Hair Clipper Safety Tips

Hair clippers are essential grooming tools found in millions of Australian homes, yet many users don't give safety a second thought. While clippers are generally safe when used correctly, improper use can lead to cuts, burns, infections, and other injuries. Understanding and following basic safety guidelines protects both the person operating the clippers and the person receiving the haircut.

This guide covers everything from pre-use inspection to proper handling techniques, ensuring that every haircut you give is both good-looking and incident-free. Whether you're new to home haircutting or have been doing it for years, these safety principles are worth reviewing and remembering.

Pre-Use Safety Inspection

Before plugging in or turning on your clippers, take a moment to inspect them. This quick check can prevent accidents and ensure optimal performance.

Visual Inspection Checklist

• Check the power cord (for corded models) for any fraying, exposed wires, or damage. Damaged cords pose electrical and fire hazards.
• Examine the blade for missing or broken teeth. Damaged blades can snag hair and cut skin unpredictably.
• Ensure blade alignment is correct—the cutting blade should sit slightly behind the guard blade.
• Verify guards are intact without cracks or broken teeth that could allow blades to contact skin.
• Check battery condition (for cordless models)—low batteries can cause erratic blade movement.

Electrical Safety

For corded clippers, electrical safety is paramount. Even low-voltage devices can cause harm when misused around water or with damaged components.

Electrical Safety Rules

• Keep clippers away from water. Never use corded clippers near sinks, baths, or wet surfaces unless they're specifically rated as waterproof.
• Don't overload power outlets. Use a dedicated outlet rather than power boards with multiple high-draw devices.
• Unplug by the plug, not the cord. Pulling the cord can damage internal wiring over time.
• Never cut or modify the power cord. If the cord is too short, use an appropriate extension lead.
• Store with cord loosely coiled. Tight wrapping stresses the wire connections at both ends.

For cordless clippers, follow the manufacturer's charging instructions. Overcharging, using incompatible chargers, or charging damaged batteries can lead to overheating or, in rare cases, fire.

Preventing Cuts and Nicks

The most common clipper-related injuries are cuts and nicks to the skin. While usually minor, these can be painful and, if not properly treated, can become infected.

How to Minimise Cut Risk

• Always use guards unless you're specifically doing skin-level cutting (like edging) with full attention.
• Maintain proper blade alignment. Misaligned blades are the leading cause of cuts.
• Don't press too hard. Let the clippers do the work—pressing forces the blade closer to skin.
• Be extra careful around ears and necklines—these areas have thin skin and complex contours.
• Pull skin taut in wrinkled areas (like the back of the neck) to create a smooth cutting surface.
• Move slowly near bony prominences like the crown of the head and behind the ears.

Avoiding Heat-Related Burns

Clipper blades generate heat through friction during use. Without proper maintenance, blades can become hot enough to cause first-degree burns, especially on sensitive areas like the neck and around the ears.

Preventing Blade Overheating

• Oil blades before and during use. Lubrication dramatically reduces heat-generating friction.
• Take breaks during long sessions. Professional barbers often switch between multiple clippers to allow cooling.
• Use blade coolant sprays for extended cutting sessions.
• Test blade temperature on your wrist before cutting sensitive areas.
• Keep blades clean. Hair buildup between blades increases friction and heat.

If you notice your clippers getting hot, stop immediately. Turn them off, let them cool for several minutes, apply oil, and test the temperature before resuming. Continuing to cut with hot blades almost guarantees discomfort and potential burns.

Hygiene and Infection Prevention

Shared clippers can transmit skin conditions, fungal infections, and in cases where blood is involved, more serious diseases. Proper hygiene practices are essential, especially when clippers are used on multiple people.

Hygiene Best Practices

• Clean blades between users. Remove all hair debris and sanitise with isopropyl alcohol or a commercial blade sanitiser.
• Never share clippers with visible skin conditions. Ringworm, folliculitis, and other conditions spread easily.
• Disinfect after cutting through any cuts or abrasions. Even microscopic blood contact requires full sanitisation.
• Use fresh capes or towels for each person. Fabric can harbour bacteria and fungi.
• Wash your hands before and after each haircut.
• Store clippers in a clean, dry place to prevent bacterial and mould growth.

Safe Practices Around Children

Cutting children's hair requires extra safety considerations. Kids are unpredictable, often fidgety, and may be frightened by the sound or sensation of clippers.

Child-Specific Safety Measures

• Use quieter clippers when possible—the noise is often more frightening than the cutting.
• Let children touch and hear the clippers before starting to reduce fear.
• Never cut a child who is actively crying or struggling. Wait until they're calm to continue.
• Have another adult present to comfort and gently steady the child if needed.
• Keep sessions short. It's better to do multiple brief sessions than one long stressful one.
• Use entertainment like tablets or toys to keep children still and distracted.
• Always use guards—never use bare blades on children.

Protecting Your Eyes and Lungs

Tiny hair clippings can irritate eyes and, when inhaled repeatedly, potentially affect respiratory health. While not dangerous for occasional home use, protection is worth considering.

• Cut in a ventilated area to disperse airborne hair particles.
• Consider wearing safety glasses when cutting your own hair or reaching over someone's head.
• Use a dust mask if you have respiratory sensitivities or are cutting hair frequently.
• Clean up thoroughly after cutting to prevent ongoing hair particle dispersal.

When to Seek Professional Help

While most clipper-related incidents are minor, some situations warrant professional medical attention:

• Deep cuts that won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure
• Cuts near the eyes or other sensitive areas
• Signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, pus, fever) following a cut
• Burns that blister or cover a large area
• Any electrical shock, however minor

Safety should never be an afterthought when using hair clippers. By incorporating these practices into your routine, you'll ensure that every haircut is a safe one. The few extra seconds spent on inspection, proper technique, and hygiene are well worth the prevention of injury and infection.