How to Cut Hair With Electric Clippers

Haircuts are a necessary part of personal maintenance for most people. However, in difficult economic times, regular trips to a barber or hair stylist may be considered an unnecessary expense. Learning how to cut hair with clippers can be a way to save money. It can also become a way to make money upon mastering the techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Electric clipper Blade guards Scissors Gown Comb

Instructions

1. Pick a chair. Select one that is adjustable or at a comfortable height for you. If the chair does not have a smooth surface, like vinyl or leather, drape a protective covering over it.

2. Protect your subject's clothing. Cut hair is difficult to remove from clothing without having to wash it. Drape a gown or big towel around the shoulders. Tape or tie the covering to keep it in place.

3. Attach a blade guard to the clipper. Blade guards with long teeth, like those numbered 7 and 6, take off less hair. Blade guards with short teeth, like the number 5 and below, allow the clipper to take off more hair. Start with a longer blade guard and then use shorter blade guards to fine-tune the areas where you want shorter hair.

4. Put the clipper on. Start from the front of the head and move the clipper slowly to the back of the head. Bring the clipper back to the front of the head next to the line you just created and move it slowly to the back of the head. Repeat this process until you have gone over the whole head.

5. Cut the sides, sideburns and back. Change the blade guard to one with the desired length. When cutting the sides and back, make smooth passes from the hairline up. For an even shorter cut, change the current blade guard for one with shorter teeth.

6. Clean the hairline. When you have finished cutting the hair, take the blade guard off the clipper. Use the clipper to take off stray hairs on the line around the sides, sideburns and the back of the neck.

7. Finish the cut. Use a pair of scissors to trim the hair around the ears.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a large black trash bag as a protective covering. Make a hole at the bottom and pass the bag over the head to rest on the shoulders. Spread old newspapers on the floor to catch falling hair. This makes cleanup easier later.

• Avoid pulling your subject's hair. If you move the clipper too quickly, you run the risk of catching some hair in the teeth and pulling the strands.