Hair Clipper Accessories

I thought I’d write this article for the occasional/novice hair clipper users amongst you.

There are lots of accessories that I have obtained over the years that compliment and enhance your hair clipping experience!

Some of them are essential, such as hair clipper oil, grease and blade guards. Other products like tonics, sprays and a straight razor are optional, but I find they add a lot of benefits to the whole shaving and grooming process.

If you’ve taken the time and effort to research and purchase a good quality, professional hair clipper then you should also ensure you have the necessary products to compliment it.

Here are my recommendations and advise..

Manual Hair Clippers

This may seem a bit of a red hearing, but I wanted to include them as an accessory because I think they’re awesome, and yet they scare the hell out of me at the same time!!

The ‘manual’ or hand clippers were the first type of hair clipper to be invented in the 19th century and were once widely used, especially in the military and prisons and obviously operate without the need for electricity.

You can still see this type of clipper being used today by traditional or ‘old school’ barbers who are skilled at using them, and are still commonly used in India. They can be purchased at specialist shops or online.

Manual hair clippers take a lot longer and more skill to achieve the same results as an electric model, but still produce an effective and professional looking result.. in the right hands! My advise however; “don’t try this at home!”

Hair Clipper Blades/Guards

Depending on which model of hair clipper you have, clipper guards may or may not come with it.

Guards are simply attachments that fit over the blade and ensures the blade cuts the hair at a uniform length. If your clipper only has one permanent blade, then you will need a set of clipper guards.

A full guard set to buy is pretty cheap and is always a good idea to buy them at the same time as  your clipper.

Some of the Oster and Andis models have both blade guards and individual size cutting blades.

You can read my detailed article regarding Oster Classic 76 blades, as well as my indepth review of the Oster Classic 76.

Clipper Oil / Grease

Regularly oiling your clippers will without doubt extend their lifespan. A simple rule to follow is; ‘little and often’. Every time you use your hair clippers, lightly oil them. If you get into that habit of applying 2 or 3 drops in between the blades, you’ll keep the moving parts of the blade nice and sharp and working effectively.

Most manufacturers don’t supply much oil, which bugs me because it is the lifeblood of your clipper. You’ll probably receive a small tube, with enough oil to last a few months, depending on how often you use the clippers.

I suggest you buy some extra clipper oil before you run out and preferably when you buy your new clipper.

Clipper grease should be used very sparingly. Check the instructions or manual that ships with your clipper.

Clipper Blades Carry Case/Storage

For the professionals and clipper connoisseurs amongst you, a clipper blade carry case or storage is a cool and useful accessory to have. It keeps all your blades in order for easy replacing and also does a great job at protecting them from damage and debris. They are ideal if you want to travel with them too.

Andis and Oster both have respective blade holders that are worth the small investment.

Andis Blade Storage/Carry Case	Oster Blade Storage

Hair Clipper Spray

Using hair clipper spray is not only good practise but a legal requirement in some states. Spraying  the blade in between cuts will disinfect it and prevent the spread of germs and bacteria that may have been transferred onto the blade.

Regularly using clipper spray will also lubricate the blades, preventing the build up of rust, and will keep your blade cool in between shaves.

If you run your own hair business or work in the industry you should always spray your clippers in front of the client. The client likes to see it, it looks professional and keeps the blade clean.

Straight Edge or Cut-Throat Razor

A straight or cut-throat razor is very effective at removing the tiny little hairs at the back of the neck and gives a sharper finish than a clipper can. Do not use this yourself for the back of your neck. Always have someone else to do this for you. The blade is extremely sharp and needs to cut the hair at the right angle.

I know a lot of people who have changed over to this type of blade for their daily shave. They say it prevents razor burn and gives a closer shave than their Mac 4 Turbo Battery operated one.

They vary in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. I found a reasonably priced model that works a treat – Feather Nape & Body Razor 3 Piece Set. This straight razor set includes: Razor + Razor Shaving Lotion + 10 Replacement Blades.

Whatever straight razor you buy, it’s always a good idea to apply some shaving lotion first, to prevent the skin from reddening and burning.

Finally you should apply some scented moisturizer to the neck afterwards. This will help reduce any redness and prevent razor burn. I use a regular post shave moisturizer which the same brand as the cologne and shower gel I use, which really gives me a great smell that lasts much longer. Trust me, it will make you feel and smell a whole lot better, and the ladies love it!