How to choose a clipper, trimmer?

Class
Professional - are distinguished by a powerful motor and wide functionality. The price of such devices is high, and for performance of a qualitative hairstyle skills are required. Professional machines used in hairdressing salons, beauty salons.

Semi-professional - less power and functionality of such machines is compensated and less cost. Such devices are equally suitable for working at home or in the cabin.

Amateur - a cheap, but low-power version with a small number of functions. These models are good for infrequent use (1 time in 2 months).

A type
Rotary - these devices have a fairly powerful motor. Most often this type is used in salons and hairdressing salons, because they are able to work with hair of any length, thickness and stiffness. They have forced cooling of the electric motor, due to which the machines work without interruption for a long time. Rotary machines are semi-professional and professional devices.

Vibration and noise in rotor models are reduced to a minimum level. Such devices are equipped with removable blades, which facilitates cleaning. Rotary machines are durable, reliable and provide a quality haircut. Disadvantages: high price and high weight.

Vibration - significantly inferior in power, and the duration of their work without interruption does not exceed 20-30 minutes. The main advantages of such machines are the relatively low price and low weight. Disadvantages: vibration and noise during operation, non-removable knives, which complicates the cleaning process.

Appointment
Universal - you can cut hair and look after your beard and mustache.

Machines for cutting the beard and mustache - specific devices are distinguished by a narrow knife and denticles. Such models are equipped with one or several nozzles, which make it possible to give the beard, whiskers and bristles with the desired shape.

Trimmers for hair cutting in the nose and ears - small instruments with a vertical design of the cutting head. Often equipped with a flat head-piece, trimming eyebrows and whiskers.

Body trimmers (bodyguards) - remove hair on the back, chest, in the intimate area, underarms. Such trimmers can also be used in the shower.

Trimmers for bikini (cosmetic) - used to create haircuts in the intimate area for women and men.

Kits for a hairstyle - include a few machines and due to this are more expensive.

Type of food
Network - reliable models, especially when the machine is continuously used for a long time (for example, in a hairdresser). The main drawback is the dependence on the network and the limited movements due to the cord. Such models are ideal for home, work and other places with electricity. When choosing such machines, it is better to choose a model with a rotating cord, which does not twist during operation.

Accumulator - a convenient option for travel and travel. The duration of the work is usually 40-60 minutes, and recharging - 8-10 hours, depending on the model. It should be remembered that with a lower battery charge, the blade rotation speed also drops. The battery significantly increases the weight of the machine, which is important for those who often use it (for example, hairdressers).

Accumulator-network - the best option. Combine the capabilities of previous types of power, which allows them to work for a long time without interruption. You can put them on a charge at any time. Battery-network machines are the best option, but such models will cost more than network analogues.

Important: if the device uses a Ni-MH battery, it can not be recharged until it is completely discharged. Otherwise, its capacity will be reduced. This feature is called the "memory effect".

In addition to the network and batteries, batteries are also used to power the machines. Devices that run on batteries are independent of the network, and the used battery is easily replaced with a new one. The limitation is a small capacity of the batteries. Therefore, they are found in low-power machines (for example, trimmers for the nose), not designed for long-term work.

Power
This parameter determines the speed of the machine's engine speed, which directly affects the cutting time. The power of the machine depends on its type:

rotary - 20-45 W;
vibration - 9-15 W;
rechargeable - up to 12 watts.
For household use, a 10-20W model is enough.

Characteristics of blades
Material

The whole process of the machine's operation depends on the quality of the blades. The material from which the blades are made is stainless steel with diamond or titanium sputtering, ceramics, combining ceramics and titanium.

Reliable steel blades often heat up when the machine is in operation, and ceramic blades often do not heat up, but are sensitive to falls and can crack. High-strength, durable, but expensive titanium blades easily cut even very thick hair. Option ceramics + titanium - the most durable and easy to use, but will not be cheap.

Most often there are blades from stainless steel with spraying - the optimal balance between cheap stainless steel without sputtering and very expensive ceramics.

diamond spraying - the blade works well with dry and wet hair, as well as with hair of different rigidity;
titanium sputtering - does not irritate the skin and does not cause allergies.
Important: when choosing a typewriter, find out whether it is possible to sharpen the blades. This part is important if you are going to use the product often. Blunt blades are not sheared, but hair is hanging, which, at least, causes unpleasant sensations.

Width of cutting edge of blades - if the machine will be used mainly for cutting hair on the head, then you should choose a universal model with blades 35-45 mm wide. To cut hair in the ears, nose, eyebrow adjustments, you need to choose a special width, so before you buy directly, consult the seller.

Self-sharpening knives - a special technology for making blades, in which the cutting edge remains always uneven, i.e. sharp (edges with an angle of 45 ° C). The advantage of such blades is that sharpening occurs during the cutting (due to friction against each other). Self-sharpening blades remain sharp for a long time, but even they need to be changed periodically.

Speed ​​of the blade - depends on the number of revolutions per minute. The higher the speed of the blades, the faster you can make a haircut, and the process will be more comfortable. However, when choosing the speed of blades, you should rely on your own experience and mastery of the machine.

It is better for novice users to choose models with an average speed (9-12 W), more advanced machines will be suitable with high speed (from 20 W). Devices with lower speed do not work well with hard and thick hair.

