How Long Do Hair Clippers Last? [Are They An Investment?]

Hair clippers are a vital tool for any barber or stylist. You can always use them to achieve a clean, sharp look for your clients. Also, nowadays, more and more men cut their hair on their own.

No matter what your case is, if you are in the market for new hair clippers, you may wonder ‘how long do hair clippers last?”

Are they worth a large investment?

Hair clippers can last up to 10 years or more if properly maintained. However, they may only last for a few years if they are not taken care of. Of course, this also depends on the brand and quality of the hair clipper. Proper maintenance includes regularly cleaning the clippers and oiling them at a regular basis.

In this blog post, we will explore the factors that affect how long hair clippers last. I will also provide some tips on prolonging your hair clippers’ life.

Without further ado, let’s get into it!

What Makes a Good Hair Clipper?

what makes a good hair clipper

Surprizingly, most men that are going to buy hair clippers don’t know how to distinguish a good from a bad clipper. Therefore, they buy whichever clipper the salesmen recommend which is not the most clever thing to do, is it?

A good hair clipper should have the following qualities:

Durability

The first thing you should look for in a hair clipper is durability. You want a clipper that will withstand repeated use without breaking down.

Look for clippers made with high-quality materials such as titan, ceramic, stainless steel. Also, a powerful motor and a high-quality lithium battery will make it last longer.

Read Also: Why Is Your Hair Clipper Pulling Hair?

Sharp Blades

Next, you want to make sure the hair clipper has sharp blades. Dull blades can tear your hair and damage your scalp. They can also make it challenging to achieve a clean cut. Furthermore, the blades should be super high-quality and don’t break overtime.

Easy to Use

Hair clippers should be easy to use. Look for a model with ergonomic handles that fit comfortably in your hand. The controls should be easy to reach and understand.

Low Maintenance

Finally, you want a hair clipper that is low maintenance. This means it should be easy to clean and oil. It should also be resistant to rust and corrosion.

Variety Of Guards

Having a variety of guards to choose from makes it really comfortable and easy to create a nice haircut. Many clippers only have a few guards and don’t allow you to do a challenging fade haircut with ease. Choose clippers that can cut from at least 1.5 mm to 30mm.

Cord or Cordless

Most clippers are cordless however you should watch out for one detail. Some hair clippers don’t work while they are charging which is very frustrating. If this is important to you, get a clipper that works while both plugged and unplugged.

These are the qualities you should look for in a good hair clipper. Keep these factors in mind as we explore how long hair clippers last.

How Long Do Hair Clippers Last?

How Long Do Hair Clippers Last?

Hair clippers can last anywhere from a few years to over a decade. The lifespan of your hair clipper depends on several factors, including:

Brand

The brand of hair clipper you choose will affect its lifespan. Some brands are known for their durability and quality craftsmanship. Others are more affordable but may not last as long. Do your research to find a reputable brand that meets your needs.

For hair clippers, I trust Wahl and Andis. Sometimes, Panasonic.

Quality

The quality of the hair clipper also plays a role in its lifespan. A high-quality hair clipper will be made with durable materials and a strong motor. This means that it will be less likely to break down over time.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is crucial for prolonging the life of your hair clipper. Be sure to clean and oil the clipper regularly. This will prevent rust and corrosion and keep the blades sharp.

Usage

How often you use your hair clipper will also affect its lifespan. If you use it for personal use, you may not need to cut your hair daily, maybe once a week. This kind of use can last between 10 and 15 years. But if you are a professional barber or stylist using them daily, they will only last around 8 years.

These are the main factors that affect how long hair clippers last. As you can see, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The lifespan of your hair clipper depends on several variables.

Read Also: Can I Cut My Beard With Hair Clippers?

Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Hair Clipper

cleaning hair clipper

Here are some tips for prolonging the life of your hair clipper:

Clean It Regularly

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it bears repeating. Be sure to clean your hair clipper after each use. This will prevent the buildup of hair and debris, which can damage the blades.

Follow these steps to clean your hair clippers thoroughly:

  • Unplug the clippers and disconnect the power cable. If the clipper is battery operated, remove the batteries.
  • Use a small brush or toothpick to remove hair or debris from the blades.
  • Wipe down the outside of the clipper with a damp cloth.
  • Be sure to dry the clipper entirely before using it again.

Attention!

Most hair clippers are NOT waterproof. In my opinion, even if it claims it is waterproof do not overdo it with the water. You can just use some wet wipes. Do not place it under running water for any reason.

Oil It Regularly

Another important maintenance step is to oil the blades regularly. This will help keep them sharp and prevent rust and corrosion. You can use any type of oil, such as mineral oil or clipper oil.

To oil your hair clippers, follow these steps:

  • Remove the blade guard and blades from the clipper.
  • Apply a few drops of oil to the blades.
  • Use a soft cloth to wipe away any excess oil.
  • Reassemble the clipper and apply a few more drops of oil to the outside of the blades.
  • Wipe away any excess oil before using the clipper again.

Store Properly

When you’re not using your hair clipper, be sure to store it properly. This will help prevent damage and prolong its lifespan. Keep your hair clippers in a warm, dry environment, not outside or in a humid area.

You should also store your hair clippers in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets. A good storage option is a hard case or box. This will protect the clipper from being dropped or knocked over.

Sharpen Its Blades Regularly

Another way to prolong the life of your hair clipper is to sharpen the blades regularly. This will keep them sharp and prevent them from becoming dull over time. You can either sharpen the blades yourself or take them to a professional.

If you decide to sharpen the blades yourself, be sure to follow these steps:

  • Unscrew the blades.
  • Brush out hair and debris.
  • Remove rust with a blade wash.
  • Sharpen the blades with a honing stone.
  • Be sure to put the blades back on correctly.
  • Apply a few drops of oil after you’ve finished.

Your hair clipper should last for many years with proper care and maintenance. By following these tips, you can ensure that your hair clipper will be in good condition for a long time.

Final Thoughts

Generally, hair clippers can last for years with proper care and maintenance. However, several factors can affect the lifespan of your hair clipper, such as how often you use it and how well you maintain it and its brand-quality.

Buying a high-quality hair clipper is a no-brainer for me. These tools last for years and you will make your money back very fast.

I hope this article has helped you understand how long hair clippers last and how you can prolong the life of your hair clipper.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time,

Stay safe,

Tasos

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