Getting creative with clippers
Clippers are no longer seen as cumbersome barbering tools, but a way to experiment and be creative. One fan is HJ's 2008 Men's Hairdresser of the Year Jamie Stevens, art director at Errol Douglas, London, who regularly uses clippers.
"Clippers are quick and easy to use," says Jamie. "They're also great for the military precision hairstyles that have become popular with men."
Chris Foster, artistic director for Forfex by BaByliss PRO, agrees. "With the latest technological developments, clippers are now the fastest and most efficient way of cutting hair," adds Chris.
And clippers are no longer just used for men's hair as they are the ideal tool for creating the iconic celebrity styles, worn by the likes of Sarah Harding, Rihanna and Agyness Deyn.
But Simon Shaw, European artistic director for Wahl UK, feels that clippers can also be used on longer, softer looks. He says: "On longer styles, clippers are perfect for peeling away weight and length in a freehand way that scissors can't.
"Using clippers also makes the experience more interesting for the client."
Looking After your Clippers
- Clean and oil clippers after every use
- Never wrap the cord around the clippers as this can cause the cable to give way
- Use a sterilising or hygiene spray on a regular basis
- Always check that the guard is fitted correctly
- Use the cleaning brushes provided with the clipper to brush hairs off the clipper after use.
Hot Creations with Clippers
 Hair by Jamie Stevens |  Hair by Simon Shaw |  Hair by Chris Foster |
Hair by Jamie Stevens
"Apply volume mousse and blow-dry top section using a comb for volume. Clipper the back and sides of the style, then use a flat topper comb with a spirit level, hold to the desired length and clipper across for the flat top. Hairspray and blow-dry again to perfect and hold the shape."
Hair by Simon Shaw
"This look was inspired by screen idol Steve McQueen. It's an easy clipper-cut to the back and the sides on a shorter grade. Use a large clipper guard for the top of the style. A texture blade was used so that I could work a 'flick and smack' technique through the top, this is when a comb and clipper are used together to add movement."
Hair by Chris Foster
"Clippers were used around the halo section and to the sides of the head. The area from the temple to the recessional area was shaved leaving longer sections around the ears to soften the style. Scissors were used at the nape to finish the look."
