How to choose a hair clipper – tips and tricks

Hair has to be monitored regularly, but monthly visits to hairdressers take a lot of time and effort. 90% of men prefer simple short haircuts. In this case, functional hair clippers come to the rescue. Their purchase will be justified if there are several men in the family – husband, sons, grandfathers. They will help you get a well-groomed hairstyle without tiring and expensive visits to the salon.

What should you consider before buying?

Various types of hair clippers are selected for hair care. Manufacturers offer a wide range of models that differ in functional features.

When choosing, pay attention to the main aspects:

1. the principle of operation of the device;

2. power supply;

3. blade materials;

4. the number of available attachments;

5. additional functions.

The choice depends primarily on the purpose of use. Someone needs a simple model for short haircuts, and someone uses machines to straighten their hair and beard.

All such devices are outwardly similar to each other, so it is difficult for an uninitiated person to understand the differences. A motor or an electromagnetic coil is hidden inside the case. They set in motion special blades mounted on the attachment. The movement is carried out along a fixed row of similar blades. Thanks to this, they cut hair neatly and quickly.

The power source for many models is a 220V outlet, but manufacturers now offer a range of cordless clippers. It is convenient because you can use it anywhere.

What are hair clippers?

The principle of operation for each device is the same, but there are distinctive features. This is primarily due to the movement of the blades. Manufacturers offer three types of clippers:

1. rotary;

2. vibrating;

3. rechargeable.

These types of units do the job, although the differences are in power and overall weight.

Rotary Clippers

Rotary machines are equipped with a small electric motor that makes the rotor rotate with an eccentric installed inside. This allows the rows of knives to move quickly, cutting off the hair. Power is supplied from a 220V network or from a rechargeable battery. These models belong to professional devices, because many hairdressers in salons use rotary machines. Their power is between 20 and 40 W, so they can handle heavy loads and do not overheat.

Advantages

• strength and reliability;

• collapsible design;

• a large number of additional attachments;

• high power and performance.

disadvantages

• high price;

• great weight.

Such devices easily cope with thick and coarse hair, they are used for several hours. Modern models can be freely washed under running water, and, if necessary, disassembled and lubricated. But due to the high cost, size and weight, this option is not suitable for everyone.

Vibrating clippers

Vibrating machines are equipped with a metal-wound coil. When powered, it creates an electromagnetic field that acts on a special lever. Due to this, it begins to vibrate rapidly, setting the knives in motion. These devices belong to the budget category. Their power does not exceed 10-15 watts. This is enough to quickly cut or trim your hair. For anything more, they are unlikely to fit.

Advantages

• compact size and light weight;

• replaceable knives (not for all models);

• ease of use.

disadvantages

• low power;

• high noise level, strong vibrations.

• not suitable for thick and coarse hair;

These machines are suitable for home use, for those who do not require anything essential. They are able to work only for 10-15 minutes, and after that they start to get very hot and get clogged with hair. The set of vibration machines is minimal, although this is enough to complete tasks.

Cordless hair clippers

Manufacturers are paying more attention to cordless machines. The difference lies in the power supply. Its own non-removable battery ensures uninterrupted battery life. They are connected to the network for power supply or charging, if necessary.

Advantages

• autonomous work (30-60 minutes);

• low noise level;

• compact size and light weight (no more than 300 g).

disadvantages

• low power (no more than 12 W).

The functionality of such devices is slightly more than that of an electric shaver. They are used to straighten hairstyles, shave off neck hair, or trim soft hair. Some professional rotary machines with a battery can work for 3-4 hours, but on average, the operating time does not exceed 1 hour.

Even machines for home use are versatile, so many people use them to care for their mustache and beard. Thanks to special attachments, they easily turn into a trimmer for cutting in hard-to-reach places – on the neck, in the ears, and on the nose. But the functionality depends on the configuration of a particular model, so you need to take into account the goals and objectives when choosing.

