How to Sharpen Your Clipper Blade

Most clippers come with a self-sharpening feature to keep the cutting edge sharp, but the blade can still wear out quickly if not cleaned and oiled regularly. To prevent uneven, jagged cuts and hair getting stuck, it’s advisable to sharpen the blade whenever the clipper feels less smooth. Be sure to clean the blade first to remove hair clippings and rust, or else the sharpening process won't be as effective.

Unscrew the blade screws. Locate and unscrew the fasteners holding the blade onto the clipper. Most newer clippers will have two screws at the bottom of the blade. Once you unscrew these, gently remove the blade and any other attached parts (if any).

• If the bottom of the blade doesn't come off easily, use tweezers to carefully pull the blade away from underneath.
• Take note of how the blade and parts are assembled to make reassembling easier later.

Brush off hair and debris. Cleaning your clipper will make it run more smoothly, and the blade will be sharpened evenly without any obstructions. Use a wire brush, steel wool, or an old toothbrush to remove any trapped hair from the blade.

Remove rust with a blade cleaning solution. If your clipper blade is rusty or still has residue after brushing, use a specialized blade cleaning solution or another appropriate product to clean it. Soak the blade in a small bowl of the solution for a few minutes, or dip a cotton ball into the solution and wipe the blade to remove any rust buildup.

• Some people have successfully removed rust using rubbing alcohol, but you may need a stronger alcohol solution with 90% concentration. Lower concentrations may not be effective.

Dry the blade. Wipe the entire blade with a clean towel to remove any leftover hair and dirt. If residue remains, repeat the cleaning process.

• If rust stains persist after cleaning, it’s time to replace the blade.

Check the blade (optional). After cleaning, your clipper should likely operate smoothly again, especially if it has a self-sharpening feature. Reassemble the clipper, turn it on for a few minutes to ensure everything is properly aligned, and test it on hair. If the clipper still feels dull or cuts unevenly, proceed to the sharpening steps in the next section.

• For optimal results, add a few drops of oil to the clipper before testing. (It’s recommended after every 2-3 uses.)

Use a magnetic holder to secure the blade (optional). Position the bottom edge of the blade into the gap of the magnetic holder, allowing the cutting edge to protrude. This setup makes sharpening easier while minimizing the risk of cutting your hand or dropping the blade.

• Strong magnets with a flat surface are also suitable. If using such a magnet, handle it carefully to prevent the blade from slipping off and causing injury.
• Sharpen both edges of the blade one at a time using the steps below.

Glide the blade along the coarse side of a sharpening stone. Purchase a coarse sharpening stone, typically available at hardware or household goods stores. Use a 4000-grit stone, angle the blade at 30-45º, and glide it in one direction along the abrasive surface 5-10 times until the blade becomes shiny and uniform. Wipe off metal shavings from the stone and blade with a dry cloth. Then, flip the blade and repeat for the other edge.

• For ceramic clipper blades, use a diamond sharpening stone. Carefully read the product label to distinguish stones made of ceramic from those suitable for sharpening ceramic blades.

Repeat the process with a fine sharpening stone (optional). If you wish to enhance the sharpness and smoothness of the blade, continue with an 8000-grit fine sharpening stone. As before, glide each edge along the stone in one direction 5-10 times and finish by wiping the blade clean with a dry cloth.

Reassemble the clipper. Ensure that the blade is positioned correctly with its original alignment and spacing. Tighten the screws securely to hold the blade in place.

Lubricate the clipper blades. It is recommended to lubricate the blades after every 2-3 uses, especially after sharpening. Apply a few drops of oil to the blades to reduce friction and overheating.

• If specialized clipper oil is unavailable, opt for a lightweight, penetrating oil. Avoid heavy, dark oils, as they may clog the blades. Before using oil for the first time, consult a hairstylist or research online to choose the most suitable type.

Turn on the clippers for a few minutes. Activate the clippers to allow the blade and parts to friction against each other for a few minutes. This will further sharpen the blade slightly. Afterward, you can start using it on hair. Hopefully, you'll be pleased with the smooth, sharp cuts.

• There are various sharpening products available, including some specifically designed for clipper blades. A simple, budget-friendly double-sided sharpening stone is sufficient for home use, but if you need to sharpen your clippers regularly, specialized tools might be more suitable.
• You can also send your blades to a professional sharpening service or the clipper manufacturer locally or via mail.
• A good trick for cleaning hair and debris is to turn on the clippers and dip the blade in a specialized cleaning solution (like Varsol). Let the clippers run for a few seconds to remove the dirt while simultaneously lubricating the blade.
• Ceramic clipper blades don't require frequent sharpening, but they are quite fragile and can break if over-tightened or when used on thick, tangled hair.

• If used only for cutting hair, the blade will take longer to dull compared to frequent use on animal fur with the clippers.
• Remember, after sharpening, the blade will be extremely sharp and can cause injury. Be cautious when reassembling the clippers.

• Screwdriver
• Wire brush, toothbrush, or steel wool
• Blade cleaning solution or rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls or a small bowl
• Clipper oil
• Cloth
• Tweezers (optional)