Clipper Tips

CLIPPER TIPS Sponsored by Andis Co.

TOP 6 GROOMING TIPS FOR AT-HOME GROOMERS

by Kenny Duncan

1. Keep your tools maintained. After brushing away any debris and hair from your blades, thoroughly spray with Cool Care Plus to clean & disinfect, then wipe off excess with a towel. Place three drops of Andis oil across the teeth of the blade and one drop at each back rail, turn on to evenly coat, then turn off and wipe off residue with a towel.

2. Choose the right tool for the job. Clippers such as the Speedmaster, Supra Li 5, Envy Li or Master Cordless should be used when a large amount of hair needs to be removed. For detail work, outlining and designs, the best trimmer options are the corded or cordless T-Outliner, Slimline Pro Li and the Styliner II. For dry shaving, use either the ProFoil or ProFoil Plus Shaver.

3. Trust the attachment combs to do the job. Attachment combs are designed to be attached to clippers to aid in cutting hair down to precise lengths. Leave freehand clipping to the professionals.

4. Find the flow and go with it. Hair grows in patterns referred to as growth streams. Comb through hair before clipping to find the direction of the growth stream, then follow the flow with the clipper to remove small amounts of hair.

5. Longer hair hides mistakes, shorter hair eliminates retakes. Take small steps to get to the desired length and cut off length in stages. You can always take more length off, but you can’t put it back on.

6. Prevent dipping while clipping. Clipping off too much hair in one section is called dipping. To prevent this, use a c-stroke motion when clipping – at the end of a pass with the clipper, gently flick your clipper up and out back towards yourself. This motion especially helps when fading.

Kenny Duncan is a nationally known barber, stylist and educator, as well as co-owner of a 12-chair salon— Main Attraction Unisex Salon— based in Philadelphia. He is the barber for several Grammy Awardwinning artists and has toured the world as the barber for the Lady Gaga production team. Kenny’s styling work has also appeared in films such as “Fantastic Four” and “Creed” starring Michael B. Jordan. He is currently the Lead Educator for Andis Company.

CURLY, WAVY, OR SILKY STRAIGHT STYLES

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