Clippers are a hairstylist's best friend. But are you oiling and cleaning them often? If your answer is not "after each use," you risk causing permanent damage to these essential professional styling tools. Many clipper issues stem from insufficient lubrication and hair buildup, which can impact their performance. In this blog, we have detailed signs that indicate clipper maintenance, along with pro tips on how to clean clippers and extend these styling tools' life span with the right maintenance. Let’s uncover them together!
Signs Indicating Your Clipper Need Immediate Maintenance?
Here are the signs that indicate your clipper needs immediate attention and maintenance:
Decreased Cutting Performance Due to Dull Blades
If your clippers are pulling or snagging hair instead of cutting smoothly, it's a clear sign that they need maintenance. Over time, clipper blades can become dull, leading to ineffective cutting.
Unusual Noise
A sudden increase in noise or unusual sounds like rattling, grinding, or buzzing indicates that the internal components may be misaligned, dirty, or lacking lubrication.
Overheating
Are your clippers becoming excessively hot during use? Continuous use without breaks can cause the motor to overheat, leading to performance issues or permanent damage. This usually results from excessive friction between the blades or a motor component burning out.
Irregular Vibrations
Faulty wiring, loose connections, or power surges can disrupt the functioning of electric clippers and cause excessive or unusual vibrations, which leads to patchy or uneven cuts,
Visible Hair Buildup
Hair, dirt, and debris can get trapped between the blades, causing them to jam or cut unevenly. Regular cleaning removes hair and debris, ensuring the clipper runs smoothly and efficiently.
Reduced Battery Life
For cordless clippers, a noticeable decrease in battery life or performance may indicate that the battery needs replacement or that the clipper requires cleaning to reduce resistance and improve efficiency.
Improper Use
Using the clippers on unsuitable hair types or with excessive force can strain the blades and motor, causing malfunctions. Always use clippers according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Moisture Exposure
Clippers exposed to water or high humidity can suffer from rust, corrosion, or short circuits. This can result in clippers short-circuiting or failing to power on.
How can proper maintenance extend the lifespan of hair clippers?
People usually ask, “Is regular cleaning essential for clipper performance”? Well, undoubtedly, yes! And here are the key points on how they extend the lifespan of your hair clippers.
Prevents Wear and Tear
Regular maintenance reduces friction between moving parts, which in turn prevents excessive wear and tear. Use a blade wash solution to clean the blades thoroughly. Submerge the blades in the solution while the clipper is running for a few seconds, then wipe off the excess liquid. This helps remove hair, dirt, and debris effectively. This ensures that the components remain in good working condition for a longer period.
Reduces Heat Buildup
Keeping clippers properly oiled reduces friction and prevents overheating. Excessive heat can damage the motor and other internal components, leading to premature failure.
Prevents Rust and Corrosion
Rust can dull blades and corrode internal parts, which can significantly shorten the clipper's lifespan. To overcome this issue, ensure that all your clipper parts are properly air-dried first and then wiped with a cloth to remove all moisture and prevent it from rusting.
Prevents Motor Burnout
If the motor of a clipper is forced to work for longer durations, it would possibly heat up, which can cause damage to the motor, and it may eventually burn out. In such situations, you can use a clipper cooling spray to keep the blades cool and reduce overheating. This helps maintain consistent performance and extends the life of the motor.
Detects Issues Early
Routine maintenance allows for the early detection of potential problems, such as loose screws, worn blades, or damaged cords. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more significant damage and costly repairs.
Maintains Warranty Validity
Many clipper warranties require proof of regular maintenance to remain valid. Keeping up with maintenance ensures that the warranty remains in effect, providing protection against defects and malfunctions.
Improves Hygiene
Knowing exactly how to clean clippers is vital, as proper regular cleaning and disinfecting of clippers are crucial for hygiene, especially in professional settings. This not only protects clients from infections but also ensures that the clipper remains in good condition.
Where to find reliable maintenance tools for professional clippers?
Manufacturer's Website or Authorized Dealers
The most reliable source for maintenance tools specific to your clippers is often the manufacturer's website or their authorized dealers. These platforms typically offer original parts and tools designed specifically for your model of clippers.
Specialized Barber and Salon Supply Stores
Physical stores and online retailers that specialize in salon and barber supplies are excellent sources. They carry a wide range of maintenance tools, including lubricants, cleaning brushes, blade guards, and screwdriver sets tailored for clippers. Moreover, they even provide you insights on what to clean clippers with for you to invest in and use the right products.
Local Hardware Stores
For basic maintenance tools like screwdrivers or brushes, local hardware stores can be convenient and sometimes offer specific items suitable for clipper maintenance. Ensure the tools are compatible with the materials and mechanisms of your clippers.