Important: for a good haircut, the machine must have a rotational speed of at least 10,000 revolutions per minute at a power of 13-15 watts.

For a comfortable cutting process, pay attention to machines with two speeds of blade movement. In this case, it is easier to process complex sections at a lower speed.

There are models with the function "TURBO", for a short time increasing the speed of the blades by 20%. Turbo mode is useful for cutting very thick hair.

additional characteristics
The number of length settings - the more settings, the easier it is to choose the optimal length of the haircut.

This parameter is important for owners of mustaches and beards (for them, the step length should not exceed 1-2 mm). In different models, the number of length settings varies from 2-4 to 14. For most cases, 5-10 are enough.

Pay attention to the indicators of maximum / minimum length. The maximum length for short haircuts is up to 6-9 mm, for longer haircuts - 20-40 mm. The minimum length allows you to make the shortest haircuts (1 mm).

Modes of adjustment.

Rotary regulator - a special handle on the body of the machine for adjusting the length. It occurs, as a rule, in models with a narrow range of length settings. The minimum length in such devices is less than 1 mm.
Nozzles are detachable devices, each of which corresponds to a certain length (usually used nozzles 3, 6, 9, 12 mm). Devices with nozzles have a wide range of length settings. There are models with one nozzle, in which the length of the haircut is regulated by a wheel.
Important: the more baits, the more accurately the desired length is selected. Practice shows that in most cases you can do 2-3 nozzles or even one adjustable. Each of the baits has its drawbacks: removable devices can be lost, and in the nozzle with variable length, the regulator breakage is possible.

The length of the wire - it matters if the machine is powered only from the mains. The longer the cord, the more comfortable it is to use the machine. A short wire often requires an extension cord.

Charging time is important if the device is powered by batteries or has a battery-type power type. This parameter varies from 1 to 16 hours in different models.

The battery life is a significant parameter for battery and battery-network devices, which directly depends on the capacity of the battery.
Functions
Vacuum absorption - easily cleanses the face, neck, shoulders from cut hair. Models with this function are equipped with a container, where the hair is collected. This option is good for short hairs, because long hair is unlikely to get into the container.

Backlight - increases the quality of the haircut: the user will not miss a single hair.

Fast charging - for 5-10 minutes provides incomplete charging of the device, sufficient for short-term use.

Charging from the USB port - allows you to charge the battery from the USB port of a PC or laptop. Useful function when traveling.

Voltage switching - changes the voltage modes 110 V (standard North America) / 220 V (standard CIS and Europe). Some models switch the voltage automatically, in others this function is performed manually. This option is useful in long distance trips.

Important: if the voltage is switched manually, make sure the correct value is set before using the device.

Wet cleaning - allows you to wash the machine directly under the stream of running water, which facilitates and speeds up its cleaning.

Equipment
Nozzles are accessories that extend the machine's capabilities. Some nozzles regulate the length of the haircut, others are used to solve special tasks (for example, thinning). Narrow special machines have 1-2 nozzles, more versatile options - 3-5, the most functional devices - from 6 and above.

Popular accessories:

a nozzle for a beard and a mustache - allows to do a haircut of a beard and a mustache;
nozzle for filing - gives a natural look to short haircuts.
Charging indicator - helps to evaluate the remaining time of the machine until the battery is completely discharged. In addition, the indicator monitors the process of charging the battery.

Waterproof housing - prevents water from entering the device. Instruments with such a body can be used in the shower.

Replaceable blades - eliminate the need to purchase blades separately, which is especially important on the road.

Scissors - are used to give the hairstyle a finished look and to correct accidental flaws when working with a typewriter.

Stand for charging - equipped with a charger, so it can be used to recharge and store the machine. Sometimes the charging stand is also used to store accessories.

Stand for attachments and other accessories - used for the orderly storage of attachments, oil can, brush and other items. This stand reduces the risk of losing accessories.

Hinge for hanging - performs the same function as the stand. The machine is hung on a nail or hook. This option wins in price, but loses in convenience.

Oils - a container with a special oil. Many devices in the process of using need periodic lubrication of blades.

Case - serves for transportation and storage of machines with accessories. Cases are found in two versions: soft tissue bags or hard metal / plastic cases.

In addition, depending on the model, the machine kit may include: a comb, a brush for cleaning the machine. Accessories increase the cost of the set. Think about how often specific objects will be used. In some cases, it is better to focus on a model with a minimal bundle, and, if necessary, separately purchase specific items.

Advice
The machine should lie comfortably in the hand. Pay attention to the weight of the machine. Too heavy a model will lead to fast fatigue of the hand, and a very light device is quite difficult to hold in the proper position. Choose for yourself the best option.
 If you choose a vibration model, pay attention to the level of noise and vibration. Strong noise irritates, and vibration interferes with haircutting (it is especially difficult to make edging). As in the previous case, stop at the optimal solution for yourself.
Models with rubberized elements do not slip in the hand. This is an important nuance that directly affects the quality of the haircut.
Choose a device with a convenient arrangement of buttons - they should switch easily with one hand.
Give preference to the typewriter, which easily removes the blade (snap-lock). This will greatly facilitate the cleaning of the device and the replacement of the blade. An inconvenient option is a blade fastened with screws, which is removed with a screwdriver.
If you often travel by car, choose trimmers that work from the cigarette lighter.
All types of the proffesional clippers at the MiMiSi.ru