Barbers and cosmetologists use hair clippers in their work. These professionals use this tool to create various hair designs ranging from very short and tapered to total hair removal. Hair also clippers provide definition for clean necklines. Many families find hair clippers to be a useful tool for saving money that would be spent at a salon or barbershop.
Models
Clippers are available in models for the professional and the novice. The primary difference in the two is motor quality, price and warranty. Standard warranties average one year. Warranties on professional models average five years. Models range in size from the standard clipper to the mini clipper that is only 1 inch wide. Some models require electricity to operate while others use a rechargeable battery.
Cost
The initial cost for a hair clipper ranges in price from $25 to $125. A more expensive clipper is not necessarily a better clipper--it may come with more cutting guides or come in a variety of bold colors.
Ceramic blades are more expensive than stainless steel. Ceramic blades remain cooler than stainless steel when in use. However, they are more brittle than stainless steel and have to be replaced more often.
Maintenance
Keeping hair clippers in good working order requires a small amount of maintenance. Cleaning the clippers and oiling the blades are the two primary maintenance needs. To clean the clippers, brush away any loose hair and wipe the blades off with a cotton ball that has been soaked in alcohol. The alcohol will kill any bacteria on the blades. Apply a drop of blade oil to the blades after the alcohol dries.
For the Novice
Selecting the right clipper to fit your needs can be difficult. Galt Technology recommends buying a cordless model, if possible. Galt Technology also suggests that purchasing titanium blades, which resist rust and never have to be sharpened.
History
The Andis Company, a leading manufacturer of tools used in hair design, was founded in 1921. Until the 1920s, clippers were manual. Mathew Andis, Sr. made a working model of an electric hair clipper. With the help of his wife, Anna Andis, he began producing clippers. Production took place in their basement and Mathew sold the product door to door to barbers. Today, the company employs 350 people and operates from its 16,000-square-foot factory.
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