Oiling hair clippers is essential for a smooth, comfortable haircut without hair damage. Dull blades can cause an uneven haircut, while poor lubrication can lead to overheating, resulting in motor or other parts damage.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on proper clipper maintenance. It includes step-by-step instructions on how to oil hair clippers correctly and answers common questions about clipper oil composition and usage frequency. By the end of this article, you will gain insights into how to maintain your clippers and achieve a perfect haircut every time.
Why You Should Oil Your Clippers
Hair clippers are meant to function efficiently, but they can suffer from decreased performance and a shorter lifespan without proper maintenance. Oiling your hair clippers is an essential step in their upkeep, and offers several benefits.
Over time, clippers can develop dull and rusty blades that hinder their ability to cut effectively. Properly oiling prevents rust formation and extends the blades’ sharpness. This oil also decreases friction between the blades, allowing them to run more smoothly and reducing heat buildup, preventing overheating.
Neglecting to oil your clippers can lead to uneven cuts, hair pulling, and increased motor noise. Over time, an overheated motor may wear out faster, resulting in frequent blade replacements.
Regular oiling of hair clippers is a simple and effective way to keep them in top condition and ensure optimal performance. The next section will discuss the correct way to oil your clippers to achieve maximum benefits.
How to Oil Hair Clippers
Now that we have established why it’s important to oil your hair clippers, let’s dive into how to do it properly. Follow these step-by-step instructions for the best results:
- Clean your clippers: Prior to oiling, ensure that your clippers are clean and free of any hair or debris. You can use a brush or cloth to remove any excess dirt.
- Apply oil to the blades: Take a small amount of oil and apply it to the blades of the clippers. Make sure to spread it evenly on both sides of the blade.
- Turn on the clippers: Turn on the clippers and let them run for a few seconds to allow the oil to distribute evenly throughout the blades.
- Wipe off excess oil: Use a cloth or tissue to wipe off any excess oil from the blades. Be cautious not to touch the sharp edges of the blades.
- Apply oil after use: After each use, apply a few drops of oil to the blades to keep them lubricated and prevent rusting.
Recommended oil types and substitutes for hair clippers:
It’s essential to use the correct oil type for your clippers. Most clippers come with a recommended oil type in their instruction manual. However, here are some popular oil types and substitutes that you can use:
- Clipper oil: This is a specialized oil specifically designed for hair clippers. Most barbers suggest applying clipper oil for the best results such as Andis or Wahl Premium for Clipper Blades.
- Mineral oil: If you don’t have clipper oil, mineral oil is a good substitute. It’s a lightweight, colourless, and odourless oil that’s widely available.
- Baby oil: Baby oil is another good substitute for clipper oil. It’s mineral oil with added fragrance and is often cheaper than clipper oil.
Tips for maintaining hair clippers and prolonging their lifespan
- Clean your clippers regularly: Clean your clippers after each use to prevent the buildup of hair and dirt. This will also help to prevent rusting.
- Oil your clippers regularly: To maintain the performance and longevity of your clippers, oil them regularly before and after each use.
- Replace blades when necessary: Over time, the blades on your clippers will become dull and less effective. It’s recommended to replace the blades every six months or so.
By following these simple steps and tips, you can ensure that your hair clippers perform at their best and last for years.
How Often Should You Oil Your Clippers?
Discover the optimal frequency for oiling your clippers to maximize their performance and lifespan. While oiling your clipper blades after every use is unnecessary, experts recommend oiling them every 3-4 haircuts or after 4-6 hours. This routine lubrication reduces friction, prevents overheating, and ensures sharper, more efficient cutting. Keep your clippers in top shape with proper oiling intervals.
Proper lubrication is crucial to keeping your hair clippers performing well and lasting long. However, it would help if you considered the following factors to determine when to oil your specific hair clipper.
- Frequency of use: If you use your clippers often, you must oil them more frequently. Oiling them after every few haircuts or after 3-4 hours of use is recommended.
- Clipper model: How frequently you should oil your clippers depends on the type of clippers you have. Some clippers have self-lubricating blades, while others require manual oiling. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the recommended oiling frequency for your particular model.
- Hair type: The hair you cut can also affect how often you oil your clippers. Thick or coarse hair may require more frequent oiling than fine or thin hair.
- Environmental factors: The environment in which you use your clippers can also affect how often they need oiling. For instance, if you use your clippers in a dusty or dirty environment, you may need to oil them more frequently to avoid blade damage.
Generally, pay attention to the sound and feel of your clippers while in use. It may be time to oil them if they seem like they’re struggling or feel and sound off. It’s better to oil your clippers more frequently than not enough. As with any maintenance task, it’s better to err on caution.
Alternatives to Hair Clipper Oil
Hair clipper oil is the best lubricant for hair clippers, but there are safe and effective alternatives in emergencies. However, it’s essential to remember that not all oils or lubricants are suitable for hair clippers and can damage them. Therefore, it’s essential to use safe substitutes.
- Mineral oil: Mineral oil is an excellent alternative to clipper oil, and it’s easy to find at most drugstores. It provides similar lubrication and is safe for hair clippers. However, mineral oil may attract dirt and debris that can clog the clipper blades.
- Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as an alternative to clipper oil, but it’s not as effective as mineral or clipper oil. It provides some lubrication but may leave a residue that can clog the blades and not last as long.
- 3-in-1 oil: 3-in-1 oil is versatile and can be used for various purposes, including lubricating hair clippers. It’s safe for hair clippers and provides excellent lubrication. However, it may attract dirt and debris that can clog the blades.
It’s crucial to note that using alternative oils or lubricants can have potential drawbacks, such as damaging the motor or reducing the lifespan of the clipper blades. Therefore, it’s best to use clipper oil, but if there’s an emergency, the abovementioned alternatives can be used. Clean the clipper blades thoroughly after use to prevent clogs and damage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oiling Hair Clippers
Should you oil clippers before or after use?
It’s best to oil your hair clippers both before and after use. Applying oil before use will lubricate the blades and ensure they work efficiently. After use, applying oil will help remove any accumulated hair or debris and prevent rusting.
How long should you leave the oil on your clippers?
After applying oil, it’s advisable to leave it on your clippers for 10-15 minutes. This allows the oil to penetrate and lubricate the blades thoroughly.
Can you use olive oil on clippers?
While olive oil can be a temporary alternative, it’s not recommended for long-term use on hair clippers. Over time, it can become stinky and sticky, leading to dull and gummy blades. Using specialized clipper oil is the best way to maintain optimal performance and durability.