5 Tips to Build Clipper Confidence

featuring Andis

Strong hair clipper and trimmer skills can light up your haircutting game! From technical, foundational work to showy, striking flourishes, confidence in your tools goes a long way in giving a haircut that special edge. We asked Kenny Duncan, Andis North American Artistic Team Lead and a top barbering authority worldwide, to show us his best tips for achieving clipper greatness.

Below, check out Kenny’s key tips from one of his signature cuts, the textured crop with a low fade. You’ll see that clippers can do so much more than line things up - they can be used to add volume and texture, create unique shapes and perfect your finishing work.

 

1. How to Substitute Mechanical Shears for Thinning Shears

Thinning shears are a great tool for removing excess weight and creating a seamless canvas. But did you know you can use your mechanical shears to do the same thing? Here’s how to use your hair clippers to achieve a feathered effect that softens the hair without leaving harsh lines.

2. Point Cutting…with Clippers?!

Want to add texture with your mechanical shears? Kenny’s got a tip for that too. Simply open your blades, comb the hair with tension, find your guide and use a vertical “tapping” motion to subtly enhance the texture of the ends. Watch Kenny's demo below.

3. Removing Fade Lines

This tip from Kenny involves using your trimmers to go with the growth stream to get rid of that annoying line at the bottom of a fade. Here’s how it’s done.

4. A Texture Technique for a Perfect Finish

When you’re almost done with your cut, Kenny recommends finishing by removing small amounts of weight with your clippers on dry hair.

5. How to Add Volume

Here’s a quick tip for adding volume at the end of a cut: using a comb (not a brush), aim the blow dryer at the taut hair while lifting up at the root. Watch Kenny’s technique!

textured crop with a low fade Before and After

Shop for Clippers and Learn More from THE Experts at Marlo Beauty Supply

You can get all the tools and barber essentials you need at marlobeauty.com. At Marlo Beauty, you’ll find the right Andis clippers and trimmers for any job, along with tool and blade care products to keep them running smoothly and safely. Shop now and save on Andis and more! Watch Kenny’s full Urban Crop demo here!