Hair Clipper Facts

Hair Clipper Facts

Hair clippers can trim, shave, crop, and chop to create a number of creative hairstyles. With several different types, attachments and uses, the hair clipper can provide a number of different styles--for both humans and our four-legged friends.

Styles

Buzz cuts, duck tails and geometric shapes shaved into the scalp are all the results of hair clippers. Clippers are widely used in the military for new recruits and in prisons for new inmates. In addition to producing an all-over shaved style, combs can be attached to the clipper blades to retain the same ease and uniformity of the cut while keeping some length.

Attachments

Some of the most useful clipper attachments are the combs. They are small, plastic attachments that clip over the tip of the blade. The teeth of the comb add a barrier between the blade and the hair so the blade does not cut as closely to the scalp. Comb attachments can range from one-eighth of an inch to one-half inch or more.

Types

Several different styles of clippers are available and are geared toward a variety of particular uses. Some feature higher-powered pivot motors for commercial stylists and frequent use. Others are less powerful with a magnetic motor for home use or the occasional stylist. The most powerful contain rotary motors and are good for grooming livestock or bulk use. Still others are specifically designed for trimming the bikini line, beards or pet hair. Cordless, rechargeable clippers are available in some models to make them more easily maneuverable.

Maintenance

Clippers are pretty durable, as long as they are properly maintained. A small brush should be used to extract any hairs stuck in the blade after every use. The clippers should also be regularly oiled with special clipper oil to keep them functioning and prevent rust.

History

While manual clippers can be traced back for centuries, the modern electric clipper is relatively new. In 1919, Leo Wahl came up with the design of a motor housed in the actual clipper unit, rather than attached through a cord. His first version was run electromagnetically, which is still a method used today.

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