CLIP IT REAL GOOD

HJ caught up with clipper experts to chat about the techniques they love, and those they’d like to see the back of

TARIQ HOWES

With an ever-growing number of hair pros looking to make their mark on social media, stylists are turning to more unique methods in order to boost online engagement – just think about the crazy haircuts with fire that have been doing the rounds. We've also seen a rise in clippers being used for both blunt cuts and asymmetrical styles, and while we love the creativity, it can be hard to know if these methods are practical for everyday cutting – which is why we turned to the experts for their opinions.

Wez's Top Pick: Andis reVITE

Outside the Lines

Using clippers for a blunt cut is a method commonly seen on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, but does this technique hold up in reality? Session Stylist Luke Benson says: “I’m not a fan of this unless it’s just to remove a lot of hair before a colour service. It gives too much graduation so you need to go through and correct with scissors in smaller sections anyway.” However, George Smith from Smith England adds that if you have mastered your clipper work then it does save time: “It’s about when and where. Hour appointments, use your scissors. Half-an-hour appointments on a gent that's running late, I'd grab the clipper."

Rhys Whitehouse, a member of the Wahl Artistic Team, on the other hand, prefers blunt cutting curly hair with his Wahl Berets: “Wet, curly hair folds around the fingers when taking your sections and you can often find you nick yourself with scissors trying to be as accurate as possible, so using clippers means I get a clean and accurate cut without risk.”

Luke is keen to add that all tools serve a purpose: “They should be used in whatever way can help you achieve the desired result.”

Tariq and George both love: the BaBylissPRO Lo-Pro FX Cordless Clipper

Innovative Ideas

For some stylists, finding new ways of doing things can lead to unexpected results. “I’m always looking for innovative ways to use clippers and trimmers, and I have experimented on longer hair by using clippers to create layers, and for slicing,” shares Kevin Luchmun, Andis International Artistic Team Lead. “This has proved very effective to create shape and texture internally. Clippers are usually used to remove bulk or for fading, so this brings a new dimension to using clippers on both men and women’s hair.” Jody Taylor, Ambassador for BaByliss PRO has also seen some unusual techniques, but on the more salon-friendly side, he adds: “I also watched someone do a freehand haircut on mid-length hair with clippers, and while I initially thought I would never approach a haircut like that, I now want to test it out.”

Joe's Top Pick: Wahl Cordless Senior

Maintenance Matters

Offering up his biggest piece of advice for apprentices, Wez Jones, Owner of the Heartbreak Club Barbershop, says: “Look after your clippers – aclean, well-maintained set of clippers will give you better haircuts, more respect from your clients and will save you money in the long run.” Joe Pomper, Master Barber at Murdock London, is proof that taking care of your tools makes a difference. “If I could only have one clipper in my kitbag, I would have to go for the Wahl Seniors, as they’re cordless, durable and powerful,” he says. “I’ve had mine for about seven years and they’re still going strong.”

Rhys and Luke both love: the Wahl 5 Star Gold Cordless Magic Clip

Practice Makes Perfect

Aside from maintenance, Ian Harrold, Owner of Attitude Men's Hairdressing and Lead UK Educator for American Crew, advises: “I always recommend that an apprentice starts with a clipper that has a taper blade on it, not just one with a fade blade – the taper blade is more forgiving and lets you build confidence working free-hand."

Tariq Howes, Ambassador for BaByliss PRO, agrees that confidence is key, telling us that it’s all about getting used to the feel. “Practice the movements of the clippers, even if it’s while watching TV. The first step is to know the different ways to hold them, then the techniques for using them will follow.”