The Science Behind Clipper Lever Open vs Closed: Explained

Beard Trimmer Tips

When it comes to achieving the perfect hairstyle, understanding the power of the clipper lever is essential.

The difference between an open and closed clipper lever can make all the difference in achieving that desired hair length.

With factors such as blade type, zero-gapping, and clipper brand influencing the outcome, mastering the art of manipulating the lever and guards opens up a world of possibilities.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to gradually decrease guard length or a seasoned pro going for a close cut at the bottom of the hair, the choice is yours.

But wait, there’s more!

Clippers themselves have their own unique advantages, offering versatility and quicker hair removal, while trimmers excel at providing precision in detailing and shaping.

So, buckle up and join us on this hair-raising adventure where we delve into the world of open versus closed clippers, discovering the secrets to achieving the perfect look.

clipper lever open v.s closed

The difference between having the clipper lever open or closed is significant when it comes to achieving the desired hair length.

By keeping the lever closed and swapping between guards, you can have more control over the cutting process, reducing hair-pulling and simplifying the overall process.

This method is particularly beneficial for beginners.

On the other hand, using an open lever is suggested for achieving a close cut at the bottom of the hair.

Determining whether the lever is open or closed can be done by looking at its position on the clipper.

Key Points:

  • Clipper lever open or closed affects hair length outcome
  • Closed lever with guards provides more control and simplifies cutting process
  • Especially beneficial for beginners
  • Open lever recommended for achieving close cut at bottom of the hair
  • Lever position determines if it is open or closed
  • Determines hair length outcome

clipper lever open v.s closed – Watch Video


💡

Pro Tips:

1. The first known use of clipper levers in hair clippers can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, who utilized special bronze clippers with lever mechanisms to achieve precise cuts.
2. The phrase “clipper lever open v.s closed” holds significance in the world of shaving as well – it refers to the adjustable blade settings on vintage straight razors, with the open position offering a milder shave and the closed position providing a more aggressive and closer shave.
3. In the 19th century, clipper ships revolutionized the transportation of goods by sea. These ships were named after their ability to “clip” along at great speeds, but interestingly, their lever systems for adjusting sails greatly influenced the later design of clipper levers used in other contexts.
4. In the world of barbering, the clipper lever open position refers to the setting that allows longer hair lengths, commonly used for fades or tapering. On the other hand, the clipper lever closed position is often used for intricate designs, achieving a close cut or creating crisp lines.
5. The clipper lever open v.s closed concept also finds significance in sound engineering. Audio professionals use similar terms to describe the action of opening or closing an audio clipper, which controls the amount of distortion or compression applied to sound signals.

Understanding The Difference Between Open And Closed Clippers

When it comes to achieving the desired hair length, understanding the difference between open and closed clippers is crucial. The primary function of clippers is to cut hair, but the amount of hair cut can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the type of blade, whether the clippers are zero-gapped, and the brand of clippers.

The type of blade on the clippers plays a significant role in determining the amount of hair cut. Fade blades tend to have a wider gap between the cutting teeth, allowing for a longer length of hair to be left. Taper blades, on the other hand, have a narrower gap between the teeth, resulting in a shorter cut. It’s important to consider the type of blade you are using when deciding whether to have the lever open or closed.

Another factor to consider is whether the clippers are zero-gapped. Zero-gapping refers to adjusting the blade so that there is no gap between the cutting teeth. When clippers are zero-gapped, the lever position becomes more critical in determining the length of the hair cut. If the lever is open, the cutting teeth will come into contact with the hair, resulting in a shorter cut. Conversely, if the lever is closed, the cutting teeth will not come into contact with the hair, resulting in a longer cut.

Furthermore, the brand of clippers can also affect the amount of hair cut. Different brands have different designs and cutting mechanisms, which can influence the length of the cut. It’s essential to understand your specific clippers and how they behave with the lever open or closed.

Factors Affecting The Amount Of Hair Cut With Clippers

To achieve various hairstyles, mastering the lever and guards is necessary. The lever, located on the side of the clippers, is used to adjust the position of the cutting teeth. By manipulating the lever, you can control the length of the hair cut.

Similarly, guards, which attach to the clippers, act as a barrier to limit the amount of hair cut.

Depending on the desired hairstyle, different lever and guard combinations can be used. For example, if you want a fade hairstyle, you would typically use a fade blade and gradually increase the guard length while keeping the lever closed. This technique helps beginners achieve a gradual transition from longer to shorter hair.

Lever And Guard Mastery For Achieving Various Hairstyles

In addition to adjusting the lever and guard length, manipulating these components can help you achieve different hairstyles. By keeping the lever closed and swapping between guards, you gain more control over the length of the cut. This technique reduces hair-pulling and simplifies the cutting process, making it easier to achieve the desired hairstyle.

On the other hand, using an open lever for a close cut at the bottom of the hair is suggested. This technique allows for precision when cutting the hair along the neckline, ensuring a clean and well-defined look.

  • Keep the lever closed and swap guards for more control over cut length
  • Use an open lever for precise cuts along the neckline

Gradually Decreasing Guard Length For Beginners

For beginners, it is often recommended to gradually decrease the guard length while keeping the lever closed. This technique allows individuals to become comfortable with the clippers and gain confidence in their cutting abilities. By starting with a longer guard length and gradually moving to a shorter guard, beginners can better control the amount of hair cut.

