Your clippers are the backbone of every great haircut — but even the best tools can lose their edge if they’re not cared for properly. Whether you’re a professional barber or grooming at home, small daily habits can slowly wear down your clippers, shorten their lifespan, and affect performance.
Here are 7 everyday habits that damage your clippers — and how to prevent them with simple, barber-approved tips.
1. Skipping Daily Cleaning After Each Use
The problem: Hair, oil, and skin debris build up between the blades, causing friction and overheating.
The fix: After every cut, use a clipper brush or small detailing brush to remove trapped hair, then apply clipper disinfectant spray. Once a week, remove the blades completely and deep-clean with a specialist cleaner.
🧰 Kade Hair Tip: Keep a cleaning station near your workstation with disinfectant spray, brush, and blade guard — it makes maintenance effortless.
2. Forgetting to Oil Your Blades Regularly
The problem: Dry blades create friction, leading to dullness and eventual motor strain.
The fix: Use clipper oil before and after each use. Place a small drop on each side of the moving blade and the centre. Run the clipper for 10 seconds, then wipe off the excess with a clean cloth.
💡 Recommended: Wahl Clipper Oil or Andis Blade Oil — available in our Clipper Maintenance Essentials.
3. Storing Clippers While Still Damp
The problem: Moisture is your clipper’s worst enemy. Storing damp tools can lead to rust, corrosion, and bacterial growth.
The fix: Always dry your clipper with a microfiber cloth before putting it away. Leave it running for 10–15 seconds after cleaning to evaporate any leftover moisture. Store in a dry, ventilated area — never in an airtight bag.
4. Wrapping the Power Cord Too Tightly
The problem: Tightly wrapping the cord around the clipper body bends the internal wires, causing power issues or short circuits.
The fix: Loosely coil the cord in a figure-8 shape and secure with a soft Velcro strap. Or, hang your clippers on a dedicated barber hook to prevent cable strain.
🔌 Pro tip: Invest in a magnetic clipper holder — it keeps your workspace tidy and extends your tool’s life.
5. Ignoring Overheating During Long Sessions
The problem: Continuous use without cooling leads to overheating, dull blades, and discomfort for clients.
The fix: Use cooling spray between haircuts and take short breaks to prevent heat buildup. Rotate between two sets of clippers if possible during busy hours.
🧊 Try: Andis Cool Care Plus — a 5-in-1 spray that cools, lubricates, disinfects, and prevents rust.
6. Using the Wrong Voltage or Adaptor
The problem: Using your clipper with the wrong voltage or cheap third-party adaptors can damage the motor permanently.
The fix: Always check your clipper’s voltage (usually printed on the label). If you travel or work across regions, use a certified voltage converter or dual-voltage model.
⚡ Kade Hair Tip: For mobile barbers, invest in cordless clippers with long battery life and universal charging ports.
7. Neglecting Blade Alignment & Screw Tightness
The problem: Misaligned blades can cause pulling, uneven cuts, or even cuts to the skin. Loose screws may rattle, vibrate, and wear out your motor housing.
The fix: Check alignment weekly — blades should run parallel with no overlap. Tighten all screws and keep a mini screwdriver in your barber kit.
🧩 Bonus: Replace blades every 6–12 months (or sooner if used daily) for consistent precision.
The Bottom Line
Regular maintenance isn’t just about hygiene — it’s about performance and professionalism. By avoiding these 7 everyday mistakes, you’ll keep your clippers running smoother, quieter, and sharper for years.
Explore Kade Hair’s range of clipper oils, sprays, replacement blades, and storage accessories to keep your tools in peak condition.
