Do Clippers Damage Hair? (The Simple Truth)
So you wondering, do hair clippers damage hair? Well, you are in the right place.
I once asked this question when I started my clippers more frequently. Eventually, I got my answer and I would like to share it with you (and some extra tips).
So with that said, take a look at the table of contents, and let’s begin.
Are Clippers Bad For Your Hair?
Sharp clippers shouldn’t damage hair.
Yes. The sharper the blade or shears, the better the cut.
A dull blade can pull hair as well as make it look frizzy. So always keep your tools sharp and properly oiled.
Sharp blades also make it easier to cut hair.
Dull blades will pull hair (including pulling it out), as well as take longer to cut.
You may find yourself constantly going over the same patch of hair. That amount of dry friction will certainly damage your hair over time.
Doing this can also clog your blades with oil and dirt which reduces their performance as well as causes your clippers to cut skin.
Look to keep your blades sharp and well-oiled at all times so you can get the best cuts without damaging your hair.
Also, check that your taper lever easily moves between open and closed.
Having a stiff lever can restrict you from closing your blades and therefore, they don’t cut as well as they could.
Knowing how to use your clippers can help you get the best out of them so you don’t damage your hair.
You can learn all you need on cleaning, oiling, and sharpening inside the:
Is It Better To Shave Or Use Clippers?
It depends.
To know which type of trimmer should be used on which part of the body, you need to understand each one and its purpose.
HAIR CLIPPERS
Hair clippers are quite versatile though,
TRIMMER
A beard trimmer is designed to cut (or trim) shorter or finer hairs. Think facial and body hair, because of the smaller blade and tooth size.
Trimmers cut closer to the skin and are made to work on the finer details of the beard, face, and body.
When it comes to fine detailing and touch-ups, opt for a trimmer.
Trimmers too can come with their guards and guides which further assist you in getting the detailed look you are after.
When using these types of trimmers, be sure to refer to the product manual before you start excessive use.
SHAVER
A shaver is an electric tool used to achieve a clean-cut look.
Most shavers are waterproof so you can use them in most conditions.
There are two types of shavers.
- Rotary
- Foil
I advise keeping shavers for facial hair. It’s where they performed best.
Trying to use a shaver on body hair can irritate and attempt to use it on your head .. we’ll I don’t think you’ll be thrilled with how it’ll turn out.
RAZOR
Razors are generally used for shorter hair, if the hair is longer, you should start thinking of using a shaver and then a trimmer for detailing.
Then you can add a razor at the end of your after a controlled cut.
Unlike a shaver, a razor is not electric and requires manual movement across the face or body.
Razors are very precise and cut very close to the skin.
If you’re looking for a multifunctional detail trimmer with water resistance, below are our top picks:
Philips Norelco Multigroomer Best Overall
Wahl Aqua Blade Trimmer Best on power
Hatterker Trimmers Best Full Body water Resistance
You can read more in our article on the best waterproof trimmers.
When it comes to cutting facial hair. Choosing between a shaver and a razor can come down to a simple personal choice and nothing more.
Both can give you a close shave, it just depends on when you want to detail manually or be guided with some electricity.
Each grooming equipment has a primary function, and at times, can be used interchangeably.
I go more in-depth in the razor vs hair clipper guide.
Also, do research into which tool would be best for the type of cut you are after.
Do Clippers Cause Split Ends?
To understand whether a clipper can cause split ends, you must understand exactly how split ends happen.
A hair clipper shouldn’t be the place to start looking unless your clippers are very hot.
Other ways to reduce the chance of split hair would be using the right type of equipment on specific types of hair.
For example, using hair clippers or a beard. Yes, it can be done but if you’re not a professional it can lead to split ends as the blades aren’t close enough to cut cleanly.
Use the right cutter for the right type of hair.
But the best thing you can do to stop split ends in take care of your hair. (All types)
For a beard use bead oil. For skin hair, moisturize. And for hair, keep your head and scalp healthy and take care of it consistently.
If you notice you’ve got split ends the best thing you can do is get it professionally cleaned up but if you’ve to go the confidence you can always use some scissors and trim the split ends off.
This will leave the healthy hair left behind and encourages it to grow.
It also keeps the split from working its way back up the shaft of the hair.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question: Do clippers damage hair?
The simple answer is no.
It only happens when your hair clippers aren’t sharp and pulls hair. Look to sharpen your clippers and keep them well-oiled.
When your clippers work at their best you shouldn’t have any worries.
In terms of whether clippers can cause split ends, it all depends on what tool you use for what type of hair.
Have sure to use the most appropriate tool for the right type of hair, not doing so can cause split ends to occur in that section.
If you found this article helpful, check out another post such as:
FAQ
Although it’s a popular saying, regularly cutting hair has not been proven to make the hair grow back faster. You are wasting time and setting yourself back.
