You might have heard the words hair clipper and trimmer used interchangeably. However, the two devices are quite different. When it comes to grooming yourself, using the proper tools for the job is vital.
After all, this is your look we’re talking about, right? Well, if you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between clippers and trimmers, just keep reading.
What is a Hair Clipper and Trimmer?
Before discussing the difference between a trimmer and a clipper, it’s best to know what each one is. Clippers are primarily used by barbers but they work well for a simple at-home hair cut as well. They are also great for cutting different lengths of hair and are effective at full body hair removal.
Furthermore, clippers come equipped with detachable combs that you can switch out to use on various hair lengths.
Trimmers are used just for trimming and you wouldn’t use it when you want to cut all of your hair. If you only have a trimmer and you don’t have any clippers, you can still use it. However, you’ll just have to keep trimming it down until you get it to your desired length.
They are also incredible for styling beards and lining mustaches. So if you want to maintain your current haircut, a trimmer can help you keep the edges looking neat, and shave off a little bit of the new hair growth.
Trimmer vs Clipper: What’s the Difference
As you can see from the information above, a hair clipper and trimmer have a lot in common. However, there’s still quite a difference between the two. Trimmers are designed primarily for cutting short hair.
Plus, it works best on fine hair such as mustaches, armpit hairs, and other areas. Not to mention, the blades on a trimmer are a lot smaller than those on a clipper designed it’s made to work in tight areas. Anytime you want a clean, crisp look on your beard or hairline, grab your trimmers.
On the other hand, you never want to use hair clippers on close cuts. They are best used for long hair. But the good thing is, you can always go back in with a trimmer after you’ve used the clippers to do the bulk of the work.
How to Clean Hair Clipper Blades and Trimmer Blades
Before you get started it’s best to place a towel down to ensure that you don’t make a big mess in the process of cleaning your hair clipper. Next, you want to remove as much stray hair and debris from the blades as possible. Many times the product comes with a small brush that you can use to get between the crevices of the blade, so if you have that use it.
Or you can take a towel and try to get some of the hair and debris out that way. Also, if the blades are detachable, remove them before cleaning. Detachable blades are fine to run underwater and use soap to clean them.
However, if you cannot remove the blade, apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball to disinfect it. Lastly, thoroughly dry the blade before putting it back on the device.
How to Clipper Your Own Hair: The Basics
If you’re reading this information, it may be because you’re trying to learn how to clipper your own hair. Before you begin, check out this guide to hair clippers to learn a bit more about the best clippers to buy.
Also, if you’re using an older device, take a moment to Google ” how to sharpen hair clipper blades” to give it a bit more edge; dull clippers or trimmers don’t do a good job at all. With that said, here are a few basic tips to follow for cutting your hair:
Use the Proper Tools for Your Hair Type
Everyone has different hair textures, and using the proper tools is essential. You don’t want to use the wrong attachment or anything that could mess things up. Not only that, but it’s also better to apply the proper technique for cutting your hair type.
For instance, if you have straight hair, it might be better to wet it before clipping and cutting. Whereas, curly or kinky hair should remain dry.
Take Your Time
If you’re cutting your own hair, you don’t want to rush it. You want to make sure you have everything needed to do a good job. Even though you might not have a barber doing it, you still want the cut to look professional, don’t you?
Have More Than One Mirror
When trying to groom yourself, you shouldn’t rely on just one mirror. Make sure you have as much visibility as possible— especially when you’re trimming the back of your head. Also, it’s a good idea to buy a magnifying mirror to hang up in your bathroom so you can trim your hairline better.
A Cut Above the Rest
Now that you know the difference between a hair clipper and a trimmer, it should help you with your next hair cut. It’s never a bad idea to educate yourself before starting something new; even if it’s as simple as trimming your hair! Hopefully, this information has been beneficial to you, and we’re sure it’ll come in handy for you down the line. If you learned something from this article, feel free to read the rest of our blog to read more!