Getting optimum results from clippers and razors

With the male grooming industry on the rise, having the right razors and clippers for the job and the right skills to use them takes on additional importance.

While bad tools can lead to poor results;  good quality tools that are given plenty of TLC will give you optimum performance for longer.

But with the vast array of clippers and razors on the market, how do you choose the right one in the first place?   Gary Sunderland, head of artistic development at Hair Tools -  gives this advice on purchasing a blade

• Always choose a blade/razor that has a fixed guard built in. A fixed blade guard system has many benefits but most importantly the guard itself will not catch or pull the hair and prevents the user from cutting themselves or a client.
  
  
• Weight is a vital factor. Many razors or blades are made out of plastic or light materials, which may sound good, but this puts the professional stylist in a position of gauging the amount of pressure needed to effectively blade hair. This is not necessarily a problem for someone skilled in the art of blading or razoring but to newcomers, judging the amount of pressure to apply can be pure luck or disaster, depending how the pressure and angle of the blade is applied in the technique of cutting hair.
  
  
• As in most cases you get what you pay for with professional tools and razors.

Once you've purchased the right blade for your purposes it's down to you to achieve the perfect finish. MK from Andis gives his tips and advice for clipper users.

• When etching out lines, to ensure sharp definition, turn your clipper both ways up and down ensuring the stationary blade is positioned first one side of the line and then the other
  
  
• Shaping beards should start with etching out the line of the lip first
  
  
• To cut curved lines you must use the corner of the clipper blade
  
  
• Changing the angle of the clipper changes the length of hair removed
  
  
• All design work should have a beginning, middle and end to look pleasing to the eye
  
  
• As straight lines appear bent on curved surfaces, always bear in mind the contour of the head
  
  
• As a quick check for the sharpness of your clippers' blades, switch it on and simply touch the tips of the blades on the soft skin area between your thumb and forefinger
  
  
• Only cut with, or against, the growth direction of the hair when using clippers. Be aware of which part of the clipper is following this rule
  
  
• Remember to clean and cool your clippers after every use and oil them after every other use. Look after your clippers and they will look after you.