Blades in a hair clipper

Do not forget that the quality of the haircut depends not so much on the power or attachments as on the blades. It is a working tool for fast and accurate hair cutting. Over time, they begin to dull, so the quality of the haircut decreases. It is better to choose models with self-sharpening knives.

Special attention is paid to the materials of manufacture. The specific performance of the device directly depends on this. Manufacturers make blades from the following materials:

1. stainless steel;

2. ceramics;

3. titanium alloys.

Stainless steel knives

Pure stainless steel is no longer used. To increase its service life, it is coated with carbon, diamond dusting or a small layer of titanium. But she is able to cope with the tasks assigned to her.

Advantages

• high strength;

• long service life.

disadvantages

• the need for a protective coating;

• strong heating during operation.

The diamond or carbon-coated stainless steel blades are water resistant, so they can even be used for wet cutting.

Ceramic knives

Ceramic is the best option because it does not overheat and the cutting edge sharpens as it wears.

Advantages

• good pungency;

• self-sharpening edge.

disadvantages

• fragility;

• Ceramic knives break easily, so they can crumble if the machine falls to the floor.

Ceramic knives break easily, so they can crumble if the machine falls to the floor.

Titanium knives

Titanium is one of the most durable materials, so it is not afraid of damage or shock. But these blades deteriorate over time.

Advantages

• high strength;

• resistance to mechanical damage.

disadvantages

• over time, the smoothness of the blade is disrupted.

Titanium is a hypoallergenic material, so machines with titanium blades do not cause irritation or allergic reactions. They can even be used to trim children.

What are hair clippers?

The functionality of each machine depends on the types of attachments used. A good tool will help even an inexperienced craftsman achieve a positive result. Professional hair clippers used in hairdressing and beauty salons have a huge assortment. For budget models, the choice is more modest, the kit includes from 3 to 8 attachments of different types.

They differ from each other in the following features:

1. hair length (3, 6, 9, 12 mm);

2. nozzle width;

3. trimmers.

A special attachment can turn your hair clipper into an electric shaver. With a length of 1 to 10 mm, the beard and mustache are equal. The absence of a nozzle turns the machine into a trimmer at all, with which you can 'draw' clear lines.

Separately, it should be noted that some attachments are suitable only for specific models, while others are versatile. In the second case, you can, if necessary, purchase a set of nozzles for the machine.

Additional features and what else do you need to consider before buying?

Modern machines from world manufacturers are multifunctional devices. They have a number of additional functions that expand the scope of use or make hair and beard care pleasant.

Wet cleaning – the machine has a waterproof case, so the attachments are easily washed under running water without removing them.

Hair collection – clippers collect cut hairs in a special container, like a vacuum cleaner.

AutoClean – quick automatic cleaning of the nozzle.

Some devices are equipped with a power indicator. This is useful for battery models because you can tell how much charge is left. Advanced rechargeable devices also come with a stand for storage and convenient charging.

Most popular manufacturers

A huge range of machines for professionals and ordinary users is on sale. Global brands offer reliable, time-tested devices, so they are preferred.

Philips

A company from the Netherlands promotes products on the Russian market. It offers several lines of clippers – 3000 series, 5000 series, 9000 series. The new models use patented technologies to improve accuracy and safety, such as PRO Precision.

BaByliss

The French company BaByliss has a strong position in the professional hair clippers market. She has over 50 years of experience in this field, so she enjoys the trust of professionals. Many models are reliable and performant because they are designed for heavy use.

Polaris

Polaris equipment is traditionally distinguished by its affordable cost and good quality. Most of the assortment includes simple but functional and reliable mains powered machines. They use stainless steel with special coatings as cutting tools.

Moser

Moser products are presented on the European and Russian markets. The range includes both professional and household models. A distinctive feature is the use of innovative blade blocks with good protection against contamination.

In the next article, our experts will tell you how to choose the right electric shaver for a man for a car.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.