If you’re looking to give yourself a fresh cut at home but don’t know where to start, this guide will teach you how to clipper cut men’s hair like a pro. Clipper cutting is a great way to save money on haircuts and get the exact style you want. With a little practice, you’ll be able to give yourself a professional-looking cut in no time.
The first step is to gather your supplies. You will need a pair of clippers, a comb, scissors, and a mirror. You may also want to use hair clippers with adjustable blade length as it will enable you to create different styles. Once you have your supplies, you can start cutting your hair. To begin, comb your hair in the direction that it grows. Next, attach the appropriate guard to the clippers and start cutting your hair from the bottom up. Be sure to follow the natural curve of your head and use even strokes.
Once you have cut the sides and back of your hair, you can move on to the top. For the top of your hair, you will need to use scissors. Start by cutting the hair at the front of your head and work your way back. Be sure to cut the hair in the direction that it grows and use even strokes. Once you have cut the top of your hair, you can style it as desired.
Choosing the Right Clippers
Selecting the ideal clippers is crucial for achieving a precise and professional-looking clipper cut. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
Cordless vs. Corded
Cordless Clippers
- Offer greater mobility and convenience, allowing you to move around freely without being tethered to an outlet.
- Usually come with rechargeable batteries, providing extended usage time before requiring a charge.
- May be more expensive than corded clippers, but provide greater flexibility and ease of use.
Corded Clippers
- Plug into an electrical outlet, providing uninterrupted power throughout use.
- Tend to be more powerful than cordless clippers, resulting in faster cutting times.
- More affordable than cordless clippers, but limit your movement within the cutting area.
Blade Size and Type
The size and type of clipper blade determine the length and texture of the cut. Blades are typically measured in millimeters (mm) and range in size from 0.5mm to 25mm.
Common blade sizes include:
- 0.5mm – 2mm: For very short buzz cuts and bald fades.
- 3mm – 6mm: For short haircuts and crew cuts.
- 7mm – 13mm: For medium-length haircuts and tapers.
- 14mm – 25mm: For longer haircuts and blending.
Additionally, consider the type of blade material, as different materials offer varying degrees of sharpness and durability:
| Blade Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | Extremely sharp, durable, and corrosion-resistant |
| Carbon Steel | Hard and durable, but can dull more quickly |
| Stainless Steel | Rust-resistant, but softer than ceramic or carbon steel |
Additional Features
Some clippers offer additional features that can enhance the user experience:
- Adjustable Speed: Allows for precise control over cutting speed.
- Digital Display: Provides information such as blade size, speed, and battery life.
- Ergonomic Design: Designed for comfort and ease of use, reducing strain during extended use.
- Accessories: May include attachments such as guards, combs, and blade oil for maintenance.
- Use a handheld mirror for a close-up view.
- Turn the person’s head slightly to observe different angles.
- Don’t be afraid to trim carefully around the ears and neckline.
- Gather your tools. You will need a pair of clippers, a comb, scissors, and a mirror.
- Wash and dry your hair. This will make it easier to cut.
- Comb your hair. This will help you to see the natural part of your hair and to identify any areas that need more attention.
- Attach the appropriate clipper guard. The size of the guard will determine the length of your hair. Start with a longer guard and gradually move to a shorter guard as you cut your hair.
- Begin cutting. Start at the back of your head and work your way forward. Hold the clippers against your scalp and move them in the direction of hair growth. Be sure to overlap your strokes to avoid missing any spots.
- Check your work. Once you have cut the back of your head, check your work in the mirror. If you see any areas that need more attention, go back and trim them.
- Cut the sides and top of your head. Once you are satisfied with the back of your head, you can move on to the sides and top. Use the same technique as you did for the back, but be sure to use a shorter guard for the sides and top.
- Finish up. Once you have cut all of your hair, you can finish up by trimming any stray hairs and styling your hair as desired.
- Slicked back with a pomade or gel
- Brushed up with a matte paste
- Side-parted with a comb
Establishing the Hairline
The first step in clipper cutting men’s hair is to establish the hairline. This is the line around the perimeter of the head where the hair meets the skin. The neckline is the horizontal line across the back of the head, just above the collar.
There are several different ways to establish the hairline. You can use a clipper comb, a straight razor, or a trimmer. If you are using a clipper comb, hold it against the skin and move it in the direction of the hair growth. If you are using a straight razor, shave the hair away from the skin in a straight line. If you are using a trimmer, hold it against the skin and move it in a circular motion.
The width of the hairline can vary depending on the desired look. A narrow hairline is more subtle and conservative, while a wide hairline is more dramatic and edgy. You can also create a tapered hairline, which gradually narrows from the front to the back of the head.
| Hairline Width | Description |
|---|---|
| Narrow | Subtle and conservative |
| Mid | Moderate width |
| Wide | Dramatic and edgy |
| Tapered | Gradually narrows from front to back |
Cutting the Top
The top of the head is the most visible part of a men’s haircut, so it’s important to get it right. Here are the steps for cutting the top of a man’s hair with clippers:
1. Comb down the hair on the crown of the head.
This will help you to see the natural hair growth pattern and determine the direction in which you should cut.
2. Hold the clippers vertically against the scalp.
Start at the back of the head and work your way forward, cutting against the grain of the hair. This will give you a nice, close cut.
3. Use light, even strokes.
Don’t press too hard on the clippers, or you’ll end up with a patchy cut. Just let the clippers do the work.
4. Gradually increase the clipper size as you move towards the front of the head.
This will create a gradual fade from the shorter hair at the back of the head to the longer hair at the front.
5. Use a fine-toothed comb to blend the hair.
This will help to smooth out any uneven spots and create a natural look.
6. Style the hair as desired.
You can use a pomade, gel, or mousse to style the hair into the desired shape.
7. Care for the hair.
To keep your clipper cut looking its best, it’s important to wash and condition your hair regularly. You should also get regular trims to prevent the hair from getting too long and unruly.
Finishing Touches
8. Check for Symmetry and Correct Errors
Hold a mirror at the back of the head and check for symmetry in the haircut. Look for any uneven sections or areas that need blending. If there are any errors, use the clippers to gently remove excess hair and create a uniform shape.
Take your time and be thorough in your inspection. A few extra minutes spent on checking can prevent noticeable flaws from being missed.
Tips:
| Common Errors | Corrections |
|---|---|
| Uneven sides | Use clippers to trim the longer side to match the shorter one. |
| Missed patches | Go back over the area with clippers and blend the hair to create a smooth transition. |
| Bulges or bumps | Use clippers to carefully remove excess hair and flatten the area. |
How To Clipper Cut Men’s Hair
Cutting men’s hair with clippers is a great way to achieve a variety of styles, from short and professional to longer and more casual. With the right tools and a little practice, you can easily give yourself a clipper cut at home. Here’s how to do it:
