I finally changed my clipper blade angle after 8 years of cutting

Had a client last Thursday who's been coming to me for like 3 years. He mentioned his old barber used to cut his fade way faster. I brushed it off at first but then I watched myself in the mirror. I was holding my clippers at a steep 45 degree angle like I always did. He showed me a picture of his old cut and the blend was way smoother. So I dropped my angle to almost flat with the head and the fade came out cleaner in half the time. Has anyone else had a basic technique you thought was right but totally changed after a random comment?

2 comments

2 Comments

david_adams1mo ago

My first barber instructor back in 2007 drilled into me that you gotta keep the clipper handle level with the floor for a fade. That was his golden rule. But about two years ago I had this older dude who came in with super thick Asian hair that grows straight out. The level technique was leaving this harsh line no matter how many times I went over it. Out of frustration I tilted the clipper so the blade was almost pointed up at the ceiling on the bottom of the fade and it melted into his skin like butter. I felt like I discovered fire. Now I adjust my angle based on how the hair grows out of the scalp not some random rule I learned in barber school. Hair density and growth pattern should dictate your angle way more than any technique you saw on YouTube.

the_morgan1mo ago

Did you find the tilt works better for cowlicks too or just the straight growing hair?