A trimmer is a name given to many different devices, including, for example, a device for mowing lawns. The name comes from the English “trim” - haircut, “trimmer” - device for cutting. Even in hairdressing applications, trimmers can also be different. These devices differ in functionality and technology.
One trimmer is a small device, often cylindrical in shape, designed to trim excess hair in the ears and nose (some use it to tidy up their eyebrows). The other looks very similar to a regular hair clipper, but has a number of differences in its technical characteristics and capabilities. Sometimes the future user has no idea how a trimmer differs from a hair clipper. Meanwhile, functionally these are very different devices, each with its own specifics.
What is the difference between a trimmer and a hair clipper?
A hair clipper removes hair to a certain length, which makes it possible to create a certain hairstyle. Unlike a clipper, a trimmer can cut hairs as short as possible, right to the root. Hair can be removed more “cleanly” only with a razor.
Hair clipper shapes hairstyle
Are these two devices interchangeable? Theoretically, you can try to work with one device as if it were two, but you won’t get a decent haircut quality. A machine, even the best one, without a single attachment, does not remove hair “to zero”; stubble of a small length will still remain. You can try to make a haircut with a trimmer by installing attachments on it. But the work will be very hard, and things will go extremely slowly. However, a trimmer is used to trim a beard. There is less hair here, and it is coarse, thick and sparse - a suitable option for a trimmer. As can be seen from the above, a hair clipper and a trimmer cannot be fully used instead of each other.
Comparison of main characteristics
To understand the main similarities and differences between a trimmer and a hair clipper, let’s compare their characteristics:
- Weight and size - the trimmer is much lighter and more compact, it can easily be placed in a bag and taken with you on trips. The size of the machine is much larger - it is twice the size of a trimmer, so it will be difficult to fit it in your purse.
- Functionality – the machine has significantly more functions due to the presence of a large number of attachments and blades, which allows you to use them to create hairstyles of different types at different lengths. The trimmer is best used for delicate haircuts - the device can easily trim nose hair, ear hair, make an intimate haircut, and can cut both dry and wet hair. The trimmer has the capabilities of both clippers and razors, and can be equipped with a backlight.
- Easy to maintain - the trimmer is easier to maintain because its attachments can simply be rinsed in water, but the blades of the machine require constant lubrication with oil. If this is not done, then she will begin to pull out hairs, which is accompanied by discomfort and pain.
- Noise – the trimmer, unlike a machine, is much quieter.
- Charge consumption – the trimmer is more economical because the charge lasts longer.
- Cost – a hair clipper is cheaper than trimmers, because the latter have non-standard equipment.
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Scope of application of a trimmer in hairdressing
As already mentioned, the trimmer is great for caring for a beard and mustache. You can not only give them shape, but also shave off everything that does not fit into the haircut concept. That is, in this situation you can get by with one device.
The trimmer is ideal for beard and mustache care
The trimmer is widely used as an auxiliary tool when cutting scalp hair. They are used for edging, shaving where necessary, and complex shaped elements.
Hair clipper and beard trimmer. More about the device
Almost all trimmers have a similar design. They resemble a classic hair clipper on the head. The differences are a more compact size and autonomous operation.
The picture above shows a trimmer with a classic shape that can be found in any electronics store. With the help of such a device you can take care of your beard. Autonomy allows you to do it anywhere. The product has a built-in battery.
Beard machines are:
- domestic;
- professional;
- universal.
The most common option is home devices. Most of them operate on battery and mains power. This universal machine is suitable for cutting hair on both the head and face. It can also have a replaceable head for cutting hair in the nose and hard-to-reach places. Professional clippers are used by hairdressers and barbers. As a rule, they operate only from the network and have a longer service life.
Technical differences of hairdressing tools
Externally similar, but so different in scope of application, instruments also differ in their technical part.
Knife location
The machine and the trimmer differ from each other in the position of the working knives. This parameter determines how close to the skin the device will touch the hair and cut it. Only a razor works cleaner than a trimmer. Experienced craftsmen often “draw” contours with a trimmer, within which they are already working with a razor.
Working area width
The trimmer has a narrower working head, making it much more convenient for them to work on thin, small details. And that is why cutting all the hair on their heads is a long and tedious task.
Engine and blades
The trimmer, designed, among other things, for working with a beard, has a more powerful motor, and the blades of its knives are made of steel grades with better strength characteristics.
Beard trimmer blade
Facial hair is coarser and thicker. For the “delicate” steel of hairdressing scissors and clipper blades, such hairs are destructive; they instantly dull the working edge. The trimmer copes with the task without reducing the quality of the cut over time. Clippers designed for cutting hair on the head, on the contrary, have a weak motor, but are able to work for quite a long time without overheating.
Practical difference between a trimmer and a machine - what do they do?
Yes, in appearance, trimmers and hair clippers are really similar - this is why many people have the question “what, exactly, is the difference between trimmers and clippers?” However, the practical difference between them is huge.
A clipper is a tool that is actually used to reduce the length of hair in certain areas. And, thanks to this, to give the hair the desired shape.
A distinctive feature of the trimmer is the ability to trim hair almost to the root, down to tenths of a millimeter. In short, only with a razor.
Is it possible to use a trimmer instead of a clipper and vice versa?
And yes, you can use both tools to try to perform the functions of another device. But it won't work out very well.
