaned?
Hair Clipper Maintenance is essential for optimal clipping performance. Clipper spray can help to clean the blades and remove any built-up hair or debris, which can negatively impact cutting ability and lead to irritation or skin problems for clients.
Ideally, you should clean your clipper blades with every client. This will help to ensure that they are performing at their best while also protecting the health of your clients. However, even if you cannot manage this regularity, doing a thorough cleanse at least once a week is still important.
There are several methods for hair clipper maintenance: using alcohol wipes, spraying them with a disinfectant solution; soaking them in hot water mixed with dish soap; or using a commercial blade cleaner product. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you pay close attention to all nooks and crannies where build-up can occur. Stubborn dirt and grease may require some manual scrubbing.
How Often Should I Oil My Clippers?
Hair Clipper Maintenance is crucial to keeping them in good condition and working properly. One of the essential steps in this maintenance process is oiling your clippers every time you use them.
The frequency you should oil your clippers depends on how often you use them, but it’s generally best to do so every time. When you oil your clippers, apply a light film over all moving parts- the blade, the cutting sector, and the motor. Too much or too little can hinder their performance.
Oiling your hair clipper blades helps keep them sharp and performing well; without regular lubrication, these blades may become blunt more quickly. Additionally, applying oil will help protect the moving parts from wear and tear – leading to longer-lasting clipping power!
What happens if I don’t oil My clippers?
If you’re not familiar with hair clipper maintenance, then it’s important to learn what can happen if they’re not properly oiled.
Like any other machinery, hair clippers need regular lubrication to run smoothly. If they don’t get enough oil, the heat generated by the blades will quickly damage them. You’ll notice that they start making a lot more noise than usual, and their performance starts to suffer – eventually, they might even seize up completely.
Oil is also essential for protecting your clippers from rusting, which can seriously shorten their lifespan. So, if you want your haircutting tools to last as long as possible, keep them well-oiled!
How Long Do Hair Clippers Last?
There are a few things you should keep in mind while hair clipper maintenance to make sure they last as long as possible. First and foremost, during the day, you should often spray clipper spray on your barber clippers. This will keep them greased and operating well. In order to get rid of all the dirt, you also need to regularly deep clean your clippers. Use a good cleaning solution or just run them under hot water to do this.
It’s also important to oil your clippers every time you use them. This will help them to run smoothly and prevent any potential damage. Finally, always check the blades are correctly aligned before use. If they are not, it could lead to poor results and premature blade wear. By following these simple maintenance steps, you can keep your hair clippers running like new for years to come!
Can I use regular 3-in-1 oil to oil my hair clippers?
No, you should not use regular 3-in-1 oil to oil your hair clippers. Clipper oil has a thinner consistency and different viscosity, specifically designed for this purpose. Using regular 3-in-1 oil can result in damage to your clippers and may cause them to run improperly. Stick to clipper oil to keep your hair Clippers running smoothly.
Conclusion
Hair clippers are a wonderful thing. They allow us to tackle our hair care needs at home, which can be very important with our busy schedules. With them, even novice hair stylists can keep their hair trimmed and neater than ever.
We hope our best tips for hair clipper maintenance have helped you feel more confident about taking care of your clippers. By following our recommendations, you should be able to keep your clippers in the best working condition, which will extend their lifespan. It will also save you money in the long run. Also, you can check out our complete guide for the best men’s short hairstyles here.
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