Knowledge Base - Recently Updated FAQ
We regularly update this section with information about common questions and issues. If you have questions or problems with technical skills or questions regarding equipment and products used in our videos, this is the place to start. If you do not find your question, please submit your question to support@haircutvideos.net.
1. Why is it necessary to have all three types of clippers (i.e. detachable blade, adjustable blade, and a trimmer)?
2. What's the advantage of detachable blades vs. guards?
3. Are there advantages to clipper cutting dry hair vs. wet?
4. What brand of clippers do you prefer?
5. What is the difference between a fade and a tapered haircut?
6. What is the difference between a blending shears and thinning shears?
7. How important is the type of clipper comb you are using?
8. How do you know where to edge the sideburns?
9. Why do you put talc powder on your neck duster?
1. Why is it necessary to have all three types of clippers (i.e. detachable blade, adjustable blade, and a trimmer)?
Each type of clipper is designed to do a specific job. Using the right tool for the right job will produce better and quicker results. The detachable blade clipper is built with a rotary motor that's powerful and designed to withstand continuous use. This clipper, along with it's detachable blades will be used for cutting the majority of hair. The adjustable blade clipper is generally built with a magnetic or pivot motor. The blade will adjust from a #000 to a #1. This clipper will be used for fading or diminishing lines of a tapered haircut. With it's smooth action, this clipper works great for "fine tuning" flat tops, crew cuts, etc. once they have been roughed in with a detachable blade clipper. The trimmer is used for nothing more than edging and trimming fine hair on the neck, ears, nose, brows, etc. Cutting the interior of a beard or haircut will rapidly dull the fine blade of a trimmer. Top
2. What's the advantage of detachable blades vs. guards?
While blades are more expensive than guards, they will be extremely accurate. The comb portion of the blade forces the hair into the cutter unlike guards which allow the hair to pass through the comb portion and escaping the cutter. Using guards will require more time and effort to achieve a precise cut. Top
3. Are there advantages to clipper cutting dry hair vs. wet?
Yes, there are advantages to both. I prefer to cut dry when clipper cutting short hair (i.e. tapered cut), allowing me to see the results of each pass. Clipper cutting wet hair makes it difficult to blend since it weighs down the hair and obstructs it's natural flow. However, when using clippers to cut longer hair (i.e. shoulder length), I will shampoo the hair and leave it damp enough to gain control. When cutting damp hair with clippers, I like to use the 000 blade; this gives a very precise cut. Top
4. What brand of clippers do you prefer?
I have used several different brands of clippers and have found my favorite to be Andis. Their detachable blade clippers seem to be quieter, lighter, they don't blow hair in my client's face, and I don't have to replace the carbide brushes. I am currently using their Master Clipper for my adjustable blade and the Outliner II for my trimmer and I have done over 20,000 haircuts with both and they still run like they are brand new. Before I began using the Outliner II, I was going through trimmers about every 5,000 haircuts. Top
5. What is the difference between a fade and a tapered haircut?
A fade simply refers to the closeness of the taper. A taper that is faded will have no visible lines around the perimeter, it will be completely diminished. When client's refer to their fade as a "Low Bald Fade" or a "High Bald Fade," they are referencing the point at which they want the fade to begin, just above the hairline or higher into the crest line. Top
6. What is the difference between blending shears and thinning shears?
Blending shears will have finer teeth for eliminating cut marks or lines. Thinning shears will have slightly larger teeth for removing greater amounts of hair. THere are also texturizing shears which will have very large teeth for removing chunks and adding certain effect. If I could only buy one, it would be a blending shear. WIth the use of certain techniques, you can blend, thin and add texture with a blender. Top
7. How important is the type of clipper comb you are using?
A clipper comb with a base of 5/8" to 3/4" will allow the comb to pivot from the scalp, adjusting the amount and length of hair to be cut. Likewise, the handle must be comfortable and large enough to allow rotating and pivoting with ease. If a comb such as a general purpose comb is used, it will be difficult to rotate and pivot and the base will not give an appropriate lift, thus creating cut marks that will be difficult to diminish. Something else to consider is the size of blade you are using while cutting clipper over comb. The shorter the blade, such as a #0000, #000, creates such a precise cut that sometimes it may create cut marks. If the blade is too large, such as #3.5 blade, it's difficult to achieve the desired length. I have found that #1.5 blade, when using the clipper over comb, creates the best results without over-cutting or under-cutting the hair. Top
8. How do you know where to edge the sideburns?
If you were to cut the sideburns with a #1 or #1.5, you will generally see a thinning area where the hairline meets the beard. This transition area is where it looks the most natural to edge the sideburns. However, the client's preference takes priority. Consult the client to determine what type of style or look they are trying to achieve. If the client desires a longer sideburn, try using a #3.5 blade to eliminate and cover the transition area. If the client desires to have a shorter sideburn, perhaps even with the top of the ear, edge it, then slightly diminish the blunt cut with an adjustable clipper. Top
9. Why do you put talc powder on your neck duster?
Natural oil on the skin and hair, perspiration, and humidity all create an environment where loose hair cuttings tend to stick to the neck, ears, face, and forehead. Applying a slight amount of talc powder simply helps release the cuttings. You can disinfect and sanitize the neck duster by applying a small amount of alcohol to the end of the bristles, allowing it to dry, then reapply a slight amount of talc. Top
