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Since the outbreak of the pandemic, salon and barber visits drastically reduced or halted altogether. And many people, particularly men, have resorted to cutting their own hair while at home.
Selecting a good hair clipper&#;the electric-powered buzzer that trims hair to precise lengths&#;may be a hard task for those just starting as their own stylist. What&#;s more, there are different types of hair clippers, so you need to know what features to look out for. Here are five things to keep in mind when shopping for a new clipper.
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Think about where you typically cut your hair before you decide on a corded or cordless hair clipper.
Hair clippers are usually of two structures: corded and cordless. A corded clipper, which only functions when plugged into an outlet, is typically more powerful and can be used for a longer period because it doesn&#;t rely on a battery that drains and dies.
On the contrary, a cordless clipper is rechargeable and more flexible. This type can be used anywhere because it does not keep you tethered to an outlet. This is especially convenient for those who like to cut hair outdoors, where there will be less mess to clean up later. However, you have to stay on top of charging a cordless clipper, otherwise you may not have the juice to get through your entire haircut.
Looking for a great corded clipper? The Wahl Clipper Elite Pro comes with 10 guides, self-sharpening blades, and it claims to be quiet despite its high-powered motor. It's a great option for buzz cuts, crops, fades, shaved heads, or any quick and easy haircut you can master at home.
If you would rather go for a cordless clipper, then check out Andis Master Cordless Clipper, which comes with a Lithium-Ion powered battery, providing you with a long-lasting power.
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Pay attention to what accessories your hair trimmer includes.
All clippers will come with some guides&#;those plastic clip-on guards that distance the blades from hair to cut it to a precision length. Some clippers include all the indispensable accessories you might need, such as a comb, a brush, scissors, smaller trimmer attachments, and extra blades. Having all the necessary accessories makes cutting your hair less stressful. You should equally look out for the possibility of getting replacements easily, in case of damage.
This Conair Man 3-in-1 Chrome Haircut Kit is loaded with &#;everything but the barber.&#; It is perfect for any haircutting and grooming, with barber scissors, two double-ended combs, 10 different guides, a cape, clips, oil, a blade guard, a storage case, and more included in the kit. Conair also sells replacement parts on its site.
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Don't forget to sharpen your blades regularly.
Clipper blades come in different sizes, depending on the product. So, when getting a clipper, the blades must not only be sharp but right in size. Most clipper sets come with eight blade guards, labelled with increasing number increments, and each represents the volume of hair that will be left on your head (the smaller the guide number, the shorter your hair will be). For example, the number one guard is the go-to if you want a buzz cut. You can also use the clipper without a guard to remove hair right at the skin.
Sharp blades give you the ultimate precision without compromising comfort while cutting your hair, as dull blades may tug at your strands. You may also want to look for a clipper with self-sharpening blades, such as the Philip Norelco, so you don&#;t have to spend a lot of effort and money on upkeep.
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You'll have your hair clipper for years if you maintain it well.
The motor is the literal powerhouse of the clipper, but it&#;s one feature most people don&#;t check out when making a purchase. Like the engine in a vehicle, the motor powers the clipper, propelling the blades in cutting your hair precisely. There are three types of clipper motors: the magnetic motor, the pivot motor, and the rotary motor.
Although less powerful than the other two, the magnetic motor is simple, has high blade speed and high volume cutting, so it&#;s great for a no-frills cut. Pivot motor-enabled clippers have more power than those with a magnetic motor, but work on a lower blade speed. They possess the ability to cut thick, heavy, or wet hair. The most powerful of the three motors is the rotary motor, which is used in plenty of popular clippers like the Wahl 5-star detailer, Wahl 5-star Hero, Andis Supra Li 5, or Wahl Cordless Magic Clip. If you intend to do some heavy cutting for all types of hair&#;wet or dry&#;then a rotary motor-powered clipper is your best bet. It can be found in both corded and cordless clippers.
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Your clippers will last years if you clean and maintain them.
