Do clippers cut more with lever open or closed?

Introduction:

The position of the lever on hair clippers plays a significant role in determining the cutting length. Understanding the effects of having the lever open or closed is essential for achieving the desired haircut. In this guide, we will explore how clippers cut with the lever open and closed, examining the differences in cutting length and the effects on the overall hairstyle. By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the appropriate lever position to achieve the desired results.

Do clippers cut more with lever open or closed?

The Lever Open Position:

When the lever on hair clippers is in the open position, the blades are set at their longest cutting length. This position allows for leaving more hair on the head, resulting in a longer overall haircut. Here are some key points about cutting with the lever open:

Longer Cutting Length: With the lever open, the clippers will cut more hair, resulting in a longer overall length. This position is ideal for maintaining longer hair or achieving a natural and blended look.

Suitable for Initial Haircuts: The open lever position is commonly used for initial haircuts, especially when starting with longer hair. It allows for leaving more hair on the head while achieving a more uniform length. This position establishes a base length that can be further adjusted or styled.

Blending and Gradual Transitions: The open lever position is helpful for creating blended looks and gradual transitions between different hair lengths. It allows for a more seamless and natural progression when transitioning from longer to shorter sections. By using the open lever, you can achieve a fade or blend between different parts of the hair.

Versatility for Longer Hairstyles: If you prefer to keep your hair longer overall, using the open lever position is appropriate. It enables you to maintain the desired length while still achieving a neat and well-groomed appearance. This position allows for more versatility in styling options.

The Lever Closed Position:

When the lever on hair clippers is in the closed position, the blades are set at their shortest cutting length. This position cuts less hair, resulting in a shorter overall haircut. Here are some key points about cutting with the lever closed:

Shorter Cutting Length: With the lever closed, the clippers will cut less hair, resulting in a shorter overall length. This position is ideal for achieving short hairstyles or precise and clean-cut looks.

Suitable for Short Hairstyles: The closed lever position is commonly used for short hairstyles, such as crew cuts or pixie cuts. It ensures an even and uniform cut at a shorter length, creating a well-defined and polished appearance.

Precision and Defined Hairlines: The closed lever position is useful for creating precise and sharp looks, particularly when defining hairlines or cleaning up edges. It provides a clean-cut appearance and allows for more accuracy in shaping the hairstyle.

Buzz Cuts and Low-Maintenance Styles: The closed lever position is often associated with buzz cuts, where the hair is cut to an even length all over the head. This position ensures a consistent and uniform cutting length, resulting in a low-maintenance and streamlined appearance.

Determining the Cutting Length:

The choice between having the lever open or closed on hair clippers depends on the desired cutting length. The open lever position is suitable for maintaining longer hair or achieving more blended looks. On the other hand, the closed lever position is perfect for achieving shorter hair lengths or more precise and defined styles. Here are some factors to consider when determining the cutting length:

Personal Preferences: Your personal preference and desired hairstyle play a significant role in choosing the appropriate lever position. Consider the look you want to achieve and the overall length you prefer for your hair.

Hair Type and Texture: The type and texture of your hair can impact how it appears at different lengths. Some hair types may appear shorter or longer than others, even when using the same lever position. Take into account the natural characteristics of your hair when determining the desired cutting length.

Face Shape and Features: Consider your face shape and features when deciding on the cutting length. Certain styles and lengths can enhance or complement your facial structure. Experiment with different lever positions to find the most flattering length for your face shape.

Styling Options: Think about the styling options you desire. Longer lengths provide more versatility for styling and experimentation, while shorter lengths may be easier to maintain and style with less effort.

Transitioning Between Lever Positions:

In some cases, you may want to achieve a haircut with varying lengths, requiring a transition between the open and closed lever positions. This technique, known as tapering or fading, creates a gradual blend and smooth transition between different sections of hair. Here are some key points to consider when transitioning between lever positions:

• Sectioning the Hair: Divide the hair into sections, starting with the longer desired length and progressively moving to shorter lengths. This allows for a more controlled and gradual transition between lever positions.
• Blending Techniques: Use blending techniques, such as flicking or feathering, to create a seamless transition between different lengths. Gently flick the clippers in an upward motion to blend the hair lengths together. This technique helps avoid visible lines or harsh contrasts.
• Adjusting the Lever Position: As you move through different sections of the hair, adjust the lever position accordingly. Start with the lever open for longer lengths, then gradually close the lever as you move towards shorter lengths. This technique ensures a smooth and natural-looking blend.
• Practice and Patience: Achieving a seamless blend between lever positions requires practice and patience. Experiment with different techniques and lever positions to find the approach that works best for the specific haircut and desired style.

Consult a Professional Barber:

If you are unsure about which lever position to use or how to achieve the desired haircut, it can be beneficial to consult a professional barber. Barbers are experienced in using hair clippers and can provide valuable advice and guidance based on your hair type, desired style, and face shape. They can recommend the appropriate lever position and cutting techniques to achieve the desired results.

Consider Hair Clipper Attachments:

In addition to the lever position, hair clipper attachments, also known as guards or combs, can further influence the cutting length. Attachments come in various sizes, each corresponding to a specific cutting length. By using different attachments in combination with the lever position, you can create even more versatility in cutting lengths and styles. Experiment with different attachments to achieve the desired results.

Conclusion:

The position of the lever on hair clippers significantly affects the cutting length and overall hairstyle. When the lever is open, the clippers cut more hair, resulting in a longer length, while having the lever closed cuts less hair, resulting in a shorter length. The open lever position is suitable for maintaining longer hair, achieving blended looks, and allowing for gradual transitions. The closed lever position is ideal for achieving short hairstyles, precise cuts, and defined styles. When determining the cutting length, consider personal preferences, hair type and texture, face shape and features, as well as the desired styling options. By understanding the differences in cutting length between the open and closed lever positions, you can confidently choose the appropriate position to achieve the desired haircut and style with hair clippers.