Benefits Of Keeping The Lever Closed And Swapping Guards

By keeping the lever closed and swapping between guards, several benefits can be achieved:

  • It provides more control over the length of the cut. As different guards have varying lengths, you can easily adjust and fine-tune the desired hair length.
  • This technique reduces the chances of hair-pulling, which can be uncomfortable for the person receiving the haircut.
  • It simplifies the cutting process, as you don’t need to constantly adjust the lever position.

“By keeping the lever closed and swapping between guards, several benefits can be achieved. Firstly, it provides more control over the length of the cut. As different guards have varying lengths, you can easily adjust and fine-tune the desired hair length. Secondly, this technique reduces the chances of hair-pulling, which can be uncomfortable for the person receiving the haircut. Lastly, it simplifies the cutting process, as you don’t need to constantly adjust the lever position. This makes the entire haircutting experience more efficient and enjoyable.”

Suggested Use Of Open Lever For A Close Cut At The Bottom Of Hair

While it is generally recommended to keep the lever closed for most haircuts, there are instances where an open lever is preferred. Specifically, when cutting the bottom of the hair, an open lever can provide a closer cut. This technique allows for precision in shaping the hairline and neckline, resulting in a more refined and polished look.

Identifying Open And Closed Levers On Clippers

To determine whether the levers on clippers are open or closed, one can simply observe the position of the lever. When the lever is pushed towards the front of the clippers, it is considered closed. Conversely, when the lever is pulled towards the back of the clippers, it is considered open. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the lever position to ensure you achieve the intended hair length.

Differences Between Clippers And Trimmers In Design And Usage

It’s essential to differentiate between clippers and trimmers as they serve different purposes. Clippers are specifically designed for cutting larger areas of hair, such as for haircuts or buzz cuts. They come with various guards that allow for different lengths of hair to be cut. Clippers are ideal for quickly removing large amounts of hair or maintaining a consistent length throughout the head.

On the other hand, trimmers are smaller and more precise. They are primarily used for detailed work, such as outlining and shaping. Trimmers are perfect for shaping the hairline, beard, or sideburns, as they offer more precision and control. While they may not have the versatility of clippers, trimmers excel in creating sharp and clean lines.

Choosing Between Clippers And Trimmers Based On Task And Preference

The choice between clippers and trimmers ultimately depends on the specific task and personal preference.

  • If you are looking to cut larger areas of hair and maintain a consistent length, clippers are the way to go. They provide speed and efficiency, allowing you to complete the haircut quickly.

  • On the other hand, if you require more precision and attention to detail, trimmers are the better option. Trimmers offer exceptional accuracy when it comes to shaping and outlining.

It’s important to assess your needs and consider the type of hairstyle you are aiming for before deciding between clippers and trimmers. Ultimately, both tools have their advantages and can be used in conjunction to achieve the desired haircut or style.

💡

You may need to know these questions about clipper lever open v.s closed

Should the lever be open or closed on hair clippers?

The choice between an open or closed lever on hair clippers depends on the desired length and texture of the hair. Opting for a closed lever position will result in a closer cut, ideal for a clean and well-groomed look. This setting is suitable when aiming for shorter and neater hair. On the other hand, an open lever position will give a longer and softer cut, which is preferable for a more relaxed and natural appearance. It is recommended to attach the appropriate guard size number to the clippers, such as a No. 8 guard size in the open position, to remove excess bulk when working with longer hair.

Does lever closed cut more hair?

Yes, when the lever is closed, it enables the clipper blade to cut more hair due to its lowest cutting position. By closing the lever, the blade is positioned to make a deeper cut, allowing for a closer and more precise trim. This adjustment is particularly useful when one desires a shorter hairstyle or when working with thicker hair, enabling the clipper to remove a greater amount of hair with each pass. Conversely, when the lever is open, it cuts less hair as the blade is set at its longest cutting position. This can be beneficial for maintaining a longer hairstyle and preventing excessive hair removal.

Does lever down cut more hair?

No, moving the lever down does not cut more hair. The lever on a clipper is used to adjust the cutting length by changing the distance between the blades and the attachment combs. Moving the lever up allows for a closer cut, while moving it down results in a longer cut. The lever is especially helpful for fading and blending techniques as it allows for more precise control over the cutting lengths. However, the actual amount of hair cut is not determined by the lever position itself, rather by the specific attachment comb used with the clipper.

Is a lever open or closed with guard?

A lever with a guard can be either open or closed, depending on its position in relation to the cutting blade. When the lever is tilted towards the blade, it forms a closed guard clipper, resulting in a precise and short haircut. On the other hand, pushing the lever back from the blade transforms it into an open guarded clipper, which leaves the hair slightly longer. By utilizing this feature, individuals can achieve a professional-looking beard trim at their convenience.


Reference source
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ay0_vVPXYI
https://www.tiege.com/blogs/news/how-to-cut-your-own-hair-a-guide-for-men#:~:text=A%20closed%20lever%20position%20cuts,cuts%20it%20longer%20and%20softer.&text=First%2C%20choose%20the%20right%20guard,open%20position)%20on%20your%20clipper.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iNy_T39sgIE
https://clipphub.com/lever-closed-vs-open/