Most hair clippers have a self-sharpening feature that can keep the blades sharp, although these can still wear out if not oiled and cleaned regularly. To avoid making irregular or frayed cuts and tearing your hair, perform the sharpening every time you notice any malfunctions. First clean the blades to remove any hair and rust, otherwise you will not be able to proceed properly.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Cleaning the Hair Clipper Machine
Step 1. Unscrew the blades
Find the screws holding them attached to the rest of the machine and remove them. In most machines there are two screws located near the blades. Once the screws are removed, gently remove the blades and any other pieces that are used to secure them.
- If the bottom blade doesn't come out easily, use a pair of tweezers to pull it out of its base.
- Take note of how the pieces are assembled together and how the blades are positioned relative to each other: you will need it when you need to reassemble everything.
Step 2. Brush any hair and debris off the blades
Cleaning the machine can already make it easier to use and can help you sharpen its blades precisely and without problems. Use a wire brush, steel wool or toothbrush to remove any hair stuck in the blades.
Step 3. Remove rust with a specific product
If the blades are visibly rusted or if you have not been able to remove any residue by brushing them, you can use a specific cleaner. Pour the cleaner into a bowl and soak the blades for a few minutes, or soak a cotton ball and scrub it to remove stubborn rust.
Some people get excellent results with the use of isopropyl alcohol: however, you will need a strong solution of 90% alcohol. A less strong solution may not be effective
Step 4. Dry the blades
Rub them carefully along the wire with a clean cloth to dry them and remove the last traces of dust and debris. If you still notice rust stains, use the cleaning solution again.
If you cannot scrub the rust off, the blade may need to be replaced
Step 5. Test the blades (optional)
It's possible they just needed cleaning, especially if your machine is a self-sharpening model. Reassemble the pieces, turn on the machine and let the blades spin for a few minutes, so that they remove any imperfections by scraping each other. Finally, try the machine on your hair - if the blades are still dull or tearing your hair, follow the instructions to sharpen them.
For best results, before trying the machine apply a few drops of specific lubricating oil to the blades (it is recommended to do this every 2-3 uses)
Part 2 of 2: Sharpening the Blades
Step 1. Use a magnetic holder to hold the blade steady (optional)
Place the base of the blade in the slot in the holder, so that its sharp edge is beyond the edge of the magnet. This will make it easier to sharpen and avoid cutting yourself or dropping it.
- Even a strong, flat magnet can be suitable for this purpose. If you opt for this solution, proceed slowly with sharpening, to prevent the blade from falling off the magnet and cutting you.
- Sharpen both blades, one at a time, as shown in the following steps.
Step 2. Run the blade over a coarse-grained sharpening stone
Also called "cote" or "grinding stone", it is available at home improvement and hardware stores. Use a 4000-grit stone and position the blade at an angle of 30 ° or 45 °, then rub it (with a forward motion) five to ten times, until it appears shiny and smooth. With a dry cloth, remove any metal dust that has formed. Turn the blade and repeat the operation on the other side.
If you are using a ceramic blade, you will need a diamond stone. Read the label carefully and do not confuse a "ceramic" sharpening stone with a ceramic "sharpening" stone.
Step 3. Repeat the operation with a fine-grained sharpening stone (optional)
At this point the blade should be sufficiently smooth, but to make it even sharper, proceed with a fine-grained sharpening (about 8000). As you did previously, rub each side of the blade on the stone, five to ten times, moving forward only. Finally, wipe it off with a cloth.
Step 4. Reassemble the machine
Make sure that the blades are oriented in the direction they had at the beginning and that they are positioned at the same distance. Then tighten the screws back tightly.
Step 5. Apply specific lubricating oil for hair clippers
It is recommended to perform this step every 2-3 uses, but specifically immediately after the blades have been sharpened. Pour a few drops on the blades to prevent overheating and reduce the friction capable of consuming them.
Alternatively, you can also use a lighter type of penetrating oil, but avoid dark, heavy oils that could clog the blades. It may be best to check with a barber or online before using a new type of oil for the first time
Step 6. Let the blades spin for a couple of minutes
Turn on the machine and let the blades rub against each other for a few minutes; this way you will sharpen them further. At this point the machine should be ready for use and perform a sharper and smoother cut.
Advice
- There are several tools for sharpening blades and some are specific for hair clippers. Usually a low-priced two-sided sharpening stone is suitable for home use; however, if you need to sharpen the blades frequently, you may want to try other products.
- Alternatively, you can go to a business that deals with sharpening, either by going in person or by mailing them.
- Ceramic blades require less frequent sharpening, but they are more fragile and risk breaking easily if used on particularly thick or tangled hair or if they have been tightened excessively.
Warnings
- Blades deteriorate more quickly if used for shearing animals rather than cutting hair.
- Remember that it is easier to cut yourself after the blades have been sharpened, so be careful when reassembling the machine.
