Buying a new hair clipper is exciting. Whether you've just picked up your first professional tool or upgraded to the latest model, looking after it from day one is the best way to keep it performing at its best for years to come.
The good news is that modern professional hair clippers don't require a complicated maintenance routine. A few simple habits will help keep your clipper performing at its best, extend the life of the blades and motor, and ensure it delivers consistent results for years to come.
We asked Barber Temple Educator, and barber of over 25 years, Kristian Jones to share the maintenance habits he recommends to every barber when they purchase a new clipper.
Start Looking After It From the First Cut
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until their clipper starts feeling rough before giving it any attention.
The reality is that hair, dust and product residue begin building up from the very first haircut. Making a habit of brushing your blades clean after every use helps prevent unnecessary friction and keeps your clipper cutting the way it should.
A quick clean only takes a few seconds, but it can make a noticeable difference to performance over time.
Kristian's Tip: "Treat your new clipper like it's going to last you ten years. The habits you build in the first few weeks are usually the habits you'll keep."
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Yes, You Should Oil a New Clipper
One of the most common causes of clipper problems is a lack of lubrication. The good news is it's also one of the easiest problems to prevent.
It's a common question: Do new clippers need oil?
The answer is yes.
Most manufacturers apply lubricant before packaging, but that doesn't replace regular maintenance. The moving cutter slides across the stationary blade thousands of times every minute, and proper lubrication reduces friction, minimises heat and helps protect the blades from premature wear.
Apply a few drops of clipper oil before the first use of the day and again throughout busy days if needed. Turn the clipper on for a few seconds to distribute the oil evenly before wiping away any excess.
Most importantly, only use oil that's designed for professional clipper blades.
Kristian's Tip: "Oil is preventative maintenance. Don't wait until the clipper starts sounding different or feeling rough, by then the blades have already been running dry. I always recommend oiling your clipper before your first client and again throughout the day whenever the blades start feeling dry."
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Keep the Blades Cool
Even the best clippers generate heat during extended use.
If you're working through a full day of appointments, it's perfectly normal for the blades to warm up. Keeping the blades clean and lubricated will help minimise heat, while a blade coolant such as Cool Care is a quick way to bring the blade back to a comfortable temperature when needed.
Hot blades aren't just uncomfortable for your client—they're often a sign that the blades need a little attention.
Kristian's Tip: "If your blades are heating up quickly, don't ignore it. Most of the time a quick clean and a few drops of oil are all it takes."
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Charge the Battery the Right Way
A few good charging habits will help keep the battery of a cordless clipper performing well for years.
Follow the manufacturer's charging recommendations and use the supplied charger or charging dock. Modern lithium-ion batteries are designed to be used regularly, but using the correct charger and avoiding unnecessary exposure to excessive heat will help maximise battery life.
Store it like a Pro
How you store your clipper is just as important as how you use it.
At the end of the day, brush away any remaining hair, apply a few drops of oil if required and store the clipper somewhere clean and dry. Using the charging stand or a protective case helps prevent unnecessary knocks, while a blade guard protects the cutting edge during transport.
Developing these habits early will help keep your clipper looking and performing like new.
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Know that Blades are Wear Items
One of the biggest misconceptions among new barbers is that a clipper loses power over time.
In reality, it's often the blade that's worn, not the clipper itself.
If your clipper starts pulling hair, doesn't cut as cleanly or requires multiple passes where it once cut effortlessly, it may simply be time for a new blade. Replacing a worn blade is often enough to restore the performance you experienced when the clipper was brand new.
Kristian's Tip: "I've seen people think they need a whole new clipper when all they really needed was a fresh blade. As soon as you notice the blade underperforming, it's time to change it over. Replacing the blade before it becomes too worn puts less strain on the clipper and helps it perform the way it was designed to."
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Deep Clean Your Clipper
Brushing your clipper after every haircut is essential, but every professional clipper also benefits from a regular deep clean.
Removing the blade allows you to clean away compacted hair that builds up around the drive mechanism, something a quick brush after each haircut won't always remove. While you've got the blade off, it's also the perfect opportunity to disinfect the clipper and inspect the blade for signs of wear.
Aim to give your clipper a thorough deep clean at least once a week, or more frequently if you're working through particularly busy days.
Kristian's Tip: "A regular deep clean is one of the best things you can do for your clipper. I try to do mine every week, and even more often after a busy few days. Spending 15 minutes maintaining your tools saves you a lot more time and money in the long run."
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New Clipper Maintenance Checklist
- Brush hair from the blades after every haircut
- Oil the blades before your first client
- Reapply blade oil throughout the day
- Use blade coolant spray if the blade becomes hot
- Store your clipper somewhere clean and dry
- Deep clean your clipper every week
- Replace worn blades before they affect cutting performance
Good Habits Start on Day One
Looking after your new clipper doesn't take much time, but consistency makes all the difference.
By cleaning the blades after every use, oiling them regularly, keeping them cool, charging the battery correctly and replacing worn blades when needed, you'll help ensure your clipper performs at its best every time you pick it up.
As Kristian puts it:Â "A quality clipper should last for years. If you build good maintenance habits from the start, it'll reward you with reliable performance every day."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to oil a brand-new clipper?
Yes. While most new clippers arrive with lubricant applied by the manufacturer, regular oiling should become part of your maintenance routine from the first day of use.
How often should I clean my clipper?
Brush away loose hair after every haircut, clean the blades thoroughly at the end of each day and complete a deep clean at least once a week.
Why do clipper blades get hot?
Blade heat is usually caused by friction. Hair build-up, insufficient lubrication and long periods of continuous use can all increase blade temperature. Cleaning and oiling your blades regularly will help keep them cooler.
How long should a professional hair clipper last?
A quality professional hair clipper can last for many years when it's properly maintained. Regular cleaning, lubrication, correct storage, battery care and timely blade replacement all play a significant role in extending its lifespan.
