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How To Oil A Hair Clipper
To properly oil a hair clipper and ensure peak performance, first, thoroughly brush away all loose hair from the blades. Next, turn the clipper on; this is crucial as the moving blades help distribute the lubricant. While the machine is running, apply exactly three drops of clipper oil—one drop on each corner of the blade and one in the center. Allow the clipper to run for 10 to 15 seconds to let the oil coat the inner surfaces evenly. Finally, turn the clipper off and wipe away any excess oil from the exterior with a clean cloth to prevent it from dripping into the motor.
This video demonstrates the proper way to oil your hair clippers:
Step 1: Clean The Broken Hair Before Oiling
The first priority of maintenance tools is clean. You must brush the broken hair clean from the blade before even drop of oil hits the metal. If you drop oil directly on the broken hair, the picture is a disaster: the oil mixes GG1 the broken hair into a sticky, gritty “sludge”. This kind of thing not only does not lubricate, but will increase friction. It is recommended to use a small brush with bristles to pick out all the dirt in the gap between the knife teeth so that the oil can act directly on the metal surface.
Step 2: Start The Barber Scissors
I find that the most common mistake many novices make is to oil a stationary flipper. Listen to me, be sure to turn it on before you oil it. Why? Because when the blade is not moving, the oil just floats on the surface, and it is difficult to get into the tight gap between the moving knife and the static knife. Once the motor moves, the high-frequency vibration of the blade creates tiny spaces that allow the lubricant to immediately drill into the entire transmission mechanism. This “dynamic oiling” is the most effective.
Step 3: The Correct Drop Of Oil (3 Drop Principle)
I have strict requirements regarding the amount of oil and the location. Remember, just 3 drops, don’t be greedy, and don’t dig. More oil flows everywhere, less oil wears out quickly. When the machine is running, press this point:
- First drop: drop on the left corner of the blade.
- Second drop: drop on the right corner of the blade.
- The third drop: drop directly in the middle of the blade.
This “three-in-one” layout ensures that the lubricant covers the entire width of the knife face without flooding the internal parts with oil.
Step 4: Let The Lubricating Oil Fully Spread
Don’t rush to shut down after dripping oil. You have to let it run for another 10 to 15 seconds. In this short period of more than ten seconds, the high-speed reciprocating movement of the blade will spread out the 3 drops of oil, forming a very thin and uniform protective film on the entire inner friction surface. This step is the key to ensure that each tooth can eat oil, which can effectively prevent the metal from hitting hard and avoid the cutter head from overheating.
Step 5: Wipe The Remaining Oil
The last step is to turn off the machine and wipe the excess oil outside. Take a clean dry cloth and carefully wipe the outside of the blade and the body of the fader. This is not only to clean and easy to take, but also to protect your “rice bowl”. If there is too much oil left outside, gravity will drag them into the inside of the fuselage sooner or later. Once the oil seeps into the motor room, the circuit board is not far from being scrapped. Wipe it clean, and your pusher is ready for the next battle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely not! Never put anything from the kitchen on the fader. Although it sounds like oil, the consequences are completely different:
Olive oil/vegetable oil: These oils are too thick and do not tolerate high temperatures. The heat generated by the high-speed operation of the pusher will directly “bake” them sticky, stick to the broken hair like glue, and finally burn the motor alive.
Baby oil: This oil is too thin, there is no way to form a protective film between high-speed friction metals, the protective force is almost zero, and the blade is blunt in a short time.
To maintain professional standards, you must use specially formulated hair clipper mineral oil, which is heat-resistant and non-sticky.
If you are a professional barber, I suggest that you oil every time you cut a head and clean the blade. If you use it at home, at least you should maintain it every two or three times. But to be honest, the safest way is to drop 3 drops as long as the blade is cleaned, and don’t regret it until the metal is dry ground, so the life of the motor can be extended for several years.
Pay attention to these 3 signals, once they appear, the blade is thirsty:
Hair perm: If the blade burns the guest’s skin uncomfortable when cutting hair, it is too much friction.
Rattle: The sound becomes sharp or has the kind of creaking metal wear.
Hair: we often say “bite”. If the blade is not smooth, it no longer cuts the hair, but pulls it off.
Author : Marcus Sterling
With over a decade of experience as a professional barber and grooming consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how proper tool maintenance extends the life of high-end gear. My mission is to simplify clipper care, helping both professionals and home users achieve the perfect, friction-free cut through expert, easy-to-follow advice. I believe that a well-oiled tool is the secret to every great hairstyle.
