Mechanical hair clipper

Why you might need a mechanical hair clipper in modern conditions, when beauty salons are literally at every step and prices are available to anyone who wants to have a haircut, most readers will think. Cutting devices, first of all, will be useful for travelers - they can be used, for example, in long hikes. They are convenient for simple children's and men's haircuts, or to create short, creative hairstyles. True today, electric cars have long pressed mechanical, because they are more functional and convenient to use.

However, despite all the advantages of modern electric haircuts, many stylists prefer to use manual mechanical devices (and not only stylists). In addition, mechanical machines, as compared with electric, are more reliable and less prone to breakage. And for modern society they are absolutely eco-friendly.

The trimmer, invented in the 19th century by the Italian barber Alberto Gomez, became the prototype of the mechanical device. In the second half of the twentieth century in England, they created and released for mass use the first typewriter, which quickly gained popularity not only among professional stylists, but also among ordinary people. Manual mechanical machines were also produced in the USSR. True, their appearance reminded them rather of sophisticated instruments of torture than a harmless device for cutting hair.

Mechanical machines were first used only for men's and children's haircuts, but over time, when short female hairstyles became fashionable, 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.

Even a novice can easily use the machine for simple haircuts, but to create creative hairstyles will require some practice. Over time, having gained enough experience, you will be able to cut your relatives and close ones as well as any professional stylist.

Cutting hair with a mechanical machine should be strictly against the growth of hair, squeezing and releasing the handle (moving lever) as often as possible and at the same time moving forward, millimeter by millimeter. After each pair of centimeters it is worth stopping and combing your hair to make sure that they are trimmed evenly. Before using a mechanical machine, it is recommended to train the muscles - because of the numerous, monotonous movements, the untrained muscles of the arm will quickly tire and you will not be able to qualitatively complete the process of cutting.

By the principle of operation, a mechanical hand-held device is similar to a garden shear, having a screw for adjustment 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 according to numbers from №000 to №3. Numbers are assigned according to the thickness of the lower fixed plate of the fixture and the height of the cut of the hair. For example, №0000 has the thinnest plate and cuts hair at a distance of less than 1/3 mm from the skin, and the machine at number 3 cuts a hair at a height of 4 millimeters. For trimming different parts of the head, different types of machines are used, although it is also possible to use special shells (cases) for the machine under the zero number, which are worn on the bottom plate to increase the cutting height.Electric machines are much more diverse - their types differ both in the mechanism of action and in the type of haircuts (for example, there are machines for haircuts of hair, beard and mustache, etc.).

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

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 for a long time. But if the need arises (if the blades are still blunted), they will need to be attributed for sharpening to a professional.

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

• Case or pouch for storage - protects the device from dust;
• Casket or box - will protect from damage and ingress of moisture;
• Brush to clean the trimmed hairs;
• Brush for lubrication of moving parts;
• Two soft cloths to wipe the machine before use and after cleaning;
• Cleaning fluid (you can use gasoline or kerosene, if you are not afraid of smell);
• Lubrication (lube or sewing machine oil can be used as a lubricant);

Facing a difficult choice between an electric machine and a mechanical hair clipper, you should read the consumer reviews that will help you decide on a purchase. An electric device is more convenient to use and will help to significantly save time, while mechanical devices are much more reliable, moreover, their use is possible in the field, as it does not require electricity and recharging. Reviews of users of mechanical machines and connoisseurs of vintage classics argue that using these machines is very simple - just enough to practice a little. Although, in the opinion of the majority, a serious drawback is the impossibility of replacing parts that have become useless (for the simple reason that they have not been manufactured since the late 1980s). However, with proper care, mechanical machines will serve you faithfully for more than a decade.

It is possible to purchase a manual hair clipper both in online stores and in specialized stores of vintage equipment. There are both brand new and Soviet devices that have already been used. The cost of the machines ranges from 200 rubles to a couple of thousand rubles. The price depends on the year of release (the older, the more expensive) and the state of technology. On sale most often there are army cars. Before buying, make sure that the mechanism is in good working condition and sharpness of the blades (the blades can only be checked on the hair, do not try to make it 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 a hair clipper).

How to perform a haircut manual typewriter, see the following video.