How to Clean and Maintain Your Hair Clipper Blades Like a Pro

Updated at: 31/12/2024

Investing in a good hair clipper is only half the battle; keeping its blades sharp and clean is crucial for achieving consistently smooth, even cuts and preventing skin irritation. Dull, clogged blades not only produce a poor finish but can also damage your hair and even harbor bacteria. Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your clippers significantly, saving you money in the long run and ensuring professional-looking results every time. Ignoring this vital aspect can lead to frustrating experiences and subpar haircuts.

This article will guide you through a comprehensive, step-by-step process for cleaning and maintaining your hair clipper blades, transforming you from a novice to a pro in no time. Learn how to effectively clean away hair clippings, lubricate moving parts, and sharpen your blades (where applicable) – all essential for achieving consistently excellent results. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
Safety Guidelines
  • Always unplug your clippers before cleaning or performing any maintenance.
  • Never immerse the entire clipper in water or any other liquid. This can damage the motor and internal components.
  • Use only the recommended cleaning and lubricating solutions for your specific clipper model to avoid damaging the blades or motor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Disassembly and Initial Cleaning

    • Remove the two Phillips screws holding the bottom blade.
    • Remove the bottom blade and clean it, along with the top blade, using a brush and paper towel to remove hair and debris.
    • Clean the inside of the clipper using the small brush to remove any trapped hair or dirt.
    Clean the inside of the clipper using the small brush to remove any trapped hair or dirt.Clean the inside of the clipper using the small brush to remove any trapped hair or dirt.Clean the inside of the clipper using the small brush to remove any trapped hair or dirt.
    Disassembly and Initial Cleaning

  2. Reassembly: Blade Installation

    • Reassemble the clipper, ensuring correct orientation of the top blade (tapered side up, sharp edge away from the machine).
    • Install the bottom blade (lined side away from the machine, grooved side towards the machine).
    Install the bottom blade (lined side away from the machine, grooved side towards the machine).Install the bottom blade (lined side away from the machine, grooved side towards the machine).
    Reassembly: Blade Installation

  3. Blade Alignment and Adjustment

    • Loosely screw in the screws, ensuring you can still move the bottom blade to adjust alignment. Adjust the taper lever (if applicable) to the shortest setting to minimize the gap between blades. Align the leftmost tooth of the top blade with the leftmost tooth or the wider area of the bottom blade (no gap, horizontal alignment). Adjust vertical alignment to ensure a 1/32” to 1/16” gap (0.8-1.6mm) between blades, checking from the side to maintain even spacing throughout.
    Adjust the blade position: Loosely screw in the screws, ensuring you can still move the bottom blade to adjust alignment. Adjust the taper lever (if applicable) to the shortest setting to minimize the gap between blades. Align the leftmost tooth of the top blade with the leftmost tooth or the wider area of the bottom blade (no gap, horizontal alignment). Adjust vertical alignment to ensure a 1/32” to 1/16” gap (0.8-1.6mm) between blades, checking from the side to maintain even spacing throughout.
    Blade Alignment and Adjustment

  4. Securing and Lubrication

    • Tighten the screws firmly to secure the blades.
    • Lubricate the blades with 2-3 drops of clipper oil while the clipper is running to distribute the oil evenly.
    Lubricate the blades with 2-3 drops of clipper oil while the clipper is running to distribute the oil evenly.Lubricate the blades with 2-3 drops of clipper oil while the clipper is running to distribute the oil evenly.
    Securing and Lubrication

Read more: Mastering Trimmer Blade Adjustment for a Perfect Cut

Tips

  • Use the small brush to get into crevices and remove all hair.
  • Proper blade alignment is crucial to prevent accidental cuts. Ensure a small, even gap between the blades.
  • Regularly lubricate your blades (every use) to prevent dulling and extend their lifespan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong cleaning tools

Reason: Using abrasive materials like steel wool or harsh chemicals can damage the delicate blades, leading to dullness and uneven cuts.
Solution: Clean the blades with a soft brush, a lint-free cloth, and clipper oil specifically designed for hair clippers.

2. Ignoring blade lubrication

Reason: Neglecting to oil the blades causes friction, leading to overheating, premature wear, and potential damage to both the blades and the motor.
Solution: Regularly lubricate the blades with a few drops of clipper oil after cleaning and before each use.

FAQs

How often should I clean my hair clipper blades?
Clean your blades after every use. A quick wipe-down with a brush is sufficient for light use, but a more thorough cleaning with clipper oil and a cleaning brush should be done after each haircut.
My clipper blades are still dull even after cleaning. What should I do?
Dull blades may need sharpening. If cleaning doesn't restore their sharpness, consider taking them to a professional for sharpening or replacing them. Using clipper oil regularly helps maintain blade sharpness and longevity.