How to Tweak Hair Clippers & Trimmers

Little boy getting hair cut by clippers

Hair clippers and trimmers can be very temperamental objects. There is nothing worse than sitting down for a relaxing trim and having the hair ripped out of your head by a pair of loose or dirty clippers. Luckily, tweaking hair clippers and trimmers to make them run smoother can be completed by even a rookie stylist. Whether you are preparing a full-fledged makeover or just a simple neck trim, it is always wise to check those clippers and give them a little tweaking before you begin.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Small brush for dusting
• Clean soft cloth
• Oil designed for hair clippers and trimmers

Instructions

1. Begin by identifying what type and size of screwdriver you will need. There is a screw that holds the cutting blades of the clippers and trimmers on the underside directly on the metal. Most clippers and trimmers require flat head screwdrivers, but it is always good to check.

2. Loosen the screw connecting the cutting blades to the body of the clippers and set it aside. Remove the blades and remove any hair that has collected inside the body of the clippers. A hard bristled brush can be used to dust away any small or stubborn hairs. Do not use water to clean the body of the clippers.

3. Using a dry soft cloth, clean the cutting blades by wiping gently. Use the brush to remove any hairs that may be stuck or lodged in between the teeth of the blades. Place the blades back together, and place them onto the clipper body.

4. Tighten the screw until the blades are secure, but do not tighten it completely. Plug in the clippers and listen. If the clippers are loud or the blades are moving loosely, turn the clippers off and tighten the screw one more turn. Continue this until the clippers sound quiet and are moving tightly. Tightening the clippers too tight will cause pulling of the hair while cutting. If the clippers are too loose, hairs will be missed. If you should notice either of these things while cutting, simply tighten or loosen the screw until satisfied.

5. Turn the clippers on and run a small bead of oil made specifically for hair trimmers and clippers onto the top side of the blades. Keep the clippers running until the bead has absorbed into the blades. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess oil. Oil designed specifically for hair clippers and trimmers can be found at any beauty supply store and is sold with the clippers.

Tips & Warnings

• The teeth of the cutting blades are sharp and can cut skin. Be careful when handling them.

• Never use water when cleaning the body of the clippers.

• Make sure that the clippers are unplugged except for when testing after reattaching and applying oil to the blades.

References

• Fixing Hair clippers