Another overlooked but necessary part of the buying process is knowing what maintenance a clipper requires. The lifespan, effectiveness, and efficiency of your clipper all depends on how well you maintain it. Always remember to lubricate your device by applying the oil that comes with it. Start by dusting the blades with a brush then turn the clipper on and apply oil droplets on the surface of the blades before use. Avoid over-lubrication and wipe off excess oil from the blades before putting them to your hair. After use, dust off the hair residue from it with the included small brush.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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If you are in the market or think you may be in the market to buy a die cutting machine, you probably have some questions. A die cutting machine (sometimes called a card making machine) is a revolutionary tool for crafters. It truly changes lives.
However, because of their importance, logistics, and price, purchasing a die cutting machine can make a crafter uneasy and even hesitant. Ladies and gentlemen, cast your fears aside - we have the information you need to help you make the best choice for your new-and-improved creative arsenal.
Here are 6 must-know tips for buying a die cutting machine.
First and foremost, you need to have an idea of not only what you're going to be creating, but how you'd prefer to go about doing so. There are two main schools of die cutting: Manual and Electronic/Digital. Do you want to get a machine that you manually and physically put material and dies into, then turn the lever to make your cut? Or, are you computer-savvy and hoping to hook your machine up to your desktop or laptop and cut from there?
Some of the top makers of manual die cutting machines are Sizzix, Spellbinders and Crafter's Companion. Electronic machine makers include Silhouette, Brother and Cricut.
Note: Some manual die cutting machines have an electronic option. These ones are motorized (or have options for motorized accessories). Technically, they are manual - meaning you place the materials to be cut and the die into the machine and make the cut yourself. However, instead of turning the lever, you can press a button and the machine will function electronically for you. This is perfect if you have arthritis or limited mobility. Do note, however, that a manual die cutting machine with electronic/motorized functionality is not the same as an electronic digital die cutting machine, the ones you hook up to your computer.
Do you plan on creating large projects, super small projects, projects weekly, or just for special occasions?
Because of the varying types of machines and their sizes, these are all important questions as to which machine might work for you!
If you want a durable, manual die cutting machine and a few dies to start, there are entire bundles created to help new die cutters or seasoned pros who are ready to upgrade.
Are you just interested in cutting out your stamped images or are you planning on quilting an army of unique blankets? The next consideration is the material you plan to cut. If you are just planning to cut paper, a manual or electronic standard die cutting machine is fine (popular options are the Sizzix Big Shot, the Spellbinders Platinum 6, and the Gemini).
However, if you're looking to cut thick and heavy materials like multiple layers of fabric, craft metals, and more, you will want to invest in a large, heavy-duty machine such as the Sizzix Big Shot Pro.
Tip: Make sure you read the product reviews, descriptions, and watch a video if able to so you know exactly what each machine will or will not do!
When buying a new machine, you need to assess space. Not your head space or personal space, but your crafting storage and functional space: Do you have room for a big pro machine that is around 24" x 15" x 17"? What about a long (over a foot and a half), but skinny electric one? Or do you literally only have one 12" x 12" square foot of space left in your studio so you need to pick the smallest machine possible?
Die cutting machines come in a wide variety of sizes, and many of the smaller options can pack an impressive, unexpected punch. No matter what you plan to do with your new die cutting machine, you need to actually have a space for it to live!
Know the differences between machines. Just like laundry machines, toaster ovens, and bicycles, die cutting machines may all serve the same purpose, but they differ in features and functions. This handy chart will give you some of that information about the most popular die cutting machines on the market.
As you read through it, ponder all you have considered in the previous tips - what are you planning on making? What materials would you most like to use? And how much space do you actually have in your studio (be honest with yourself!).
Last, but never least, read the reviews. This can seem like a no-brainer, but it's vital. The information you can get from other crafters like yourself is invaluable. It's important to read both the 5-star reviews and the 1-star reviews to see exactly what people like about the machine and what critiques they may have. Most product pages have reviews near the bottom.
At the end of the day, a die cutting machine purchase is a big one, but a life-changing one. Your crafts will forever be altered in a way that gives you more control, more creative possibilities, and more designs to add to any and all of the creations that you choose to make.
If you liked this article, you might also like the Must-Have Manual Die Cutting Accessories.
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