How to Adjust Hair Clippers for a Closer Shave

Getting a shave as close as you want with hair clippers will often involve changing the guides and adjusting the clippers. Luckily, this is easy to do and can usually be accomplished in less than a minute. One thing to remember is the closer the blade is to the edge of the clippers, the closer the shave will be.

1. Look at the guides that came with your clipper set. On the guide there will be numbers of fractions which represent the length of the cut that each guide gives. For example the guide may say 1/4" or 1/2", so you would know the guide that says 1/4" will give you a closer shave than the one that says 1/2". Generally, if numbers only are used, the lower the number the closer the cut. Choose the blade that you want to try and slip it on to your clippers.  

2. Remove the guide from the clipper. If none of the guides are offering you a close enough shave, remove them and use the clipper as is. If you find that still is not close enough, notice the lever on the side and slide it so the blade slides up. This will enable you to get an even closer shave.

3. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws in the back of the clipper. Slide the clipper plate down as far as you can make it go. Put the screws back into the back of the clippers. This will result in the closest shave that you can get with your clippers. 

4. Start with guides and the blade in longer positions first when working on your hair. You can then go shorter if you need to. It is easy to change the guide or blade location to make it shorter if you find that you need it. However, you cannot go back and fix it, if you make it too short.