Even with the attachments removed, the machine will leave a noticeable part of the hair. For example, a Mustang Carbon machine can leave a minimum of 0.6 millimeters - and this is still a good indicator. You won't be able to make your hair even shorter, or even remove it completely with a hair clipper.
The trimmer can be used to shorten hair using attachments. And moreover, when working with a beard it is usually used, because the trimmer is more suitable for working with hard and thick beard hairs. However, if you try to do the same procedure with hair on your head, you will be in for a long and tedious job. You could do it much faster with a machine.
Therefore, clippers and trimmers do not replace each other, but complement each other.
What is a trimmer used in tandem with a machine for?
Firstly, as already mentioned, the area of application of the trimmer is working with facial hair. It is better suited for shortening the beard and mustache - and especially for giving them shape. Because with a trimmer you can shave off hair at the edges of your beard that doesn’t fit into your design, but with a clipper you can’t.
In addition, the trimmer is often used to work with the hair of the upper part of the head - but as an auxiliary tool, for edging and performing some precise and filigree elements.
Types of trimmers
There are models that are designed for beards, noses or mustaches. Universal devices for working with vegetation on different parts of the body have interchangeable attachments.
A head trimmer is mainly used to trim the temples or sideburns.
Special thanks should be given to the inventors of such devices for their help in modeling haircuts, especially in creating unusual designs. For the same task, the unit is also used in intimate areas, where it would definitely be painful and inconvenient to carry out such an operation with a machine. Thus, the technique can also perform the function of a razor.
How to properly maintain the device?
As stated above, the trimmer is unpretentious in terms of personal care. However, if the model can be wetted in water, then this already indicates an increased likelihood of corrosion of the outer part of the motor or the blades themselves, the springs that press them.
The most important thing is to remove stubble after each use of the trimmer. A small brush with medium-hard bristles is added to the kit for this purpose. It cannot damage the blades themselves, but removing hairs from any crevices under the motor is as easy as shelling pears.
- In conventional models, quite often long bristles are wound around the shaft of the vibration motor. If the head is removable, removing it will not cause a problem. If it is not removable, this can be carefully done with a needle (but in no case with a toothpick). Even better, get a can of compressed air (sold in computer stores).
- After each use of the trimmer, the blades must be lubricated with oil.
The best choice for this is synthetic (with a mineral base), which is also used to lubricate computer coolers. Vaseline, machine oil, glycerin - under no circumstances should they be applied to the blades, as this will not protect against corrosion. ADVICE! Sewing machine oil is ideal for hair clippers and trimmers. The only downside is the unpleasant “petroleum” smell. But it is very cheap. - Before lubricating, the entire head should be thoroughly cleaned of bristles and wiped with a damp cloth (preferably an antibacterial one). Literally 1 drop of oil is required. It should be distributed over the entire area of the blades, and then turn on the trimmer for 1-3 seconds (to distribute the lubricant). All that remains is to wipe the gadget dry.
What is better to choose
Ideally, you should purchase both. But when it comes to a specific choice, it is worth setting priorities. If you plan to frequently trim thick and fast-growing hair, then it is best to purchase a clipper.
For model haircuts, you still have to obtain the appropriate knowledge, otherwise you will have to go to a hairdresser to improve the result.
For those people who like to be constantly well-groomed, we can advise you to buy a trimmer. This is especially true for owners of today's fashionable beard. And special attachments will help girls maintain beauty in piquant places without going to a specialized salon, and at the same time develop their imagination in the art of barbering.
Top tips for a successful purchase
When choosing a beard clipper, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Nutrition. The best option is a built-in battery that supports mains operation. Battery-powered models will be ideal for long trips outside the city.
- Blade quality. A new set is expensive, and you won’t be able to sharpen them at home. It is better to choose models with self-sharpening stainless steel blades. These are more expensive, but they give excellent haircuts even 3-5 years after purchase. The most expensive ones are ceramic, but they are found only in professional models.
- Availability of replaceable nozzles. It's better to have several of them. Universal adjustable ones are not the best choice, since their error is high (that is, if you set 6 mm, you may end up with 5 or even 7).
- Additional functions. Wet cleaning, vacuum box (for collecting bristles) are useful additions. Laser pointer, voltage switch, nose and ear hair removal attachments are redundant features.
- Brand and warranty. Of course, Philips or Moser would be preferable for products from some unknown Chinese brand.
So, to take care of your beard, a trimmer is necessary. It cannot be replaced with a hair clipper. However, it is not necessary to buy a professional model - it has an excess service life for home use. You just need to trust proven brands, and also rely on the reviews of the customers themselves. On average, you will have to pay about 2-4 thousand rubles for a high-quality machine.
What is a trimmer
Outwardly, it is very similar to a hair clipper; technologically it uses the same principles, but stands out as a separate group of devices. Why?
The fact is that the trimmer is specially designed to solve several specific problems:
- Thinning and removing length from beard and mustache;
- Beard and mustache modeling;
- Edging;
- Removal of excess hair in the ears, nose, face and body.
These are quite specific tasks, and their implementation requires certain features of the device itself. Namely:
- Small size so as not to block your view when working. Unlike getting a haircut, shaving is usually done independently through a mirror.
- “Maneuverability”, which requires a small width of the working area of the blades.
- High precision to produce a very straight line.
- Autonomy: the wire will only get in the way, so trimmers most often run on batteries.
We get a compact device with a small pitch of teeth on the knives, which is convenient for making complex and precise lines.
