Master the Art of Home Barbering
 

 

Measure Twice, Cut Once

First you need a vision. What type of cut do you want? Figure that out first and be realistic. Consider what you've got on your head now and determine where to go from there. If you're not sure, search for haircut types and study how they're shaped. Here's a handful of terms to start with: flattop, crew, fade, buzz, brush, bald, businessman, high and tight, pompadour, ivy league…to name a few.

 

Determine the various hair lengths needed to achieve your look. The range can be wide: from completely bald or barely stubbled in some areas to several inches in others. Start your project conservatively - you can always come back to cut more. Adjust your clippers so that the initial cuts keep your hair a little longer than you think the style requires. Stop and assess.You can always readjust the blade and give it another swipe.

 

The Tools Make the Man

To do the job right, you need the right tools. Clippers, combs, guide combs and scissors are a great start. Many clippers come with a set of attachments and other accessories. A clipper with an adjustable taper at the blade head is a solid choice for great control.

 

Study each gizmo and read the instructions. Don't skip the hair length specifications for the blade positions and guide combs. Different clipper brands can have slightly different specs. If your barber tells you he's "giving you a #1 on the sides and a #2 on the top," he's referring to the sizes of his own guide combs and blades, which won't necessarily match yours.

 

Blade Adjustments for Close Cuts

Adjustable blades help you fine-tune the closeness of your cut. By incrementally raising and lowering the blade, the hair's length varies by small amounts. Look for a clipper with a thumb control so you can adjust as you go. This gives you a more contoured look, especially as you blend your hair from region to region.

 

When working on hard-to-reach spots (like behind your ears) the taper control adjustment helps you keep the blade close as you angle the clippers. Conair clipper and trimmer products often come with attachment combs for specific for left ear/right ear trimming. These can help guide your clipper around this tricky area.

 

With a steady hand and a tight cut, adjustable clipper blades are all you need.

 

Guide Combs for More Control

Guide comb clipper attachments control the proximity of the blade to your scalp. They help you keep the length of your hair consistent as you clip. Many cuts require 2 or more hair lengths; by switching guide attachments when you approach each region of your head, you can vary the lengths according to the style you want.

 

Look at your guide combs and notice the number printed on each. As a general rule, the lower the number, the shorter the hair. Using a #1 on the sides and a #2 at the top means your hair is clipped shorter on the sides than at the top.

 

Some guides have the associated hair length marked along with the guide number. If not, your instructions will have a list with each measurement. Depending on your trimmer kit, guide combs can help you master lengths from 1/16 inch to 1 inch.

 

Conair makes a variety of clippers and haircut kits. Look for a powerful motor with the attachments and accessories you need. Some kits include removable blades and trimmer attachments for fast touch-ups. Consider corded/cordless options to give you flexibility.