What makes a hair clipper work? Knowing its parts is necessary to keep it in top shape and get the best haircut. Hair clippers are made up of several important components, like the blades, motor, and taper lever, all working together to give you smooth and precise cuts.
How each part works and how to maintain them will help you get better results and make your clipper last longer.
Here, we’ll break down the most required hair clipper parts and give you simple tips on how to keep them working perfectly. Whether using a clipper at home or in a barbershop, understanding these parts can save you time, money, and frustration.
Parts of Hair Clipper and Their Functions
Let’s have a look at each component.
Hair Clipper Blades - The Cutting Edge
Blades are the most essential part of a hair clipper and are directly responsible for cutting hair. They are usually made from stainless steel or ceramic. Stainless steel blades are durable and resist rust, while ceramic blades stay sharper longer and don’t overheat as much, though they are more fragile.
Common Problems
It includes misalignment, which causes uneven cuts or pulls on hair, and dullness, which leads to rougher trimming. If blades aren’t cleaned and dried properly, they can rust, damaging both the clipper and the blades.
Maintaining blades is simple but essential. Oiling them after each use keeps them running smoothly and reduces wear. Sharpening dull blades ensures clean cuts, and a blade guard protects them when unused.

Motor - The Power Behind the Clippers
The motor drives the blades in a hair clipper, making it one of the most integral parts for overall performance. The type of motor your clipper uses directly affects its power, speed, noise level, and how well it handles different kinds of hair.
Types of clipper’s motor
Three main kinds of motors are found in clippers: magnetic, pivot, and rotary.
Magnetic motors are the fastest, making them great for quick cuts, but they tend to be noisier and can heat up during extended use. These motors work best for light and everyday use but might struggle with thick or coarse hair.
On the other hand, Pivot motors operate at slower speeds but with more cutting power, making them ideal for thick or wet hair. They also produce less noise and heat, making them more comfortable for longer sessions.
Rotary motors are the most powerful and versatile of the three. It is found in higher-end models, they offer a balance of speed and power, making them great for light trims and heavy-duty cutting. Rotary motors are also quieter and better at handling various hair types, making them a popular choice among professionals.
Choosing the suitable motor depends on your needs. If you’re trimming at home, a magnetic motor might be enough, but pivot or rotary motors are the better choice for thicker hair or professional use.

Taper Lever - Adjusting for Precision
The taper lever is a small but important part of a hair clipper. It allows you to adjust the distance between the blades, which controls how much hair is cut with each pass.
Moving the lever up or down will enable you to create smoother transitions and more precise fades without changing the blade or adding attachment combs. This feature is handy when blending different hair lengths or fine-tuning your style.
However, the taper lever can sometimes have issues. If dirt, hair, or debris builds up around it, the lever may stick or become difficult to move, making it harder to get an even cut.
Regular clipper cleaning helps prevent this problem and keeps the lever working smoothly.
For anyone looking to create detailed hairstyles, knowing how to use the taper lever effectively is vital to achieving professional-looking results.

On/Off Switch - Powering the Clippers
The on/off switch controls the electricity to the motor, turning the clipper on and off. It’s placed for easy access, so you can quickly operate it during a haircut.
Issues
It includes dirt buildup, which can cause the switch to stick. Moisture can lead to electrical issues like sparks or burning smells, and internal damage might stop it from functioning.
Clean it regularly and store it in a dry place to keep it in good shape. Avoid using the switch with wet hands; if it malfunctions, have it checked by a professional.

Clipper's Housing - Protecting the Inner Workings
The housing of a hair clipper is what encases and protects all the internal components, such as the motor and blades. It serves as a shield against dust, debris, and accidental damage. A well-designed housing ensures that the clipper runs smoothly and remains durable over time.
Housing Material
Most clipper housings are made from either plastic or metal. Plastic housings are lightweight and affordable, making them easier to handle, but they can be less durable and more prone to scratches or cracks.
Metal housings, on the other hand, are stronger and more durable, offering better protection for the internal parts, but they are heavier and can make the clipper more uncomfortable to hold during longer sessions.
Issues
It involves cracks from accidental drops, fading due to exposure to sunlight, and loose screws that can cause the clipper to rattle or feel unstable.
Daily checking the screws and confirming the clipper is stored properly can help control these problems and extend the life of the device.

Power Cord and Battery - Staying Powered Up
Hair clippers can be corded or cordless. Power cord clippers plug into an outlet and provide continuous use, which is reliable for long sessions.
Battery-operated clippers run on rechargeable batteries, offering flexibility since you aren’t tied to a power source
Issues
In corded models, frayed cords or loose connections can disrupt power or pose safety risks. Cordless clippers often face battery problems, like reduced runtime or failure to hold a charge over time.
Regardless of the type of clippers you choose, regular supervision is key to keeping them in top condition. For corded clippers, it’s important to inspect the cord daily for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary.
For cordless clippers, proper battery care is crucial. This includes avoiding overcharging and being prepared to replace the battery if it starts to lose power quickly.

Attachment Combs - Defining the Length of the Cut
Attachment combs are vital in controlling the length of your haircut when using a clipper. They snap onto the blades, allowing you to trim hair to different lengths without adjusting the blades.
These combs typically range from 1/16″ to 1″, offering various cutting lengths for different styles and preferences.
There are various attachment combs, with secure-fit combs being a common choice. These combs lock tightly onto the clipper to prevent slipping during use, which ensures an even cut. Many sets also feature color- coded combs to choose the right length quickly without guessing.
Proper care of guided combs is simple but necessary. Regularly cleaning the combs after each use aids control hair buildup, which can affect performance and hygiene.
Most combs can be easily washed with soap and water and dried before use. This wiping keeps them in good shape and ensures they last longer.

Additional Accessories for Hair Clippers
Accessories are crucial for your hair clippers to run smoothly and extend their lifespan.
Three of the most important ones are lubricant oil, a cleaning brush, and a blade guard.
- Lubricant Oil is essential for maintaining the blades. Applying a few drops after each use keeps the blades running smoothly, reduces friction, and prevents overheating. Regular oiling also helps extend the blades’ life by inhibiting wear and tear.
- A cleaning brush is another must-have accessory. It helps remove any hair and debris stuck between the blades after use. Keeping the blades clean ensures a smooth cut and prevents the clipper from clogging, which can strain the motor.
- The blade guard saves the blades during storage. It covers the blades when the clipper is unused, preventing accidental damage, dulling, or injury. It also helps keep dust and debris off the blades, ensuring they’re ready for the next use.
FAQs
What is the thing on the side of hair clippers?
The thing on the side of hair clippers is called the taper lever. It allows you to adjust the position of the blades to control how much hair is cut with each pass. The movement of lever create flawless shifts between different hair lengths for blending and fading styles. This lever gives more control without the need to switch out attachment combs.