Mechanical hair clipper

Why might a mechanical hair clipper be needed in modern conditions, when beauty salons are literally at every turn and prices are affordable for anyone who wants to get a haircut, most readers will think. Hair clippers will be useful for travelers in the first place - they can be used, for example, on long hikes. They are convenient for simple children's and men's haircuts, or for creating short, creative hairstyles. True, today electric cars have long supplanted mechanical ones, because they are more functional and easy to use.

However, despite all the advantages of modern electric clippers, many stylists prefer to use manual mechanical devices (and not only stylists). In addition, mechanical machines, in comparison with electric ones, are more reliable and less prone to breakdowns. And for modern society, they are absolutely environmentally friendly.

The prototype of the mechanical device was the trimmer, invented back in the 19th century by the Italian hairdresser Alberto Gomez. In the second half of the twentieth century in England, the first typewriter was created and released for mass use, which quickly gained popularity not only among professional stylists, but also among the common population. Manual mechanical machines were also produced in the USSR.True, in their appearance they resembled more sophisticated instruments of torture than a harmless hair clipper.

At first, mechanical machines were used only for men's and children's haircuts, but over time, when short women's hairstyles came into fashion, ladies also began to use these devices. The devices were widely used (and are still used today) in scientific expeditions, in military units and in other places remote from civilization.

Using a clipper for simple haircuts will be easy even for a beginner, but it takes some practice to create creative hairstyles. Over time, having gained enough experience, you will be able to freely cut your family and friends no worse than any professional stylist.

Cutting hair with a mechanical clipper should be strictly against hair growth, squeezing and releasing the handle (movable lever) as often as possible and at the same time move forward, millimeter by millimeter. After every couple of centimeters, it is worth stopping and combing your hair to make sure that it is cut evenly. Before using a mechanical clipper, it is recommended to train the muscles - because of the numerous, monotonous movements, the untrained muscles of the arm will quickly get tired, and you will not be able to complete the haircut process with high quality.

According to the principle of operation, a mechanical hand apparatus is similar to garden shears, having an adjustment screw and cutting blades. Types of machines differ in the type of spring in the mechanism (the most popular are devices with a spiral spring) and in numbers from No. 000 to No. 3. Numbers are assigned in accordance with the thickness of the lower fixed plate of the device and the height of the cut of the hair.For example, #0000 has the thinnest blade and cuts the hair less than 1/3mm from the skin, while #3 cuts the hair at a height of 4mm. To cut different parts of the head, machines of different numbers are used, although for the device under the zero number it is also possible to use special shells (cases) put on the bottom plate in order to increase the height of the cut. Electric machines are much more diverse - their types differ both in the mechanism of action and in the type of haircuts (for example, machines are for cutting hair, beards and mustaches, etc.).

For long-term and proper operation of mechanical devices, they should be carefully looked after and regularly lubricated with all rubbing parts of the mechanism with sewing machine oil.

They should be stored in a dry place (to avoid rusting of metal parts) and in a special bag that protects the device from dust. If you follow the rules of care and storage, the blades will last quite a long time. But if necessary (if the blades are still dull), they will need to be taken to a professional for sharpening.

Having bought a mechanical hair clipper, you should also take care of accessories and various tools that will facilitate the use of the device. A short list of recommended remedies is as follows:

• Case or bag for storage - will protect the device from dust;
• Box or box - protect from damage and moisture;
• Brush for cleaning cut hairs;
• Brush for lubricating moving parts;
• Two soft cloths to wipe the machine before use and after cleaning;
• Cleaning liquid (you can use gasoline or kerosene if you are not afraid of the smell);
• Lubrication (you can use machine oil or sewing machine oil as a lubricant);

When faced with a difficult choice between an electric clipper and a mechanical hair clipper, it is worth reading consumer reviews to help you decide on a purchase. An electrical device is more convenient to use and will save a lot of time, while mechanical devices are much more reliable, moreover, their use is possible in the field, since they do not require electricity and recharging. Reviews from users of mechanical machines and connoisseurs of vintage classics say that using these machines is very simple - you just need to practice a little. Although, according to the majority, a serious drawback is the impossibility of replacing worn-out parts (for the simple reason that they have not been produced since the late 80s of the last century). However, with proper care, mechanical machines will serve you faithfully for decades.

It is possible to buy a manual hair clipper both in online stores and in specialized stores of vintage equipment. There are both completely new and used Soviet devices on sale. The cost of machines ranges from 200 rubles to a couple of thousand rubles.The price depends on the year of manufacture (the older, the more expensive) and the condition of the vehicle. On sale most often there are army cars. Before buying, be sure to make sure that the mechanism is in good working order and that the blades are sharp (the sharpness of the blades can only be checked on hair, do not try to do this on pet hair - firstly, it is not hygienic, and secondly, the structure of hair and wool has significant differences wool can damage the blades of the hair clipper).

How to do a haircut with a manual machine, see the following video.