Cutting hair with clippers involves a systematic approach to achieve an even and desired length. Here's a breakdown of the process, incorporating insights from the provided video reference:
Preparing for the Haircut
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- Clippers: Choose clippers with various guard attachments for different hair lengths.
- Comb: A barber's comb is essential for guiding hair and blending.
- Mirror: Use a good mirror to view your progress.
- Clean Hair: Start with clean, dry hair for the best results.
The Cutting Process
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Start with Longer Guard: Begin with a longer guard length to avoid cutting the hair too short initially. You can always go shorter, but it's hard to add hair back!
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Clipping Technique:
- Use a scooping motion as you move the clippers through the hair. This technique helps avoid harsh lines. (Reference: ![Part of a video titled How To Cut Men's Hair With Clippers - YouTube](), 0:49)
- Clip against the grain (the direction hair grows) for a cleaner cut.
- Make short, overlapping strokes. Avoid pushing the clippers through the hair quickly and try to keep the clipper flush to the head.
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Working up the Head:
- Start clipping at the bottom of the hairline.
- Move upwards to the occipital bone (the area where the head starts to curve), or where the head begins to curve. This creates the foundation for the haircut. (Reference: ![Part of a video titled How To Cut Men's Hair With Clippers - YouTube](), 0:49)
- Important: Don’t go too high up, as it is necessary to leave room for blending later.
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Blending: This is where you transition between different lengths, use a smaller guard length to blend the top to the sides.
- Example: If the sides and back are cut using a number 2, you may use a number 4 or 6 on the top of the head.
- Continue blending sections using the appropriate techniques and guards.
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Check your work:
- Use a mirror to check your work as you go, looking for any areas that need additional blending or trimming.
Tips for a Better Haircut
- Patience is Key: Take your time and don’t rush.
- Gradual Approach: Start with a larger guard and gradually move to smaller ones.
- Clean Clippers: Regularly clean your clippers to prevent clogging and ensure the best performance.
- Practice: The more you practice, the better you will become.
Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Gather your tools, ensure clean dry hair. |
| Start with Large Guard | Select a longer guard length to avoid cutting too short initially. |
| Clipping | Use a scooping motion, short, overlapping strokes against the grain to cut. |
| Work up Head | Clip from the bottom, working up to the occipital bone leaving room to blend. |
| Blending | Transition between different lengths to blend the top of the hair with the sides. |
| Check Your Work | Use a mirror to check and perfect the haircut. |
